Thanks, everyone! I'm still on the road, so I can't reply to each of you individually just yet, but I've read every suggestion here (plus those that came in through the email route), and I appreciate every one of you taking the time. True, some of these probably aren't rabbit holes or two-part deep dives so much as ready-made essay topics, more in line with what I usually write. And that's fine by me. I can see good pieces coming out of many of them, one way or another. The list is saved, a couple of entries have already caught my eye, and you may well recognize some of these ideas in future essays. Thanks again. Greetings from Slovenia, Lau.
An essay on the history of central banking would be very beneficial. It amazes me when people talk about government and politics and "power" and don't mention the banking cartel.
Essay topic: What if socialism / communism does win out in the US elections going forward? what does that look like? (stock market, 401k, bonds, precious metals, oil.....taxes, personal wealth already earned, and so on) Jim
He did, but not for very long. He actually got it totaled at an intersection shortly afterwards. Apparently God has a sense of humor and doesn’t appreciate anyone gaming the system, even if it’s a Soviet one :)
Lau - I for one love to hear about family experiences. They shape a narrative that is closer to reality than anything coming from the press or governments.
American companies have had a good run in the last 50 years, but my sense is that true innovation and doing hard work is lost on the vast majority of American companies (and Americans for that matter). The overly regulated environment has only gotten worse under the Trump administration. Hands off if you wear a red hat, but the boot comes down swiftly on your neck if you defy orange man or don't hand over part of your company.
With that premise, I am interested in how the Japanese economy regains strength after decades of slow erosion. A unique culture that once innovated greatly, coupled with a strong work ethic and savings culture should lead to prosperity. Challenges certainly remain.
My second interest is in former-Soviet republics. How are they transforming (back) to a capitalist system after a century of central planning. Where are the gems that would benefit from capital infusion and have light regulatory control? Is Russia itself poised to innovate its way to prosperity, or will it sit behind its military and nuclear arsenal? I doubt the former, so I'm more focused on the former vassal republic.
Lau, You asked for suggestions. Here goes. I know you're humping full speed to write and research and grow your newsletter business while being the best husband, father, family man, and friend that you can. You're very busy. I, and I suspect, most of your readers really value the personal details of your daily life with family, and your biographical geopolitical reflections. It helps us to understand what your perspective is which in turn, for me, validates what you recommend.
I remember a similar period in my life, but had to take a sabbatical, under doctor's orders, or burn out perhaps irreparably. So I did, about 40 years ago. That's 1/2 of my life. I never went back, although I loved it. I was a lawyer, and still this morning woke up from a stress dream in which I was trying to help a family through a divorce where no one was "bad" and everyone, especially the kids, was suffering.
So, I'm suggesting you look for ways to pace yourself and optimize what you've already done, which I'm sure you do anyway. Specially, here, the letter your wrote to me in response to my question about reuse of "spent" uranium for our atomic fleet was lucid, informative, comprehensive enough that with a bit more would make a good introductory essay. Then perhaps, in the paid subscription part, add an update on your uranium mining recommendation. Together, those two parts would make a nice piece without needing to do much additional work. Thanks again. Enjoy France.
Thanks, Jay. I actually came across your comment last night after nine hours of driving and then doing some research. I could feel that familiar anxiety creeping in that comes when I’ve probably pushed things a little too far, and your comment actually helped. I didn’t have enough fuel left in the tank to respond then, but the timing couldn’t have been better :) This is all to say I’ll take the advice seriously, especially coming from someone who’s been through it himself. (Also, noted on what you said about the personal side of the writing. I sometimes wonder whether I share too much of that stuff, so it’s good to know it actually adds something.)
Thanks again, Jay. Always appreciate your perspective.
Because I speak Spanish (not quite fluently) and I am visiting Spain next month. We will not be in major cities so Im guessing that in small towns the residents do not speak much English?
That’s generally true, especially with people in smaller towns. But if you already speak some Spanish, you’ll be absolutely fine.... and folks will usually appreciate you making the effort.
I've been reading with interest the whole MAGA, nativist reaction to immigration. Particularly the obvious attempt by leftist parties in most western countries to encourage immigration, legal and illegal. Leftists blatantly encourage immigration, move quickly to enroll new immigrants on the welfare rolls and voter rolls, and then demand their vote to keep the welfare coming. It works.
But the problem isn't immigration. It's welfare. We need immigration for demographic reasons alone. Our labor force is diminishing in size compared to oldsters by the year. The solution isn't demonizing immigrants and deporting them. It's welcoming all those who come here to work and immediately kicking out any immigrant who applies for any form of welfare. People who come here to work and pursue the American dream are not going to vote left. While we're at it we should end welfare for everyone. From FDR's programs to the war on poverty, the availability of no questions asked welfare has demonstrably increased poverty rather than end it. Before the government crowded out private welfare, it worked surprisingly well. It can again.
Thanks, everyone! I'm still on the road, so I can't reply to each of you individually just yet, but I've read every suggestion here (plus those that came in through the email route), and I appreciate every one of you taking the time. True, some of these probably aren't rabbit holes or two-part deep dives so much as ready-made essay topics, more in line with what I usually write. And that's fine by me. I can see good pieces coming out of many of them, one way or another. The list is saved, a couple of entries have already caught my eye, and you may well recognize some of these ideas in future essays. Thanks again. Greetings from Slovenia, Lau.
Hi Lau.
Ref Your suggestions for interrogations.
This Japan’s Yen Intervention…and the way that it was conducted ( via the Euro) smacks of something really ( and maybe really/really) bigger.
It’s gotta be worth a deep dive, as if it is the US defending the Bond Market, then things could be getting rather dicey.
An essay on the history of central banking would be very beneficial. It amazes me when people talk about government and politics and "power" and don't mention the banking cartel.
Poor guy................oh, well, at least it was a thrill for awhile!
Essay topic: What if socialism / communism does win out in the US elections going forward? what does that look like? (stock market, 401k, bonds, precious metals, oil.....taxes, personal wealth already earned, and so on) Jim
Lau, I bet your father felt like a king driving that car!...........Stay safe!...............
He did, but not for very long. He actually got it totaled at an intersection shortly afterwards. Apparently God has a sense of humor and doesn’t appreciate anyone gaming the system, even if it’s a Soviet one :)
Lau - I for one love to hear about family experiences. They shape a narrative that is closer to reality than anything coming from the press or governments.
American companies have had a good run in the last 50 years, but my sense is that true innovation and doing hard work is lost on the vast majority of American companies (and Americans for that matter). The overly regulated environment has only gotten worse under the Trump administration. Hands off if you wear a red hat, but the boot comes down swiftly on your neck if you defy orange man or don't hand over part of your company.
With that premise, I am interested in how the Japanese economy regains strength after decades of slow erosion. A unique culture that once innovated greatly, coupled with a strong work ethic and savings culture should lead to prosperity. Challenges certainly remain.
My second interest is in former-Soviet republics. How are they transforming (back) to a capitalist system after a century of central planning. Where are the gems that would benefit from capital infusion and have light regulatory control? Is Russia itself poised to innovate its way to prosperity, or will it sit behind its military and nuclear arsenal? I doubt the former, so I'm more focused on the former vassal republic.
1. Growing geopolitical conflict in the northern part of Latin America.
2. An explanation of the mercenary conduit from Latin America to the war in the Ukraine.
3. The economic situation on the ground in iran.
4. Compare and contrast the Ukrainian military commissars that are kidnapping men off the street to fight at the front with ICE here on our streets.
5. Timelines of strategic petroleum reserve depletion and subsequent immediate effects.
Wonderful joke Lau... I very much needed a good laugh!
Dr. O
Suggestion. Gold, silver, CU junior miners. Developers that are near producers and producers. G.
Thanks for the h/t!
Lau, You asked for suggestions. Here goes. I know you're humping full speed to write and research and grow your newsletter business while being the best husband, father, family man, and friend that you can. You're very busy. I, and I suspect, most of your readers really value the personal details of your daily life with family, and your biographical geopolitical reflections. It helps us to understand what your perspective is which in turn, for me, validates what you recommend.
I remember a similar period in my life, but had to take a sabbatical, under doctor's orders, or burn out perhaps irreparably. So I did, about 40 years ago. That's 1/2 of my life. I never went back, although I loved it. I was a lawyer, and still this morning woke up from a stress dream in which I was trying to help a family through a divorce where no one was "bad" and everyone, especially the kids, was suffering.
So, I'm suggesting you look for ways to pace yourself and optimize what you've already done, which I'm sure you do anyway. Specially, here, the letter your wrote to me in response to my question about reuse of "spent" uranium for our atomic fleet was lucid, informative, comprehensive enough that with a bit more would make a good introductory essay. Then perhaps, in the paid subscription part, add an update on your uranium mining recommendation. Together, those two parts would make a nice piece without needing to do much additional work. Thanks again. Enjoy France.
Saluting you. Jay
Thanks, Jay. I actually came across your comment last night after nine hours of driving and then doing some research. I could feel that familiar anxiety creeping in that comes when I’ve probably pushed things a little too far, and your comment actually helped. I didn’t have enough fuel left in the tank to respond then, but the timing couldn’t have been better :) This is all to say I’ll take the advice seriously, especially coming from someone who’s been through it himself. (Also, noted on what you said about the personal side of the writing. I sometimes wonder whether I share too much of that stuff, so it’s good to know it actually adds something.)
Thanks again, Jay. Always appreciate your perspective.
Hi Lau, do you speak Spanish and French?
I do speak Spanish fluently, yes. French, not so much. Reading, no problem. Speaking, on a good day :) Why?
Because I speak Spanish (not quite fluently) and I am visiting Spain next month. We will not be in major cities so Im guessing that in small towns the residents do not speak much English?
That’s generally true, especially with people in smaller towns. But if you already speak some Spanish, you’ll be absolutely fine.... and folks will usually appreciate you making the effort.
Enjoy France. Be sure we have our own kind of SNAFU around here too 😁
Thanks, Tris! I was only there for two days, unfortunately, and already back on the road.
I've been reading with interest the whole MAGA, nativist reaction to immigration. Particularly the obvious attempt by leftist parties in most western countries to encourage immigration, legal and illegal. Leftists blatantly encourage immigration, move quickly to enroll new immigrants on the welfare rolls and voter rolls, and then demand their vote to keep the welfare coming. It works.
But the problem isn't immigration. It's welfare. We need immigration for demographic reasons alone. Our labor force is diminishing in size compared to oldsters by the year. The solution isn't demonizing immigrants and deporting them. It's welcoming all those who come here to work and immediately kicking out any immigrant who applies for any form of welfare. People who come here to work and pursue the American dream are not going to vote left. While we're at it we should end welfare for everyone. From FDR's programs to the war on poverty, the availability of no questions asked welfare has demonstrably increased poverty rather than end it. Before the government crowded out private welfare, it worked surprisingly well. It can again.