22 Aug Al Qaeda and the Decline of the American Empire
“Credit America’s setbacks to Osama bin Laden.” – The Lonely Realist The Atlantic earlier this month published an analysis by Graeme Wood entitled “Did Al Qaeda Succeed?” Mr. Wood concludes that Osama bin Laden’s plan to weaken America by attrition was successful…, which is the same...
15 Aug Capitalism vs. Democratic Socialism
“Which ‘-ism’ is right for America?” – The Lonely Realist Every country chooses its own “-ism”: Capitalism: Private owners run trade and industry to make money with little government control. Socialism: The government owns or controls the significant industries and works to share wealth among people. Communism: The government...
08 Aug Insider Trading by Elected Officials
“Trading on inside information is illegal. America’s elected representatives nevertheless profit from doing so.” – The Lonely Realist Congress once again is engaging in an election year public relations show. The House of Representatives recently passed the Stop Insider Trading Act which (in part) seeks to...
01 Aug An Iran War Solution
“How might President Trump successfully resolve the Iran War?” – The Lonely Realist President Trump has offered various conflicting rationales for his decision to wage war on Iran, including that America was acting preemptively to prevent an imminent Iranian attack on Americans, achieve regime change, destroy...
30 Jul A Cassandra Follow-up
"Long-term interest rates are increasing while shorter-term rates decline." Dear Mr. Realist: As I predicted, the Federal Reserve and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh are following the script I described in my most recent letter. As a consequence, inflation and Federal debt and deficits are destined to increase...