Free Republic

Peering at the intricacies of Chinese political decision-making can be like trying to see through the thick smog that frequently hangs over many of its cities. Analysts and journalists are frequently left with nothing to do but speculate on what actions Chinese leaders might take when big decisions loom, and there’s plenty of speculation swirling around this weekend’s Third Plenum, a grand meeting of Communist Party’s Central Committee. But one man whose savvy decision-making and long-term agenda has kept him in power for longer than usual might shine some light on what to expect in the way of reforms. Zhou...

Submitted by Simon Black of Sovereign Man blog,Over the past several decades, people around the world have become so brainwashed that few people really give much thought anymore to the safety of their currency.It’s not something people really understand... there’s apparently some Wizard of Oz type figure at the top of the hill pulling all the levers of the monetary system. And we just trust them to be good guys.This is partially true. Today’s financial system is dominated by central bankers who have been awarded nearly dictatorial control of global money supply.In allowing them to set interest rates, they...