tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post1776222642872398020..comments2024-03-28T06:32:24.557-04:00Comments on The Elephant Bar: In and out of the Syrian Disaster: John McCain and The yahoo school of US foreign policyDeuce ☂http://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-63463797338413736682016-02-12T00:39:55.928-05:002016-02-12T00:39:55.928-05:00.
Good article in that it summarizes the fears ve....<br /><br />Good article in that it summarizes the fears very well.<br /><br />My problem with the FED is that they fail to see the fear that the financial crisis created. They have spent 7 years trying to increase lending and investment in the face of continuing weak demand and doing a piss poor job of it. They have tried to discourage saving and in doing so increased risk in the system. Their supply policies have done nothing but make the rick richer and the poor poorer. They don't seem to realize that the rich aren't going to spend or invest enough to get us out of the current problem nor that we need the middle class to do their part. <br /><br />The middle class and retirees had it stuck to them by eliminating the low risk investments. And their offering free money didn't get the banks and business to lend money or invest. <br /><br />The banks took the money and invested it in the same risky investments as before or in the carry trade. They took advantage of the FED's reverse repo program and picked up interest on their money. They tightened credit requirements and further reduced their risk. Business took the free money and their profits and instead of investing them they paid down debt and bought back stock.<br /><br />Can't blame Saudi Arabia's predatory pricing or China's retrenchment on the FED; but I find it funny that after seven years of offering the carrot they now are considering that they might be able to accomplish their goals by wielding the stick f negative interest rates. <br /><br />Frankly, I doubt it will happen here given our system, the importance of the banks and the money markets; yet, it still pisses me off they they would consider it.<br /><br />.<br /><br />Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-6845470497836297972016-02-12T00:32:45.997-05:002016-02-12T00:32:45.997-05:00Hillary Clinton wants Bernie Sanders to know she&#...<i>Hillary Clinton wants Bernie Sanders to know she's got President Barack Obama's back.<br /><br />Much of the debate lacked the bitterness of earlier forums as Clinton and Sanders laid out differences on policy questions. But the confrontation during the PBS "NewsHour" Democratic debate simulcast on CNN flared into open anger in the final moments.<br /><br />Clinton accused her rival of not standing with Obama after he endorsed a book by CNN contributor Bill Press critical of the president. She said Sanders had called Obama "weak" and a "disappointment" in the past and she warned "the kind of criticism that we heard from Sen. Sanders about our president, I expect from Republicans.</i>samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11856051164644278989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-18557667515455416322016-02-12T00:29:26.448-05:002016-02-12T00:29:26.448-05:00:):)samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11856051164644278989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-70591566225410131832016-02-11T23:36:05.558-05:002016-02-11T23:36:05.558-05:00No, if you cannot find it, and I cannot remember i...No, if you cannot find it, and I cannot remember it, it did not happen, "O"rdureJack Hawkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342056653466462640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-72881393795995611142016-02-11T23:12:00.468-05:002016-02-11T23:12:00.468-05:00Sure you did...
Dont need to find it as you and I...Sure you did...<br /><br />Dont need to find it as you and I both KNOW you did..<br /><br />Now? You are just a grumpy old loser that everyone knows your're too ballless to own your own words.<br />What is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-73016307953857897942016-02-11T22:41:09.212-05:002016-02-11T22:41:09.212-05:00I wonder why Hillary wore her raincoat to the deba...I wonder why Hillary wore her raincoat to the debate? :)galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-38446968242094537142016-02-11T22:14:54.300-05:002016-02-11T22:14:54.300-05:00Interesting piece of writing
http://www.nytimes.c...Interesting piece of writing<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/business/dealbook/swedish-bank-move-creates-a-global-shudder.html?_r=0Jack Hawkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342056653466462640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-68689732988014726052016-02-11T21:15:07.696-05:002016-02-11T21:15:07.696-05:00.
I've been there for awhile but today's ....<br /><br />I've been there for awhile but today's testimony was an eye opener. It would take too long to go into all the issues but just some of the topics where I was shaking my head were her views on<br /><br />- I thought the FED had no Plan B. Now I fear they may have one, negative interest rates.<br />- Indications that they feel they have the right within the FED mandate to ignore current asset limitations on SIFA banks and that they are thinking of doing it.<br />- Under Dodge/Frank there are penalties for not meeting guideline in developing the Living Wills required for SIFA banks. Under the new rules both the FIDC and the FED both have to agree that the banks Living Wills meet requirements. FIDC has already determined that some of the banks don't. Yellen failed to commit to make publc the reasons the FED doesn't agree with FDIC.<br /><br />It goes on her comments on subjects where even she agrees<br /><br />- Job growth has been skewed to the low paying end<br />- The FED balance sheet remains large ($4 trillion).<br />- Housing is a mixed bag<br />- Productivity is slow<br />- Productivity is hampered by an a lack of education in the forkforce; however, young people should be given a consumer warning by universities that outlines the fact that in many cases when they get out of college there may be no job waiting for them.<br />- Student loan debt is a big anchor on productivity, housing, amd risk-taking<br />- Economic growth remains slow<br /><br />As to<br /><br /><i>...our economy is growing...</i><br /><br />At a tepid rate.<br /><br /><i>...unemployment is steadily falling...</i><br /><br />According to Yellen, new employment is skewed more to the low price jobs and a good portion of the remaining unemployment consists of the long term unemployed.<br /><br /><i>...imcomes continue to rise...</i><br /><br />Enough to keep up with inflation.<br /><br />.<br />Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-7523412587797676472016-02-11T20:23:51.489-05:002016-02-11T20:23:51.489-05:00.Your pal rat used to do a count down.
Provide a ...<i>.Your pal rat used to do a count down.</i><br /><br />Provide a link tothat, if you can ...<br />But, of course, you cannot because it never happened.Jack Hawkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342056653466462640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-33712727612336830662016-02-11T20:22:06.705-05:002016-02-11T20:22:06.705-05:00
Welcome aboard!<br />Welcome aboard!Jack Hawkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342056653466462640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-22340332519176451692016-02-11T18:29:42.792-05:002016-02-11T18:29:42.792-05:00.
Should have happened years ago. Wasn't a p....<br /><br />Should have happened years ago. Wasn't a priority. Still isn't.<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-28945785132897795262016-02-11T18:26:58.410-05:002016-02-11T18:26:58.410-05:00.
-- Near Albu Hayat, one strike struck inoperabl....<br /><br /><i>-- Near Albu Hayat, one strike struck inoperable coalition equipment, denying ISIL access in support of coalition operations.</i><br /><br /><br />:o)<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-65468424768334423602016-02-11T17:00:43.143-05:002016-02-11T17:00:43.143-05:00SOUTHWEST ASIA, February 11, 2016 — U.S. and coali...SOUTHWEST ASIA, February 11, 2016 — U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.<br /><br />Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.<br /><br />Strikes in Syria<br /><br />Fighter aircraft conducted one strike in Syria:<br /><br />-- Near Manbij, a strike destroyed an ISIL structure.<br /><br />Strikes in Iraq<br /><br />Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 13 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:<br /><br />-- Near Albu Hayat, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.<br /><br />-- Near Habbaniyah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.<br /><br />-- Near Kirkuk, a strike destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions.<br /><br />-- Near Kisik, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL tunnel.<br /><br />-- Near Mosul, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint, seven ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL assembly area.<br /><br />-- Near Ramadi, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker and denied ISIL access to terrain.<br /><br />-- Near Sinjar, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.<br /><br />-- Near Albu Hayat, one strike struck inoperable coalition equipment, denying ISIL access in support of coalition operations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/654485/military-strikes-hit-isil-terrorists-in-syria-iraq" rel="nofollow">Die You Sonsabitches, Die :)</a>galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-52308047521261297552016-02-11T16:37:34.636-05:002016-02-11T16:37:34.636-05:00Whatever it takes. :)Whatever it takes. :)galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-20710783740545816522016-02-11T16:36:06.462-05:002016-02-11T16:36:06.462-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-42950421281056607802016-02-11T16:29:27.976-05:002016-02-11T16:29:27.976-05:00I would not borrow a dime for infrastructure. Let ...I would not borrow a dime for infrastructure. Let the treasury issue currency specific for infrastructure only.Deuce ☂https://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-68226726156456420472016-02-11T15:59:59.341-05:002016-02-11T15:59:59.341-05:00As I'm typing this, I look up, and the freakin...As I'm typing this, I look up, and the freakin' 10 yr. note is yielding 1.62%.<br /><br />If there's ever been a better time than this to borrow some money for an infrastructure project, I don't know when the hell it was.galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-23535080098095747652016-02-11T15:55:04.503-05:002016-02-11T15:55:04.503-05:00If the Republicans in Congress want to do somethin...If the Republicans in Congress want to do something, they can pass legislation to Raise the Minimum Wage, and spend a Couple Hudred Billion on Renewable Energy, and other Infrastructure Projects.galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-9354030387764399592016-02-11T15:48:53.908-05:002016-02-11T15:48:53.908-05:00Unlike the rest of the world, our economy is growi...Unlike the rest of the world, our economy is growing, and our unemployment rate is steadily falling, while incomes continue to rise.<br /><br />I think we'd better leave Janet Yellen, and the Fed, alone.galopn2https://www.blogger.com/profile/10149969176825932175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-90034451277542629192016-02-11T15:35:25.578-05:002016-02-11T15:35:25.578-05:00.
THE FED
Watched Janet Yellen's testimony t....<br /><br />THE FED<br /><br />Watched Janet Yellen's testimony to Congress today. Wished I hadn't. For the last couple of years, I have said the FED had shot their wad and was out of bullets. Now, it looks like they are even out of ideas. Scary. Nothing I saw today changes my view that the FED requires some form of audit or, at least some type of legislation that requires more oversight of the FED or alternately demands more transparency by the FED.<br /><br />. Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-17754045151855139732016-02-11T14:37:55.247-05:002016-02-11T14:37:55.247-05:00It's been an interesting few years.
One by on...It's been an interesting few years.<br /><br />One by one the public enemies of the Jewish state have fallen on hard times.<br /><br />Nation and people after people have fallen into the toilet.<br /><br />Hard to feel bad for them...<br /><br />But you and other's still root for the destruction of Israel.<br /><br />Your pal rat used to do a count down.<br /><br />How's that working out?<br />What is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-15981837759443004432016-02-11T14:32:53.548-05:002016-02-11T14:32:53.548-05:00Israel will not directly attack Iran unless Iran v...Israel will not directly attack Iran unless Iran violates the Iran deal and starts assembling the nuke that it says it doesn't have.<br /><br />But over 50% of Iranians are NOT persian and they are quite pissed off at the "revolutionary guards" and their masters.<br /><br />No, Iran is next. internal strife. terrorism. bus bombings & IEDs<br /><br />All domestically bred. <br /><br />:)<br /><br />What is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-42435468774830567882016-02-11T13:24:13.829-05:002016-02-11T13:24:13.829-05:00We will have to get larger popcorn poppers if it i...We will have to get larger popcorn poppers if it is Israel that attacks Iran.Deuce ☂https://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-82295027248731729792016-02-11T11:37:42.164-05:002016-02-11T11:37:42.164-05:00Excuses for Iran starts in 3, 2, 1....
http://www...Excuses for Iran starts in 3, 2, 1....<br /><br />http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/02/11/us-navy-rips-iran-after-new-footage-shows-captured-sailor-crying.html<br /><br />US Navy rips Iran after new footage shows captured sailor crying<br /><br />Iranian state TV showed video Wednesday of one of 10 captured U.S. Navy sailors in tears while the group was being held by the country's Revolutionary Guard last month. <br /><br />The footage, which was shown on the official Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, was condemned by the Navy, who called the sailors' captivity "outrageous and unacceptable."<br /><br />On Thursday, social media users reported that the sailors' capture was being re-enacted as part of celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted the U.S-backed Shah. What is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-10918209861784913832016-02-11T11:33:43.907-05:002016-02-11T11:33:43.907-05:00Iran is next..
OOrahIran is next..<br /><br />OOrahWhat is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.com