“It has been more profitable for us to bind together in the wrong direction than to be alone in the right one. Those who have followed the assertive idiot rather than the introspective wise person have passed us some of their genes. This is apparent from a social pathology: psychopaths rally followers.”
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, The Black Swan, April 2007
“Truth and love will overcome lies and hatred. The dormant goodwill in people needs to be stirred. People need to hear that it makes sense to behave decently or to help others, to place common interests above their own, to respect the elementary rules of human coexistence. They want to be told this publicly. They want to know that those ‘at the top’ are on their side. They want to feel recognized and cultivated. For goodwill to develop and have an impact it must hear this, so that the world does not ridicule it.”
Vaclav Havel, Summer Meditations, 1991
"Fascism begins the moment a ruling class begins to destroy political democracy in order to retain its power of exploitation and special privilege."
Thomas Clement Douglas, Member Canadian House of Commons
"And Peter understood that neither Nero, nor all his legions, could overcome the living truth— that they could not overwhelm it with tears or blood, and that now its victory was beginning. He understood with equal force why the Lord had turned him back on the road. That city of pride, of crime, of wickedness, and of a lust for power, was beginning to be His."
Henryk Sienkiewicz, Quo Vadis, 1896
Stocks continued their upward drift today, as complacency in the largesse of the Fed to Wall Street continues to build.
Gold and silver continued their breakout, moving higher.
The VIX fell.
The Dollar fell.
Clearly indications to lower rates amid a slowing economy and lower inflationary pressures.
I took a trip out west of here this morning to Amish country.
On they way there I stopped at a Costco for gasoline (2.91) and at the entrance there was a display advertising their gold bars for sale. No surge pricing here.
So as I tuck into some wonderful bakery and prepared foods for the weekend, let's give thanks for favors received.
And also that we might be spared the consequences from the reckless actions of irresponsible politicians and their privileged enablers.
Madness.
Have a pleasant weekend.
