Category: liberty

bookmark_borderProtectionism 101: Trump Economics

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Most of Trump’s policies are based on common misconceptions and in fact contradict established economic principles. To begin with, the U.S. government often subsidizes companies to keep operations domestic. This can make our products more expensive and our businesses less efficient and competitive. A notable example is electric vehicles (EVs). The U.S. heavily subsidizes EVs, yet we claim we are not, instead asserting that China does this without evidence. Consequently, we impose a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. As a result, the U.S. lacks competitively priced, domestically produced EVs. Our EV industry has become uncompetitive and inefficient, while China has emerged as the powerhouse of EV manufacturing worldwide. This is just one example of how U.S. misunderstandings of trade have led to our own decline while contributing to China’s rise. These policies have been both Republican and Democratic. Trump’s policies, which are even more misguided and are intended to do this to every industry, are set to accelerate our decline rapidly. World economists estimate that our economy will be devastated within 1 year and 9 months.

For more information on this example see “BYD” and NEV sales. For another devastating example of protectionism see “Deep Seek” and large language model AI.

Protectionist policies have significantly influenced the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs), creating distinct winners and losers across various industries.

Beneficiaries:

  • China:
    • BYD: A leading Chinese EV manufacturer, BYD has capitalized on domestic support and reduced foreign competition due to protectionist measures.
    • DeepSeek: This Hangzhou-based AI startup has emerged as a formidable player, developing advanced AI models like DeepSeek-R1. Notably, DeepSeek achieved these advancements at a fraction of the typical cost and energy consumption, democratizing AI development and enabling smaller firms to compete.

Adversely Affected:

  • United States:
    • Automotive Companies: Major U.S. automakers such as Ford and General Motors face challenges from increased tariffs and restricted access to international markets, impacting their competitiveness in the EV sector.
    • Technology Firms: Leading tech companies, including Nvidia, Intel, IBM, Qualcomm, Cerebras Systems, Graphcore, Tesla, Baidu, OpenAI, SambaNova, Microsoft, and Apple, have encountered setbacks due to protectionist policies. For instance, Nvidia experienced a significant decline in market capitalization following DeepSeek’s announcement of its R1 model, highlighting the disruptive potential of emerging competitors. For an idea of how costly protectionism can be to the US, Nvidia lost $593 billion in market value the day Deep Seek was announced.

The ripple effects of protectionism extend beyond these industries, notably impacting the energy sector—encompassing electricity, natural gas, and nuclear power—due to shifts in production and consumption patterns driven by evolving trade policies.

Beyond economic implications, protectionist measures can lead to significant technological and military consequences, as nations may struggle to access critical innovations or maintain strategic advantages in key sectors.

If you are interested in a historical example, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 raised tariffs on imports to the United States, which contributed to the Great Depression. In fact, Trump’s policies, combined with bypassing the law and ignoring the Constitution by not having Congress codify legislation, make it appear as though our current economic downturn is accelerating. This is why world leaders and economists are not overly concerned; most agree they will tolerate current U.S. policies creating economic instability and that the collapsing economy will occur before the midterms. After the midterms, he will likely be toothless, if not impeached.

UPDATES: BYD’s Breakthrough Charging Tech Exposes the Pitfalls of U.S. Protectionism in the EV Market

How BYD Surpassed Tesla: The Role of Innovation, Tariffs, and Free Market Dynamics

Tesla vs. BYD
Tesla vs. BYD

MORE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ON TRUMP TARIFFS

Déjà Vu Economics: How Trump’s Deregulation and Tariff Policies Mirror the Road to the Great Depression

Trumpenomics: How Tariffs, Policy Cuts, and Labor Shortages Are Devastating American Farmers

The Devastating Impact of Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

World Economics 101: The United States and Global Trade Dynamics

The Lies Behind Trump’s Terror Economics

Trumpenomics: The Decline of the US

bookmark_borderEconomic Update: The Path to Disaster

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The Republican Party is driving the U.S. economy off a cliff, and the consequences are unfolding in real time. The good news? Trump’s team is imploding under the weight of its own reckless and poorly planned policies. The bad news? The so-called “Make America Great Again” agenda is achieving the exact opposite—weakening the country economically, politically, and diplomatically.

One silver lining is that nearly all of Trump’s Executive Orders (EOs) are built on shaky legal ground. Since they lack congressional approval, most will collapse like a house of cards. For example, Trump’s attempt to use tariffs as a revenue source to offset the budget deficit is fundamentally flawed—tariff revenue cannot be used this way unless Congress explicitly authorizes it. Given that the Republican Party has historically opposed taxation, it’s highly unlikely that this EO will ever be codified into law.

Economic Turmoil at Home and Abroad

Both the U.S. and global economies are experiencing unprecedented instability. Stock markets are on edge, interest rates remain high, inflation is still squeezing household budgets, and consumer confidence is plummeting. Meanwhile, Trump’s erratic trade policies—particularly his obsession with tariffs—are adding further uncertainty, disrupting supply chains, and increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.

Internationally, the damage is just as severe. The U.S. has alienated its closest allies through economic bullying and diplomatic incompetence. Relations with Canada and Mexico—our largest trading partners—are deteriorating, and Trump’s isolationist rhetoric has pushed the European Union and other key allies to seek alternative economic partnerships.

And now, in a shocking escalation of global instability, the Trump administration is preparing to seize Gaza—a move so reckless it defies comprehension. This will not only deepen existing geopolitical tensions but also further isolate the U.S. on the world stage.

Climate Policy: The Greatest Threat to Humanity

Of all the Republican Party’s dangerous policies, its stance on climate change is by far the most catastrophic. The continued promotion of fossil fuels, the aggressive rollback of environmental protections, and the outright denial of climate science are accelerating planetary destruction at an unprecedented rate.

If we continue down this path, vast regions of the planet will become uninhabitable within this century. This will lead to mass displacement, food and water shortages, and geopolitical instability on a scale never before seen in human history. The consequences won’t just last for decades or even centuries—climate disruptions and ecological collapse will shape life on Earth for millions of years.

We are already witnessing the devastating effects:

  • Record-breaking temperatures are making entire regions unlivable.
  • Wildfires are more frequent and intense, destroying homes, forests, and livelihoods.
  • Ecosystems are collapsing, with mass extinctions already underway.
  • Storms and flooding are worsening, causing billions in damages and displacing populations.

Despite this overwhelming evidence, Republican leadership continues to double down on climate denial. Instead of investing in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, they are working to expand fossil fuel production and dismantle climate policies that were designed to prevent catastrophe.

A Legacy of Destruction

Future generations will look back at this moment in history with disbelief and anger, wondering how a political movement could have been so willfully blind to the destruction it enabled. The question isn’t whether disaster is coming—it’s how much damage will be done before enough people demand change.

How long until the masses wake up and realize that the very policies they were sold as “America First” are actually ensuring America’s downfall?

bookmark_borderThe Lies Behind Trump’s Terror Economics

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Article originally published February 4, 2025 in anticipation of tariffs on Mexico and Canada

The primary purpose of Trump’s tariffs is not economic growth or national security—it’s to fund his anti-humanity policies, particularly the billions of dollars required for mass deportation. Unfortunately, both his tariff policies and immigration restrictions have devastating effects on the U.S. economy, creating a dangerous cycle of economic instability and political deception.

Violation of Existing Trade Agreements

One of the most glaring contradictions in Trump’s proposal is that the United States already has a free-trade agreement with Mexico and Canada: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This deal, which was implemented and widely touted as a signature achievement of Trump’s first term, replaced NAFTA and strengthened trade relations between the three nations. Imposing new tariffs would directly violate the terms of the USMCA, undermining the agreement and potentially sparking retaliation or trade disputes.

Circumventing Congressional Authority

Tariffs are a matter that traditionally requires Congressional approval under U.S. law. Trump’s plan to bypass this requirement involves declaring Mexico and Canada as security threats to justify the tariffs through executive action. While this approach exploits legal loopholes, it would almost certainly face challenges in court. Congress has constitutionally enshrined authority over trade, and using national security as a pretext for tariffs risks further eroding trust in executive restraint.

Trump’s Tariff Reversal: A Fake Victory

On February 3, 2025, Trump abruptly suspended the implementation of additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada. While he claimed this as a major negotiating victory, the reality tells a different story. The so-called “concessions” from Mexico and Canada were, in fact, pre-existing agreements that Trump has simply rebranded to appear as new achievements.

For example, in 2019, Trump secured an agreement with Mexico to deploy 15,000 troops to its southern border to curb migration. Now, the recently announced deployment of 10,000 troops is not an increase, but a reduction from that agreement. Similarly, the so-called “deal” with Canada was already announced in December 2024 under President Biden. Trump’s claims of securing new victories are nothing more than political theater designed to mask the damage caused by his reckless policies.

The Economic Damage and Republican Civil War

While the temporary tariff suspension is a win for the economy, common sense, and humanity, it is unlikely to last. Trump still needs to raise revenue to fund his disastrous immigration enforcement plans, and tariffs remain one of his primary tools to do so. These import taxes, however, disproportionately harm American consumers and businesses, leading to higher prices, supply chain disruptions, and reduced economic growth.

This presents a major dilemma for Trump and the Republican Party. Trump was already the largest contributor to the national debt during his first term, and economic forecasts indicate that his current policies could add more to the debt than all Democratic presidents combined throughout U.S. history. Given the Republican Party’s long-standing tradition of advocating for fiscal responsibility, Trump’s reckless spending could spark an all-out civil war within the GOP. The Freedom Caucus, known for its hardline stance on debt and government spending, is likely to lead the charge against Trump’s economic policies.

The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Economic Deception

Trump’s so-called “America First” economic strategy is built on a foundation of deception. His tariffs are nothing more than hidden taxes on the American people, and his immigration policies are not just inhumane—they are economically catastrophic. As his administration scrambles to balance contradictory goals of mass deportation and economic stability, the cracks in his strategy are already showing.

The real question is whether the Republican Party will continue to enable Trump’s reckless economic agenda or whether the internal conflict over fiscal responsibility will finally force a reckoning. One thing is clear: Trump’s terror economics is a losing game—not just for him, but for the entire country.

 

More Trump Lies and Consequences:

Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Mexico and Canada: A Policy Analysis

Trumpenomics: How Tariffs, Policy Cuts, and Labor Shortages Are Devastating American Farmers

The Devastating Impact of Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

World Economics 101: The United States and Global Trade Dynamics

Protectionism 101: Trump Economics

bookmark_borderThe Economic and Diplomatic Consequences of Trump’s Tariff Expansion

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by Daniel Brouse
February 2, 2025

In November 2024, President Trump announced plans to levy new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while also increasing tariffs on China. This policy shift, formalized through an executive order on February 1, 2025, imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and increased tariffs on Chinese goods by an additional 10%, bringing the total to 35% on most products. further escalating trade tensions. Additionally, the administration signaled plans to impose tariffs on the European Union and all oil and gas imports. These aggressive trade policies raise significant economic and diplomatic concerns, with historical precedent suggesting that such measures could have severe long-term consequences.

Economic Ramifications of Tariffs

Tariffs function as taxes on imports, costs that are often passed down to businesses and consumers. The newly imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, along with the increased tariffs on Chinese imports, have the following potential consequences:

  • Higher Prices for Consumers: American consumers will face rising costs on everyday necessities such as food, automobiles, electronics, and industrial goods. As businesses absorb these costs, they are likely to pass them on through higher prices.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: The U.S. economy relies on deeply integrated supply chains with Mexico and Canada, particularly in the automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Increased tariffs disrupt cross-border production, making goods more expensive and less competitive in global markets.
  • Retaliatory Tariffs Hurting U.S. Exporters: Canada and Mexico are the United States’ top trading partners, and both countries are expected to retaliate with their own tariffs on American goods. This will make U.S. exports less competitive, leading to declining sales and potential job losses in export-driven industries.
  • Heightened Inflationary Pressures: At a time when inflation remains a concern, higher import costs could exacerbate inflation, reducing consumer purchasing power and slowing economic growth.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Consequences

Trade policies are not just economic decisions—they have far-reaching diplomatic implications. Implementing tariffs on two of America’s strongest allies and largest trading partners could have several repercussions:

  • Strained Relations with Canada and Mexico: Both countries have been key security and trade allies. Alienating them through aggressive trade measures undermines diplomatic relations and weakens North American economic cooperation at a time when global competition, particularly from China, necessitates stronger regional unity.
  • Reduced Trust in U.S. Trade Agreements: By unilaterally imposing tariffs, the U.S. risks being seen as an unreliable trade partner. This could deter future negotiations and complicate efforts to secure beneficial trade deals.
  • Global Trade Uncertainty: The expansion of tariffs to include the European Union and energy imports could trigger broader trade disputes, further fragmenting global trade networks and slowing economic recovery efforts worldwide.

Historical Parallels: A Dangerous Precedent

The last time the U.S. pursued such aggressive protectionist policies was in the lead-up to the Great Depression. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which significantly raised tariffs on foreign goods, triggered retaliatory measures from trading partners, severely reducing global trade and deepening the economic downturn. Economists widely regard these policies as having exacerbated the Depression.

Trump’s 2025 tariff expansion mirrors this historical precedent, increasing the risk of trade wars, economic contraction, and prolonged global instability. At a time when the U.S. economy is facing challenges such as inflation, supply chain vulnerabilities, and international competition, the imposition of widespread tariffs could prove to be an ill-advised economic gamble with far-reaching consequences.

Conclusion

While proponents of protectionist policies argue that tariffs can protect domestic industries, the reality is often far more damaging. Higher costs, disrupted supply chains, diplomatic fallout, and retaliatory measures outweigh any short-term economic gains. History has shown that aggressive tariff policies rarely lead to long-term prosperity—rather, they invite economic hardship and global instability. If history is any guide, these new tariffs may be a prelude to severe economic consequences, echoing the mistakes of the past.

bookmark_borderEvangelical Christianity, Eschatology, and Political Influence

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Background

U.S. support for Israel is deeply intertwined with Evangelical Christian beliefs, particularly those concerning the end times. Many Evangelicals subscribe to the idea that they can hasten the “Second Coming of Christ” by setting the stage for an apocalyptic conflict. According to their interpretation of the Bible, this involves Israel reclaiming Jerusalem, Jesus returning, and ultimately eliminating all Jews who do not convert.

For numerous “Christian Zionists,” especially influential evangelists aligned with the Republican Party, support for Israel is less about political strategy and more about its supposed role in biblical prophecy. In this worldview, war is not something to be avoided but embraced as a divine necessity—an inevitable and even celebratory step toward Jesus’ rule from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The fate of Jews and Palestinians alike is, at best, collateral damage.

Ironically, the same Evangelical Christians who claim to worship Jesus have developed a near-cult-like devotion to President Donald Trump, seeing him as an instrument of God’s plan. This allegiance has led them to abandon traditional Christian ethics in favor of political power plays, reinforcing their apocalyptic vision.

Eschatology: The Study of the End Times

The theological study of the end times is called eschatology. Derived from the Greek word eschatos, meaning “last” or “final,” eschatology explores the biblical concepts of the Second Coming of Christ, the final judgment, and humanity’s ultimate destiny.

Christian eschatology varies widely across denominations but generally includes key themes such as the Tribulation, the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Millennial Kingdom, and the New Heaven and New Earth. The primary biblical sources for these beliefs include the Book of Revelation, the Book of Daniel, Matthew 24, and 1 Thessalonians 4–5.

The Antichrist and the False Prophet

The Bible describes two primary figures who play a pivotal role in the end times: the Antichrist and the False Prophet.

The Antichrist is portrayed as a powerful world leader who deceives nations, exalts himself above God, and demands worship. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, he is called the “man of lawlessness” who will oppose everything associated with God and proclaim himself divine. He will use deception and false miracles, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, performing signs and wonders to mislead people. Revelation 13:7 further states that he will have authority over all nations, wage war against God’s people, and establish global control while demanding loyalty and worship.

Working alongside the Antichrist is the False Prophet, a religious figure who deceives people into worshiping the Antichrist and enforces his rule. Revelation 13:12-14 states that the False Prophet will perform great signs, even calling down fire from heaven, deceiving the inhabitants of the earth. He will implement the infamous “Mark of the Beast,” which will be required for economic participation (Revelation 13:16-17). Together, they will establish a counterfeit kingdom in opposition to God, using political power, false miracles, and religious influence to lead people astray. However, their reign will ultimately end in their destruction at Christ’s second coming (Revelation 19:20).

The Bible warns believers to remain vigilant, as the spirit of the Antichrist is already present in the world (1 John 4:3). Jesus himself warns in Matthew 24:24 that false messiahs and false prophets will perform great signs to deceive even the elect. Ultimately, the Antichrist and the False Prophet represent a final rebellion against God, but their defeat is assured through Christ’s return and judgment. Believers are urged to remain steadfast in faith and avoid being misled by deception.

False Prophets and Their Modern Influence

The Bible repeatedly warns against false prophets who mislead people for personal gain, political power, or ideological influence. These warnings remain highly relevant today in the context of misinformation, manipulation, and the rise of leaders who claim to have all the answers while deceiving the public.

Examples of modern false prophets can be seen in:

  1. Political and Religious Manipulation – Leaders and influencers use fear, rhetoric, and false promises to manipulate people, often positioning themselves as the only solution to societal problems.
  2. Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories – The internet has allowed false prophets—those who spread lies and propaganda—to reach and deceive even well-educated individuals.
  3. Cult-Like Followings – Some leaders gain unwavering loyalty, convincing their followers to reject facts, critical thinking, and morality in favor of blind allegiance.
  4. False Promises of Salvation – Whether in politics, religion, or business, many claim to offer prosperity, security, or “the truth” while actually leading people into harm.

The warning in Matthew 24:24 serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, question what we are told, and remain rooted in truth, discernment, and ethical reasoning. The willingness of Christian Zionists to embrace war and deception for the sake of an apocalyptic vision highlights the dangers of unchecked religious extremism in shaping political policy. If history teaches us anything, it is that those who seek to manipulate faith for power often lead their followers—and the world—toward destruction.

 

Evangelical Christianity and Israel

If you’re curious about the driving force behind US support for Israel, it’s ironically rooted in Evangelical Christianity. Many Evangelical Christians believe they can hasten the “second coming of Christ” by bringing about the apocalypse. According to their interpretation of the Bible, this involves Israel reclaiming Jerusalem, Jesus returning, and ultimately eliminating all Jews. For numerous “Christian Zionists,” especially influential evangelists aligned with the Republican Party, support for Israel is less about political strategy and more about its supposed role in biblical prophecy. In this worldview, war is not something to be avoided but embraced as a divine necessity—an inevitable and even celebratory step toward Jesus’ rule from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

bookmark_borderMyth of CEO Compensation Impact on Hourly Wages Debunked

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By Daniel Brouse, June 17, 2024

There is a prevailing myth or conspiracy theory that suggests hourly workers’ wages are negatively impacted by the high compensation packages of CEOs and other corporate executives. This myth can be debunked for several reasons:

1. Hourly Wages Are Not Suppressed by Executive Pay

In the current economy, the minimum wage has little to do with actual hourly wages, which are often higher. For example, in the Greater Philadelphia Region, the average hourly wages for various entry-level positions are as follows:

  • Janitors: Approximately $17.26 per hour.
  • Fast Food Workers: Around $15.45 per hour.
  • Grocery Store Employees: This category includes various roles such as cashiers, stock clerks, and other support staff, averaging about $14-$16 per hour depending on specific job functions and experience.

These figures demonstrate that market conditions, not executive pay, dictate wage levels for hourly workers.

2. Hourly Wages Rising Faster Than Inflation

For the 12 months between May 2023 and May 2024, hourly wages rose faster than inflation, indicating that worker compensation is improving in real terms. This counters the narrative that executive pay stifles wage growth for the average worker.

3. Executive Compensation and Its Impact on Corporate Budgets

Much of what is termed as “excessive executive compensation” does not directly affect corporate budgets or worker compensation. Executives are often compensated with stock options provided by shareholders. This process, known as “share dilution,” involves issuing additional stock, which reduces the ownership proportion of current shareholders but does not directly take from corporate revenues.

Moreover, executive compensation through stock options can positively impact hourly wages and employment numbers. Stock options only gain value if the company grows, aligning executives’ interests with those of the company and its workers. Growth often leads to increased wages and employment as the company expands.

Case Study: Tesla Shareholder Suit Against Elon Musk

A prime example of high executive compensation can be seen in the Tesla shareholders’ suit against Elon Musk in Delaware. The court ruled that Tesla’s board had conflicts of interest and failed to properly disclose the compensation plan’s details. Despite these issues, an additional shareholder vote favored Musk’s pay package, showing confidence in his leadership. This decision came even amid slumping sales and a drop in stock price, indicating that shareholders believe in the long-term growth potential under Musk’s guidance.

In summary, the idea that high executive compensation negatively impacts hourly wages is a misconception. Market conditions and company growth drive wages, and executive compensation strategies often align the interests of executives with those of workers and the company.

References

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Economic Facts on Immigration, Budget Deficits and Inflation

Economic Update: Inflation, Interest Rates, AI, Consumer Spending, Climate Change, and Fiscal Policy

bookmark_borderInternet Privacy

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The information on how the Trump campaign obtained and exploited citizens’ privacy should serve as an example to your personal responsibility in maintaining internet security.

Do not use any Facebook game, IQ test, quiz or other third-party APP’s (applications). Never give permission allowing a third party access to your personal information. Shame on you if you allow your friends information to be accessed!

The BBC reported, “In 2014, Facebook invited users to find out their personality type via a quiz developed by Cambridge University researcher Dr Kogan called This is Your Digital Life.”

The personality quiz was used to exploit users personal information, as well as, all your friends’ personal information. Your (and your friends’) information was then sold through Cambridge Analytica to the Trump campaign and used to exploit you.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY?

Privacy suggestions:
1) change your default Facebook settings (make sure you never share your friends info. by default)
2) clear your web browser’s cookies on a regular basis
3) install an ad blocker
For example, using FireFox web browser with the AdBlock Add-on
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/
OR
1) just use TOR browser Download the Tor browser (free)

MORE: Virtual Private Network and Internet Privacy

bookmark_borderRadical Christian Terrorists and the Zombie Apocalypse

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EARTH — Imagine a group of radical Christians taking over the government and trying to bring on the Rapture (aka The Apocalypse) and the Second Coming.

You no longer need to imagine. A conspiracy of Evangelical Christians are trying to facilitate The End Of Times. They want to fulfill biblical prophecies including:

  1. The Revival of the Roman Empire
  2. The Emergence of the Antichrist
  3. The Covenant with Israel
  4. Three Periods Between the Rapture and the Second Coming
  5. The War with Russia
  6. The Great Tribulation: Armageddon

The Radical Christian Terrorists believe they will be “saved” when these events occur.

ESCHATOLOGY
Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.

THE RAPTURE / ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Daniel 12
The Time of the End
2 Many of those who are dead in the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

Thessalonians 4:17
17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

In Christian eschatology, the Rapture refers to the prophesied event when “Christian believers who have died will be raised and believers who are still alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (the resurrected dead believers) in the clouds to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air.”

APOCALYPSE
The apocalypse is the complete and final destruction of the world as prophesied in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation (the last book of the Bible.)

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the book of Revelation are horsemen on white, red, black, and pale horses. The riders are often seen as symbolizing:

  1. Conquest, Pestilence, the Christ or the Antichrist
  2. War
  3. Famine
  4. Death

“The Christian apocalyptic vision is that the four horsemen are to set a divine apocalypse upon the world as harbingers of the Last Judgment.”

Revelation 6:7-8
When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, an ashen (pale) horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

  • The first seal is broken and the first of the four living creatures introduces a white horse whose crowned rider, equipped with a bow, goes out to conquer.
  • The second seal is broken and the second of the four living creatures introduces a red horse, whose rider wields a great sword.
  • The third seal is broken and the third of the four living creatures introduces a black horse, whose rider carries a pair of scales, goes out.
  • The fourth seal is broken and the fourth of the four living creatures introduces an ashen horse comes out, whose rider has the name Death and Hades follows him.
  • The fifth seal is broken revealing the souls of those who had been slain for the “Word of God”.
  • The sixth seal is broken “and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, The sky was split apart, every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”
  • Mankind hides themselves in the caves and mountains acknowledging the presence of Him who sits on the throne and the wrath of the Lamb.

bookmark_borderProtectionism: The Costs and Benefits of Trade Wars

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by Daniel Brouse

Protectionism is the theory or practice of shielding a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition by restricting imports. There are no known benefits to protectionism. The costs of protectionism include being financially destructive, negatively impacting health and wellness, as well as, causing death. (also see: )

Following are a few examples:

GOLDEN RICE AND THE TRANS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Trade restrictions are often put on agricultural products in an effort for a country to protect its farmers. The result is to harm the general population. Rice is a good example of a crop that is widely protected by trade restrictions. USA Rice states, “The barriers range from ongoing phytosanitary restrictions by Colombia on imports of U.S. paddy rice; a discriminatory and very complex tariff regime in the EU; the trade distorting impact of Thailand’s rice support program; government management of rice imports in Japan and Taiwan; and Korea’s new rice import regime.”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office stated, “Despite current interventions, vitamin A deficiency is the leading killer of children globally (2-3 million annually) and also the leading cause of childhood blindness (500,000 cases annually). Most cases arise in Asia where the staple food eaten by 3.5 billion people daily, white rice, lacks vitamin A sources typically found in meat and leafy vegetables. These deaths and blindness are preventable.”

In 2015, Golden Rice won a humanitarian award. Not only is Golden Rice more nutritious than white rice, it is also less harmful to the environment (since less of it needs to be grown.) There are numerous health benefits from Golden Rice including β-Carotene that provides vitamin A to children. It is estimated that millions of children’s lives could be saved and childhood blindness could be dramatically reduced.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) would have eliminated trade restrictions on Golden Rice by the participating countries.

1930 SMOOT-HAWLEY TARIFF ACT
The Tariff Act of 1930 was signed into law on June 17, 1930 by President Herbert Hoover. The act raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported products. The tariffs imposed an effective tax rate of 60% on many of the goods. The Act also started a trade war with America’s trading partners resulting in reduced American exports and imports by more than 50% contributing to The Great Depression.

Historians estimate at least 3 million civilians died from the Great Depression in the United States, mostly young children, the elderly and women. The main causes were:

  1. malnutrition
  2. infectious disease
  3. attempted child birth
  4. starvation
  5. suicide

THE SHOE TAX
The shoe tax is a remnant of the Smoot–Hawley Act. United States’ shoe tariffs are 10 times higher than the average U.S. tariff rate. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, in 2011 shoes accounted for 1 percent of merchandise imports, but  provided 7.9 percent of U.S. tariff revenue.

Regressive taxes disproportionately hurt the poor. A regressive tax “imposes a greater burden (relative to resources) on the poor than on the rich.” The money paid in taxes has a larger impact on the ability of lower-income households to satisfy their basic needs, like food, clothing, healthcare and shelter.

PHARMACEUTICAL TARIFFS
In 2006 the WTO said scrapping the tariffs on medicines and drug ingredients would result in “effective action to improve access to medicines and medical devices needed to treat a wide variety of diseases effectively and ensure that these goods reach patients expeditiously at a lower cost.”

“It is ironic that many of the countries that are in urgent need of cheap medicines also have a significant tax added to drugs and medical devices they import,” said Peter Allgeier, the US ambassador to the WTO.

The National Institute of Health stated:
A group of countries, including members of the European Union, Canada, the United States, Japan, Switzerland, and Norway, agreed to eliminate import tariffs on thousands of finished drugs and intermediate ingredients in the Uruguay round trade talks between 1986 and 1994. As a result, out of an average global trade in drugs worth $145bn between 1999 and 2001, $114bn was covered by the initiative. But almost $33bn is still subject to duty, the joint proposal noted.

AL-SHIFA PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY
Operation Infinite Reach was the codename for an American cruise missile strike on a pharmaceutical plant in Sudan. After helping Sudan build a pharmaceutical factory, the United States blew it up. Initially, the U.S. claimed the plant was making chemical weapons. Eventually, the U.S. admitted there was no evidence the plant was making chemical weapons. The side-effects to the local population included:

  • no supplies of chloroquine (the standard treatment for malaria)
  • relief workers fleeing the country resulting in starvation
  • fostering the attack of 9/11

The trade disruption is estimated to have killed or maimed hundreds of thousands of people many of which were children.

BABY FORMULA IN CHINA
For years China had stiff tariffs on imported baby formula. The lack of competition forced the price higher and the quality lower. In 2012, China’s consumer quality regulator found an “unusual amount” of mercury in baby formula produced by Yili Industrial Group Co. “At present, the country has no standards on mercury limits in milk powder. But to be responsible to consumers, the company decided to recall all related products,” said the company.

It is unclear how many children have been malnourished or poisoned due to China’s trade policy. Under free-trade agreements, such as the TPP, countries can not put tariffs on the product and the product must meet the health and safety standards of the USA.

bookmark_borderFUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt)

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By Daniel Brouse
For Widgette / Private Business

Has America turned into a giant Tupperware Party?

The field of consumer behavior is a social science that studies the psychology of consumerism. There are five basic psychological tactics to marketing:
* emotional and psychological appeals
* optimize credibility by highlighting your flaws
* re-position your competition
* promote exclusivity
* introduce fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)

Fear, Uncertainty, And Doubt (FUD)

The "Daisy Ad" Video
The “Daisy Ad” Video (Click for Video and Audio)

Fear is very powerful in marketing. An example of fear advertising happened when Lyndon Johnson ran against Barry Goldwater in 1964. Johnson wanted to stoke public fear that Goldwater would cause a nuclear war. The “Daisy ad” or “Peace, Little Girl” ran only one time. It showed a little girl picking petals from a daisy, followed by a nuclear explosion and Johnson ominously stating, “These are the stakes. To make a world in which all of God’s children can live, or to go into the dark.” Johnson won, carried 44 states, and took 61% of the vote in a landslide victory.

One of the first companies to use FUD as its business model is Tupperware. They pioneered the direct marketing strategy made famous by the Tupperware party. “A Tupperware party is run by a Tupperware ‘consultant’ for a host who invites friends and neighbors into his or her home to see the product line. Tupperware hosts are rewarded with free products based on the level of sales made at their party. Parties also take place in workplaces, schools, and other community groups.”

When friends and neighbors attend a Tupperware party, the host introduces fear, uncertainty, and doubt to the participants. The consumer is made to worry what their friends and neighbors will think of them if they don’t make a purchase. There is fear of being publicly humiliated and doubt whether you will be un-friended.

The most disturbing use of FUD is Donald J. Trump. The Donald has used every trick in the book when it comes to using fear, uncertainty and doubt to motivate people. The current atmosphere makes one wonder — “Has America turned into a giant Tupperware party?”