Replies

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.

Much news still smothered by corona virus stuff. These items caught my eye

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.