While taking a short vacation last week, this article was intended to be my first one upon returning. That plan was squashed a week ago with the brutal “interventions” upon gold and silver during the illiquid overnight hours early Sunday morning. Let me add to what I wrote last Friday by saying the phrase “TIME AND SALES“! For anyone who does not know what this means, any trade on any market anywhere in the world has a “paper trail”. It is called a “time and sales report”. Very simply, it reports who traded what, in what amounts and to whom. Once the broker is identified, then regulators can query as to who the customer was for whatever trade in question. If they want to know “whodunit”, it’s quite simple.
This is not rocket science. It is not hocus pocus or even anything “special”. Time and sales have been around since the dawn of trading. Even prior to computers, handwritten records were taken to record who traded what, when and in what quantities. Should the SEC, NYSE, CFTC or anyone else want to know who is doing what, it takes five seconds or less to find out.. (This includes the Chinese who have outlawed selling under the penalty of firing squad!!! So who is doing all the selling?) In my opinion, the regulators should be strung up on lampposts for their lack of doing the jobs they are being paid public tax money to do. They have turned a blind eye, presumably because they are told or believe it is for “the greater good”? …the greater good… sounds like something out of Russia or China back in the day when I was a youngster in the 1960’s – or even something in the history books we read as kids in school regarding Nazi Germany.
Do you remember this time period? I still remember this time frame very well and pine for it every day. Back in those days we couldn’t wait to get home from school so we could get to play baseball, football, basketball or even hike it to the nearest pond in winter time to play some pickup hockey. Back in those days our parents knew where we were by where our bicycle was.
There were no cell phones and if we needed to make a call from a public place, we would pull the dime out of our pocket our parents always insisted we have.
We could sell (or even buy) lemonade without a health department license and had no fear of arrest – we even gave the police free samples. We walked a half mile or even a full mile to get to school (but not uphill both ways nor always in the snow). We did this with friends or if we were late we did it alone. Back then this was the norm. Today, parents are regularly being arrested for allowing a child to go two blocks away on their own… not to mention the nine-year-olds for selling lemonade!!!
After playing, we’d all head home for dinner and get to watch some TV. Remember? ” TV” where no cussing was allowed. Most shows had a “theme” or an underlying lesson that taught kids “good always triumphed over evil”. We watched Batman, Superman and others. Western’s were in vogue and there was always a lesson to be learned from watching The Rifleman or Gunsmoke. I have said several times over the years when writing on this subject, “Leave it to Beaver cannot even be found on syndicated reruns anymore”. My point is, the “wholesome” world we grew up in is so far gone, current history books don’t even mention it as a footnote!
Think about where we are today. Where handshakes used to suffice, contracts are now drawn up to be purposely broken. More than half of our population “takes” while less than half the population supports this spending habit. Worse, it is the “supporters” who are vilified today because they don’t “give enough.” We used to have free speech as outlined in The Constitution, now there is only free speech for the “special” groups. Anyone who speaks against any of these very special groups is branded a racist, sexist, homophobe, or religious persecutor (except of course, unless you’re speaking against Christians – that’s OK… even seemingly encouraged). Or worst of all, you could be labeled a “CONSERVATIVE!”
Today it is OK to burn the American flag, outlaw the quaint historical Confederate flag …while flying the flag of any other nation (here in Texas the favorite to fly is that of Mexico) on our own sovereign soil. I noticed yesterday while in a very long U.S. Customs line upon returning home, how much longer, formal and probably difficult it was rather than just swimming across the river! Many states no longer require a voter registration card to vote or even a driver’s license, so the motto “vote early and often” applies. Citizens who pay for “old” health insurance now get “charged” extra on their taxes, while those who can’t afford insurance get it for free… along with cellphones, housing, food, stipends for each child etc. …and anyone who speaks out about it is branded a “crazy.” Please let me remind you, this country was originally formed because of oppression and the practice of “taxation without representation.” Have we pretty much gone full circle?
You could not have told me even 20 years ago we would be where we are today. We have a system where the president makes up laws as he goes along, the Supreme Court rubber stamps his illusions and Congress has been relegated to irrelevance. Speaking of Congress, didn’t “We the People” just throw the bums out? Didn’t the Republicans run on a ticket that said they would overturn all sorts of ridiculous (and if you ask me) tyrannical laws? Have they overturned anything? No, they just passed the fast track trade bill which will gut our economy even further …while the Democrats voted against it …? Forget about the giant sucking sound Ross Perot spoke of, we will soon hear the wheezing and gurgling last breaths of a nation, in my sad opinion. In the interest of not losing you as a reader, I could go on and on about subjects like guns, GMO’s, baby parts for sale or whatever but I think you get the point and I’ll stop here.
From an economic and financial standpoint, it is funny that while away I read “The Scarlet Woman of Wall Street.” This was the story of Daniel Drew, Vanderbilt, Fisk, Gould and Erie railroad during the mid to late 1800’s. There were no financial laws back then that prevented anything with the exception of bribery which was impossible to prove unless the giver and receivers were both stupid beyond their years. Then all sorts of laws were written and the playing field was somewhat leveled (as much as it could have been). Now, there are so many laws on the books, it is impossible not to break one of them. The thing is, financial institutions do not care. Since no one goes to jail (except for a couple of hedge fund managers), it is more profitable to illegally and blatantly swipe $10 billion because you know your fine will only be $100 million. If you think about it, management in today’s world could probably be held accountable in today’s civil legal system for NOT BREAKING THE LAW and leaving money on the table. Why play fair when everything is rigged, while you can steal and pay only 1% or less of what you made? It is almost management’s “fiduciary duty” to lie, cheat and steal in order to not fall behind!
To wrap this piece up I would like to say this, if you don’t believe or cannot see that all markets are rigged all of the time I’m sorry. If I offended anyone for any reason, again I’m sorry. If you believe today is “normal” in any way, I am sorry. Actually, let me clarify this: I am not sorry, but I am sorry you don’t understand the point I am trying to get across and sorry you cannot see it. Unfortunately, the American people have been slow boiled into believing our lives are normal and things are “just the way they are.” We have been lulled into believing we are an “exceptional” people and “deserve” the finer things in life. What we have forgotten is that hard work, hard money, and innovation is what made this country great to begin with. Many today don’t remember or never knew this very basic tenet…but ignorance does not change the fact. Truth and justice (and for the most part “business”) was what America was once all about. Please do not tell me I am naïve. I am not. Please do not tell me this is not being done according to a plan. It is. There is zero percent probability the policies in place today are by mistake. They are not by mistake and no one could be so stupid which leaves only one option …”purposeful” is the operative word.
The United States was the shining light of the world in so many ways. We are no longer. We were built as a Republic that followed The Constitution which was written mainly by God fearing Christians. We have evolved into a perverted, apologetic, weak and slovenly society with little to no values regarding anything from our ethics, morals, constitutions, or anything else. We believe we deserve the best and should work the least (if at all). It’s the American WAY!!! Unfortunately, what I write here is now considered by the majority as either anti-government or unpatriotic. It is neither. In fact, all I advocate is following The Constitution. You know, that “thing” our politicians “swear to God to uphold” (did you catch that? They swear to God! Not to Walt Disney, Facebook or even the almighty Google!) while raising their right hand with their left hand on The Bible? I am a true patriot in a world where burning the flag, shredding The Constitution and spitting on The Bible is considered sane and normal. I am here to remind you it certainly is not! I am not writing this to convert the perverts, only to let those who are still sane know that yes, you are still sane. That said, in today’s ludicrous world, what I write here can be used as proof of my “insanity” and my lack of “patriotism.” You decide.
I guess I would sum it all up by twisting the words of Superman, “Truth, Justice and (is no longer) The American Way!
Standing watch (with tears in my eyes),
Bill Holter
Holter -Sinclair collaboration
Comments welcome!
Lots of truth in this article.
truth as my heart knows it.
It isn’t just the USA. The pernicious nature of these changes seems to be everywhere.
Second that about Europe, Germany, France …
yes, it is global.
You aren’t alone. Being a little younger than you I still grew up as you described. Saddened indeed as to what I see our country has become.
the amount of comments received has been staggering, this hit a nerve.
SIGH…
In the beginning of a Ponzi scheme (say 1950s and 60s), the perpetrators are heroes and the suckers have faith, morality and a clear conscience. Towards its collapse (2008-today) the perps are finally recognized as villains, and the suckers realize they have been screwed.
Perhaps that’s the reason for the lack of decent TV programming today – no one wants to be reminded of how it could be or should be or was; in the time we all lived with blinders on.
We both agree the end will not be pretty; or far off. I’m looking for a hidey-hole. How was Costa Rica?
do not believe Latin America will be safe for gringos.
I’m right beside you. Great article. So wish to stop the train!
Bill,
I stand with tears in my eyes also because every word in your article is true.
The way I see it is that we still have the choice between door number 1, door number 2, or door number 3; however, behind each door is the gas chamber or in other words no choice at all.
What we had is gone and I’m not sure if we can ever get it back.
probably not without much pain and bloodshed.
yes.
In Germany most people give ” the Americans” the fault for TTIP ” which they force on us ” and for that the member of the parliamemt (or people themself) cant read or know whats in it.
But that it has to be (!?) voted for at all cost. Seems like a No vote is not possible.
Sad is that only very few here know that the US parlament members/senators/ people also have no way to prove/read/know whats in there.
So one should ask who set that up?
Instead they fighting about GMO product and chlor chicken here, and maybe the crust at frenches camenbert there, but miss the point, who the f… sets this up….!
Bill- A few years after the epic, post Kennedy assassination, 1964 election blowout between Lyndon Johnson and Barry Goldwater, a fellow wrote a letter to the editor in The Chicago Tribune. In it, he commented that ALL of the “really smart people” were telling him that if he voted for Goldwater, the USA was doomed to destruction, nuclear armaments would spread world wide, the Constitution would be shredded, violence and poverty would be the norm, and the rest of the world would be pointing at us, and calling for our scalps.
He went on to say that in spite of all their warnings, he went ahead and voted for Goldwater anyway. He later had to acknowledge that in fact those “smart people” were exactly right- all those things happened- and even more was yet to come. And all because he voted for Barry Goldwater. So you see, you don’t want to sell these progressives short- they know what’s coming because THAT’S THE PLAN.
good’ern Bing!
Bill you are one of the few voices crying in the wilderness. I’m listening and encouraging others. What else can you do but keep it up.
thank you Graig.
A previous commenter said the problems started in the 50’s mad 60’s. I believe they started in the 60’s when all respect for the law descent manners and truth went down the drain.
August 15, 1971 to be exact.
Bill, another great article. We all need to stay the course, take the financial path least taken, and keep our eyes and hope on the Water of life to cleanse all man made “solvents” of this failing society.
thanks gig.
I blame Lyndon Johnson for all this mess.
Actually, not. It’s all the fault of Woodrow Wilson, Edward Bernays & Walter Lippmann.
The wrath of God IS coming, and soon.
unfortunately, Amen.
Those in the Body of Christ will be taken out before the wrath of God comes to man on earth, if your not in the Body, get there!
and good reason for wrath.
Giving a small group of people the right to initiate violence against others always ends badly. Even when it’s put forth in a precious “constitution”. My childhood was like the one you describe, but don’t forget we were born into bondage sanctioned by your precious constitution. Let’s try for something better next time.
sorry Jeff, “but don’t forget we were born into bondage sanctioned by your precious Constitution” …I call a very large Bullshit on this!
We were forced at the threat of violence to pay tax to pay debts which we did not incur. This because we were born as citizens to the state. If that’s not bondage then I don’t know what is. Lysander Spooner had it right.
agreed but this was NOT because of my “precious Constitution”.
The constitution either permits the enslavement of the people or is powerless to stop it. Either way it’s not worthy of our reverence. It seems to me that constitutions protect the ruling elite from the slaves and we would be better off without constitutions altogether. The free market tends toward peace and prosperity. Establishing a ruling class tends toward tyranny and poverty.
I agree to disagree.
Thank you for sharing and trumpeting truth. We started a 6 am weekly prayer session at our church to pray on a lot of things you mentioned. We had 7 people there this morning and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place by the time we were done. There are still some “good guys” left. Stay the course.
God bless you and your group!
Hi Bill,
“Please do not tell me this is not being done according to a plan. It is. There is zero percent probability the policies in place today are by mistake. They are not by mistake and no one could be so stupid which leaves only one option …”purposeful” is the operative word.”
I don’t think they are a mistake, yet they may be partly the result of normal actions of psychopaths in positions of power and influence. There might not be a grand plan the whole TPTB, but only a small segment and the rest could be psychopaths run amuck. Psychopathic ‘values’ dictate greed and ultimately chaos within of system of society with the plan being to do anything to get more and we see the results. A couple of books to check out related to this are ‘Snakes in Suits’ and ‘Political Ponerology’ if you ever have the time.
Also, here is an interesting article talking about what the deliberate undermining of Christianity has resulted in. I was raised Catholic and had left the church long ago and the article gave me a little jolt to rethink some things. You might find it of interest, since your article touches on the topic a little. http://www.sott.net/article/298542-From-Christian-faith-to-nihilistic-void
thanks Mike
Hi Bill,
Thanks for all your writings. I have been educating myself for 7 years and can say with 100 percent certainty what you write is correct.
But, I believe just as strongly that there will never be an asset backed currency in any of our lifetime. The people who started the Fed so many years ago pulled off the greatest con in history. I believe these same motivated personalities will get to the Eastern leadership same as they got to the Western leadership early last century.
If they fail, and the East (China) announces an asset (gold) backed currency WWIII will be immediately imminent. Those in power will certainly do whatever to preserve their precious “debt is money” philosophy. Most of us will never know who will emerge the victorious.
you very well could be correct.
I also grew up in your time period and can relate to your experiences. I’am sick on my stomach at how OUR country has been weakened and degraded for the profit of the few. I have tried to raise my children to get an education, to work hard and in the end your hard work will be rewarded.I can only hope that in their lifetimes it will be true again.I have passed on your work to family and friends and know most think I have lost it.that’s ok too, We’ve taken your’s and others advise and grow most of what we eat and can store it to keep for a while. And also G.O.T.S, Have friends and family that are fairly well off for middle class and dread the day (coming for sure)their security is gone.Miss the bygone days.
“we” are the crazy ones …until we’re not.
Bill another Fantastic read! much praise for this article. People seem to forget that we have one person to Pray to, that is GOD, we have one person to answer to, that is GOD, we have one person to ask help from in hard times, that is GOD, we have one person to ask for forgiveness, that is GOD, and we have one person to turn to and seek true Love, not the artificial love that is given out by money or possession’s or Facebook, that is GOD!
I point out any can do all this from the lowest of the low to the highest of the high!
Pray now GOD is waiting for your Prayers, because honestly folks as this rightly article points out more than anything is that we “Bloody well need it now more than at anytime in History”.
God Bless you Bill For having the Guts to actually speak the Truth, and that is once again given to some by GOD, but sadly not enough.