Follow The Money....

I disagree. If you are cynical, you get this F+cked up Washington. People need to get interested in politics and get out and vote.

The Rich are only rich because the poor let them.

A great general said" Religion stops the poor from murdering the rich"

johny-388777

A great general said" Religion stops the poor from murdering the rich"

Religion also promotes the rich to give to the poor through charities. Our entitlement programs keep the poor, poor. One example of this is an organization called "on with life". This organization is fully government funded to help brain injured people perform every day functions like grocery shopping. These individuals are not allowed to have more than $2,000 in their bank accounts if they wish to continue receiving services from "on with life". One would think total annual income would be the deciding factor whether or not a brain injured individual should receive services from this entitlement program but it's not. So, even though many of them could take a simple job giving them a sense of self worth, they don't keeping them poor and in need of services from organizations like "on with life".

I don't have a problem with borrowing in general, but just that the current laws are setup to both encourage/necessitate borrowing while also protecting the lenders (banks) from nearly all risk, while encouraging usury via massive interest rates. The banking industry, much like many other industries are no longer based on free-market principles and competitive risk sharing. They are regulated, tampered with, and controlled by a banking "cartels" essentially, in collusion with Governments world-wide.

I hear the best fix to halt some of the corruption is to put a "firewall" between investment banks and commercial banks. Then people will be a little more protected from their shenanigans.

There are so many things that are wrong with the World banking system and how it has managed to colonize the Planet for the gain of the multinational corporations, and it is rather ridiculous that the US Gov has to pay the Fed to borrow American money at inflated rates that threaten to sink the country. Unfortunately, I don't think the gold standard is the answer, either. Debt free currency like Germany had prior to WW II is a tantalizing idea-- we certainly need to find a way to pull the rug out from under the current system, and soon.

There are some good political documentaries available on fiat money and the fed. You may already be familiar with them, but I thought you or the people who post on your page might be interested in them. They are pretty informative. The second one is along the lines of what your link says about the forefathers ideas regarding money and banks.

The Federal Reserve, or the Fed as it is lovingly called, may be one of the most mysterious entities in modern American government.

Created during Wilson’s presidency to protect the economy in times of financial turmoil, its real business remains to be discovered.

During the Wilson presidency, the U.S. government sanctions the creation of the Federal Reserve. Thought by many to be a government organization maintained to provide financial accountability in the event of a domestic depression, the actual business of the Fed is shrouded in secrecy.

Many Americans will be shocked to discover that the principle business of the Fed is to print money from nothing, lend it to the U.S. government and charge interest on these loans.

Who keeps the interest? Good question. Find out as the connective tissue between this and other top-secret international organizations is explored and exposed.

Monopoly Men: Federal Reserve Fraud

And:

Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson understood The Monster. But to most Americans today, Federal Reserve is just a name on the dollar bill. They have no idea of what the central bank does to the economy, or to their own economic lives; of how and why it was founded and operates; or of the sound money and banking that could end the statism, inflation, and business cycles that the Fed generates.

Dedicated to Murray N. Rothbard, steeped in American history and Austrian economics, and featuring Ron Paul, Joseph Salerno, Hans Hoppe, and Lew Rockwell, this extraordinary new film is the clearest, most compelling explanation ever offered of the Fed, and why curbing it must be our first priority.

Alan Greenspan is not, we’re told, happy about this 42-minute blockbuster. Watch it, and you’ll understand why. This is economics and history as they are meant to be: fascinating, informative, and motivating. This movie could change America.

Money, Banking, and The Federal Reserve System

Very interesting documentaries truthseeker57. Thanks for the links! The writings and philosophies of Murray Rothbard are indeed a valuable and important resource.

Have you also read the book "Web of Debt" by Ellen Hodgson Brown? She presents a very good rundown on the history of how money and debt are created. I can't say that I agree entirely with some of her ideas for a solution, but it is a good read.

Thanks for the invite Socrates1. I have requested to join.

Great article and I certainly want to join the group. I am more than a little intrested in this topic.

I'm hoping he isn't talking about running out to gather his buddies to collapse the article. I think that would be a pretty obvious violation of the CoH and perhaps even grounds for a banning.

Freewill:

I'm hoping he isn't talking about running out to gather his buddies to collapse the article. I think that would be a pretty obvious violation of the CoH and perhaps even grounds for a banning.

Sorry to disappoint you bud, but the next time I join in to collapse an article will be the first time! I will leave that tactic to you, if that is your thing? I do find it amusing that the supporters of Ron Paul feel that they need to post articles like this to boost his image! Wonder how close your statement could be construed to being a violation of the COH? Have a great evening!

crazyrooster1946,

I have no need for that "tactic" my friend, so feel free to leave it for someone else.

I do find it amusing that the supporters of Ron Paul feel that they need to post articles like this to boost his image!

Really? So do you find it equally amusing that the haters of Ron Paul feel that they need to post articles like THIS to lie about him and tarnish his image? There are 4 or 5 of those types of articles on Newsvine each week my friend, so you should be on the floor rolling in laughter.

THIS article in fact does not even mention Ron Paul at all, nor is it necessarily political in nature. It simply invites you to learn a bit more about the Federal Reserve and seeks the answers as to what it is, who is behind it, and what exactly does it do? Perhaps you might actually learn something. That IS what you are here for right....to learn something?

Just because Ron Paul supports an agenda doesn't make any discussion about the topic about Ron Paul.

I think the Ron Paul derail is very close to a violation of the Coh in this case.

All americans should be concerned about the lack of oversight surrounding the Federal reserve. Our nation's future and individual freedom may depend on it.

Socrates:

Hmm...I have to admit I don't find ignorance that amusing....feel free to prove your statement regarding my support of Ron Paul. Is lying against the CoH?

Because one states an opinion it is lying if you do not agree with it?

Freewill:

So do you find it equally amusing that the haters of Ron Paul feel that they need to post articles like THIS to lie about him and tarnish his image?

I don't remember that I wrote that article, so your attempt to hold me responsible for it is strange at best! I don't find much about Ron Paul amusing, my opinion is simply that he would not be good for this nation. However I only own one vote in the process and if the people did elect him he would then be the POTUS and I would give him the respect that he was due because of the office! I would not spend four years calling him vile names such as most on the right call Obama. I did not vote for Obama in the last election, but the actions of the GOPTP has ensured that I will in the next election, difficult because I do not agree with all he has done.

mighty:

I think the Ron Paul derail is very close to a violation of the Coh in this case.

Mr. Socrates is the owner of this article and if he feels that it is a violation of the COH, then as I said in my initial post, then he can delete this post (and all my comments in it) that is his option. If my stating my opinion about the topic offends you, then I am sorry, however I will not change it due to your opinion being different!

As to the federal reserve, it is a problem that needs to be resolved in due time, but there are many more pressing problems to resolve first! Small problems to some, but to many in this nation the problems of not having a job or viable source of income due to a congress that is out of control would be much more important! Again, that is my opinion. Now feel free to say and think anything about me that you wish, this will be my last comment about this. Have a great day tomorrow!

Crazyrooster- I did not flag your comment as I felt it was "close to a violation" not a violation in fact. Mr. Socrates rarely if ever deletes comments, it just isn't his style.

Now that we are past the Ron Paul thing. I agree with you in that there are many more pressing issues in the US right now. We need to get this country going and folks back to work. Pooring money on the problem may not work without a better direction for it.

If the bail outs were supposed to be a form of "Trickle Down Economics" it doesn't seem to have entirely worked.

As to the federal reserve, it is a problem that needs to be resolved in due time, but there are many more pressing problems to resolve first!

I think the federal reserve created the pressing problems of the day why not look at the cause of the problem then it might be more easily solved.

would it be correct to conclude that when stocks go up, then the value of the dollar falls

What??

Stocks go up due to supply and demand. Not all of that is from buying and selling exactly.

Some of it is from supply contractions like companies purchasing each other, stock buy backs, industry consolidations and even bankruptcy. All of these things contract the supply of stock without anyone purchasing a share.

Increase in supply can result from IPO's, stock splits, companies spinning off product lines and brand names into their own company, and just plain issuance of new stock.

Now if you factor all of that kind of activity in and look at your original statement. Do you see a problem with the premise?

Splits and consolidations change the number of 'shares' one owns.. I was referencing the 'value' of the dollar which is independent of stock price and stock transactions.

The dollar extended a decline after stronger-than-expected manufacturing data in the U.S. added to better economic reports

Splits and consolidations change the number of 'shares' one owns

They change the number of shares available (supply).

the 'value' of the dollar which is independent of stock price and stock transactions.

exactly. (:

I would think that the value of the dollar may have some bearing on the price of stocks but not the other way around.

Yes.

My original point/question was the 'manipulation' of the value of the dollar that appears to happen when the overall markets start to go up. Is there a correlation that you see?

Is there a correlation that you see?

Yes maybe an once of gold is still worth only $35 an ounce but our devalued currency tells us something different

In other words, if the dollar falls ten per cent in relation to the yen, and the stock goes up ten per cent, if your domestic currency is the yen, you just broke even.

Stocks are sold as one way to avoid the detrimental effects of inflation. This would be a long range motivation.

Yes, thank you, you addressed my point/question. It's a scenario similar to what you gave, a devalued dollar, with the markets going up -- that make it look 'enticing' but all that might happen is breaking even. I have wondered if that is 'planned/manipulated,' somewhat. They make a bundle with the investments, but the investor doesn't make much, but doesn't lose much, either. ..keeping the investor interested.

Thank you for replying, too! (and to JJ and lisa, as well:)

Ok, thank you!

A falling dollar has been known to take stocks down as foreign and domestic capital heads for the exits into securities that are based on a rising currency (like BRIC).

jj, that makes sense, too, especially securities, which is probably what's been going on for awhile with the devalued dollar. The BRIC speculation by 2050 is concerning, hoping superpower status by those nations won't mean the overtaking of the US.

CL1- We rose on the backs of some serious hard work and a lot of resourceful and smart people. We can fall from the lack just as easy.

I think the US is going to choke on all of the red tape and super corporate BS in the near future. Down the road we will learn from these failures and rise again. Perhaps build from the ashes of business that was too big to fail during a minor downturn and needed a massive disaster in order to finally succumb.

Interesting.

I've been speculating, at some point in the future, a mass migration of US citizens to those other countries. That's where the opportunities will possibly be. People tend to migrate to where the work is, primarily in goods and services.. India and China. I think the US will become 'collateral' for those other nations with vested interest, as a hub or resource center, but will offer little else. Those left here, will primarily work for the government which will be controlled by a business (banking)/military entity. ..The 'Big Experiment' called America... failed. Why anyone thought we could combine free enterprise, mass immigration with open borders and high taxation (sort of high).. and have it benefit 'more' than just the very wealthy ... is beyond me.

Not to derail; just a mini-rant. :)

One thing the US has plenty of is food. In the future food is going to cost a lot more than it does now (more customers and less product). In the third world there are a lot of people that already pay 80 percent of their income for food. The rise in price of food will make those locations difficult for many even if there is manufacture of product and new economic growth.

I agree that food (and water!) will be issues in the future for deciding where one lives and works.

With the Fed Gov getting involved with regulations that affect the small farmer (even the individual as a hobby!), my scenario above could mean that the individual will have few choices available for growing food of their own, possibly. They will get taxed out of business, if they do have choices. Or, fined heavily for going against the laws or patents. The bulk of the food grown here, will get shipped out.

Perhaps rather than a new start here for future generations, maybe there will be new frontiers somewhere else ... another 'America'.. filled with hopes and dreams of escaping the "Lords." :)

I've decided we aren't off-topic after all; we "followed the money" ..to other countries. ..lol

True. For the most part, I still see the "shining city on the hill" -- because there are still 'pockets' of opportunity that exist depending on the industry and the individual.

When year 2250 gets here, and my scenario above is in its hallmark phase, maybe enough ice will have melted in areas that were previously uninhabitable, and will offer new resources and new opportunities to "follow the money."

Some folks believe that biologically engineered foods will set us free from hunger and high food prices.

There is very strong evidence that shows that biologically engineered food is only beneficial to the people that hold the patents. When the only way to grow a plant to eat is to buy the right to grow it from a wealthy person is the day we will see true slavery for all the people of the world.

That will make the money easy to follow.

When the only way to grow a plant to eat is to buy the right to grow it from a wealthy person is the day we will see true slavery for all the people of the world.

Yes. That's the path we seem to be on. A few judges have ruled in our favor, but not enough.