Will the U.S. Start WWIII?

by Alfred Adask

"I have read an unconfirmed report that 139 of the world's nations are already in agreement to abandon the dollar. . . . 

"I personally believe that this is very probable . . . a complete "break" away from the U.S. and western financial systems is perfectly logical leading into some sort of reset.  I believe that the reset will occur without any input or guidelines from the U.S.  In my opinion, the "reset" will be imposed on the U.S. . . .

"The danger is that the U.S. ends up 'kicking the table over . . . [causing a] WWIII.  Make no mistake, World War III has already started in many forms, especially trade and finance. 

". . .  I think the most likely scenario is a global war and one that is started by the U.S.  The U.S. is not going to go down quietly, lose power and become a 3rd world nation without kicking and screaming."

I agree that a global currency reset might reduce the US to the status of a 3^rd World Country.

However, I disagree with Mr. Holter's contention that the US government will start WWIII to protect the value of the fiat dollar.

After all, with government's assent and approval, the fiat dollar has lost 95% of its purchasing power since A.D. 1971.  After allowing and even causing the loss of 95% of the dollar's value, why would the government start WWIII to protect the remaining 5%?

It's true that, after Saddam Hussein started selling Iraqi crude for euros in A.D. 2000, our gov-co invaded Iraq.  But that invasion was not to protect the fiat dollar against devaluation.  That invasion was to protect the "petro-dollar" and its status as "world reserve currency".  That invasion failed to achieve those objectives. 

Today, all that's left to defend is the dollar's value.  I doubt that our government has much interest in that defense.

*  Given that NSA spies on all Americans, most people in the EU and certainly the leaders of the world's governments, I doubt that 139 nations could "secretly" agree to dump the dollar without the US government finding out.  If the US objected to the dollar being dumped, some or all of those 139 nations might suffer a number of assassinations before a "dollar reset" was "imposed" in the US.

But no outbreak of political assassinations has been seen.

Why?  Because the past 40 years proves that the US government wants inflation (devaluation) and would like nothing better than an excuse to devalue the dollar by 30%, 50% or maybe more. 

Why?  Because if the dollar is dramatically devalued, so is the national debt. 

I.e., the "official" national debt is $17 trillion.  If the dollar was suddenly devalued by 50%, the value or purchasing power of the national debt would also be devalued by 50%.  We'd still be liable to repay a nominal "$17 trillion," but those dollars would only be worth half as much as they are today.  The creditors would only receive about $8 trillion in purchasing power for the $17 trillion that they'd loaned to gov-co. 

Given that the US government is the world's biggest debtor, a global "reset" that devalued the dollar would reduce the government's national debt and thereby help the US government, while simultaneously robbing government's creditors. 

*  Over $5 trillion of the $17 national debt is owed to foreign creditors, some of whom must be among the 139 nations allegedly planning to dump the dollar. 

The quintessential foreign creditor is China-which allegedly holds over $1 trillion in US debt.  If there were a global "reset" that devalued the dollar by 50%, China would lose $500 billion in purchasing power.   Do you think China wants to dump and devalue the US dollar bad enough to take a $500 billion haircut?

I don't. 

So, who's more likely to start WWIII?  The US government-which would be enriched by a global reset?  Or China-which would be robbed by a global reset?

This argument is only amplified if our real national debt is closer to $90 trillion (as claimed by John Williams at Shadowstats.com) or over $200 trillion including unfunded liabilities as claimed by the Congressional Budget Office.

Of course, if the US dollar were devalued by 50%, the America's people and economy would be hurt.  Many might suppose that in order to protect the people and economy, our overly-indebted government would fight to preserve the dollar's value. 

But, again, I disagree.

When was the last time you saw the US government fight to do what was right for the American people-especially if doing so hurt the government?

I suspect our government would secretly cheer for a global reset that would reduce the value of dollars by 50% (or more) and thereby also reduce the national debt by 50% (or more).

I suspect that our government would like nothing better than to see 139 foreign nations "gang up" in the US and dump/devalue the dollar.  If that happened, the US government could claim to blameless for whatever adverse economic consequences afflicted the American people.

For the US government, a global currency reset imposed by 139 foreign governments might be the best of all possible worlds.  First, that global reset would allow the US government to rob its creditors.  Second, that global reset would allow the US government to avoid taking the blame for devaluating the dollar.

(In fact, when I think about it, if there are 139 nations eager to dump and devalue the dollar-I'll bet that "gang" may be secretly organized, encouraged and even controlled by the US government.)

*  As I've argued for years, "What can't be paid, won't be paid."  Anyone with an IQ over 90 who looks at the US national debt knows that it's too big to ever be repaid in full.  That means that the US must inevitably default on some or all the US national debt at some future date. 

The only questions are:

When will that default take place?  And,

Who will be blamed for the default?

We know that, no matter what happens, the US government will be responsible for devaluing the dollar.  But who will be blamed?  China?  Russia?  The EU?  The "gang of 139"?

The reset is going to happen, and every American debtor will cheer when it does.  Creditors will be robbed.  Much of the capital needed to run our economy will disappear.  Few people will understand or care. 

But when will this inevitability occur and who-other than the U.S. gov-co-will be blamed?

We shall see. 

For a Few Dollars More

by Alfred Adask

Yahoo Finance reprinted an article from Credit.com entitled "How to Make an Extra $1,000 a month".  Judging from the title, making more money is an appropriate subject for credible financial advisors like Credit.com and Yahoo Finance because a recent survey (Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2013)  by the Federal Reserve indicates that 52% of Americans could not completely cover a hypothetical emergency expense of $400 without selling something or borrowing money.  In other words, 52% of the American people have cash savings of less than $400. 

That result is:

1) Frightening (What'll those people do if there's a systemic collapse?  $400 won't last long); and,

2) Good evidence that tens of millions of Americans should be interested in earning an "extra" $1,000 per month.

*  However, when I actually read the article, my jaw dropped.  The advice seemed appropriate for a 3^rd World Economy-but not the USA.  At least not the USA, I've known and remember.

To put my surprise in perspective, note that I've been so broke on two occasions (once around A.D. 1985 and again in A.D. 2003), that I was nearly homeless.   My poverty didn't last for more than a few weeks (at most) before I found a job or started a new business.  Even though I was broke, I had resources (tools, knowledge, youth, strength, etc.) and The United States of America was full of opportunities. 

But, judging from the recent "How to Make and Extra $1,000 a month" article, the opportunities that I took for granted are now gone or dramatically diminished.

I.e., according to Credit.com, we should, "Get Creative About Making Money".  For example,

"There are few places to start when looking for extra money, and many of them are in your own home. First, you can sell things you don't need, like used books and sporting equipment . . . ."

Great idea!  Sell your stuff!

Except for one thing:  in this recessed (or depressed) economy when 52% of Americans don't have $400 in cash, how many things do you have that "you don't need" that somebody else (who's just a broke as you are) does need?   If all we had to do to get out of debt was sell our junk to some other junk collector, the homeless could become instantly rich by selling the trash in their grocery cart that they don't need to the other homeless who still have space for more trash in their grocery cart.

But the homeless aren't buying more junk, and neither are most Americans. If you're planning to sell your stuff, you'd better plan on selling it cheap.

"For a steadier increase in cash flow, consider monetizing one of your hobbies, whether that's offering music lessons, selling crafty goods or teaching a fitness class. These options may mean you have to spend before you can earn (whether that's on marketing, certification or supplies), but eventually, you could produce a lucrative side business."

Likewise, if you invest all your spare money in Lottery tickets, you could also "eventually" get fabulously wealthy.  You could also get rich by taking a frying pan to the creek behind your house and panning for gold . . . well, it could happen!

But, seriously folks-selling your "crafty goods"? 

To who?  The country is broke.  Who's going to pay you to buy another "dream catcher" to hang in their kitchen window?

More, how many people do you know who:   1) have a hobby; and 2) are so adept at that hobby that that they could make money selling their resulting goods or services? 

There are a few such people, but not many.  The average man who needs another $1,000 a month doesn't have a significant hobby other than drinking beer and collecting the aluminum beer cans.

"You could always just look around for part-time jobs that fit your schedule, but if you already have your fill of "working for the man," don't worry - there are plenty more ideas you can come up with."

"Plenty more ideas," hmm? 

Well, now, the fun really begins with Credit.com's "7 Ideas for Increasing Your Income":

"1.  Search the Craigslist Odd Jobs Section.  Beware of scammers and people soliciting illegal activity, however."  

That's sensible.  It could work for a few people who have their own tools and some experience in doing odd jobs. 

But get this:

2. "Sell Blood Plasma.  You can do this regularly, but it's not going to get you rich. Various online sources say you'll get compensated between $20 and $40 for your time, and that figure may go up if you regularly contribute. . . .  another source of income for young men [is] sperm donors, but that process can be more intense than selling plasma every few days or months."

Here we are in what was once the greatest economy in the world, and credible financial advisers are suggesting that, if you're short on cash, all you need to do is sell your blood plasma or sperm.

As I wrote previously, I've been broke a time or two but, back then, the world was not so devoid of opportunities that anyone suggested or I even imagined that might sell my plasma or ejaculate. 

"3. Tutor.   Whether you have a flair for math, writing, foreign languages or computer programming, you can probably help someone learn and get paid for it. You can do this on your own or through private tutoring centers."

Again, that's sensible advice.  But only for a few. 

How many average Americans have a "flair" for anything that other average Americans would be willing to pay to learn? 

In this economy, why pay to learn anything if you can't use the resultant knowledge to get a higher-paying job or start your own business and make more money? 

If you have a "flair" for something that could be lucrative, why bother teaching others and building your own competition?  Why not simply take your "flair" and go get a better job, or go start a new business? 

If your "flair" won't help you get a better job, start a business and make more money, it probably won't help your students, either.  And they'll probably see that and therefore decline to pay to learn your "flair".

"4. Dumpster Dive.  People throw out good things you can sell (or inexpensively repair and sell). If skulking around for treasures left on the curb or abandoned in an alley isn't your cup of tea, you can accomplish similar feats at thrift shops. Don't forget to look into posting fees on sites like eBay that can cut into your profit."

Ohh, that's just great. 

Here, in the mighty United States, if you need a little more cash each month, why not take up dumpster diving?   

And don't forget-you can not only make money by selling whatever junk you find in the dumpsters (assuming you can find anyone looking to buy that junk)-you can also cut your monthly grocery bill by eating whatever food you find in dumpster.

Y'know, once you acclimate to dumpster diving, you'll see that the homeless lifestyle isn't as bad as most suppose.   In fact, if you're willing to be economically mobile (in a downward direction) you can solve all of your current debt problems by cutting your costs and learning to live like a beggar in a cardboard box.

Do you see what I'm talking about here?  The American economy is so bad that credible financial sources are advocating that indebted Americans start digging through garbage to find something to sell-just like the homeless in 3^rd World Nations.

Has America really fallen this far?

"5. Take Surveys.  There are some that pay a bit in cash (about $5 per survey), while others are points-based rewards. Search for reputable sites."

Again, that's a semi-sensible recommendation-at least for high school kids who can't find a summer job.   But, if you're an adult who needs an extra $1,000 a month, you'll need to take 7 surveys a day, 7 days a week to meet your $1,000 goal (assuming you don't get paid in "points"). 

Do you think you can find 7 surveys a day that will pay for your opinion?   You might be able to do so for a little while, but I'll bet that you'll quickly exhaust whatever supply of surveys might be available.

"6. Walk Dogs.  Make sure you actually like dogs and are prepared to make the time commitment."

Yes, there's undoubtedly big money in walking other people's dogs-and scooping up the dogs' poop.   I'm pretty sure that's how Warren Buffett got started.  (Ohh, don't forget to pay your Obamacare premiums in case you get bit.)

And here's my favorite:

"7. Participate in Medical Trials.  This isn't a decision to take lightly, and you'll want to do plenty of homework before you start swallowing pills and taking injections in the name of science."

In other words, you could make more money by allowing the government and/or major corporations experiment on your body.

The list ends there and apparently only includes legal activities.

But don't forget, there are always opportunities to make money dealing drugs, becoming a pickpocket, robbing banks and joining the Mafia or the CIA as a part time hitman.  You can also pimp out your sister or beg for quarters from tourists.

In fact, if you really need an extra $1,000 per month, here's what you should do:

1)    Work hard to remove every politician from office who's supported global free trade, one-world government, low tariffs and the transfer of American industries and jobs to 3^rd World Nations.

2)    Work hard to remove every politician from office who's insisted that we fight and meddle in foreign countries over "American interests" and refused to protect The United State of America from an invasion by foreign aliens who will take many of our remaining jobs-and are already adept at dumpster diving.  (Apparently, our gov-co recognizes and will fight for U.S. special interests in places like Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia, but not in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.)

The treasonous whores in the cathouse on the Potomac have to go.

Of course, if you focus your attention on removing those treasonous whores now, it may be five years or more before the economy picks up and you begin to earn an extra $1,000 a month in a legitimate job.

But, if you don't start working now to remove the treasonous whores from Congress, the Senate and the White House, you won't live long enough to see a US economy that's sufficiently "recovered" to eliminate dumpster diving as a viable "occupation".   

AMERICAN SURVIVAL WEEKLY NEWS

A man who chooses between drinking a glass of milk and a glass of a solution of potassium cyanide does not choose between two beverages: he chooses between life and death.

A society that chooses between capitalism and socialism does not choose between two social systems: it chooses between social cooperation and the disintegration of society.  Socialism is not for an alternative to capitalism; it is an alternative to any system under which men can live as human beings."  Ludwig Von Mises

Gov't to sell $67B in Treasury securities next week as part of quarterly refunding

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government says it will sell $67 billion in Treasury securities next week as part of its regular quarterly refunding auctions. The Treasury Department also announced Wednesday that it will buy back a small amount of securities from market dealers in the fourth quarter to test the computer systems for such transactions. Treasury said it will sell $27 billion in 3-year notes, $24 billion in 10-year notes and $16 billion in 30-year bonds in the auctions next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The money raised would be part of the $192 billion that Treasury expects to borrow in the July-September quarter to keep the government operating. That amount is $22 billion higher than previous estimates. The government is borrowing less than in recent years, however, as the economy has recovered and tax revenues have increased.

Is it really t he economy that has recovered or is it the stock market  with increased capital gains that have improved the tax revenue??

Trade deficit

The trade deficit fell 7 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted $41.5 billion, from $44.7 billion in May, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Exports rose 0.1 percent to $195.9 billion, a record high. Imports fell 1.2 percent, the most in a year, to $237.4 billion. Imports of petroleum products fell, cutting the trade deficit in petroleum to its lowest in four years.

The unexpected decline suggests that growth may have been stronger in the second quarter than the government initially estimated.

 A lower trade deficit can boost economic growth when it shows Americans are buying more U.S. products and fewer overseas goods.

 The economy grew at a 4 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, the government said last week. But that figure included an estimate of the June trade deficit that was higher than Wednesday's figure.Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said in a note to clients that the deficit figures indicate growth may have been as high as 4.3 percent in the second quarter. The government will revise its figure for the April-June quarter later this month.Imports surged in the first four months of this year, pushing the trade deficit to a two-year high in April. A slowdown in imports was likely after the surge, economists said.June's decline comes after the trade deficit was a huge drag on the economy earlier this year, slowing growth by 1.7 percentage points in the first quarter. The economy shrank at a 2.1 percent seasonally adjusted annual rate in that quarter, the worst showing since the recession.But the government estimates that the trade gap was a much smaller drag in the second quarter, subtracting 0.6 percentage points from growth.

The trade deficit has widened in the first six months of this year to $260 billion, up from $242.7 billion in the first half of 2013. While exports have increased, imports have risen even more. But higher imports suggest that consumers and businesses are spending more.In 2013, the trade deficit declined by 11.4 percent. That reflected in part a boom in U.S. energy production that cut into America's dependence on foreign oil, while boosting U.S. petroleum exports to a record high. The nation's trade balance in oil has continued to improve this year. The U.S. had a petroleum trade deficit of $105.3 billion in the first half of this year, down from $125.7 billion last year.The U.S. deficit with the 28-nation European Union narrowed 9 percent in June from May to $11.2 billion, as exports to the region rose and imports fell. The gap with China, however, increased 4.5 percent to $30.1 billion, as exports rose but imports increased by much more

Poll: Americans want good highways, bridges but don't agree on how to pay for them

WASHINGTON (AP) - Small wonder Congress has kept federal highway and transit programs teetering on the edge of insolvency for years, unable to find a politically acceptable long-term source of funds.

The public can't make up its mind on how to pay for them either. Six in 10 Americans think the economic benefits of good highways, railroads and airports outweigh the cost to taxpayers. Yet there is scant support for some of the most frequently discussed options for paying for construction of new roads or the upkeep of existing ones, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.

Among those who drive places multiple times per week, 62 percent say the benefits outweigh the costs. Among those who drive less than once a week or not at all, 55 percent say the costs of road improvement are worthwhile.

At US-Africa summit, Obama to announce that US companies will invest $14 billion in Africa

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is announcing $14 billion in commitments by U.S. businesses to invest in the continent of Africa. Obama plans to make the announcement Tuesday at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum in Washington.

The forum is bringing together African heads of state and American business leaders to find ways to boost economic ties. It comes on the second day of a U.S.-Africa summit involving nearly 50 African heads of state. The White House says the investments include industries like construction, banking, information technology and energy. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker are also participating in the forum, along with companies like Chevron, IBM and Mastercard. Obama plans to host the heads of state for dinner on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday evening.

Obama signs $225 million package to replenish Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama signed a bill Monday granting an additional $225 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. The defense system has been highly effective in the current round of violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. It allows Israel's military to shoot down incoming rockets or mortars headed toward major population centers in Israel. Israeli officials say it has a success rate as high as 90 percent. The U.S. has provided hundreds of millions of dollars for Iron Dome in the past. The new package is intended to replenish Israel's capabilities. Congress approved the money last week before lawmakers left for their annual summer break. Obama signed the bill in the late afternoon in the Oval Office with a handful of photographers present.

THIS IS WHY YOU BUY GOLD AND SILVER......

$7,060,259,674,497.51--Federal Debt Up $7 Trillion Under Obama

(CNSNews.com) - The total federal debt of the U.S. government has now increased more than $7 trillion during the slightly more than five and a half years Barack Obama has been president.

That is more than the debt increased under all U.S. presidents from George Washington through Bill Clinton combined, and it is more debt than was accumulated in the first 227 years of this nation's existence--from 1776 through 2003.

The total federal debt first passed the $7-trillion mark on Jan. 15, 2004, after President George W. Bush had been in office almost three years.

When President Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009, the total federal debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. As of the close of business on July 30, 2014, it had risen to $17,618,599,653,160.19--up $6,991,722,604,247.11 from Obama's first inauguration day.

By the close of business on July 31, 2014, it had risen to $17,687,136,723,410.59-up $7,060,259,674,497.51 since Obama first inauguration day.

As of June, there were 115,097,000 households in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The $17,687,136,723,410.59 in debt the federal government had accumulated as of the end of July equaled $153,671.57 per household.

The $7,060,259,674,497.51 in new debt that the federal government has taken on during Obama's presidency equals $61,341.82 per household.

The median household income in the United States in 2012 (the latest year estimated) was $51,017. Thus, President Obama has increased the federal debt by more than the typical household's annual income. 

President Barack Obama said that the fancy homes and corporate jets of the rich don't bother him.

In an interview with The Economist last week the President said when he brings up income inequality, he's not trying to "stir class resentment" like his political opponents say.

"Feel free to keep your house in the Hamptons and your corporate jet ... I'm not concerned about how you're living," he said.

However, he said he obsesses with the fact that under his watch those at the top are getting a larger and larger share of the economy, whereas middle-class and working-class families are stuck.

"Their wages and incomes are stagnant. They've been stagnant for almost two decades now," he said.

Obama started his presidency amid the worst recession since the Great Depression, and he pointed out how much the country has improved since then.

"Our policies have produced a record stock market, record corporate profits, 52 months of consecutive job growth, 10 million new jobs ... an energy sector that's booming ... a housing market that has bounced back ... I think you'd have to say that we've managed the economy pretty well," he said.

Obama agreed that both his signature acts - healthcare and financial reform - could have been simpler. But he admitted elegance was hard to achieve in Washington.

"This goes back to the old adage of Churchill-democracy is the worst form of government except for all the alternatives," he said. "It's messy."

US officials return ancient coins to Greek government; prominent collector prosecuted

NEW YORK (AP) - Some ancient coins were returned to the government of Greece on Monday after the New York prosecution of a prominent collector from Rhode Island.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. and Greek officials held a ceremony marking the repatriation of coins dating to 500 B.C."

The coins being returned to us by the New York County district attorney are exquisite ancient artifacts that reflect Greece's culture, history and enduring strength," said Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos. "Back home, where they belong, they will be displayed - with the gratitude of the Greek people to the DA - for all to admire, our citizens and visitors to Greece alike."

The coins were part of a case against Rhode Island hand surgeon and coin aficionado Dr. Arnold-Peter Weiss, whose January 2012 arrest during a coin auction at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel roiled the numismatic world.

An orthopedics professor at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and author of a hand-surgery textbook, Weiss also had been on a coin collector and investor for 35 years and had served as on the board of the American Numismatic Society.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of stolen property. Those charges involved three coins he thought were fourth century B.C. Greek pieces that had been illegally taken from Italy - but were actually forgeries, prosecutors said.

Weiss was aiming to sell one of them for about $350,000 and two others for about $1.2 million apiece, prosecutors said. Weiss also forfeited his interest in about 20 other coins as part of his plea agreement, which also required him to do 70 hours of community service and write an article about the problem of trading in coins of uncertain origin.

His prosecution furthered a series of court cases and disputes over collecting and trading in objects that Italy and other countries consider looted pieces of their cultural patrimony.

Institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles have agreed to return various items to Italy. A former Getty assistant curator was criminally prosecuted in Rome, but the trial ended in 2010 with a judge saying the statute of limitations had expired.

Other countries, including Turkey and Greece, also have taken action in recent years to reclaim antiquities.

Texas abortion providers tell judge that 18 clinics set to close if disputed law takes effect

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Nearly three-quarters of Texas' abortion facilities would be forced to close by the end of this month if one of the nation's toughest new anti-abortion laws is allowed to take effect, attorneys for clinics challenging the law told a federal judge Monday. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel in Austin will rule on the latest challenge to the sweeping abortion restrictions that Texas' Republican-led Legislature passed last year. Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican who is the favorite to become governor next year, is defending the restrictions. The trial began as a federal judge in Alabama on Monday blocked a law in that state requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have hospital admitting privileges. There are currently 18 abortion clinics operating in Texas. All of them would close if Yeakel upholds a law set to take effect Sept. 1 that would require the clinics to meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers.

U.S. economic data released Thursday included the weekly jobless claims report

First-time weekly jobless claims in the U.S. fell by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 289,000 during the week to Saturday, the Labor Department said Thursday.

The tally was below consensus expectations compiled by various news organizations for new claims of somewhere between 300,000 and 315,000.

The government revised up the prior week's tally for initial jobless claims to 303,000 from the originally reported 302,000.

This week the U.S. dollar index traded at its highest levels since September 2013, as improving economic news and geopolitical events supported the greenback.

Is this the real reason people had to die in both Israel and the Gaza????  Is this why we are giving millions of dollar more to Israel for their Iron Domes?

European nations pressing for Gaza port development as part of reconstruction plans

BRUSSELS (AP) - A European idea (Oh...Gee....here is idea...it just dawned on us on how to help those poor gaza folks)   to help end the devastating conflict in Gaza is gaining traction: Develop Gaza's port to reopen the besieged territory to the rest of the world through a Cypriot port, with international monitors assuring that no weapons get through. Across Europe, governments are warming (isn't that special) to the proposal that gives a 27  mile strip on Israel's southern border such an economic lifeline.  After all, Gaza was a thriving port in ancient times. From Berlin to London to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, a blueprint for a post-war Gaza centers both on meeting Israeli security needs and on developing Gaza to improve living conditions there. The latter implies that borders with neighbors Israel and Egypt - and the sea - be as transparent as conditions allow. (We can build hotels and casinos and become more wealthy all in the name of

Draghi: ECB Remains Ready To Act As Necessary, Rates To Be Low For 'Extended Period'

No surprise

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Thursday that existing monetary accommodation should get the eurozone economy back on track, but he also reiterated the governing council's willingness to do more if necessary, adding that interest rates will remain low for an extended time.

"Our monetary policy stance remains and will remain accommodative," he continued. "I can only reaffirm that the governing council is unanimous in its commitment towards the use of unconventional measures like ABS purchases, like QE, if our medium-term outlook for inflation were to change."

He was referring to asset-backed securities purchases, often referred to as quantitative easing. Other nations, including the U.S. and Japan, have undertaken QE to help push down long-term interest rates and jump-start the economy.

(and see how well it is stimulating the economy)

In his opening remarks, Draghi said "available information remains consistent with our assessment of a continued moderate and uneven recovery of the euro-area economy, with low rates of inflation and subdued monetary and credit dynamics. At the same time, inflation expectations for the euro area over the medium to long term continue to be firmly anchored in line with our aim of maintaining inflation rates below, but close to, 2%."  ( Draghi must have the same speech writer as our own Federal reserve....each meeting all they have to do is change names....) 

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Americans are deeply worried that illegal immigration is threatening the nation's culture and economy

Seventy percent of Americans - including 86 percent of Republicans - believe undocumented immigrants threaten traditional U.S. beliefs and customs, according to the poll.

The findings suggest immigration could join Obamacare - the healthcare insurance overhaul - and the economy as hot button issues that encourage more Republicans to vote in November's congressional election.

With Congress failing to agree on broad immigration reforms, Obama could act alone in the next few weeks to give work permits to up to 5 million undocumented immigrants and delay some deportations, according to media reports.

63 percent of people in the online survey also said immigrants place a burden on the economy.

45 percent of people in the poll, carried out between July 15-22, who said the number of immigrants legally allowed to enter the country should be reduced.

Only 17 percent thought more legal immigrants should be allowed to come to the United States. Thirty-eight percent said the number should stay the same. 

A separate Reuters/Ipsos online poll shows that voters see immigration as the third most important problem facing the nation. Respondents in a Gallup poll in July cited immigration as the No.1 problem, ahead of the economy.

Reuters/Ipsos poll of mid-July. Seventy-six percent of people in the region said undocumented immigrants threaten American beliefs and customs, compared to 70 percent nationally.

Detroit mayor announces redesigned bill collection plan to reduce mass water service shutoffs

Detroit's mayor says the city will provide financial help for water customers in an effort to reduce mass service shutoffs that were the subject of protests and widespread criticism, including from the United Nations.

Mayor Mike Duggan made the announcement Thursday at City Hall. His office and Detroit water officials spent days redesigning how collections will be handled. Detroit had been cutting off water to commercial and residential customers 60 days behind or owing more than $150. Several groups appealed to the U.N. for support, and three U.N. experts responded the shutoffs could constitute a violation of the human right to water.

More than 15,000 customers had service cut between March and June, although many have had it restored. Shutoffs have been halted until Aug. 25.

Rise up from the dead and be a real hero 

BY ADMIN, ON AUGUST 8TH, 2014 LAURIE ROTH

Join Laurie Roth each day on her show from 7-10pm PAC www.ksbn.net. Find out more at www.therothshow.com.

The thing about heroes is that they are just ordinary people like you and moi who has struggled, whined and failed but persevere and keep the goal before them. Often, their extreme focus and determination to the goal brings scoffers and mockers. "Grow some common sense. Your dream doesn't add up." "You are too old and too poor to do that." "It is who you know, and you know nobody of any significance."

Heroes hyper focus on doing the right thing, the moral thing...even the unbelievable thing. Their sweating, lonely and persevering action turns into immense bravery, miraculous results - marking them for history.

How do we become a hero rather then a 'has been'

Only a worthy goal will do

We must first have the right goal and vision placed before us that we fully embrace. What is worth our time and energy whether people like it or not? We will never achieve our goal if we start in and depend on our emotional perk. After awhile, all worthy goals don't feel so great anymore. They draw on our practiced discipline and ability to draw from God's strength and provision. That is why there are so few real heroes today, because so many need fanfare and emotional support to continue. The journey is often made alone and with no one even watching, except God. So many of our heroes who changed history were people of faith, who lifted their worthy goal up, then drew on the power and leading of God, such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Christopher Columbus, Martin Luther, Ulyssess S. Grant and Joan of Arc to name a few.

Having a goal that is immoral, selfish and evil cannot ever produce a hero...only a tyrant. We have many through out the world in leadership who has selfish and evil goals. They have lifted themselves up, not the people, freedom and God. They build empires to control people, seize money and freedoms, while building their own empire where they can be God. They crave the worship of their people and find ways to get more.

What is the right and heroic goal for America now?

We must stand up and persevere in our belief in and fight for freedom, our Constitution and Judeo-Christian values. There can be no compromise regarding protection of our treasured freedoms even though a tyrant demands them now. Obama and the progressives cannot whittle away or seize our property rights, our freedom of speech rights, our 2nd amendment rights, privacy rights and right to due process. They cannot pee on our legs and call it rain anymore. People are rising up...no...heroes are rising up again.Moving forward and making a real difference isn't easy...I know having built my life and career back from near death in August 2005. A deer hit me when I was riding my motorcycle and I crashed on my head, breaking nearly everything from the neck up, slamming my brain against my skull. This put me into a coma for weeks and a hospital stay for 2 months. This was all with no health insurance a 2 and 9-year-old child at the time. It couldn't have been more costly and leveling to my family and I. Would I ever be the same and ever experience any of my dreams, now all broken up?

I would love to say that nearly 10 years later I am now ready to launch a national TV show, do another record and look and feel like myself again but I cannot. The truth is, I am launching 2 national TV shows, working on a huge record, doing my national radio show every day, looking better than ever and feel great. I have a numb mouth, a left eye that will never work right again and struggle a bit, but I jog everyday and am planning bigger things than ever. You can't heal, make a difference if you don't believe you can folks, so get out of bed no matter what shape you are in. Henry Ford said it best: "If you believe you can or believe you can't...you are right."

Martin Luther King, Esther, George Washington and Joan of Arc...listen up! I am talking to you now. Rise up and get it done. Be my hero!

IS YOUR PET UNDER ATTACK?

Having a pet today is more popular than ever. People love pets! People treat their pets, well... like family. Don't get me wrong, pets are great and I have one; a big, black Labrador who likes to jump on my bed when I'm not at home. How do I know this? I'll be out and my children will send me pictures on my phone of a lazy Lab reclining on my bed. Pets can behave like humans and they usually want what they can't have. So, why am I talking about pets? There is a health epidemic in the domesticated animal kingdom which has gotten worse over the last five years. Pet owners are very concerned about the growing trend in pet chronic disease and the expense. The average pet owner spends $611 annually (includes visits, prescriptions, preventions and emergency care).  Let's see what's happening and what we can do to help protect our pets and our wallets.

THE COMMON PROBLEMS

Pet owners across the US have voiced their concerns on the most prevalent health problems facing their pets. When you look at the list it looks like the same health problems humans are facing. We have to ask the question; did we do animals a favor when we domesticated them? Research in the State of Pet Health report by Banfield Pet Hospital indicates there is a big health problem in pets. They analyzed reports on over 2 million dogs and almost 500,000 cats from 800 vets and pet hospitals across the country.  So, here are the epidemic health problems dogs and cats are threatened by:

Obesity - The report says that 37% of dogs and 90% of cats are obese.

Arthritis - There has been an increase in arthritis too affecting 38% of dogs and 67% of cats. The report linked the obesity to the added pressure on joints which is contributing to arthritis by about 40%.

Diabetes - Pet diabetes has exploded just like it has in the human population and according to Windsor Veterinary Clinic in Colorado 1 in 50 pets has diabetes. This disease is linked to obesity and high blood pressure in pets.

Blood pressure- Pets on blood pressure medicine was rare fifty years ago and is also linked to diabetes and obesity. Nearly 5% to 10% of Dogs have hypertension. The hypertension rate is higher for cats especially if they have renal failure by 20% to 61%. 

CHRONIC DISASTER

These diseases are chronic and according to health experts the problem continues to escalate. I had a neighbor recently ask me what natural vet I take my dog to. My reply was, "Natural vet? That's like looking for a unicorn; they don't exist."  Vets can lose their license to practice toxic medicine just like the MD's can so they are limited in their treatments. I see ads for homeopathic vets all the time but when you get there they are just like the regular vets but they may burn incense and sell calendula ointment. You should check out the garbage that is in the pet supplements they stock. My Lab is allergic to fish and I once had a vet (who repaired his torn ACL ligament) attempt to sell me supplements with shellfish in it. For the most part, I think the vets (or their assistants) order crappy supplements from a vet industry catalog and don't really know what's in them. So, pet owners are lured in with the "natural vet" advertising and it really is the same old industry standard of care that they get.  Pet owners who have pets with chronic health conditions spend on average $935 a year at the vet.

PET OWNERS BECOME SAVVY

Pet owners seem to be connecting the dots and are noticing that the vets are the same as MD's. The Benfield Pet Hospital report showed that 36% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners said that they take their pet to the vet to manage a chronic health condition. They got that right; "manage" is the appropriate word because a "cure" is not the goal. There is too much money for vets to make when "managing" your pet's chronic health condition. However, treatment is delivered with all the sympathy and pet treats their exam room will hold. Pet owners are tired of spending thousands of dollars on lifelong drugs and repeat visits. Seriously, the pet insurance should have been a big red flag. There was a survey conducted by Pet Health Economics in 2013 which showed that 3 out of 4 pet owners were very concerned with the cost of pet care and their ability to afford it. Pet owners will often put their pet's needs ahead of their own and this impacts the life and lifestyle of the pet owner. Seriously, I once had a handyman tell me he that he spent $12,000.00 on blood transfusions for his dog that was diagnosed with leukemia. He had to cut back on eating, household expenses, no vacation or entertainment in order to still afford his home. Some pet owners are delaying purchasing prescriptions recommended by their vet or decline to buy them altogether. Pet owners are examining their budgets and 27% are cutting out the vet visits, 17% skip the flea and tick prevention, 13% don't get their pet vaccinated, 10% don't fill the vet's prescriptions, 7% don't use the heartworm drugs and 67% do not take their pets for an annual checkup. Why? The main reason pet owners give is cost.

THE PREVENTION CARE

Be careful what is meant by prevention care. Add up all the toxic drugs which are pumped into pets on a monthly basis; heartworm and the flea and tick drugs will make your pet so poisonous even the parasites don't want a taste. I haven't even mentioned the vaccines, which has been reported to shorten a pet's life by about five years. Just remember that pet care does not necessarily mean vet care.

EAR INFECTIONS

I've never seen a vet clear up an ear infection to where it did not return within a few short weeks. According to the report 12% of juvenile dogs, 14% of young adult dogs, 18% of mature dogs, and 16% of geriatric dogs will have chronic ear infections. Cats also suffer from ear infections; 8% of juvenile cats, 6% of young adult cats and 7% of geriatric cats see the vet for ear problems on a regular basis. According WebMD Pet Health, there were 68,000 pet insurance claims in 2009 for ear-related problems and the average office visit cost $100.00 excluding prescriptions. The constant weekly ear cleaning is stripping the ear of the natural immunity creating an environment for problems. Dogs and cats can clean their own ears and pet owners need to help their pet from the inside to help clear up these types of conditions. I am speaking from experience and you'll save your pet the misery and yourself a lot wasted time and money.

EYE INFECTIONS

Anyone who has had a pet that gets an infection in the eye will be returning to the vet if that is the first place they turned to for help. There are many natural things that will help your pet and not break the bank. If your pet has eye ulcers, sticky mucous and eyelid tumors etc. there are alternatives to drugs and surgery. By-the-way, the eye problems in pets is a big money maker for vets; $800 to $1,000 for surgical treatments, which will not prevent a recurrence.

URINARY TRACT ISSUES

Cat owners are often plagued with the expense of having their cat treated for urinary tract problems. In 2009, 3,700 insurance claims were filed and the average office visit cost $260. Follow-up visits are extra.  Wouldn't you rather find a natural product to help your pet?

TUMORS

No pet owner wants to hear that their dog or cat has a tumor. This is an expensive problem to treat through veterinary medicine. Most vets now have a room to treat cancer with radiation and we know how that turns out for humans. Noncancerous tumors cost $335 per visit. 

TURNING TO GOOGLE

Pet owners are tired of spending $600 to $1000 a year at the vet and for prescriptions online and they are turning to Google to research their pet's health problem. One thing the Internet can offer is options and 76% of pet owners are looking for natural solutions to their pet's health issue.

HERBAL SOLUTIONS

You might want to reach for some herbs to help your pet. I have personally used herbs on my pets for decades and (with the exception of trauma) have been able to avoid the vet. For instance, if I had a cat with recurrent urinary tract issues I would use the herbs in the Kidney/Bladder Tincture. For eye problems I will mix a few drops of my Herbal Eyewash, American Ginseng and Dandelion Root in an ounce of water, soak a cotton ball in it and squeeze the solution into the eye and whip away the excess. If my pet had digestive problems, skin or ear problems I would avoid the pet foods - all of them. I would use raw meat, vegetables, boiled egg and mix in the Power Greens for Pets into the food. For fleas and ticks I use the eucalyptus pet shampoo and collars to repel them. If the fleas are really bad I mix in brewer's yeast into the pet food; fleas and ticks don't like the taste of the blood and it is not toxic to your pet. You will find the Kidney/Bladder Tincture, Herbal Eyewash, American Ginseng, Dandelion Root, Power Greens for Pets, and the Eucalyptus Pet Shampoo and Collars at Apothecary Herbs. Check out their Herbs for Pets section and stay away from the vet. Call Apothecary Herbs toll free 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277 online http://www.thepowerherbs.com, where your healthcare options for your pets just became endless.   

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/05/common-pet-health-problems_n_1472605.html

http://pets.webmd.com/news/20100223/survey-reveals-top-10-pet-health-problems

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/new-study-confirms-pet-owners-concerns-about-veterinary-care-costs?rel=canonical

http://pets.thenest.com/list-safe-herbs-cats-6033.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21755451/ns/health-pet_health/t/just-people-diabetes-rising-pets/#.U-PRaKOmUY0

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_multi_systemic_hypertension

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/hypertension-high-blood-pressure-cats

COMING UP ON HERB TALK LIVE

Herbalist Wendy Wilson on Herb Talk Live

Saturday morning show:

7 am EST on GCN

8/9/14 Dr. Rebecca Carley

Weekday show:

7 pm EST on AVR

8/19/14 Dr. Rebecca Carley

Shortwave show 8 pm EST WWCR 4840

Go to http://www.thepowerherbs.com/archive.html Herb Talk Live & Radio Archive area for network link access and past shows to download and share. For Android users you can download a FREE app for Herb Talk Live on GCN. See the download link under radio archives at top of page.

THE NEW HMO

Apothecary Herbs is introducing their version of the HMO (Herb Medicine Options). Unlike insurance companies, our HMO is not about drugs, co-pays and deductibles. Our HMO is about a healthy lifestyle without drug dependency. Our HMO members are savvy and can often take advantage of the HMO discounts. There are no member fees and you can simply request to sign up by emailing or calling Apothecary Herbs support@thepowerherbs.com or 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277.  Current members can take advantage of discounts. I like discount coupons but they tend to expire. HMO members you can use your discount when they want.

HMO1 offers FREE ground ship on orders over $75 (US orders)
HMO2 offers 15% off orders over $100.00 
HMO3 offers $15.00 off plus FREE ground ship on orders over $250.00 (US orders)
*These discounts will be active for about 3 months and will change. Members will also receive special offers on selective items in our store.

"NEW" from Apothecary Herbs POWER GREENS FOR PETS - Keeps you away from the vet.  Natural herbs for dogs and cats. Because we want organic pets

Power Greens is a blend of organic plants and natural herbs containing vitamins, minerals and 22 amino acids found naturally in these whole-food plants. Easy to digest with healthy digestion enzymes. You will notice the vibrant color of the greens and other ingredients in Power Greens for Pets because it is made with certified organic herbs grown to Tilth Standards (the highest organic standards in the industry). Compared to Dinovite�, Power Greens for Pets is made with superior grade ingredients and will produce much faster and better results in the health of your pet. No need for large scoops of our Power Greens for Pets to get results. Depending on the size of your pet 1/2 teaspoon to one tablespoon is all you'll need. Your pet will be healthier and you'll save money. For more info call 866-229-3663 http://www.thepowerherbs.com/herb/Natural-Pet-Food.html

MORE HERB SECRETS IN THE POWER HERBS e-BOOK. By popular demand The Power Herbs e-book is available with symptom/herb reference guide, information on organ cleansing and how to make your own herbal tinctures plus a whole lot more. Go to http://www.thepowerherbs.com/Books-And-Newsletters/The-Power-Herbs-e-Book-cleansing-immune-boosting.html and click on Books. You must have email to order and receive the e-book a PDF version of The Power Herb book for just $14.99. At this time, we do not offer this title in hard copy.

NEW DANDELION ROOT LIQUID

Try Dandelion Root Tincture for inflammation, blood purification, respiratory infections, digestion and cancer protection at http://www.thepowerherbs.com/herb/Dandelion-Inflammation-Blood-Purifier.html. 

HERB KITS EXTEND YOUR FIRST AID KITS

Do you have your Pandemic Kit yet? Here is what folks are saying about the 100% organic Pandemic Kit made by Apothecary Herbs. "I have this kit and recommend everyone have at least one on hand (or more depending on family size) for a pandemic." Rebecca Carley, MD, Hickory, NC and "I have one and glad I do; just in case. I like the long shelf life." Melody Cedarstrom, Port Matilda, PA (more customer feedback at http://www.thepowerherbs.com) or call 866-229-3663 to order your kit today.

PURE ZINC ENERGY

Pure energy is organic and instantly absorbed - transporting nutrition to every cell in your body. It is a super food for the body to repair, build and fortify itself. Where do you get it? It's called Body Foundation Food Mix and is at Apothecary Herbs 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277 http://www.thepowerherbs.com. This pure energy food source is so efficient; you won't feel hungry between meals and can safely lose weight.

DETOX PRODUCTS

Apothecary Herbs has released a new product called Liver Detox Tea. You can layer this tea with Milk Thistle Tincture for a gentle yet effective liver cleanse. This is a nice option if you can't do the Liver/Gall Bladder Flush using olive oil. You will find this new product under Herbal Teas at http://www.thepowerherbs.com. Also new is the Liver & Gall Bladder Tincture with dandelion root for more anticancer protection. This formula is available in 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz sizes. You will find this item under Organ Body Cleanses at http://www.thepowerherbs.com. You can layer this tincture with the Liver Detox Tea and be well!

BE PREPARED

Being prepared is never a waste of time. Get your own organic garden growing and stock as much healthy foodstuffs as you can. You'll also need backup medicine but the over-the-counter and prescription medicines have a limited shelf life of two years or less. However, your organic medicines have a ten year shelf life without side effects. Call the folks at Apothecary Herbs for their Natural Medicine Starter Stock-up Package or make sure you get one of their many herb kits for boosting immune system and protecting you from viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Call Apothecary Herbs 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277 online http://www.thepowerherbs.com, where your healthcare options just became endless.

ALLERGY RELIEF

If you suffer from allergies (sneezing, itchy watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, sinus pressure or sinus infections) try the Echinacea Deluxe formula and Herbal Eyewash both around $20.00 from Apothecary Herbs. Call now toll free 866-229-3663 http://www.thepowerherbs.com.

APOTHECARY HERBS VITAMIN VAULT - STOCK UP AND SAVE!

You already know that you can save on the half and full case discounts in the Vitamin Vault area at http://www.thepowerherbs.com. Apothecary Herbs has added a new item called the Natural Medicine Starter Stock-up Package. This package is designed for those preparing for their medical future and contains immune boosting, pain & inflammation, organ cleanses, vitamin, mineral, amino acid and protein products plus a Pandemic Kit and it comes with a savings. Visit http://www.thepowerherbs.com or call toll free to order your Starter Stock-up Package 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277.  

MALE & FEMALE ORGAN CLEANSES KITS - Don't give disease a foothold. You will have the power to cleanse the bowel, urinary, liver, gall bladder and blood system with this cleanse package. For added cleansing, ask about how you can upgrade your order to include the prostate cleanse for men or the Kidney/Bladder cleanse for females.  Go to http://www.thepowerherbs.com or call their 24-hour live customer service line 866-229-3663, International 704-885-0277.

STARTER KIT & ONE-YEAR SUPPLY OF HERBAL MEDICNE (shelf life 10 to 15 years)

See Apothecary Herbs One Year Supply of Herbal Medicine at http://www.thepowerherbs.com or call 866-229-3663, 704-885-0277. Call for a customized year supply or to set up installment payment for this package.