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New visitors,
The comfort with which we have lived our lives is likely to end within this decade. This is not the conclusion of end times prophecy, nor it is the conclusion of the anti-government extremists. Rather it is the result of a convergence of global events that are just now beginning to manifest themselves in our country.
Let me say in advance. I do believe we are headed for significant economic and social trouble, the likes of which we haven’t experienced in this country in many decades. The question is - when will this happen and to what degree? To these questions I do not claim to have the exact answer. The full effects of the looming financial crisis may not be felt until as late as 2009-2010. The Federal Reserve is a powerful weapon to fight such trends - namely the ability to print money at essentially no short term monetary cost to the government. However using this weapon is what will ultimately cause the majority of the pain. Being responsible for providing for and protecting our families, it is important for us to be informed of social and economic information that you will not hear on CNBC, Money magazine, and from our government.
The Economy - Careful review of economic history portends difficult economic times ahead.
- Debt levels of all areas in society are at record levels including being higher than that prior to the Great Depression. The growth of debt in our country has gone parabolic in the last decade. This is by any sane evaluation unsustainable. For those who say “this time it is different”, tell that to the financial experts who said exactly the same thing in 1928. Will there be another Great Depression? Maybe - and if it does happen it most likely won’t look like the one the US experienced in the 1930’s.
- The easy credit/low interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve are attempting to revive an economy that is tapped out by this avalanche of debt. And it is not working. Historically low interest rates and an unprecedented increase in the money supply have produced the weakest post war recovery on record. And at the same time it has encouraged a boom in housing and financial speculation that has come to an end now that interest rates have reversed and begun to climb.
- The United States is facing a credibility crisis around the world. Not only on foreign policy matters, but within the global financial community. Government statistics from employment to inflation are coming under more criticism as being “massaged” in order to paint a better picture of the economy than exists. Ask yourself - has my cost of living gone up by more than 3% in the last year? That is the government’s current claim of the inflation rate. Meanwhile, heath care, gasoline and energy, food, and housing has gone up double digits over the last few years. Yes, DVD’s, computers and other technology related items have gone down in price. Unfortunately what you need to live on is rising in price while electronic toys you don’t need are falling in price. So why isn’t this reflected in the Consumer Price Index? The CPI is manipulated. Click here to listen to an interview that exposes these manipulations. (1 hr)
- Recently President Bush grabbed the “third rail” of politics and addressed the problems with Social Security. What he is telling you is the truth. There is no trust fund. It is a pay as you go system. With tens of millions of baby boomers ready to retire, there will not be enough collected from the remaining employment base to pay for it. This all begins in 2008 and will be in full force by 2011. While this is bad enough, there are other unfunded liabilities that are much worse than Social Security - namely Medicare and Medicaid. The US government has pledged pay outs from government programs totaling over $50 Trillion dollars. That money simply won’t exist when needed - at least not from taxes.
- Why does the US have a military presence in Iraq? Why is China buying oil companies around the world (and tried to buy a US oil company)? Why isn’t OPEC raising real production despite $70 oil? The theory of “Peak Oil” is getting more play in the press - and more credibility as being a real possibility. If it is true - and I truly pray this is not - it will have far reaching consequences for each and every one of us.
- With all of the above happening, there is a growing possibility that hyper inflation is coming as our currency is further debased through “printing” of money at ever increasing rates in order to stave off a credit collapse.
Spiritual and moral decline of our society - There is little question regarding the moral issues that face our society. However we are moving headlong into a time where our basic freedoms and liberties will be challenged more now than any time in the past.
- The United States has a rich Christian heritage. We were blessed by God as a nation for a reason. This heritage is lost on most of the current adult generation and is nearly nonexistent in the upcoming generation. We must begin to restore it today.
- The application of the Constitution of the United States is a shadow of its former self. Our nation must rediscover the “original intent” of our founding fathers and how their wisdom still applies today. We must get involved - striking the balance between being “active” and an “activist”.
- Judicial activism is rampant. Powerful minority groups are using the judicial branch of our government to circumvent the will of the people - and to impose their value system on the majority.
- And unfortunately there us much more...
Summary:
My focus will be on the economic and geopolitical issues. Why? I believe most conservative Christians are much more aware of the social issues that face our country than they are about the dangers that are in the economy and those posed by globalism. Thus, first things first. Also, let me say that although these topics may seem frightening, their existence is evidence that God is on the move. We are moving closer to the time when Jesus returns and that is good news! Yes, it can be a painful time in the world’s history IF there is no hope in Christ and If we are not prepared.
Some of the sites linked here may have content that will offend you and for that I apologize in advance. Not all the people here share a biblical world view, although many do and I will try to indicate that where it is known.
My goal is not to exclusively feature my views on these subjects, but to provide a site that has done some level of research and “vetting” of sources that I link to. All the while I am keeping the Christian world view in mind. I pray God will lead you according to His Spirit as you uncover new information.
Start with The Matrix...
If you have any questions, you can e-mail me and I would be happy to respond.
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