The Economic Alamo

Posted on June 30, 2015 by MN Gordon

The Economic Alamo
By Jeff Thomas, International Man

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” – Luke 2:1, New Testament

“Since the beginning of recorded history, the business of government has been wealth confiscation.” – Ron Holland

It’s a common assumption that governments exist in order to serve the people of a country and that in order to do so, they must be accorded the necessary evils of power and taxation.  I believe that the opposite is true, that in the perception of those who rule, power and the ability to exact tax are the very purpose of government, and service to the people is merely a justification for that pursuit.

This condition is perennial.  Throughout history, rulers have maximized their power over their minions and, likewise, have exacted as much taxation as they have been able to get away with.  Consequently (and quite understandably), it’s always been the norm for people to try to protect their wealth, however large or small, from confiscatory taxation. Continue reading →

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Foundation for Massive Wealth

Posted on June 26, 2015 by MN Gordon

What Is Really Backing the DollarWe wandered around the Coachella Valley for several days this week.  If you’ve never been to the area you aren’t missing out.  It’s a giant desert valley centered about 120 miles due east of Los Angeles.

Some people go there to golf.  Others go to retire…and die.  We, on the other hand, were there strictly for business and we couldn’t wait to leave the moment we arrived.  It was hot, and dry.

So we conducted ourselves the only way we know how.  Serving our client with interest, industry, and integrity.  Then we made a beeline west the moment it was tolerable to do so.

Making money was the purpose of the business trip.  Saving some of it is the objective.  Naturally, making money is easier than saving money.  But that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t pursue saving money any more than one shouldn’t pursue healthy gums.

While saving money is simple…you spend less than you make.  In practice, it’s not easy.  Particularly with young kids.  They burn through shoes faster than a dipsomaniac burns through a bottle of strawberry Boone’s Farm. Continue reading →

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Looming Greek Default is the IMF’s Problem

Posted on June 23, 2015 by MN Gordon

One of the more bewildering and frustrating things about life is that you rarely get what you expect.  You set out and strive for a certain goal with all the excitement and energy of a child.  You may think you’re doing all the right things.  You take all the logical steps.  You make big plans…dream big dreams…

But, when it’s all said and done, you never know what you’re going to get.  Often you end up with the exact opposite of what you thought you wanted.  This inconvenient truth is evidenced by the contents of a box of chocolates.  It is also apparent in the outcomes of grand geopolitical engineering schemes.

After the destructive nationalism of WWII, European nations desired a more integrated continent.  The European Union’s original architects envisioned a united Europe where a single market, common currency, and shared economic prosperity, promoted harmony throughout Europe.  But it took several generations of technocratic chiseling to erect the framework.

The Hague Congress in 1948 set the cornerstone.  The European Movement International and the College of Europe, where Europe’s future leaders would live and study together, were created. Continue reading →

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Lost in Transmission

Posted on June 19, 2015 by MN Gordon

On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen offered several insights into what she wants you to believe she’s doing.  For starters, she wants you to think that, definitely maybe, she will raise rates soon.  But not too soon.  And certainly not now.

Apparently, the Fed believes the economy is strengthening.  Though it’s not strengthening quite enough to raise the federal funds rate from practically zero…where it has reclined for over six years.  That would take a willingness to deflate the stock market.

Naturally, the Fed doesn’t want to deflate the stock market.  They want to inflate it.  For everyone loves an inflating stock market.  The appearance of ballooning wealth makes one feel richer, smarter, better looking, and younger too.

Following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, and the obligatory Fed statement, stocks immediately spiked.  The DOW jumped 180 points.  Yet the gusto quickly faded…and the DOW finished out the day just 31 points from where it started.  Then, yesterday, the animal spirits roared back to life; the DOW closed up 180 points. Continue reading →

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