International Commerce

★ Greece: Small Country, Big Crooked Leaders

News Analysis: The Millions of Dollars in Bribes paid to Greek Military and Politicians are finally being understood by the Citizenry of the Country. To sell various Military Hardware to Greece, huge sums of money were paid by Defense Systems Manufacturers to the Military and Politicians there.

Two interesting questions to be asked is: “How many Greek Politicians have been Arrested, Convicted and Sent to Prison for their Treason?” “How many “Star Ranked” Military have suffered the same Fate?

Until the Greeks ‘Get Real’ and understand the cost they and this Small Country have suffered from the “Economic Treason” over decades, the Big Crooks will have won.

Greece, which presently is like Sisyphus, should emulate the Cunning of Odysseus regarding the Thieves and their Foreign Co-Conspirators.

Alitheia.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/kmj4cgf

★ Fidel Castro Took Over Cuba When A Good U.S. Senator Was A Mere Child Of Five

News Analysis: One Person may Positively Influence Another by Contact, Cooperation, and Coordination which will lead to Mutual Confidence. Shunning the other Person leads to Mistrust and Suspicion that makes for a “No-Gain Game” for both Parties.

It is in America’s Interest to forget the Hostile Rhetoric spouted by people who were mere Uninformed Young Children when the “U.S. Mobster’s Lackey” Fulgencio Batista was being ‘Set-up’ to make Cuba a Fiefdom of the U.S. President’s Father (USPF).  Cuban Army Sergeant Batista led a Coup and ousted General Gerardo Machado. Many think that Batista’s selfishness ruined any thoughts of benefitting the Cuban People. “Greed Is Good” apparently was his Mantra, many people say.

The President of the United States Father knew of the Mineral Wealth of Cuban (particularly Hydrocarbons) and wanted them for himself. Since he already was rich from “Running Illegal Whiskey” into America and Canada, he had well-established connections with Organized Crime (OC) . As ‘OC’ built Casinos in Havana, Fulgencio Batista allegedly received Millions of Dollars which were sent to both Spain and Switzerland (being illicit funds).

Through his contacts with ‘OC’ the ‘USPF’ explained his desire which he wanted fulfilled i.e. a “Cuban Fiefdom”. ‘OC’ was allegedly planning on using Cuba as an Entrepot of their Narcotics (Heroin) which would later be shipped into the America through neighboring Florida.

It was rumored that in 1958 some of Batista’s Soldiers learned of the ‘USPF’/’OC’/Batista Cabal and were quite angry with then 57 Year Old Batista’s betrayal and rebelled against him. Also discovered was the FACT that Greek Shipowners who ‘USPF’ knew, were asked about Harbor Specifications  in Cuba and Ship Requirements for hauling Crude Oil to the U.S. East Coast Ports. Some people think the Castro Brothers may have been made aware of these discussions with the Greeks. Greeks were engaged in quite extensive shipping to and from Cuba at the time.

In 1959 the Fidel and Raul Castro Coup against the previous Coup maker Batista, overturned the ‘OC’ and ‘USPF’ with their schemes to make all Cubans their lackeys.

The fact the in America both ‘OC’ and ‘USPF’  ‘owned’ much of the News Media made it very easy to make their Fiefdom Scheme become the “Fiefdom Scheme of the Castro Brothers”; Great American Mass Marketing was at work then! An ill-informed Public ‘Acting like Sheep’ took the “bait.” The rest is History.

Today, the Good Senator, a Five Year Old Child (in 1959), should understand that the Greed of a Small Group of American Criminals along with their “Whiskey-Smuggling” Buddy caused much of Cuba’s dilemma in the 1950’s. One may ask: “How many Cubans who left their Country to come to America KNEW ANYTHING about the REAL Fulgencio Batista? How many of these Emigrants had benefited PERSONALLY from him before they left? Which of these people were actually aware of Cuba’s Future had the Gangsters and the U.S. President’s Father succeeded with their “Evil” Plan? Which of them would be exempt from the Mobsters merely stealing their businesses and property from them? At best, if they complained they would hear “Lo Siento Mucho”.

It is essential that the Rapprochement between America and Cuba flourish so that the Cuban People can finally enjoy lives as do other Citizens of the World. The “Economic Blockade” of Cuba in an Anachronism that America should cease and again let America be the Beacon of Capitalism and Freedom it once was. 

As more countries engage Cuba commercially, the Trade Embargo does not benefit America; nor Americans in any manner.

America’s President should Lead; Not Follow (the Historical Unknowing with their rhetoric).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/06/us-usa-cuba-idUSBREA150WV20140206

How Diligent Must “Due Diligence” Be?

News Analysis: A Miami, Florida Real Estate Developer purchased land on which was allegedly discovered (a number of years ago) to be a 2,000 year old  “Tequesta” Residential Community. Now the Developer is concerned that its Investment in the 34 Story Project will be Abrogated by Authorities (possibly with only partial compensation returning to the Developer).

A question of Investors regarding the property, assuming an Eminent Domain or comparable Action is taken by Authorities, if “Due Diligence” was performed Prior To the Escrow Close of the Property? Beyond mere Title Searches, what Physical Tests, if any, were conducted? Tests (such as Shallow-Drilled Core Samplings)  may have discovered Artifacts just under the topsoil). Also, Ground Penetrating Radar may have shown any anomalies such as Panther (Puma concolor coryi) or Whale Bones up to a depth of approximately 12 meters (37 feet). Beyond the drilling, Soil Chemical Composition Testing would show Atypical Elements present in the “Sand” such as Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) for example. If detected, one would have to examine how it was imported onto the property.

Another Investigation Platform would be any Old Mapping performed by ‘Pioneers’ in the area (or years later by Railroad Surveys); Both would be in Public or University Libraries of any consequence.

For the City of Miami, Dade County, the State of Florida, and America, many Citizens consider the Site Priceless; another 34 Story Building (perhaps, not so).

Investors, who put their monies in this Project may want to ask; “Why were not the Aforementioned Investigations, as noted above, undertaken, if they were not?” “Is not the Real Estate Developer and/or ‘Structural Engineering Contractor” actually experienced in such “Pre-Construction” Matters?” Some say: “The Expense ‘Saved’, by not discovering nor understanding the Legal Implications of the Tequesta Village, may become very Expensive.”

When is “Due Diligence” actually ‘Diligent’ rather than ‘Cosmetic’?

Caveat Emptor.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2552067/Remains-village-downtown-Miami-likely-significant-prehistoric-sites-United-States.html

Sweetheart Rose Exports Make Ugandan Growers Expand

News Analysis: Uganda Sweetheart Rose exports are bringing more revenues into the country than ever before. Despite strong international competition, high quality Roses from Uganda are in heavy demand.

Uganda Flowers Export Association report 6.7 Million Kilograms (14,740,000 Pounds) of flowers were sent abroad last year. Good weather and a lack of disease helped Uganda versus her neighbors Ethiopia and Kenya (who both suffered a drought).

The Government of Uganda is always receptive to those who want help its industries while Investors gain revenue from their investments. Flowers, especially Roses, are a prestigious ‘Low-Cost” Item that many people around the World Enjoy.

Prestige-fully Marketed, even greater Price-Points are possible with Roses. “A Rose, is a Rose, is a Rose” as Romantic Shoppers know.

An Investment with a good Financial Return is Great; An Investment that also has a Wonderful Aroma is even Better.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Prosper/Flower-exports-record-growth/-/688616/2171628/-/ct2jy/-/index.html

New Head Of The U.S. Federal Reserve ‘Fed’ Gets Greeted With Un-Carbonated Champagne

News Analysis: A 326 Point Drop in the ‘Dow” Stock Index on the First Day of the New “Fed” Chairwoman’s Appointment appears to show “No Fizzle Remains in the Champagne”.  Her much touted Predecessor had an ever enthusiastic Press that made lauding comments about his many mistakes; either they did not know any better or through their own avarice.

Today, years later, Unemployment is still a Major American Problem and the ‘Fed’ Chairwoman cannot lower Interest Rates into ‘Negative Zones’; she received an emptied Tool Box from the Bearded Gentleman. “Same-O” “Same-O” as her predecessor will gain her little now.

It seems as though the “Bubble Masters” to whom we often allude are finding their ‘Cork Stoppers’ to be defective; their Champagne is getting ‘Flat’. Even a Sommelier cannot repair the damage, so the Gullible will buy this “Wine”. What happens now can be easily estimated: the “Bubble Masters” will quickly Liquidate their Inventories; A Little of Something Is Better Than A Whole Lot Of Nothing. They do not want Vinegar.

The Investing Public who has enthusiastically ‘Taken the Plunge” into the Stock Market need to look around; they may see the “Bubble Masters” running quickly out of the ‘Water’.

As for justification for running onto the beach, the Press (who are Minions of the “Bubble Masters”) will report in their newspapers: ‘Stock Sharks Seen In Ocean – “Innocent”Bathers Flee!’

Reality.

Reference: http://nypost.com/2014/02/03/dows-326-point-sell-off-is-a-helluva-hello-for-yellen/

European Union Members Fight Bribes And Corruption Costing Them 120 Billion Euros Yearly

News Analysis: At a cost of 120 Billion Euros ($158 Billion Dollars) Yearly, The European Union (EU), is trying to come to grips with this ‘Grand Vol’. Bribes paid and General Corruption at all levels of Government and Private Business, many people think, is of even Greater Cost than that which has been estimated.

Economic Recovery in Europe cannot advance as it should with this Unaudited Flow of Funds perhaps leaving Europe and going to “Safer Environs” for the Miscreants. If one adds in Repatriated Funds being sent out of Europe to other Continents an anticipated recovery may take longer to achieve.

Even more costly is the fact, that much like in America (the Wealthiest and perhaps Most Corrupt Nation in terms of Amount of Money involved in Individual “Deals”) are the Ideas, Inventions, and Technologies that will never see the ‘Light of Day’ without Payoffs; it is Systemic throughout High Technology Industries (especially Aircraft Manufacturing). Management will never utilize a Product unless they “Own a Piece of It”! Who in America ever goes to Prison for Bribery in getting Federal or State Contracts?

One cannot put a Price Tag on the cost to Europe or in America; “Pay if you want to Play”.

Legitimate Governments, Corporations, and Citizens need to adopt the Mantra: “Take the Thievery Away, We will Not Pay”.

Reality.

 Reference: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26014387

☆ The Four+ Trillion Dollar Indebtedness ‘Joke’ On Americans

News Analysis: The Reality of Four+ Trillion Dollars of U.S. Federal Reserve Debt mustered by the ‘Brilliance’ of the departed former head of the U.S.  Federal Reserve is barely recognized by the U.S. News Media. $834+ Million Dollars was the amount that  was initially on the “Fed’s” books when the Employment Term commenced.  

In spite of the expenditures by this aforementioned Economic ‘Genius’, Unemployment in America has remained dismal. In fact more Americans than ever before are not even seeking employment.

The “Fed’s” Approach in propping up the economy, as it tried to do, was a Sophomoric Idea.  Americans (on top of this “Fed” Debt) are  being presently “Hammered” by an Ineptly Designed Health-care Law;  some people say to promote a person’s “Legacy” in American History. If one is to Talk the Talk, He must be able to Walk the Walk. Inexperienced Amateur “Wannabees” need not apply. They just “Mess Things Up”.

Unfortunately for the American Citizenry, the Four+ Trillion Dollars of “Fed” Debt will have to be dealt with by They, their Children, and Grand children; The Damage has already been done by the Person that Departed.

It is alleged than more of the Chicanery will continue by the new replacement at the “Fed” even though only scant benefits have occurred to the American Economy.

One thing Americans can be sure of, the Mass Media will discuss the Effete State of the American Economy in the most Glowing of Terms (as will be expected of Minions of the U.S. White House). Conversely, in the two forthcoming Elections, Americans who are tired of being treated as Freiers, can vote out the Inept Regime with all of its Baggage.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/ali-meyer/bernanke-leaves-fed-record-balance-sheet-4102138000000

☆ Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Develops A “Hole In Its Keel”?

News Analysis: The Vigilant Efforts of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, is at odds with the Wishful Thinking of some White House Members regarding the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Their wanting Congress to ‘Rubber Stamp’ their Scheme has many Senators and Members of the House of Representatives saying “NO”. They want to analyze what the White House Minions may have tentatively agreed to. Many people think Corporations Establishing International Laws is Wrong (as allegedly the ‘TPP’ allows).

Senator Reid, who has before shown his Independent Thinking in similar matters, does not want a “Rush To Judgment” regarding the ‘TPP’.

A seldom discussed element of the ‘TPP’ is why China and Russia, who both abut the Pacific Ocean, are not included in this ‘Partnership’. Perhaps residual ‘Cold War’ Mentalities continue to permeate the White House? This, in spite of the fact that China has purchased approximately $1.3 TRILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Federal Securities!

Many Economists realize that if China were to Withdraw from the U.S. Securities Market, a “1929” Scenario would be a Reality for Americans unfortunately. What would the White House do then? Again, go to Las Vegas, Nevada for some Entertainment?

Hopefully, Independent Thinkers like Harry Reid will provide a balance to the  ‘TPP’ Teeter-Totter.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/l85u9dm

★ One Does Not Have To Like A Physician Terrorist Leader, But One Should Respect Him

News Analysis: The Billions of Dollars spent by the American Government and other Governments trying to Curtail or Decimate a Principal Terrorist Organization (PTO) (and its Egyptian Physician Leader), is inversely related to their success in doing so. The ‘PTO’ is allegedly more geographically wide spread now than when it struck America on ‘9-11’ (an interesting numerical reference to the U.S. Civilian Emergency Telephone Number, some say).

People think that the ‘PTO’ Former Leader (being conveniently shot and his body disposed of rather than being arrested and brought back to America to stand trial as per International Law) may have revealed some Disconcerting Information about what really happened and Who knew What and When in the U.S. White House regarding the ‘9-11’ Attack. Dead Men Cannot Testify in Court.

Moreover, the Farcical Reports by the Mass Media that the former Saudi Arabian Leader “was hiding in caves FOR YEARS” were insults to the intelligence of the American Population. Who in the U.S. Government passed such Drivel on to the Journalism Majors (who did not know any better)?

It appears that the Continuing Position of the Current Regime in the White House is to make the ‘PTO’ a mere “Afterthought” on the ‘World Stage’ while it continues to spend Billions of Dollars trying to catch or eliminate the ‘PTO’ and its Egyptian Physician Leader. Perhaps, some say, the Intellect of the ‘PTO’ Leader is Greater than the Intellect of those World Leaders who seek to Destroy Him? He must be laughing since the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution have effectively been dispensed with for Americans. This as the “Search for Terrorists Behind Every Bush” Mantra stays in place as evidence of the Mass Hysteria in the U.S. Intelligence Community remains. 

After many years trying to eliminate the ‘PTO’, it has apparently morphed into a more Diffuse Organization. Yet, the U.S. National Security Agency is supposed to be able to track ALL World Communications? People are not receiving the Peace they seek; something is amiss.

Perhaps the “Masters of the Universe” in the Intelligence World who have “Been There and Done That” will realize that the Meager “Extermination” Returns they are getting after over a Decade, while spending Billions of Dollars yearly in doing so, need a change. But certainly not the “Change” promised Voters over the last Two Elections.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/rumors-al-qaeda-s-demise_776000.html?page=1

☆ German Wind Farm Projects (GWFP) Benefit Project Creators While Investors Get To Dine On “Sour” Kraut

News Analysis: High Yields for Investors in German Wind Farm Projects (GWFP)  has been dismal. Inaccurate Wind Projections, Poor Location Choices, Lack of Quality in Equipment used, Poor Equipment Coordination, and Inept Management have produced losses for many ‘GWFP’.

Since a mere 10% miscalculation of Estimated Wind Energy at a site can create a 30% reduction of anticipated Electricity Produced and Energy Sold.

Some people think the German Politicians in the “Rush to Be Green” did not put on their “Thinking Caps”. It behooved them to  extensively analyze the entire data available on Wind Farms  and the Government’s Methodology to promote the same. Apparently, this did not occur. Glaring irregularities on both Cost and Performance which are now well known were not discussed widely.

The “Ostrich Principle” used by many Environmentalists helped push Politicians to achieve their ‘Rush to Be Green’: Ignore the Costs, The Facts, The Probabilities, The Profits, and Rely on the Imagery (Just like a Hologram). 

The Reality that many people choose to ignore is: Coal and Petroleum are both Less Costly, More Efficient, and have Greater Consistent Reproducibility than any of the Fashionable “New Energy Sources” Marketed.

Hydro-Electric Power and Nuclear Energy are both Clean, Efficient and Reliable but have Cost and Other Issues of Geographic Scale that Governments need to examine.

Promoters who have a lot of “Hot Air” sell ‘GWFP’ to the Leichtglaubig very well. Oddly enough, for the Germans (with their renowned Technical Expertise over the Centuries), this appears to be the case regarding ‘GWFP’. A Promoter’s ‘Money-Maker’; a Investor’s Loss.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/wind-power-investments-in-germany-proving-riskier-than-thought-a-946367.html