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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.

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. . . . .