Economy

My views on the economic outlook of the United States and what the future has in store for us all.

Is the DOW a Good Measure of Stock Market Health?

February 27, 2013 0 Comments

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DOW) is nothing more than an index of carefully picked stocks whose relevancy as to how well the stock market and economy are doing is misleading. Perhaps decades ago, it was a useful tool since it was comprised of the major industrial companies within the United States such as steel companies and auto manufacturers, (hence DOW Jones “Industrial” Average), but that isn’t the case anymore. Within the United States, there are roughly 5,000 companies traded on the stock exchanges. However, the DOW is composed of…
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Economy, Ramblings

Violent Crime in United States Down Sharply – 1992 Through 2010

January 9, 2013 0 Comments

Despite all the negative attention the mainstream media gives to isolated acts of violence, the facts clearly show violent crime in the United States is down sharply between the years 1992 and 2010. In fact, it’s remarkable. So remarkable, it’s hard to believe no agency, person, or organization wants to claim credit for such a heroic superman feat. Perhaps that’s because no one knows why violent crime is on the decline, but it’s unmistakable that something amazing has happened. And when I say decline, I’m not talking about a highly…
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Economy, Media Bias, Ramblings

Fiscal Cliff Deal is a Joke. The Bill Solves Nothing.

January 2, 2013 0 Comments

fiscal cliff

After months of hype and hysteria, we are no better off with this new deal than we were before. In fact, we’re worse off for numerous reasons. The first being, there are only $40 billion in cuts, but $330 billion in new spending. That’s a net increase in borrowing of $290 billion. I thought we were supposed to cut spending, not increase it? Second, there is a 2.5% tax increase on everyone earning an income greater than $50K a year. This is the payroll tax increase that helps contribute to…
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Economy, Legislation, Ramblings, Taxes

Obama Wins Reelection – United We Stand, Divided We Fall

November 7, 2012 0 Comments

It’s clear to me — as it should be to everyone else — that the majority in this country are more socially liberal and secular than they used to be. We’ve now shifted to a slightly left of center position. Homosexuality is no longer taboo and is becoming more accepted, to include gay marriage now being legal in a multitude of States. The prohibition status of marijuana is taking fire as two states have now chosen to legalize it for recreational use (Colorado and Washington) in direct contradiction to Federal…
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Economy, Politics, Ramblings

The Real Unemployment Rate in the United States

May 13, 2012 0 Comments

unemployment

There is a lot of skepticism when it comes to the unemployment rate. The government says it’s 8.1% (as of April 2012) and so do most in the media. Even the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the agency responsible for calculating the official unemployment rate says it’s 8.1%. But they also say it’s 9.5% and even 14.5%. How can this be? Which is it? Why are there 3 different unemployment rates? Strange as it may be, there are actually six. The better question is, why are they choosing the 8.1%…
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Economy, Politics, Ramblings

Has Inflation Already Arrived in the United States?

February 29, 2012 0 Comments

For those of you who think inflation hasn’t hit the United States, think again. All one needs to do is visit the grocery store, go to the gas station, or look at the prices of the raw materials used in manufacturing, farming or construction. It’s pretty hard to dispute prices haven’t dramatically risen over the last few years. So why all the confusion about the inflation rate and how it’s affecting prices? The government would like you to believe inflation is under control and right around 3.1% annually, which they…
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Economy

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Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 Plan: Good or Bad?

October 17, 2011 0 Comments

Herman Cain is your non-typical presidential candidate, and an interesting one at that. When you look at his life-long achievements, they are grand and admirable. But when it comes to his political experience, he has virtually none, and he has only begun to see how brutal, conniving and dishonest politicians can be. And this is what concerns me most. When you take a little bit of naivety and mix it with a brand new federal tax code, you are seriously exposing yourself to some very harsh unintended consequences if you…
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Economy, Taxes