Posted on 01/02/2020 5:19:04 PM PST by Godzilla
great report
thanx for the insight re. the homeless
big factor in controlling spread
Breaking
Iraq -
Rockets are hitting the green zone in Baghdad. At least three have been reported. SecState has warned Iran earlier this week about its proxy attacks. This could trigger more targeting of Iranian proxy militias as we did last week. Monitoring.
Thank you for the updates, much appreciated.
Thanks.
Oh well .... sic a virus on them. That will show ‘em
My apology I’m in a bad movie as my youngest used to say
Wuhan Virus -
While the world waits with baited breath on the health status of Tom Hanks and other ‘celebrities’, here is what is grabbing my attention today. We are entering uncharted waters as far as this pandemic goes. . . . . .
New milestone - 200,000 cases and more than 8,000 deaths. On the rough surface that is a mortality rate of 4%. West Virginia has its first case - now in all 50 states.
China kicked out numerous foreign journalists, most likely to keep them from reporting other than what the party wants reported. Remember, China silenced Dr Li Wenliang, who warned of the virus in Wuhan before the ‘official’ out break. He died weeks later from the virus. The party doesn’t want details like this coming out.
Black Swan -
Recommend keeping an eye on Deuteches Bank Stock. It is Lehman brothers on steroids and red bull. DB was designated by the IMF as the “most systemically dangerous bank” in the world back in 2016. It carries MUCH of the EU’s bad debt. So far DB stocks are hanging on, but any unexpected shudder from other market forces could force it over the brink.
Iran -
Ali Reza Banahyan (also spelled Alireza Panahian), a Hojatoleslam (Shia cleric) and head of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s ‘think tank for universities’, was recently quoted in Shafaq News as saying that the corona virus pandemic is a prelude to the emergence of the expected Mahdi (Muslim Messiah). Meanwhile other govt leaders warn that as many as 3.5 million Iranians could die as a result of the disease.
China -
Chinese state media on Tuesday decided this would be a good time to chat with a panel of “experts” about the possibility of using an electromagnetic pulse weapon (EMP) against American ships that enter portions of the South China Sea illegally claimed by Beijing. This follows last week’s lazing of a US patrol aircraft. Rhetoric like this during a period of international crisis is not the best, but follows China’s propaganda campaign to accuse the US of originating the corona virus plague and absolve them of any part of it. Very clearly put, an EMP weapon would be an act of war if used on a US vessel.
Yemen -
The proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia has shifted slightly in favor of the Iranian backed shia rebels. SA allies UAE and Sudan have pulled out most of their forces and the shia are taking advantage of it. The only thing still in SA’s favor is the intense economic chaos being experienced by Iran, combined with the current corona virus and civil unrest, has harmed their ability to keep the shia rebels resupplied as they were in the past. SA relies on other countries for ground forces as their units are not lead or trained very well. Plus being cash heavy, it is easier to pay someone to die than to motivate their on people make the sacrifice So between the two, things are moving more into a dead lock.
CW2 -
LA county sheriff is emptying his cells and putting criminals onto the street because of the corona virus. This is a trend in dark blue areas of the country, somehow endangering law-abiding citizens thru release of criminals is law ‘enforcement’. It will serve to create greater chaos and panic IF conditions under the corona virus response fall apart -OR- the country gets hit with another black swan event (like a major natural disaster).
Again, everything corona virus but there are other things to watch out for.
Wuhan Virus -
While the world waits with baited breath on the health status of Tom Hanks and other ‘celebrities’, here is what is grabbing my attention today. We are entering uncharted waters as far as this pandemic goes. . . . . .
Increasing numbers of lock downs and restrictions are so far being taken in stride by Americans. However, we don’t know just what will happen if these restrictions continue for weeks. Past few days it became evident nationwide that the latest panic buying focused on gun and ammo sales. Considering that civil unrest may break out as people go stir crazy being locked up and gangs target stores for luxury items and food, this level of prepardness is understandable. Along those lines, CA Gov Newsum mentioned a potential martial law mission for CANG, not a good thought either.
With that in mind, there are indicators starting to light up for a potential nation-wide shutdown/lockdown if the infection growth trend line doesn’t start to ease after the next 15 days (according to yesterday’s national plan). See also concerns that this fight may well continue into August and even next year. This is no short term issue.
Grocery stores are strained to replenish stocks as the distribution system struggles to catch up to demand. The economic hit this country (and world) is sustaining is unbelievable.
Numerous potential and locally demonstrated successful treatments to reduce the infection time (and even potentially block) for victims. Unfortunately, the FDA is dragging its feet with concerns those treatments may hurt patients (I know - do no harm), OTOH those patients may die without those drugs. Time to toss out the dead wood from FDA.
Black Swan -
Recommend keeping an eye on Deuteche Bank Stock. It is Lehman brothers on steroids and red bull. DB was designated by the IMF as the “most systemically dangerous bank” in the world back in 2016. It carries MUCH of the EU’s bad debt. So far DB stocks are hanging on, but any unexpected shudder from other market forces could force it over the brink.
Saudi Arabia/Yemen -
The Ansarallah forces announced on Wednesday that their air force heavily targeted several Saudi economic facilities, including oil and gas fields.
Yet to be confirmed, but they also claim to be capturing terrain near the northern Yemeni town of Marib City. Yesterday I commented on the loss of ground forces supporting SA, and this appears to be one of the consequences.
CW2 -
On Wednesday, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) released its annual report on “hate groups” for 2019. The report smears conservative and Christian groups as “hate groups” and exaggerates the threats from marginalized racist groups. Leftist groups will continue to use such reports to desensitize their followers into believing that they can do what ever violence they want to because those to the right of them deserve it.
ACLU and SPLC are terrorist organizations.
That said...
Me: Yah, I have six months of food for us.
Director: Well, I know where to go when we run out.
Me: We also have an AR each, and six months worth of ammo.
Director: Heh. Never mind.
N Korea -
NK just launched 1 or 2 SLBMs incase anyone is bored with corona virus news
busy little bees
Catching up
Wuhan virus -
Numbers, numbers and more numbers. I think that those who say this is nothing other than a bad cold/flu need to look at what is happening in Italy. The cases requiring hospitalization are crashing the system. This crash in now starting to hit the New York area. I expect it to continue into other major metro areas.
Many voices out there claiming that martial law is being implemented in California and other states. This is not correct and is fear mongering. Constitutional law and common law has not been replaced by military authority or rules. Lets not let rhetoric over print reality. Use discretion when reading reports of military on the streets- in California for instance, the Guard is backfilling food banks that are normally staffed by senior citizens who are at home being in the highest risk group.
Analysis: This next week will be pivotal to see if the growth trend is going to break good or bad. There are rumors of national level restrictions that may be implemented if there is no slowdown in growth using measures implemented by states. Given the tremendous hit this would cause on the economy, I think the President would be very reluctant to make such an order..
Hamas/Israel -
Hamas is throwing tantrums about slow receipt of money from supportive arab states. They have threatened to launch rocket attacks on Israel to force them into bomb shelters and make the corona virus situation grow by forcing people into confined/close situations. I don’t think anything will come of this threat but shows some of the arab thinking involved.
Syria -
Cease fire is generally holding in Idlib province. Minor skirmishes.
Iran -
More leadership dying from corona virus. Senior General of Quds forces recruiting died yesterday.
N Korea -
The two missiles launched a couple days ago are believed still to be SLBM prototypes. Some considered a new MLRS, but if so, they are far larger than your normal rocket.
CW2 -
Antifa mouthpieces in social media are still encouraging followers to loot stores to bring down capitalism. This has not panned out in any recognizable manner.
Criminals are being released in numerous blue cities/counties to allegedly “protect” them from corona virus. This is resulting in localized spikes in crime as I’m sure these criminals are practicing proper social distancing. . . . .
https://www.smh.com.au/world/sars-a-chinese-weapon-taiwan-official-20081007-4vse.html
Original SARS from early 00s.
Article written in ‘08.
Things that make you go Hmmmm...
Wuhan Virus -
Many of the various categories I’m following have now integrated effects from this pandemic, but I’m keeping them separate for clarity. We are entering uncharted waters as far as this pandemic goes. . . . . .
In spite of demands from leftists like Pelosi to nationalize the private sector to produce needed medical items, the President has expressed reluctance to do so. He state private industry is stepping forward on their own to meet demand, so why should the government try to run things, noting nationalization hasn’t worked for socalist nations around the world, most recently Venezula.
The President recently tweeted that he doesn’t want the cure to be worse than the problem itself. At the end of the 15 day period (a reference to his 15 day plan) a decision will be made which way to go. The end of this 15 day period is April 1 or 2.
Black Swans -
Multiple actions disrupting global economics in the midst of the corona virus pandemic. Of note:
Oil prices plunged overnight as Putin reportedly said he’s not done with his price war with SA. Prices dropped to about $20/barrel. This is on top of the largest drop in oil demand in history due to the corona virus.
Gold: Last week physical gold/silver prices ‘decoupled’ from the paper prices. Spot silver was a low as $12/oz, but good luck finding physical silver at anything less than $20/oz. Drop in metal prices largely on paper as stock market losses were attempted to be covered. Switch to physical metals have essentially sold out most dealers. Add to this the report that three Swiss gold refiners are shutting down due to the virus and some mints are reducing their production all due to the corona virus is spurring the physical metals spiking.
CW2 -
Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to release “vulnerable” inmates from city jails to prevent the spread of the corona virus pandemic into local lockups. This is a trend seen in blue cities around the country. The question many are beginning to ask is why? Jails/prisons are essentially ‘isolation’ from general community and to release them into the open community will do more to expose them than lock up in a jail. It is highly unlikely that they will obey shut in orders either, as some communities have seen a spike in crime following releases.
Mouth pieces of Antifa are now calling for open anarchy/violence/protesting in response to corona virus sheltering in place and other restrictions. This is in addition to what I’ve reported last week concerning the calls to mob/loot stores and force capitalism to crash. While still in rhetoric mode, these pronouncements are seeding their followers to prepare for action. Under present conditions, such violence could trigger local, limited martial law in some blue cities.
Seeing lots of posts about hundreds of military vehicles on trains being moved around US. This is how the Army moves its gear folks! It is totally NORMAL. Happens all the time but always pops up in conspiracy circles when instability occurs etc.
Please add me to your ping list.
done
Please add me to your ping list. Thanks you for the insights and information.
done
Much news still smothered by corona virus stuff. These items caught my eye
Wuhan Virus -
Many of the various categories I’m following have now integrated effects from this pandemic, but I’m keeping them separate for clarity. We are entering uncharted waters as far as this pandemic goes. . . . . .
Anger over democrat scuttling of the latest economic package to support the economy is still reverberating around the country. More negotiations overnight. Stocks are responding positively to a potential agreement. But Americans have to wonder what “corporate board diversity”, postal service bail outs and 0bamaphones have to do with all of this. Five republican senators are still in self quarantine, giving Schumer room to run rampant.
Economic studies indicate that half of small businesses have less than 30 days cash buffer. Small business is the main driver of the economy and if current responses to the corona virus continue, they will be put past the point of no return. This is evident in President Trump’s comments about the ‘cure’ being more disastrous than the disease.
Meanwhile, China reportedly is lifting travel restrictions in the hardest hit areas. For Wuhan, it is reported that all restrictions will be lifted April 8th.
In New York, the medical system is on the verge of a breakdown. Those who claim the virus is a fake or hoax outright to check that out.
Middle East -
Carrier strike forces associated with the HARRY S TRUMAN and the DWIGHT D EISENHOWER have been conducting joint operations in the Arabian Sea over the past several days. No apparent threat in the gulf region, but a good wave of the big sticks in the event Iran gets too froggy.
Black Swans -
Multiple actions disrupting global economics in the midst of the corona virus pandemic. Of note:
Saudi Arabia appears to be tapping cash from its sovereign wealth fund to patch up government finances with oil prices three times lower than their break-even oil price. They are also reportedly cutting back various projects by about 5%. Russia OTOH, claims they have enough resources to cover budget shortfalls at $25-30 oil for six to ten years. That is questionable, but bottom line is this oil war is seriously damaging oil economies globally, even more so during the corona virus pandemic induced reduction in oil consumption.
CW2 -
Spillover from the democrat scuttling of the relief bill may be making its way into parts of the political left and right as rhetoric on both sides heats up. As noted in the past, there may be local breakouts of violence should the nation situation catch serious hits from other sources. Antifa is already chomping at the bit to stir things up, so to are some groups on the far right.
Five republican senators are still in self quarantine, giving Schumer room to run rampant.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bring them in to the Senate chamber to vote in HAZ Mat suits.
They get paid well enough.
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