"A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep."
Saul Bellow
“State propaganda, when supported by the educated classes and when no deviation is permitted from it, can have a big effect.”
Noam Chomsky
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.”
H.L. Mencken
“The term propaganda rings melodramatic and exaggerated, but a press that—whether from fear, careerism, or conviction—uncritically recites false government claims and reports them as fact, or treats elected officials with a reverence reserved for royalty, cannot be accurately described as engaged in any other function.”
Glenn Greenwald
“The point of modern propaganda isn't only to misinform or push an agenda. It is to exhaust your critical thinking, to annihilate truth.”
Garry Kasparov
Stocks were shoved around the plate by picky speculators who were not quite sure what to do at these levels when faced with a three day holiday weekend and continuing uncertainty with emerging markets and trade talks.
The 'NAFTA' talks between the US and Canada ended without a resolution today. They have agreed to continue speaking again on Wednesday.
Gold and silver came in strongly, but faded as the day went on and the Dollar appreciated modestly.
These jokers seem to be keen to keep the metals under wraps. If they lose control of the price, then a lot of dominoes will be falling.
But the setup here is very interesting.
"Commercials are currently net long (futures &options) in both gold & silver, 1st time ever for silver, at least going back to 95, which is as far back as my data goes."Smells like teen spirit.
Bill Fleckenstein
Since today is the end of August, we will be seeing a Non-Farm Payrolls Report for this month next week. I have included a calendar of upcoming economic events for next week as the third chart below.
As you may recall, the US markets will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.
In honor of Labor Day, Trumpolini issued an order to freeze the pay of about two million Federal workers.
And he is considering a unilateral action to provide another $100 Billion in tax breaks for the .1% by indexing capital gains to inflation.
A recent Gallup poll indicates that 78% of Democrats believe that Hillary lost to Trump because of Russian interference in the elections.
Who says that the power of propaganda has been blunted in the era of the internet and alternative news sources.
Need little, want less, love more. For those who abide in love abide in God, and God in them.
Have a pleasant weekend.
