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Interesting chart. Thanks for sharing!
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There is a lot of waffle- but I found this interview interesting. It is with a German and Stefan Molyneux who I'm sure many of you are familiar with. Regarding the migrants (I refuse to refer to them as refugees) as a significant portion (if not majority) are actually economic migrants. And since they are breaching the law in not claiming asylum at the first country they enter they are also technically illegal immigrants. Though I guess a few photos can brush over that fact. It puts into perspective (with some numbers and facts). Some quite disturbing figures regarding rape statistics too. https://youtu.be/-30gF6WB-GY |
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Still plenty of plated coins left. Celebrate/commiserate Karpele's prosecution with a little something to remember him by!
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Only 7 silver plated bars remaining in this run. Thanks again to all my customers! Currently no plans to do another run, but if I make another coin/bar I will probably get some more UNO bars made to have them in stock. Remember previous customers can claim 20% off any silver plated bar order. And I have plenty of Gox coins that I am also happy to offer at a discount to previous customers  Thanks!
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One of the reasons I don't fully adopt M. Armstrong's ideas is that he often predicts facts that he has no historical data to map them fully. Imagine a problem consisted from 5 equations with 6 or 7 unknown variables. You can only guess! Yes, there's a great chance you're going to match a couple of them right, but under no circumstances you would be sure about all of them.
I agree, but I think it was TPTB_need_war who mentioned a while back that he'd observed that if MA puts a "?" in the title, like he did here with "Germany & Austria Close Borders - Schengen Agreement Under Pressure - Will War Emerge?", then it's often a hunch or him thinking-out-loud. Yeah there is a lot of his personal opinion/observation, backed by a lot of extensive knowledge on his blog. It's what makes his blog very interesting- he condenses a lot of info in just a few paragraphs. |
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So it seems Scotland may break away from UK after all? They are different than the city folk in London? London is a total bubble. Especially centrally, a mixture of tourist toy town, ultra rich and dirty money. As a previous comment noted- many youngsters (like myself until recent years) choose to live and work in London. But you soon realize that in anything but high income careers it's a poor standard of living in terms of commuting and accommodation quality (even miles out of the centre). The difference between lifestyles and attitudes is night and day when compared to rural areas and other cities. I've lived both in the 'impoverished' far north (Newcastle, Middlesbrough) and some of the most affluent cities (Cambridge, Guildford). London has economy of scale going for it and excellent restaurants, but that is where my appreciation ends. I think it is a foregone conclusion that another referendum will be held in our lifetimes in Scotland. I think it would be good for both countries personally, it would destroy Labour in the near term, perhaps mortally. Though there is a lot idealogically (and financially) at stake in terms in of retaining the union of countries. |
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...there is an undertone that socialism just hasn't been done 'right' yet.
... I do not think Britain will fall for the hard left of Corbyn, I would be stunned if they did. And then looking for work in Asia most likely. But never is a strong word, I don't know what the future holds. The current conservative government is on this ice with my generation (which up until now has been largely marginalised as non voting/non political) and are simply the best of two bad options. Now I reflect on it, I do not see any half way decent political faction that does not represent the same old nonsense that has been tried again and again.
I could write more, but I think you are familiar with most of what I have to say, I would love to hear THX thoughts on this.
bigtimespaghetti, I hadn't read your post when I made mine, so it was interesting to see your take. You make some good points, particularly the two above IMO. I'm sure if I were in my 20s now I'd feel pretty resentful and cheated by the hand that recent boomer govts have dealt them, in terms of debt, inequality of opportunity and lack of access to affordable accommodation. How will this pan out I wonder. Have you come across Owen Jones? I see him being a significant figure in Labour's future. Brits historically are not extremists, so I think they would have to be pushed pretty hard towards the brink to revolt in any meaningful way. I have come across Owen Jones, I cannot remember much about him, but I remember disliking his glorification/absolution of responsibility of the poor, despite his best intentions he still sees them as children that need helping, perhaps I misread his opinions. I should probably make an effort to skim through some of his books. Among those who understand how the previous generations benefited there is resentment or frustration. Which could well lead to some radical policies in the future- rent controls, price freezes on utilities ect... Yes, I'd agree on your last comment. People get rabid when the NHS is threatened, despite it being a shambling inefficient mess. If I had to make a one line comment it would certainly be that real change would occur if all of a sudden the NHS becomes inviable. But by then perhaps it would be too late. |
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Yes, I go with what you are saying above, but what I was asking - and maybe I worded my question too ambiguously - was how do you think the UKs fate will differ from that of the rest of europe in the short-term?
I believe Armstrong has been wondering that too. He was hoping they would resist being folded into the EU socialism. Perhaps you can tell me. How are UK people distinct from European mainlanders? Will the UK split because there are major differences in values or is the socialism united? The USA will split apart because there are still Americans who are libertarian. Are the youth of the UK united in this delusion? My guess the youth in the USA are pretty much also all falling into the same socialism, but the USA has distinct cultural differences such as Texans being very individual property rights and gun rights. I can't really picture what the European youth will do. I suppose they will either escape to greener pastures such as Asia and those that remain will bite deep in tripling down on totalitarianism socialism. I will tell you my dealings with potential programmers from Europe was disappointing. Attitude is very entitled. Perhaps that is the case of all youth in the West today. Totally unlike my generation. My sample size is too small. I don't know Europe well. You tell me. Since THX is a boomer, maybe it's good to have a contrasting/complementing view of mellennial too: The UK seems to be buying into the centre-right, 'just get on' and the UK economy seems to be stabilising. So that is perceived as good, despite it being driven by debt and housing 'equity'. Also the dead cat housing bounce in the UK has been large (mostly in the south). The London bubble seems ready to pop- as I have mentioned earlier in this thread I think. The activist youth are united- how many that really makes up in my opinion is currently very small but certainly growing, media can sensationalise these vibrant useful idiots imo. Thus their noisiness on social media and silly protests. There are still many thinking individuals who are extremely sceptical, perhaps when the older generations die off this balance will be tilted in the left's favour. Anecdotally many middle-class colleagues have expressed some admiration of Corbyn. I do not understand why they don't see he will prey on their sense of social justice before raping their wallets given a chance. This seems to be mainly exasperation with the current political class. Also anecdotally my (feminist) friend and her partner voted conservative, out of self interest as they could see through the poor offering of the previous leftist leader. One is from South Africa and has a much better understanding of the dangers of socialism than the feminist. So again, thinking people seem to be seeing past the rhetoric. As for the masses, I'm not convinced. There is a great sense of entitlement amongst my peers. But I do not feel my social circles are broad enough to indicate with any certainty. My libertarian leanings alienate me from any political conversation online on social media with them. Despite the entitlement, my colleagues work hard and are more liberal than truly socialist- showing more fear of freedom than respect for it. Drugs, hookers? They are fine with that. Guns? Not so much. Britain is especially firearm-phobic. Despite this, there is obviously tons of gun crime in London and some pretty severe gun crime here in Amsterdam too. Most of the younger Europeans I meet, are staunchly invested in liberal idealogy. Thinking that the state can fix things and protect them, there is an undertone that socialism just hasn't been done 'right' yet. With all that said, I think a rise of the far-right is inevitable with the tide of economic migrants/refugees that are flooding into Germany and the rest of europe. I do not think Britain will fall for the hard left of Corbyn, I would be stunned if they did. And then looking for work in Asia most likely. But never is a strong word, I don't know what the future holds. The current conservative government is on this ice with my generation (which up until now has been largely marginalised as non voting/non political) and are simply the best of two bad options. Now I reflect on it, I do not see any half way decent political faction that does not represent the same old nonsense that has been tried again and again. I could write more, but I think you are familiar with most of what I have to say, I would love to hear THX thoughts on this. |
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Btw, I think the interpretation of Libertarianism to Americans seems quite different to that of Europeans.
The UK Libertarian party seems fairly standard in it's goals and by extension the definition of a Libertarian. What difference do you perceive or believe is perceived in Europe? Please don't reference UKIP labelling themselves as a Libertarian Democratic party  even if Farage is as close to a Libertarian MP as I've seen in my life (surely there must be others?). Also, Libertarianism isn't really known amongst my generation (mellennial). Most of my peers see nothing wrong with sledgehammer state power to fix problems. |
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I watched the Oxford Union speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZvAvNJL-gEbigtimespaghetti, you are obviously part of the younger socialist generation. I've seen it numerous times where you drift left. You even were going to take out a loan to attain real estate right at the peak of the Real Estate dead-cat bounce recently (and you know I worked hard to try to convince you not to do it, but I probably shouldn't have). So to you it doesn't look that bad. Whereas, I am hardcore anarchist and free market proponent. I mean look at me. I am suffering in the Philippines from a serious health ailment and I am too proud to return to the USA where I will be forced into ObamaCare. Hell no, over my dead body. I'll solve my own health problem or I will die. Simple as that. I will not be a ward of the State. I think watching the following short video is very demonstrably and emphatically illustrative of my point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kitRRfe-sX0The people love socialism until the extraction of resources for free runs out of other people's money. Chavez stole all the oil from the oil corporations that invested and he extracted that "free" (stolen) resource to give the citizens a free jump out of poverty. But eventually that runs out because the people expectations only rise and the oil price declines and then investment in maintaining the infrastructure declines and then entire thing falls into the abyss. Which is what is coming to Venezuela and socialist South America in general over the next decade. The starry-eyed youth of the UK are being sold this false dichotomy (the Hegelian dialectic that the elite use to fool them) between abusive multi-nationals and abusive socialism. When in fact, this is just two-heads of the same monster. This is the start of the devolution of the UK and it will end very, very, very badly. Mark my word. Watch and learn if you can (unfortunately most Westerners have been so indoctrinated they can't see the truth). I think you misunderstood my comment. I was commenting from a statist standpoint (it's certainly not going anywhere right now), and there is huge demand for housing in the UK, which is stifled by land-zoning laws. A mandate is not the best way to deal with the problem but better than the continued mess of real estate in the UK. I'd much rather a freer market, alas that doesn't seem to be the want of anyone in the UK. I won't be voting, and can only assume that the public will be lead in whichever direction benefits them least. That Galloway video does illustrate your point. And most of my generation (at least the less intelligent ones) are generally extremely socialist in their ideals. You know I appreciated your input on that house hunting thread |
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Bigtimespaghetti, while Corbyn is a clearly a decent bloke and means well, I wonder if he has the calibre to stand up to the rigorous debate (I'll check out that Oxford Union talk you mentioned) he is soon to encounter. I'll watch with interest - mind you, the intellectul bar is set particularly low already with Cameron and Osborne! As you say, to many outside the UK it is assumed we are generally prosperous. They fail to mention the large amount of personal debt, the number of working people forced to attend food banks because they can't make ends meet; the housing shortages and high rents etc.
Yes people are drawn to him because he seems well meaning (I can't fault him for that). As to debate- I think he is not going to be the sole proprietor at PM's question time I heard he was going to allow any member of his party to question Cameron. As to Cam and Ozzy. I'm not convinced they are idiots, but that's another topic. I find the foodbanks somewhat enabling (at least to those who do not want to help themselves), there are a lot of contributing factors I know. I grew up dirt poor and still managed to get fed. But yes, personal debt (which contributes to the foodbank problem especially) and the housing shortage are serious (largely regulatory) issues. If people give up hope, Corbyn's rhetoric may be more attractive. Hell, I even agree with the idea of public infrastructure upgrade and housing developments (again this is a mainly regulatory issue). If you're gonna have a huge state, after all |
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I want a few of these .
Great! I'll PM you and we can sort out an order |
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I live in Britain and we've had wall-to-wall media coverage of Corbyn for what seems like months now. The latest I heard this morning on BBC Radio 4's "Today" programme was that Corbyn would prefer to stay in Europe. I think it is too early to say just what his precise plans are; if he'll be more inclusive of the more middle-ground members of the Party or not. I think Armstrong is being a little sensationalist in the way he's presenting the story, to make his point. I agree that the money printing seems rather naive. Many people here are feeling financial pain and Corbyn seems to be offering hope for them, however realistic or unrealistic that might turn out to be. I think what Armstrong is not saying is that the financial hurt will accelerate after October and that will drive more mandate to Corbyn. For now of course Corbyn will make apparently concessions to unify his power, but later the economy will play right into his true goals. Well that is the fear any way. We'll see how this all plays out and to what degree this coming contagion is really severe. We all wait to see it if it will be a dud. Sincerely hoping for a dud! Though gearing-up my preparations. I'm still unclear of Corbyn's "true goals," (if he's actually formulated any with such short notice) and I remain to be convinced he's the "hard Marxist" he's being made out to be by the media, though of course I don't discount it. The apparent stark alternatives Brits are offered, with crony capitalism on one hand and apparent Communism on the other, seems like a choice between either being shot or knifed. The general public appear to have been attracted to both ends of the political spectrum in numbers, both to Corbyn and Farage for their seeming lack of guile and rejection of slick PR tools. I can't recall Armstrong describing how Britain might fair in comparison to the fate of the rest of Europe. Watch some of his talks (the one done at Oxford University (Union?)is short and sweet) I was shocked at how outdated and laughable his rhetoric was- people seem to really buy the idea that there is any real poverty in the UK. But it will give you a feel for his 'style'. But I agree- he's not a pure Marxist (just expresses admiration for Marx) but he is compared to Ed Miliband and certainly since any politician in his position since the 70s. Even if he did get elected, probably worth betting on that just in case you make a fortune collapse would not happen overnight. But I doubt it would be good news for those that earn an above average salary. |
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A lot of people speculating on Amagi holding a lot of btc. From an interview I heard last year with the owner I think that they were only holding a fraction of their profits in btc (we are talking no more than 10%)- due to the low margin nature of their business. Maybe this is to do with something other than bitcoin being in a bear market.
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Voted! Some good competition on there!
Yeah there is, I just wanted to get some goxxed coins on there though |
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Still plenty of plated coins available! PM me to order!
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Book still available directly through me, please PM me to order |
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