Several weeks ago I had to drive west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to pick up my son after his sophomore year at Penn State. I’ve made this trip a dozen times over the last few years, since this is my second son attending Penn State, with a third starting in the Fall. It’s a tedious, boring, protracted, four hour trek through the rural countryside of the Keystone State. During these trips my mind wanders, making connections between the landscape and the pressing issues facing the world. I can’t help but get lost in my thoughts as the miles accumulate like dollars on the national debt clock.
More often than not I end up making the trip in the midst of bad weather. And this time was no different. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a meandering, decades old, dangerous, mostly two lane highway for most of its 360 mile span. Large swaths of the decaying interstate are under construction, as the narrative about lack of infrastructure spending is proven false by visual proof along the highways and byways of America.
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The real infrastructure crisis is below ground in urban shitholes where 100 year old water and sewer pipes fail on a regular basis, but bankrupt Democrat politicians divert their steadily declining tax revenues to bloated pensions of government lackeys. Infrastructure spending is only interesting to politicians if they can name it after themselves and have a ribbon cutting ceremony. Replacing water and sewer pipes before they explode isn’t sexy, so it won’t be done.
A winding two lane highway, with a speed limits of 70 mph, and jam-packed with 18 wheelers driven by sometimes sleepy and often aggressive truckers already leads to a pressure packed few hours. Add rain to the mixture and you ratchet up the blood pressure. Ramp that up to torrential downpours and heavy fog and you’ve got white knuckles, strained neck muscles and an occasional prayer regarding that big rig crawling up your ass. I was lucky enough to be faced with torrential rains and fog for the first two hours of the trip. I was tense, cautious, concerned and careful.
The way I felt during that treacherous drive is how I feel about the course our country and world is facing as the precarious and perilous portion of this methodical, but ultimately bloody Fourth Turning, reaches its climax. Since the election of Donald Trump in November, it feels like dark storm clouds have been gathering just over the horizon. I supported Trump for president and was among the few who believed the silent majority (aka deplorables) in flyover country were not being taken into account by the corrupt liberal mainstream media rigged polls.
I was elated that Hillary Clinton was not going to be my president. Trump’s rhetoric regarding illegal immigration, repealing and replacing Obamacare, cutting taxes, reducing spending, reversing our interventionist military adventures, cutting government red tape, and keeping the Supreme Court from going further left, was music to my ears. I found his relentless assault upon the fake news media and left wingers to be extremely entertaining during the campaign and have continued to be amused by his pugnaciousness and daily tweet storm launched against CNN and the rest of the fake news media.
The focus of my writings and blog over the last nine years has been on the economic issues which imperil the future for my children and the children of millions of other hard working Americans. Trump’s accomplishments thus far include filling the vacant Supreme Court slot with a conservative judge, backing out of TPP, backing out of the Paris Accord, reducing illegal immigration through enforcement of existing laws, and reversing numerous Obama executive orders.
As someone who concentrates on fiscal issues, I’ve been disappointed with many of Trump’s cabinet selections, failure to lead on the Obamacare repeal and replace efforts, lack of progress on tax cuts, unwillingness to address the $200 trillion of unfunded welfare liabilities, inability to make progress with his wall, and his seeming capture by the military industrial complex.
Trump’s victory has prompted an all-out assault from the violent left wingers funded by George Soros and spurred on by the unrelenting fake news media outlets. They will stop at nothing to discredit and destroy Trump’s presidency. Violence on left wing campuses across the country, where they have safe spaces to burn and destroy, has begun to be met by Trump supporters willing to fight back when confronted.
The relentless fake news propaganda spewed by MSNBC, CNN, NYT, Washington Post and the rest of the left wing media incited a radical lefty to try and slaughter dozens of Republican congressmen. The false narrative of right wing violence has been obliterated, as left wing domestic terrorists are intent on creating a civil war in order to violently overturn the legal outcome of a fair election.
Trump’s non-interventionist bombast during the campaign has proven to be empty promises as Deep State neo-con operatives, on the behest of the military industrial complex, have gained control of Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Missiles have been launched into Syria based upon a false flag gas attack blamed on Assad’s forces. Trump continues to arm supposedly moderate rebels (aka Al Qaeda) attempting to overthrow the Assad regime.
More American troops continue to be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. Is this 2003 or 2017? I’m sure we’re on the verge of winning this time. Provoking Russia through NATO aggression, war games, and missile placements is being ramped up. Aggravating relations with China by contesting their claims to the South China Sea islands and openly supporting Taiwan has the potential to create dire unintended consequences. Or maybe they are intended consequences. Coming conflict with North Korea and their fourth largest military in the world appears imminent.
Neo-cons are thrilled with their success thus far. Whenever Trump shows even the hint of compromise with Putin or lack of interest in starting World War III, the doddering old fool McCain and his lapdog Graham are rolled out to condemn Trump’s cowardice. According to the neo-cons Putin is a diabolically evil enemy intent on ruling the world. In reality, he is just as evil as every other world leader. The slimy liberal politicians continue to use the false Russia narrative as a cudgel to beat Trump into submission. The Deep State game plan is to block Trump’s domestic agenda of replacing Obamacare, cutting taxes, and building the wall.
The true controllers of our world know when presidents are under assault by their opponents and can’t achieve domestic success, they turn to military interventionism as a way to rally the masses utilizing false patriotism. With the corporate media flogging the Deep State approved war propaganda, they are attempting to force the president into military conflict, benefiting their military industrial complex partners. The non-critical thinking, easily manipulated populace, is putty in the hands of the propaganda machine and is soon foaming at the mouth for blood. Half the country actually believes Vladimir Putin interfered in our election to benefit Trump. Not a shred of proof has been presented and never will.
I’ve spent the last nine years operating an anti-establishment website, with the purpose of trying to pull back the curtain on the Deep State operatives in the government, military, Wall Street, mainstream media and central banking. I’ve written so many articles revealing the falsity of government generated unemployment, inflation, and GDP propaganda, the criminal activities of Wall Street bankers, the treasonous actions of the Federal Reserve, the seditious activities of corrupt spineless politicians, the false flags provoked by the military industrial complex, and the contemptible propaganda peddled by the corporate media, that I’ve reached the burnout phase. I’ve grown tired of writing the same article every month discrediting government falsehoods.
When I watch supposed financial “journalists” mouth the Federal Reserve and BLS false narrative of inflation running “dangerously” below 2%, when I know for a fact prices over the last year are higher by 9% for gasoline, 8% for natural gas, 8% for heating oil, 20% for copper, 16% for wheat, 5% for corn, 16% for pork, 11% for beef, at least 10% for health insurance, 4% for college tuition, 3% for autos, 4% for apartment rents (to all-time highs), and 14% for home prices, I am no longer outraged.
If the citizens of this country can’t figure out they are being screwed and lied to by the government, another article from me isn’t going to help. The real cost of living for the average American is rising 5% to 10%. The one cost the Deep State has thoroughly under control is the wages of average working Americans. They’ve successfully kept real wage increases in negative territory for two decades.
I hear talking heads on the boob tube every day blathering about the “strong” jobs market and either truly believing the bullshit shoveled by the BLS every month or just mouthing the words written by their corporate media bosses. Only an utter moron would believe you really have a 4.4% unemployment rate when 102 million out of 255 million working age Americans aren’t working. For the math challenged, that’s 40% not working, hovering near all-time highs. That number was 35% at the beginning of this century. And it’s not due to Boomers retiring, as the percentage of men 25 to 54 years old not working is at record highs and the percentage of Americans over 55 working has soared. The percentage of teenagers not working is also at record highs.
In addition, 26 million of the 153 million employed Americans are working part time for low wages and minimal benefits. Almost 10 million Americans declare themselves self-employed (aka selling crap on Ebay, blogging, writing the next great novel). Another 8 million Americans hold multiple jobs. Then we get to the fact 21 million non-producing people are working for the government, getting paid from the tax dollars generated by those working for companies producing something. When it is all said and done, there are approximately 94 million full-time workers in private industry paying taxes to support 102 million non-workers and 21 million government workers. In what world does this represent a strong job market?
What passes for a financial journalist today can’t seem to utilize critical thinking skills to connect the dots of a failing economic system, dependent upon an ever accelerating level of debt. The miniscule downturn in consumer debt in 2009, barely perceptible on the chart below, almost collapsed the worldwide financial system. As you can see, the pitiful economic growth achieved since 2009 has been artificially produced through the issuance of $1.2 trillion of debt in eight years – most of it in the form of subprime student loans and subprime auto loans. For some perspective, it took from 1950 until 1995 (45 years) to generate the first $1.2 trillion of consumer debt, and then from 1995 until 2007 (12 years) to generate the next $1.2 trillion.
It is duplicitous for supposedly highly educated central bankers, financial “experts”, and journalists to pretend inflation is under control and jobs are plentiful when the evidence of economic contraction is everywhere. GDP, even using a fake inflation adjuster is still in the toilet, running below 2% when everyone knows 68% of it is generated by consumer spending. A record number of retail store closings and retail bankruptcies is baked in the cake for 2017, worse than the recession of 2009.
Restaurant sales have been falling for sixteen straight months. Auto companies have leased or loaned a car to every person in America that can fog a mirror and scratch an X on a lease or loan document. Auto sales are starting a multi-year decline as loans go bad in record numbers. Should that be shocking when the average financed amount has risen to $29,000 and the average loan term now exceeds 67 months – both record highs.
At least 25% of all student loans are in default. The taxpayer is going to be on the hook for hundreds of billions in loan losses. The heavily indebted millennials with lousy jobs are not boosting the economy by spending money they don’t have. They can’t buy houses and are stuck living in their parent’s basements. Broke Boomers are being forced to work in retirement and restrict their spending since they saved virtually nothing for their retirement years. Gen Xers are caught in the middle, supporting their kids and their aging parents. It’s the perfect storm.
So even though I and numerous other thoughtful, honest bloggers (Zero Hedge, Jesse, Hussman, Martenson, Stockman, Charles Hugh Smith, Denninger, and dozens of others) have documented the dire circumstances facing the nation, central bankers at the behest of their Deep State masters, have engineered the stock markets and high end real estate markets to all-time highs, as their looting and pillaging scheme accelerates.
My frustration and disillusionment with a world gone mad has begun to affect my mental state. I’m losing my sense of outrage which has driven me to write for the last nine years. It isn’t worth the expended energy when it will change nothing. I’m resigned to the inevitability of economic collapse. It’s just a matter of when. Bloggers and writers who make a living at it, must write daily articles of doom to generate page views. Since no one can reliably predict the timing of the collapse, I’ve grown tired of reading and writing the same old shit.
The analogy between driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike during bad weather and my mental state is useful in understanding where I see things headed. There is danger lurking around every bend in the road. Construction zones suddenly appear forcing you to change course in an instant. Aggressive drivers tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic create havoc. Sleep deprived truckers let their big rigs drift into your lane, with no room for you to maneuver away.
When you enter the three separate tunnels through Blue Mountain and its brethren, you feel claustrophobic as if the walls are closing in and there is no way to escape. During torrential downpours I’ve navigated during multiple journeys to and from Penn State, the pure terror of not being able to see 50 feet ahead while hydroplaning on a flooded roadway with an 18 wheeler in the lane next to you is hard to describe.
The road directly ahead is blanketed in the fog of uncertainty. Anyone declaring they know what will happen in the near future with any level of certainty should be regarded with suspicion. But if you have studied history, you realize people never learn the lessons of history, so they will always create and encounter the same problems and make the same mistakes. Human nature has not changed down through the annals of antiquity.
The desire for wealth and power by sociopaths, delusions of grandeur among the rich, tendency of human beings to act in a herd like manner leading to bubbles and busts, and an overall ignorance of the masses, are constants across the millennia. Those at the top of the chain utilize mass media propaganda tools to control the minds of the many, but their hubris eventually leads to their downfall.
“Anyone who studies present and ancient affairs will easily see how in all cities and all peoples there still exist, and have always existed, the same desires and passions. Thus, it is an easy matter for him who carefully examines past events to foresee future events in a republic and to apply the remedies employed by the ancients, or, if old remedies cannot be found, to devise new ones based upon the similarity of the events. But since these matters are neglected or not understood by those who read, or, if understood, remain unknown to those who govern, the result is that the same problems always exist in every era.” – Machiavelli
My apathy in trying to predict when the next financial catastrophe or world war will happen is driven by my belief we are in the midst of a two decade long Fourth Turning period of crisis which began with the financial storms hitting in September 2008. What I’ve come to realize is how slowly Fourth Turnings progress. They proceed at their own pace.
There is an initial death defying event, followed by what appears to be actions taken to alleviate the crisis, lulling the masses into thinking all is well. It’s a false sense of comfort. GDP has grown by a pitiful 30% since 2009, while it grew by 60% from the bottom during the Great Depression. Do you hear highly paid mainstream media shills providing that interesting data point?
The deaths of 65 million people followed the initial lull during the last Fourth Turning. We are currently in another lull (or eye of the hurricane), with an intensification of storms over the horizon. No “solutions” introduced since 2008 have solved anything. They have just exacerbated the debt problems, guarantying the next financial crisis will be devastating and global in nature.
Every Fourth Turning has involved earth shattering levels of violence and war. It is highly doubtful we will avoid a similar or worse fate. Fourth Turnings are resolved in blood, tears, atrocities, courage and the actions of heroes. The narrative of rainbows leading to a pot of gold for the American empire will soon be confronted with lightning bolts of reality.
Just as you can be experiencing a relaxing drive along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in bright sunshine, you can turn on the weather report and find out blizzard warnings have been issued for the road ahead. Many of the drivers are oblivious to the warnings as they never listen to weather reports. Many hear the warnings but ignore them, preferring to live in denial. Others recklessly speed up and try to outrun the storms. Very few heed the warnings and get off the road for the safety of shelter. The weather can change in an instant. Sunshine dissipates rapidly as a winter blizzard engulfs the countryside, paralyzing the economy, overwhelming modern technology, exposing weaknesses, and creating havoc on the roadways as the unprepared pile up in a devastating crash.
“Reflect on what happens when a terrible winter blizzard strikes. You hear the weather warning but probably fail to act on it. The sky darkens. Then the storm hits with full fury, and the air is a howling whiteness. One by one, your links to the machine age break down. Electricity flickers out, cutting off the TV. Batteries fade, cutting off the radio. Phones go dead. Roads become impossible, and cars get stuck. Food supplies dwindle. Day to day vestiges of modern civilization – bank machines, mutual funds, mass retailers, computers, satellites, airplanes, governments – all recede into irrelevance.
Picture yourself and your loved ones in the midst of a howling blizzard that lasts several years. Think about what you would need, who could help you, and why your fate might matter to anybody other than yourself. That is how to plan for a saecular winter. Don’t think you can escape the Fourth Turning. History warns that a Crisis will reshape the basic social and economic environment that you now take for granted.” – Strauss & Howe – The Fourth Turning
This Fourth Turning has over a decade of continuous storms to come. We will not recognize this country when the climax is reached. It could be far worse country or a revitalized nation. The outcome will depend upon the actions we take as individuals and as a country. Cheering for your side in today’s political side shows, meant to distract you from focusing on the true enemies of freedom, is a worthless exercise. Turn off the TV and think for yourself. The generational dynamics and darkening mood will drive the reaction to events as they unfold over the next decade. Batten down the hatches and prepare to navigate through the deadly storms bearing down upon the nation.
If the citizens of this country can’t figure out they are being screwed and lied to by the government, another article from me isn’t going to help.
I doubt many people have not yet figured out we’re being screwed and lied to by the government (regardless of which government they happen to live under). There does not seem to be a societal consensus on a course of action to resolve the problem, as different groups have wildly varying ideas of an ideal end.
Anticipating a bloodbath, and planning accordingly, is probably not unreasonable.
Unfortunately, even if all the hosts figure out they are being screwed and lied to by the state mafia, it will not help them since the parasite is much bigger, confirmed by the administrator’s words “there are approximately 94 million full-time workers in private industry paying taxes to support 102 million non-workers and 21 million government workers”.
I would like to be optimistic – but I see no way out of problem.
The host is doomed. It’s called CANCER and it is terminal!
I think it’s not cancer, but spreading parasitism. Minority welfare parasites gobble up much of the budget, and neocon warfare State welfare take most of the rest.
Cancer is a spreading parasitism. And when the politico-bankster-shyster class and the welfare-chav-migrant class have killed the host, that’s when things will be make Ruanda and Burundi in the nineties look like a kiddies playground squabble.
This was an excellent post…I would only add that, since government salaries and pensions are counted as GDP, the 30% “growth” since 2009 is probably closer to 0%. Some areas of the country have progressed a bit, while many others have deteriorated significantly, as a result.
Hey Admin, I think we’re all getting tired of all the bullshit, but keep your pieces coming. It’s a great way to vent your frustration and speaking for the shit throwing monkeys, confirms our balance on the contemporary roller coaster we call life in the ‘teens.
Your words have more power than you think, buddy. We need you.
The reason there is no societal consensus on what to do about the many problems the western world is facing is because of the oligarchy and their captured media. While many of their strategies fail, the one that seems to never fail is the strategy of divide and conquer. As long as Americans remain divided by relatively superficial issues, there can never be a new beginning. The divide between rural and urban, “liberal” and “conservative” etc, is exacerbated by modern politics.
Everything progresses at its own pace and time solves everything… but those are just like; “may you always live in interesting times”. All these things are true at some point but like most prophetic statements the truth lay in the vagueness.
I have come to conclude you just throw your hands up and live each day as you would if the world was “normal” but prepare each day if the world were to immediately fall into chaos. Those who would agree with me, fantastic…there is someone to vent with…those who dont; so be it, perhaps the culling will work toward a free thinking and awoken future. Venting seems to be more important than the passing of a message, at least to me given my experiences. Those who are convinced, cant be told otherwise; it just isnt in the psyche of humans to let go of what they “wish” to be true or untrue regardless of how “intelligent” someone is.
I figure the fourth turning to be a blessing. Knowing what I know about the slaves that humanity is, I know of nothing greater than the chance to throw off the chains for future generations to have a chance at freedom. To do so, it must happen under a fourth turning, a fracturing. And just maybe the future will find the writings or this time and generation as a guidance, or inspirations, or even warning and take heed to stay vigilant and value freedom. One never knows what influence they may have on the future.
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end”
Hey, I saw that same quote on a greeting card at the store the other day..On the inside it said,” I’m here for you”. ..
Carl Bernstein of Watergate fame states we are in the grips of a “Cold Civil War”. That sounds about right, nobody is willing to show for the real thing much to the disappointment of those who’s job it is to stir the fires of discontent.
Kind of like two people who should divorce still living in the same house.
The article has presented as factual case as I’ve seen concerning the coming storm, without veering into any of the tar pits of speculation and prophesy of when the end will come (nor were any precious metals offered for special end of the world savings).
I am thankful for what the author has written, but feel to also be in the same boat without paddles, careening down the rapids with every bend possibly hiding the waterfall that will abruptly end the wild ride.
But every morning I wake up with the world moving on as before with all the little details of normalcy in place and I wonder if I’m just running around thinking the sky is falling. It’s a weird place to be seeing impending doom walk hand in hand with placid security.
What to do? Keep up the good fight in exposing the dirty hidden truths of where we are headed, for if anything, I’m a step away from swallowing the blue pill, enjoying that steak dinner and joining the millions who are blissfully unaware of the dark clouds ahead.
At some point, when the freight train is coming straight at you, it’s best to make the necessary preparations – and just get out of the way. Nothing more to be done.
in case you want to sing along…
I recognize the fatigue. I have the same sense. Once a rabid contributor to this site over time I’ve lost my zeal to comment. Articles that once would have provoked a response now seems like an exercise in futility. Like this author I’ve made my contribution. I’ve had my say. I have very little to add. We’re leaving the eye of the storm and the leading edge of the maelstrom is upon us. If you haven’t learned how insidious and diabolical these bastards who lord over us are it’s pointless to sound another alarm. Now it’s every man for himself. I wish you all well. We are, after all, kindred souls. After the inevitable harsh dose of reality is meted out we’ll be the ones to begin anew to rebuild a moral society. Or suffer the consequences. Good luck.
To Jim and CCR, I too feel your pain, but keep on truckin’. Your efforts are much appreciated… SGN
Very nice of you to say. Thank you.
CCR – Your commentary has been both eminently readable and highly pertinent over the last few years. Everything moves in cycles so if you feel the need to destress and recharge by all means do so. I will continue to look forward to whatever comments you desire to post.
Very nice of you to say A R. This site has given me the opportunity to speak out on the decay year by year of my beloved America (not to be confused with the U.S.) and I truly appreciate that. I’ll still speak out when the subject moves me but I’ll save my real efforts for that day when we can begin anew. The constitution was always a document that relied on the decency and honor of those entrusted in it’s preservation-and that was it’s fatal flaw. In the end it’s reliance on the use of force predestined it to favor those who relish power-not righteousness. It’s why I favor secession. I so want to be in a society made up of the Quinn’s, Stucky’s, Uncola’s, Llpoh’s. Hardscrabble’s and the others who grace this site with honor and logic. Until then I’ll lay low-but never quit. You also, I pray.
You Sir, and the others, have inspired me this morning. Forgive me, but in a way it will be a relief when the ‘winds’ really start to blow. A stiff dose of reality is a late and needed remedy to the fantastic, and tragic, comedy that daily life in the empire has become.
As Ben Franklin is reported have said in answer to the question as to what type of government America would have: “A Republic madam – if you can keep it”. In fact in many ways we have kept it – Trump’s very election by the Electoral College is evidence of that.
Listen Brothers: get over your despair. When the next edge of the storm hits we must be upbeat! Every day we must go out into the chaos and salvage that which does not belong to Caesar.
“I’m resigned to the inevitability of economic collapse. It’s just a matter of when… Since no one can reliably predict the timing of the collapse, I’ve grown tired of reading and writing the same old shit.”
Me too. Too depressing. Here it comes, nothing on the horizon looks able to stop it. So I love my wife, kids, and grandkids. I meet friends for coffee and pray for their illnesses/problems. I prepare physically and spiritually. I hold on to Jesus for dear life.
The advent of the internet as a mass medium meant that words, pictures, information exploded across the viewscreens of the world and his wife. For a while, it seemed like a whole new power had come into being, to bring the rich or psychopathic owners of this world to account. I guess we are running towards the end of that false hope now – in the end, it isn’t words, pictures, information that can really do the trick. Not once the powerful themselves catch on to its potential for them to re-assert their own power, to remove themselves from accountability, or even visibility, to the rest of us.
In the end, force must be met, either with countervailing force, or by constant retreat – physical, intellectual, moral. And when there’s nowhere left to hide, when you’re in the worst possible place to fight back from – that’s when most of us will decide to do something about it. Sad but true.
i sense this same dread in many of the sites I visit daily including most of those you mentioned. its been quite a few years that I have visited here and I feel your increasing loathing for what is about to transpire. do I have any answers? no and my loathing of the system grows daily. I wish I had something positive to say but …………….rest assured I will follow you here to the bitter end.
Good article Jim.
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
We must, by we I mean us deplorables, continue the revolution by showing them in 2018 that the Trump presidency is not a one time aberration. And that we will continue vote out the politicians that are beholding to the state, deep or otherwise. And to place in power people that have liberty, an aversion to tyranny and a true capitalistic free market economy for the American people. Fuck the globalists!
VIVA THE REVOLUTION!
Michael Snyder of the Economic Collapse blog is bravely entering into politics to help turn this country back around to what our founders envisioned. He deserves all the support he can get as the road will be extremely rocky and challenging. I, for one, will step up to the plate and donate to his campaign. A small step forward with hopefully more like him to come.
I agree that we have to continue, and support the only slim chance we have. Trump. I urge everyone to not disinguage, but get involved in “primary-ing” these RINO assholes. We need more non-party people in Congress. Find out your compadres in your State and drive a stake in the RINO’s hearts.
We also need to keep the State politicians we’ve elected and make sure they don’t go soft and become RINOs either. I say fight to the bitter end, win or lose. Although I prefer win.
Admin, and others, thanks for all the great posts, they weren’t in vain.
An acquaintance was killed in a pile-up due to a white out on a Pennsylvania highway a few years ago. I looked it up and it was on I80, not the turnpike, so it looks like there aren’t any good roads though Pennsylvania. Patrick was just 47 and was killed when a tanker truck exploded in the pile-up. Instant crispy critter. I need to believe it was instant anyway. He was on his way back from visiting family for Christmas. He’s been gone much longer than I knew him, but I still occasionally think about him because he was one of the good ones and was gone way too soon.
I feel like I’ve been prepping my whole life. I started long before prepping was a thing. At this point I’m too old and too tired (multiple health issues I won’t go into here) to fight and I’m sick of working for TPTB at a job that I dislike for management that I hate – just to make some FRNs that may or may not buy anything tomorrow. I just want to putter in my garden, so that’s what I’m going to do. If the world falls down around me, there are worse things than dying protecting what is mine.
Unfortunately I80 is a Heavily used road by truckers because of it Not being a Toll road. Most Truckers will use it before the PA Turnpike just because of that fact, so the road take a real beating and the State does not keep up maintenance on it. The State Politicians know the truckers use it to get around paying tolls and have been trying for years to turn it into their next cash cow by charging tolls. Sorry about your friend, that is a road you truly have to be comfortable driving with the big rigs on!
People know we are being screwed! It’s Called Cold Anger and it’s being kept bottled up in millions of people. They notice the Uniparty in Washington putting on their act by day and then having dinner together at night. They see all the people sucking off the government who they know should be out working rather then sitting around getting stoned all day. They know the large Wall Street Banks sucked the Treasury Dry. They see our Jobs either being outsourced to another country or workers being brought in to fill them right here! I could go on and on! Cold Anger is something that is not compatible with the Host carrying it……There will be a snapping point, my guess is Antifa & Black Lives matter are only laying the groundwork for what is to come, there will come a point when the Government can only pay the Interest on the Debt because of some Black Swan Event, at that point when the Welfare & Food Stamps stop the Urban Areas will explode with rioting. This could be the defining Event for the Host of the Cold Anger to Snap. I have a weird feeling it will start with people protecting their property from rioters, a mini Civil War, but once the Feds take the Heavy Handed approach of declaring Martial Law, thing very well could ignite into a Revolution!
I made a big mistake in 1987 – ha ha. With my $$$ from divorce, bought a place in a town of 1,200 in the Blue Ridge Mtns. No growth. But everyone wants to move here now. I’m a 5 min walk from downtown. And feel this is a purty good place to survive. Ken Lewis, Chip Perry et al think so. Look’em up.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: A unified and liberty-loving people could overcome an out-of-control military industrial complex, OR an ignorant and uninformed populace; but not both.
Fixing stupid is like chasing the wind, or restraining the incoming tide.
After the excrement collides with the proverbial centrifically-ventilating flabellum, thus ushering in TEOTWAWKI and the ensuing great culling, the anti-deplorable dummies will further embrace their political and financial masters, even kneeling before them begging for solutions.
It’s hard to avoid a certain fatalism when everything does, indeed, seem preordained.
So it has been written. So it will be done.
Good article, Jim. At the very least, you’ve provided a detailed roadmap for future historians while allowing the charlatans of our current times zero comfort and no place to hide.
Excellent article Jim
It is hard to believe we are only half way through this fourth turning. The lull in the storm is a good time to take stock of what matters. Ecclesiastes says “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again, there is nothing new under the sun.” As the god of nature and natures god might say to us if we were so inclined to listen. ‘Its just business, nothing personal.’ Like the circle of life. The rising and setting of the sun. This cycle of life, death and rebirth and all the elements in between ensure the continuation of humanity.
Many of us Gen Xers have known that something was wrong for so long it now seems unreal. The narratives of the world improvers are falling faster and faster. It’s as if the (( powers)) are losing the ability to manage the black swans multiplying by the day.
Admin, yourself and those you mentioned have done a great service for humanity, anyone who fails to see the truth at this point deserves what’s coming to them good and hard. All you can do is prep and pray and watch out for the ones you love.
I have tried to convince family and friends for almost two decades that our former republic was on a crash course. Some have listened and others have laughed at my paranoia. Those who prepared, I will give help and safe haven to. Those who were irresponsible and childish will be given some water, food and told to keep on going. I have limited ability to help and those in my community and family who put in the time and effort will receive my help. Hopefully we will see a brighter future when this shit show has run it’s full course.
I harbor no illusions that I’m getting through this alive as I have decided that certain lines will be crossed only over my dead body. I will be at peace when the time comes. I was able to live the american dream. I have experienced all that life has to offer, and besides who really wants to live to be 80-90 years old anyway.
I hope this doesn’t sound like holy roller religiosity, my favorite bible verse of all time is 2 tim 4 ; 7 . ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ That is what I want my kids to say about me when I am gone.
Thank you for reinforcing some thoughts I’ve had for the past year or so.
About a year ago, on the cusp of my 64th birthday, I was told I had terminal cancer. The statistics for my type of cancer are abysmal – a median survival time of only 9 months with chemotherapy. The doctors were flabbergasted at my stoic response. But at the time of my diagnosis a year ago, after 7-1/2 years of watching Obama do everything he could possibly do to destroy this country, I thought my best course of action was to surrender to the cancer and die. I underwent chemotherapy because my one wish was to live for about a week beyond the upcoming economic collapse.
So next month I will have survived this cancer for a year, and will also turn 65. I don’t know that I’ll get my wish and survive for that one week past the forthcoming collapse. But I do know that the world is a far better place with a President Trump in office than it would have been with a President Hillary Clinton.
Please research Hemp Oil. It could save your life so you can see the economic collapse.
God bless and you are in my prayers.
Also, I believe this end is inevitable–Chapter 21 of Luke.
Godspeed, and yes look into CBD. It can sometimes help.
well, Jim, I note that Jesse has come to much the same conclusion. I think, if we all had a single fault, it was being too optimistic- thinking that if we spread the word, called BS on the mainstream narratives and tried to bring the sheeple to awareness of the conspiracy to fleece them- we could deflect/turn the narrative to restoration and renewal. Human nature demands Fourth Turnings because like an alcoholic, only rock bottom will change the trajectory. So some have seen and heard the call, but I fear all we can do is position ourselves and our close allies to weather the storms and dislocations that lie ahead. Like Old Testament Prophets, our revelations may only be honored in hindsight. I haven’t given up, and I see the narrative is starting to crack, but we’re up against Leviathan. I don’t know how close the event horizon is, but I’m not giving up the push. The best tool I’ve found is calling peoples attention to the fact that WE have been right to start with, and that the mainstream narrative breaks down in 6 months to a year or two to match what we’ve said all along. But DAMN! some people can be nudged, others need a tow truck.
Who would have believed that the main stream media would double down on the lies? I’m amazed at the vile messaging against DJT and the neocons that are blocking anything getting done on healthcare or taxes. And Jim’s observation about how DJT has been co opted by the MIC is the one that really has me ready to throw in the towel. Government will only ever grow until it collapses completely… SGN
I think if a mistake was made on this side, it was in underestimating the sheer wickedness that would arise once its power over the world was challenged. I don’t pretend to understand it, and it distresses me enormously to think that people can act this way. With all the doom-saying that has been going on, I think there has been a curious reluctance to understand that the engine of chaos, the engine of destruction, is people acting with wicked intent. Important folk and unimportant ones alike. I get really upset at the thought of them choosing that side – there always is a choice – but I don’t think everything just falls apart through complexity or stupidity. I am sorry that it looks like many, many people are going to be lost to all of this, but I don’t see how to avoid it. This whole Fourth Turning thing points to an inevitability of radical change being worked out real soon now. It’s all much bigger than my little life – a Juggernaut of history rampaging all around us. I have come round to understanding the unstoppability, but also the possible sensitivity to being directed one way or another. The Others surely understand that, and are doing their darndest to tweak things their way before they unleash whatever floods they command. We don’t seem to command any floods whatsoever, but perhaps I’m mistaken – perhaps the tools will come to hand, and we won’t all be reduced to heading for the hills.
When Lucifer tempted Christ with the Kingdoms of the world if he would only worship him, he was showing him ALL the Kingdoms throughout time. “I will give these to you.” Now, Lucifer could only give them to Jesus if HE owned them. Which he does. Right now Lucifer has been allowed to own the world. That’s why it’s so fucked up!
One day, that will change. We just don’t know when….
Jim, you have some of the best -if not the best – clickbait around. I never click on it, but I enjoy the photos. So there’s that. Seriously, thanks for keeping the site running. One of the few places with total free speech. I’m intrigued by the place called Penn State All Tuna.
Looks like your son could get a season pass at Blue Knob Ski for $269. $169 for Midweek (Mon-Thurs). https://blueknob.ltibooking.com/product?product_id=8084
I don’t want my sons skiing. I want them studying. 🙂
I learned to ski at Blue Knob–but it should be called Blue Ice, cuz that’s what most of the trails are. If you can ski that, you can ski anywhere. When I skied in Colorado and Oregon, I learned what REAL powder skiing was like–a dream!
When I lived in CO, I only boarded week days and only when there was at least 8 inches of fresh. Could leave my home in Golden and be leaving first tracks in 40 minutes at Loveland. Man I miss that.
Thanks for the write up, calm before the storm seems apt. Article fatigue is widespread, as the trust in all of the numbers has collapsed. It really has, there are many faithful yet, and can be recognized by looking at the walls in their eyes, but for most I talk with, trust in .gov or MSAnything is bottoming.
The Burning Platform and your articles specifically, have contributed to this.
Perhaps when the bad news gets rolling and the liars are lying with every utterance you will find inspiration.
Its gonna be big, quiet time or down time now is just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks again for the forum, there really is no place quite like it on Earth.
Admin – for someone who has little more to say, you sure as hell say it better than anyone else I know. That was a triumph.
As you well know, I get pissed off and disillusioned, too. TBP has a great mission. Sometimes it wanders off course, but invariably finds its way back.
What we really need, beyond your immeasurable talents, is for some fresh, fiery blood worthy of the TBP greats. We have lost a number of core folks, and the baton has not been grabbed up as fiercely as needs be.
Steph needs to post more. She stirs up the pot nicely. Tampa Gold’s post was a welcome addition. IS is tossing his hat in the ring. We need the monkeys to put out a bit of effort. SSS needs to post another anti-drug article now and again. More Muck’s Minutes, I say!
I love the kind of stuff you just posted. It stirs my blood. It makes me feel that I am not just a crotchety old bastard, but rather I have reason to be pissed off. It makes me want to keep spreading the message to those I can.
It is EXTREMELY important we keep the message out there. RE – shit be upon him – used to say you cannot save them all, you can only save some. And in that he was right. We can save some. And in so doing, if we have some fun, all the better.
Do not despair, my friend. You are not in this alone. We battle the dragons together.
One last thing. Where the hell is Stuck???? I feel his loss to my marrow. I hope that catastrophe has not befallen our great friend.
Stuck is busy dealing with the end of his beloved parents lives.
I recently did the same for my father but things were so much smoother and easier than I could have ever imagined. He was literally still going out with friends and enjoying what time he had left just a few days before he passed. His final two days consisted of mostly peaceful sleep. Not much else mattered at the time. Unfortunately I don’t think Stucky’s parents are slipping out so easily. I’m sure he wants to be with us but he’s where he needs to be right now.
LLPOH,
Did you forget me?
You know I’m always ready to stir the pot!
You know me.. your friendly neighborhood ((truth)) teller!
((Who)) is responsible for all the world’s problems?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Sieg Heil!
Admin, as I’ve noted a few times here in comments, I’ve lost my sense of outrage. I think it happened about two years ago. I don’t read near as much as I used to or even comment as much because I don’t really see the point unless I’m in the mood to share something I’ve already learned.
you said: “The outcome will depend upon the actions we take as individuals and as a country.”
I thought that up until about two years ago but the more I learn about the scale of the situation which exceeds entire continents and ALL sovereign borders, the more I realize individuals and even whole countries are just pawns as helpless as twigs floating on a raging torrent. The best we can hope for is to be standing on high ground when the torrent sweeps past. In the meantime, enjoy and celebrate the friendship and camaraderie of like minded friends and family.
Just today I posted a comment today on the “THEY WILL NOT BE APPEASED” post concluding that the Deep State and their owners will not be stopped. The best a man can hope to do is join them by becoming a useful idiot or as you put it, navigate a safe path through the storms. We are as powerless against the storms as we are against the other.
The biggest thing we could do to fight the owners is to emulate the bastards and build generational, familial wealth and then teach and help everyone you know to do the same. Think and plan in terms of centuries like they do. That and enjoy as much of this too short life as possible. Like the hippies of the sixties, we have to beat them by joining them but unlike the hippies, we must avoid becoming them in the process.
Excellent summation as always. We are headed to a dark place. I know its coming but I cant worry about it anymore. The technology has gotten much more deadlier since the last “Winter” economic collapse leading to a World War 3. This winter will far exceed the lasts 65 million. I enjoy your blog. Enjoy your life for all we have is today. The normalcy bias of the average american sheeple will not be overcome. All will continue until the stores are empty, the lights are off and chaos begins. Sheep are kindly creatures but they know only 2 modes. peaceful grazing and stampede. Hopefully not too many nukes are expended in the coming storm.
Well I understand how the gloom and doom can effect one mentally for it does the same to me but I still like to know what’s going on Daily.This site is still a great place to get information and get support from like minded people.I hope as the 4th turning becomes more deadly and dangerous we will have the Burning Platform as a place of comfort in the coming economic tribulations.
Does anyone know what happened to Stucky ?
Re Stucky see IS above
I think Trump is doing a better job than you realize. Avoiding a crash is a big part of that job. I would much rather be in the States than Europe or Asia. They might not be so lucky. Congress is a tough nut to crack, a bunch of amoral traitorous swine. But they have a big problem, the clock. Their owners want three things, the tax money from obongocare, a deep cut in corporate and repatriation tax rates, and a continuing resolution, as opposed to a budget. The same small group will try to fuck it all up. Trump will win, on all three. Just be patient. Obongo was dumb enough, the state department became a de facto parallel government. Deconstructing that one has already begun in earnest. The purge at justice and the FBI is just beginning. Llpoh was describing lean managment at his place a little while back, Trump is doing the same thing. How many assistant secretaries of this or that do you need? What’s that saying, things happen slowly, then all at once. We’ll see. Keep writing, Jim. You are the draw here. Stucky is greatly missed. I hope his drama gets resolved and he gets back here where he belongs. And they lobotomized john mccain today.???
Jim,
I agree with Starfcker, particularly “I think Trump is doing a better job than you realize” and “Just be patient.” As I write this, Trump is one day shy of 6 months in office. He’s fighting the Deep State as you note, and that will take time to dismantle decades of mismanagement. He’s got 3 1/2 years to go. He will win.
He’s got folks like former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt at EPA, which I have LONG considered the most dangerous executive agency in the USG because it is a deadly killer to the economy. Pruitt has plenty of experience fighting the agency he is now leads, and he’s quietly changing its pernicious rules. With the 100% backing of his boss.
Stuff like this is totally below the MEDIA AND PUBLIC radar while Trump tweets. Pruitt changes the Clean Water rules. Tweet about Russia. Pruitt changes the Clean Air rules. Tweet about the Senate and Obamacare.
So many tweets, so little time to cover what’s really happening.
Thank you for your thoughtful article. I have followed your writings and website for the last couple of years but this is my first time commenting.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s believing that America stood for all that was best in the world. For many years I had near total faith in our government even when I disagreed with some of its actions and policies. I served in the Armed Forces. I worked hard and with a wonderful wife raised a family. I thought our government was right during the Vietnam War and I thought it was right in the first Gulf War. However, watching McNamara describe our befuddled involvement in Vietnam in the movie “Fog of War” was thoroughly disillusioning . Suddenly, the second Iraq war seemed like a dreadful repeat of the same foggy thinking .
Over the last five years I have gradually shifted away from watching mainstream media and financial news to instead exploring the internet in search of search of sites offering an independent analysis of the events and trends that have real impact on our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren.
Please accept my thanks for your help in my journey. I am sure many others are similarly indebted. Meandering through an adult education has led me to see many recurring themes.
For example, the quandary posed by our human existence has been catalogued through the ages — from Ecclesiastes 1:4-11, to the myth of Sisyphus,to Machiavelli, to Pogo’s discovery that “we have met the enemy and he is us.” It appears to me that like Sisyphus with his rock, we are doomed to repeat the four turnings for however long our species exists.
I worry that we are facing facing the gravest of financial, social and geopolitical disasters while our leaders fiddle and fleece.
I also worry that at our core we humans are apex predators only precariously and intermittently restrained by the grace of empathy .
But then I stop and think of the many incredible acts of human kindness I have seen and think of all for which I must be grateful, and I am comforted.
Perhaps the present time is always the best of times and the worst of times.
In any event I am grateful for your musings.
Nicely done, admin. But my take-away from you and almost all of the commentators is you’re rocking chair whiners. How about some basic action? There will be a “First Turning” you know. How about your kids, grandkids and greats? Seeing what y’all see many moons ago, I sold my town home here in North Idaho and moved a few miles north onto five acres. Modest, well insulated home with wood stove and lots of firewood on three of the acres. Bought a bunch of seeds and “how to grow” books, built a chicken coop , get lots of eggs. Potatoes are great. Traded some gold for a nice HK Benelli semi-auto 12 and Browning 30-06 BAR plus miscellaneous pistols. I bring the sons and grandkids out 3-4 times a year for barbeque and show them the 1/2 acre garden . Produces more than 4 of us can eat, give the ret to the family. Collect hand tools for making simple furniture……you get the picture. They don’t need it now, but maybe tomorrow….and there will be a tomorrow for them, and then they will remember, and survive.
Off your asses, whiners. Remember your fucking heritage!!
Sounds like somebodies brother died here. Yeah, I like the blues too, reinforces what I believe to be true. I’m in agreement with IS, can’t stop the flood now. Done things to make the reset easier, maybe. Moved here four years ago. Took neighbor a couple years to trust me. He assured me that both bridges leading into town will be blown if needed. I laughed out loud. Some of these sheep are well armed.
haha Two bridges cross the river leading to my neck of the woods also. A pretty defensible plot of land.
That’s pretty much how I feel-I’ve been outraged for many years and continue to be so. This latest batch in DC is no better then the past, totally ignoring the impending catastrophe. Playing Look a Squirrel is about all they can do while they continue with the exact same bullshit that got us here. Anyone that thinks we the people have representation in DC is fucking deluded.
And I gave up on the media in the early 80s watching them savaging RR. There was about a 10+ year span when I felt like I was about the only one that felt this way. Talk goodness for AM talk. It started for me in Denver with Alan Berg, then Mike Rosen who were ringing some bells.
You’re a better man then me spending so much of your time trying to deliver a cluebat to a populace that for the most part, is caught up with naval gazing. Though you must have made a bit of a difference. Don’t give up on Trump just yet. I too am frankly disappointed at him being influenced in this oversea’s crap. He’s fighting headwinds that would wither most. The rat bastard Rs in Congress make me fucking sick. They could steam roll the Ds and they couldn’t do shit but the ones pulling their strings have just too much on them.
Those with open eyes and open minds can see the fog and darkness so well described in your blogs. Yet, this question creeps into my mind, What does ‘all is right’ look like? When can we say ‘all is well’? Have we truly ever seen it or been there? When has there ever been a place or time in history when this is not true: “The desire for wealth and power by sociopaths, delusions of grandeur among the rich, tendency of human beings to act in a herd like manner leading to bubbles and busts, and an overall ignorance of the masses, are constants across the millennia.”? Are we looking for the garden of Eden? Your quote from Machiavelli truly sums it up. It is down-right discouraging, yet the message must go on. The hope must be held onto. There is no light without darkness. There is no resurrection without death.
Very good article…thank you.
The problem with being an old boomer is that I well remember when most Americans were enjoying an orgy of sanctimonious affluence and justifying the invasions and destabilizing of other countries on behalf of our corporations. Now that the proverbial shoe is on the other feet…ours…were portraying ourselves as the besieged victims of the “bad guys” who once made us well off.
First…humility and penance…then brotherly love and help…and a better country.
An epic article that draws epic posts, I’ve enjoyed them all. Mainly have been feeling isolated as I have very few like minded individuals who see what’s coming around me.
I’ve also noticed it only takes a few minutes of MSM to demoralize, as all they keep saying is Russia, Russia, Russia. The more the Russian narrative is exposed the more they push the lies. It’s kind of uncanny to watch the thread of reason and sanity unravel, I just wish it would finally break, because the longer it takes the worse it will be.
“…it only takes a few minutes of MSM to demoralize, as all they keep saying is Russia, Russia, Russia. ”
Reminds me of a lot of professing Christians blaming every thing on “The Devil.” No, check the finger prints on the whiskey bottle.
I’ve learned to listen to the MSM and believe the opposite.
All you posters keep up the good work. I thrive on TBP. Read it all day till I go crawl under my bed at night.
Speaking of Russia, Russiaphobia has caught up with the CrazyRussianHacker on YouTube. He had to change his logo because he had the hammer and sickle on it. His advertisers were unhappy about it, apparently. He lives in the U.S. but grew up in the Soviet Union. If you’ve never watch his channel, it’s very good and he’s extremely popular. In fact one person commented on that video saying they would be blaming CrazyRussianHacking for hacking the election next.
Here’s the video where he talks about it.
I’m not sure if I’ve reached peak outrage yet, but my tolerance has built up to the point that most posts here just leave me just shaking my head and not really being outraged and anything. I think once you understand and accept our fate that this will not unwind gracefully and that there is no way to predict exactly when or how it will take place, all you can do is keep on living and enjoy the time we have the people and places around us.
Jim, I hope you keep writing articles like this one, even if they become less frequent. I have faith that people will find them and have their eyes opened. I suspect we will end up being along for the ride and not driving the bus when it all goes down though. It won’t be much satisfaction when the whole world is burning to be able to say “I told you so”.
First of all, I am on the left. What you and others on the “other side” describe as “the left” is entirely fraudulent. Obama, Clinton, and the congressional leaders are just another version of the right–that is, they favor the status-quo and have only a rhetorical interest in the average person much like the right. Yes, the liberal-progressive wing of the Democratic Party leans to the left a bit but, in the end favor the Permanent War State (PWS) and the gangsters that run the financial cartel.
Speaking of that cartel, have you ever wondered why critics on the right and real-left who have been predicting a “crash” really since a year after the last one have been consistently wrong? Well, here’s why and a hat-tip to Paul Craig Roberts who kinds of gets it. Ok, the big banks, Wall Street/City speculators, sovereign funds?central banks, international orgs whether the ECB, IMF, WB, or other smaller players, and world finance ministers all are closely networked through not just an international bureaucracy of operatives but in increasingly integrated network of computers, i..e, neural-nets/AI that act as a virtual controller of the world’s markets. To put it another way the markets are pretty much rigged through, mainly, the strength of these increasingly robust neural nets. The efficiency of this regime hasn’t played out yet as value and money is increasingly fictional and based purely on what the virtual Emperor of the World (the fearsome Big Computer people in the 50s and 60s feared would take over the world) stretches its muscles). Of course the foolishness and greed of many of the players may bring it all down but I think, after 2008, what was figured in. So our grousing about “the situation” is irrelevant–we will have to just watch what happens because we have no power.
A very intelligent friend told me yesterday she keeps away from political/social/economic issues because they all beg the question “what shall we do”? I said there is nothing to be done. What we can “do” is actually just be fully who we are and see what happens. Being is all we have left, realistically. And I say this as someone who was at the fringes of revolutionary times in the late 60s and early 70s. In those days “something” could be done though not as much as we thought. But today there’s nothing we can do other than express who we are and work magic–that’s the next frontier that the networked world cannot touch. Spirituality is the only open door and we need to walk through that as many have but not, of course, in the authoritarian way many churches go to further repress people but in the inner more Gnostic course that is open to us wherever we look.
You can see the turnaround in the “markets” in April 2009 when the rules of the markets changed; ie…..All the trash that was on the books of the financial world were “off the books” no longer “marked to market”….and the turnaround in the stock market was remarkable….all this is easily researched. Just Google “mark to market rules change 2009”. The markets today generally have no true “price discovery” and is just trash. The same with the garbage the FED has slopped up since then. Wherever it resides it is still trash and not fit for what are called capitalist markets.
Wow, that was worth the wait.
I got past peak outrage and moved on to preparing for the first turning. Every bit of effort, every dime I have ever made, every possibility or prospect that remains for me I have turned into fuel for the next generation. I’m done, my time has come and gone and as much as pining for it soothes the soul, it accomplishes nothing.
This past weekend a couple of TBP readers came all the way out from Indiana to spend some time teaching our interns how to weld and they brought not only their skills, they brought their good will, their friendship and their sense of gratitude for having been given this opportunity to be here at all. It was a great visit, they were two of the most interesting and decent people, the time spent was meaningful and productive and at this morning’s meeting with the interns the attitude and enthusiasm was infectious.
These are times of great fraud and deception, but that only makes the truth and goodness that abound everywhere else seem much more meaningful and profound.
Whatever you have created here, none of it has been naught. For every outrage and calumny you’ve reported on, you’ve created twice as much goodwill and earnest intensity that will reverberate well beyond the fourth turning.
Take heart Jim, you are a prophet whose influence extends far beyond the confines of your own experience, and I for one am deeply grateful for what you’ve done.
These are times of great fraud and deception, but that only makes the truth and goodness that abound everywhere else seem much more meaningful and profound.
Yep. And I always love your contributions Hardscrabble. Instead of yelling at the TV you are working with what you have to make a life worth living. I’m trying to do the same.
I’m not a Democrat and I did not like Hillary nor Trump and unlikely any choice we would have been given. Sounds like you approve of Trump overall though, which is really disgusting given he stuffed the government regulation agencies with Goldman Sux employees and other big biz parasites, is removing safeguards for our health and welfare as fast as possible, and is a total embarrassment to our country. You are totally deluded if you think Trump is for the citizens of this country.
You totally miss the point – which is that Trump was and is infinitely preferable to the unutterably vile Beast.
At least you didn’t say you were quitting, thank you for that.
I can’t disagree with anything you say, but what can you do to prepare yourself for what’s coming.
Gaylon, I thought that’s what he was going to say, too. I’m so thankful that’s not the case. This was a great article.
I used to worry that I wouldn’t have enough food or tools or whatever else I would need when the whole thing comes tumbling down. I’ve learned not to stress about it now. Though I’ve bought some things I think I’ll need, I’ve also started investing in skills more than worldly items. I don’t have a lot of extra money, especially with a kid in college, so this is the best way for me. If I know where I can find wild food, then I won’t starve. If I know how to build a shelter, I’ll be better off. And it’s comforting to know how to start a fire without matches or lighters for warmth.
Jim
I have myself been in a bit of a rut when it comes to comments. I suppose it was inevitable and inexorable. I posted short bit in the to fart or not to fart thread but for most part seem all tapped out for outrage these days. Not much left to say really. Still wish more people would take the red pill in order to prepare for what is coming. But wishing is as pointless as farting in a car with the windows rolled up. The stink only gets on you. Maybe if more got on board the date with iceberg could be postponed. But maybe it is better to grab a seat and enjoy the band.
I have often asked myself why more folks don’t confront the normalcy bias and outright fraud in media. Lately though I have come to conclusion that for many it is a normal defense to deny reality in order to push forward the reality of fate that awaits with increasing certainty with each passing day.
It does tire to wait for the maelstrom and no sane person should yearn for the coming calamity.
And yet some days I do.
Whatever the case the bell is about to be rung. On Friday last week I went to Quebec City to take part in a spectacle on Plains of Abraham with 100000 plus other Metalheads. Most middle aged like me and trying I suppose to relive one for last time a moment from a misspent youth. It was a fitting concert and playlist to what is currently under way in the world.
I may put thumb to phone and type a screed to capture my thoughts on weekend. Maybe. If this had happened a year or two ago I am more than certain that any thoughts I had would veer to the grandstands of outrage. Not anymore. Whether it is Polar Bears in Nova Scotia or Valhalla I have come to the conclusion that while we are headed for the cliff most either don’t care or safe in denying reality. With that in mind I sometimes envy their comfort in ignorance and bliss.
So like the solder fighting on the Western front. Squatting for days in the muck and the shit of the trench I have found that the only defense left that works for me is the fatalistic gallows humour. It serves as the balm to get me thru the days before we are ordered over the top.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd1Fn4gHYac
It would be nice to think that those who prepare best will survive the most. But as with war outcome will no doubt be arbitrary and without mercy. Like those poor souls on all sides at Gallipoli it will not matter how good you are at bracing yourself when the bullets begin to rain down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-kVrdc9g_s
We live in a world of Great Apes dressed in fancy suits masquerading as men. Primitive and invariably a joke. So for now all that is left me at least is to occasionally spit on the ground and have a laugh at the insanity.
Pennsylvania Turnpike – I remember driving in the Oct 2011 Ice storm on the way back from the Southwest. 15-20 mph in 4 wheel drive and still barely staying on the road. Hours of white knuckle butt puckering terror. When I finally got home to Central NJ a huge maple tree had fallen in the front yard and driveway. The power was out. I got stuck in some debris in my driveway but winched myself out. Finally got inside, lit a candle, made a pot of coffee and turned on the transistor. One of the finest moments of that year. I had survived a harrowing journey 0f 2,000 miles and sat in the candlelight listening to dispatches from other survivors of their own personal victories and defeats.
The point is, this shitstorm had a beginning, a middle and an end. I was home safe and reminiscing about past adventures and doing a victory dance in my head honoring the successful completion of my latest odyssey.
Today I am blessed or cursed to be in the middle of a Fourth Turning which will not end before my days on earth. When it gets too hard, I’ll turn out the lights and T.V. , light a candle and reflect on a long adventure which has not yet ended……………………………..
P.S. Jim, The Burning Platform, your essays, and the posts of all remnant who come here are the radio signal in the tempest that inspire this remnant to go on. Faith to you.
I completely feel your fatigue, Jim. I feel it as well. It’s like you see a house on fire and start pointing and screaming, and people just walk by and ignore it. After a while you’re tired and hoarse, and realize that if everyone’s just going to pretend it isn’t happening, there’s no point in trying to sound the alarm.
In my case, at first I had to write because I couldn’t not write – I had to get it out, I had to use writing as a way to work through my understanding of the issues. But as the fatigue sets in, you have to ask yourself: What is my goal? Expressing outrage is exhausting, and you never get a sense of progress or completion because there’s always something new to be outraged about. It might help if you set a specific, measurable goal that you want this site to achieve. And I’m not talking about dollars raised or visitor stats: I’m talking about creating a community (help people connect with a chat or bulletin board function), giving people practical information on weathering the storm (like Chris Martenson), giving people tools to fight back against media manipulation, or naming names and detailing crimes so people know who to be mad at when it all goes to hell.
If you don’t set a worthy and measurable goal, you’ll burn yourself out. And no matter how good an analyst and writer you are (and you’re excellent), the public will continue to be like the dog below:
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You’ve got Overthunk. Get away from this shit for awile. Give the noggin a rest, head for the sticks with the family for hiking, swimming, cookin outside, cracken some beers. Back to nature, back to simple for a reset. Everything will be just as clusterfucked when you get back but your eyeballs will be fresh.
I am reminded of the writings of one Albert Jay Nock.
Back in the 1920’s or 30’s he wrote in plain to understand layman’s language about the trials and tribulations of the prophet Isaiah. He describes how God told Isaiah to go out in the public square and unceasingly preach to the masses that they must repent and cease their evil ways in order to avoid the just punishment that was coming. God then told Isaiah to realize ahead of time that the masses won’t listen, they won’t repent, they will reject him, and ultimately he will be lucky to escape with his life.
Isiah then asks what is the point of having me do this if you know in advance they won’t listen? And the answer was: Because there is a REMNANT scattered throughout the masses who will get it, and they are the ones that the message is for. God also said to Isaiah that you don’t know who or how many comprises the remnant, but that doesn’t matter, because THEY will know YOU, and they will know your message is for them.
Some time later, after the masses had turned on Isaiah amd he had barely escaped with his life, he fled to the wilderness where God found him hiding out in a cave. God said, hey Isaiah, what are you doing way out here in the middle of nowhere, so far away from the job I gave you to do? Isaiah told Him the remnant are all gone. The government cracked down and rounded them all up, they are all dead or in prison. I am all that is left. Whereupon God told him no they are not all dead. In fact there are more than 5000 of them still out there, and they still need to hear your message. For when the destruction does come, I need the remnant to survive. So Isaiah, get thee back to town and do your job that I gave you to do.
So Jim, we are your remnant. We are still out here. And not just us, but those that we spread the message to. Even when you think it is all to no avail, just remember that it was never about converting the masses, but rather about reaching those of us scattered throughout the country and society who have ears to hear. WE are the ones your message is for. You really do not know and likely will never know who we all are. But WE know YOU. And those for whom your message is intended will find their way to you.
That is all.
good comment trueman-write more often–
WOW! Your post resonates with me completely and it is a reminder that I need to continue on this journey with the rest of the remnant. Even as weary as I seem to get at times, I still need to keep walking with the Lord during these trying and end days. God Bless you, thank you for your post.
Good advice ,Dennis. I’ve spent 1/2 of this summer camping away from the internet and even phone communication. The world is still crap but I do feel better.
Fourth Turnings are the true horror stories of humanity. This stuff is more frightening than Steven King. Prepare the best you can and keep your head down. If this were the 19th century we would be in 1855. Civil war is cold right now but who knows what will happen when SHTF. When the economy tanks we will be looking at WW III or CW II.
The economy is cracking. Illinois,Puerto Rico, debt distress and pension disaster bodes ill for coming years. FSA will not take kindly to being hungry and even more poor than they are now.
Invest in food and lead . You’re going to need both.
Sigh, I too have “donor fatigue” and rarely watch conventional news any more as it is hard to listen to the overpaid talking heads now that I can’t “unsee” the truth. So I will continue to hoe my garden as St. Francis said when asked what he would do if he knew he would die tomorrow. I weep for my country.
I would be more than happy to name a refurbished sewer system after our politicians. The materials that flow through those pipes are the same that make up the political establishment anyway.
Simply outstanding article, the metaphor of the drive down the turnpike really resonates with me. I travel a fair bit for work and pleasure/family and 90% of that is by car. In the last several years I have driven to Colorado and back from Virginia and all over the southeast. I prefer a 7 hour drive to to a 7 hour airline experience. I can see and learn more and travel very prepared. Everywhere I have been I see the signs and indicators confirming my long held belief that it is only a matter of time until we are confronted with the inevitable reckoning of all the perdition that has brought us to this point. I guard against simple confirmation bias and fully realize that the totality of my world and experience is not anymore valid as an indicator that anyone else’s. However, my conclusion is that I no longer can fathom what “is keeping the balls in the air”. I type this from an extended family vacation gathering at the beach in North Carolina. I gaze out at the ocean and the strip of half million dollar and up beach houses (we are renting) and I am as mystified as ever. Everyday I am inline at a store, I see folks who have credit cards (often multiple) declined. I like to take the side roads and what I see is often worrisome and further validates my thoughts. I see people driving vehicles that must have car payments bigger than their rent or house payment. Within my social circle I am aware of so many family tragedies being driven by medical and substance abuse that are tearing at the fabric of families that I can no longer keep track of them. At work I witness the relentless march of AI, automation and offshoring of once rewarding careers in order to save money to increase the return to the “shareholder”. The cult of fealty to the mythical “shareholder” will be the cancer that wipes out the average american employee. Indeed there is a core “kernel” of 75 million +/- “producers” keeping the the Ponzi scheme going and when those are wiped/taxed out, the game will be over. I wish for it sooner than later as I desperately want to be there to help my children and close friends make across the turning, it is what motivates me every day. So, I will continue to prepare and position our family for the inevitable reckoning. It is not easy or enjoyable to think this way day in and day out, but I find it the only logical thing to do and I cannot consign us to be among the sleepwalking masses.
Speaking of click bait, I know it takes $ to keep a site up, but many of the advertisements alongside the stories here are not things I want to send to my kids. Is there a way to get an a “clean” copy to email to folks ? This story in particular I want my family to read.
I think you can copy and paste it into a Word document or the body of an email. I write the article in Word, so I know it will work there.
Good article Jim and I know you’re in depth writings have to be appreciated by most that read them. I can understand the fatigue of “trying to pull back the curtain on the Deep State operatives in the government, military, Wall Street, mainstream media and central banking.”
I keep myself well informed and have tried for years to also inform those that mean something to me but I am not that articulate of a speaker nor a very good writer and I usually get nowhere. I have all but given up trying to inform anyone about all this stuff, it just gets so tiring. It doesn’t stop me from reading articles here and at many of the other places you mentioned every day.
I believe that many of us (the deplorables) that saved us from Hitlarly have eyes that see but keep quiet about what we see happening. Many like me will be ready to protect our property and loved ones when the balloon actually goes up. It really makes no sense anymore to try to show anyone that doesn’t really want to know which direction that the wind is blowing.
I can’t imagine, with all the bubbles, that they can keep this thing going much longer. After all, I am 2 years removed from 65 and hoping to retire then so what could possibly go wrong? In the meantime, I try to enjoy every day for what it is because too much doom and gloom will eat you up.
Just understand that you probably are not reaching many of the people that don’t want to be reached with your great writings anyway, but those of us that come here are here for that reason, so keep your head up and know that we are behind you.
Thanks so much, Tony
Outstanding article Jim.
Even more outstanding comments from the sage and wise regulars.
As most of you may or may not know, we are moving from our little safe space slice of heaven here in Kentucky right into the malestrom of suburb life sandwiched between two major metropolitan areas just north of here.
We’ve thrown in the towel on this place as we have been unable to convince family or friends to come and join us. Farm life is great, when there are others around to share the experience and work load. Hell, we have three seperate buildings that have living spaces and still, no takers.
I’m fed up with the whole shit show that is dot guv, fake news, and everyday American cognative dissonace. What I say or do only affects me and my wife as no one outside of here will listen to my advice, warnings, and wisdom of what is about to come down on us, save one man. Out of all of the people that think they are smart around here that I have talked to, only one gets it. He realized when I had pointed out the fact that the Kentucky public pension system is going to hit the shitter a lot faster than most due to the underfunding aspect of approximately 67% underfunded, that it was time to start stacking heavy metal for he and his families own good. Today, well as of a few weeks ago, he has accumulated various sizes of bars and rounds totalling 1,200+ ounces of silver. He gets it and I get the satisfaction of knowing that out of all the effort that I put in trying to convice others to get ready, at least one man heeded the warning.
Jim, you’re a good man doing good things for your family at home, as well as your family here. We are all in the same boat, some of us taking turns manning the wheel, slinging bail buckets, guarding the provisions, and some are rearranging the deck chairs. Whatever happens, whatever fate awaits the lot of us, whatever comes out on the other side, you may take solace in the fact that you are/were a good messenger in the eyes of God. He will take care of you and yours for your efforts to wake up the sheeple, regardless if they listen or not. Peace brother.
TG- How in the world could you move to Ohio? I wrote those SOB’s off for good after voting for Oreo TWICE. Fukkin Obama loving libtards.
Inorite?!
Growing up in Florida, I used to loathe the Ohio snowbirds that would migrate each year down to there and bring their non-driving skills with them. Slow in the left lane cause I gotta turn left in five miles. Constant brake checking on the Interstate, Turing left from the right lane, and vice versa, etc.. Nothing has changed about that, they still stuck on steroids when driving. Maybe it has to do with the cops? The cops up here are total fucking dicks. They fuck with everybody really hard so it’s best to not get pulled over unless you’re in the badge club, like me. They pull me over, I show them my badge and firefighter ID, and then go about my day as normal. People not in the badge club? They’re lucky to only get one or two tickets whenever they get pulled over. Getting pulled over by any cop can result in a death sentence these days, or so sez the Supremes.
Ohio? The wife is from here, has a lot of friends here, and we sort of missed the city life after leaving Tampa for Kentucky. It’s only 2.5 hours between each place, and we’re fed up with the fight. Not in us anymore so we’ll just go out, have a good time, and let the chips fall where they may.
Tampa, that is a discouraging story. We moved from 20+ years in Vegas to north Az four years ago. I can’t imagine ever living in the city again. My wife misses the comforts and choices that we gave up when we left the neon nile. She has become a master gardener and has taken on the job of becoming a gopher whisperer. The first three years here I caught about 4 gophers, in the past year she has slayed over 90. We have this down pretty well now and the two of us can keep up the place while still making improvements from time to time.
I love it out here and hope I never have to go back to high density human living. If things work out the kids will get this place free and clear. If we leave the wife gets to pick where we go next, she is leaning towards Fla. as the last of her family lives there. I have some family as well in the panhandle so that might not be so bad. All the family I have in Az showed their true colors over the last few years. They thought this place was created for their sole benefit, but they were unwilling to do anything to contribute to our effort. Just like the grasshoppers that the majority of murkins have become.
I supported Trump wholeheartedly. Mostly bc he was NOT Hillary, but also bc he was an outsider, beholden to no one. And I hoped he would follow through on even some of his promises.
He has been OK in my view. But I am very disappointed that he has not utilized his power as he should. There are two excellent examples:
1. As Jim Rickards has pointed out in this piece: https://dailyreckoning.com/jim-rickards-trump-owns-federal-reserve/. Trump has complete ability to reshape the Federal Reserve (and by extension monetary policy) however he wants. He merely needs to make appointments. But he hasn’t. And he has even spoken about keeping Yellen in place.
Mr. Quinn amongst many others has correctly pointed to the Fed as being the root cause of many of our society’s problems.
2. Karl Denninger has pointed out that the root cause of our healthcare dysfunction is the absence of legitimate and transparent pricing.
https://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?blog=Market-Ticker&cat=Health%20Reform
This could be addressed WITHOUT new legislation, either by clarification through executive order or by insistence on enforcing existing law. If we had a real pricing system in medicine, market forces would likely cause prices to fall.
The fact that Trump has not moved on either of these makes me suspicious. I am sure it is much more difficult than anyone can really understand, given the tremendous power of the forces he is going up against. So I will cut him a lot of slack. But these two maneuvers are entirely in his control.
I applaud your decision to retreat from writing if that’s what you inevitably do. Like Denniger and others, you have to ask yourself, exactly how many rides Revere made
Better to settle into an 1850s approach for yourself and family
Those who “get it” are aiming towards this. Do the same
I greatly appreciate your time and sacrifice
Greetings,
You are 100% correct. I live in Tourist Town in the center of liberalism in the US of A. If there is a place more removed from reality, I’ve not found it. That said, each and every day I see people that look like they are about to have a stroke or Thelma & Louise their car off of the PCH 1. Each and every “outrage” committed by people they do not know and that live thousands of miles away drives them into some primitive frenzy. Frankly, I’m very curious to see the mortality rates and how they’ve changed since November. The media generated stress has to be killing some of them. It just has to.
I’m taking the long view on all of this. I go about my daily business with an occasional glance towards to horizon to see if the hoards of EBT rioters are kicking up any dust. So long as the end isn’t here and it isn’t today then the best thing I can do is to continue to thrive in the environment I have to work with. Wishing for utopia isn’t going to make it materialize.
Mr. Quinn,
You are indisputably a talented writer with respect to cultural, economic and political analysis and you tell the truth (as far as my brain allows me to see), but maybe part of the problem is that you tell the truth too directly for a population full of wiffle ball brains. This Emily Dickinson poem comes to mind:
Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —
Maybe it is a ridiculous suggestion and God knows, these people deserve every ounce of ridicule you throw at them, but I would love to see what you could do using a different methodology. It may help refresh your mind too. I have tried it — largely without success. I am pretty sure it is the right way, but it is hard to implement. I think you could do it and likely well.
Best & thanks for providing the forum here,
4.4% unemployment? Maybe in a few areas, but anecdotally in the lib paradise of NYC I would say its about 25%. Go to the Bronx, outer Brooklyn and Queens and see all the able bodied folks just milling around on a typical weekday. Yet the fake news journalists are always standing in Manhattan when they do their 30 second puff pieces. Manhattan and DC are literally islands unto themselves. As an aside 102 million/255 million is 40% not working. I would say that is more accurate of whats really going on. Out.
Jim – your writing over the past 5 or 6 years (when I discovered your site) has been an inspiration to me and I have previously mentioned that whatever you do from “now” until TEOTWAWKI you will have “fought the good fight”. In addition to the highly informative commentary both by you and others there is the tremendous benefit to all concerned of knowing that there is a community of rational individuals still extant (in spite of the efforts of TPTB over the last 60 years to create a nation of mental zombies). Thank You for everything you have done to further the cause of liberty and civilization.