swissie

I was hoping for many replies. I got them! Above summary I find the most significant one by far. Remarkable. It shows the many reasons why Americans are unhappy with "the way the world turns" plus an entrenched Political/Economical system that condems the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. Problems arise on many fronts simultainly. But then: Every empire must fall. Folks are starting to realise that the US will not evade this faith. No surprise, that someone entered the stage wanting to "make America great again". If necessary with a crowbar. (Surely, in the final years of the Roman Empire, folks called out: "Romulus make Rome great again"). TARIFFS? Every country that imposes such import tariffs is signaling to the world that "we can not compete successfully in a globalised market".

What would improve the faith of "the working class" under those circumstances`?

For heavens sake not. It would mean the end of the "American Dream". Much of it was financed by "foreighners", buying US Treasury Bills/Bonds. If China alone would withdraw it's US treasury holdings, Wall Street would take the dive of the cenury.

No Internet sources. From state owned Radio/ TV sources with no commercial interests. Woldwide there are some unbiased newsourses left. Believe it or not.

Currently, the "approval rate" of European voters supporting "Donalds Universe" is about 15%. According to polls.

It is the "economical alliance" I mainly refer to. Economical alliances go hand in hand with military alliances.

Still looking for comments like: " What is so terribly wrong with the political/economical system in the US, that has elevated Donald into the highest office that this nation has to offer?

Currently, Donalds approval rating is around 53 % in the US, while the rest of the "western world" wonders how something like this could have happened. Wondering how a guy can put "the western alliance" in jeopardy that has benefitted all the members of this alliance since WW2. In Europe, the Person that is named Donald J.Trump is being considered as a pompous, erratic, overbearing character. If not for his money and fame, he would be spending his time in a psychiatric institution for his own good. General consensus. Europeans are still puzzeled: What is so terribly wrong with the political/economical system in the US, that has elevated Donald into the highest office that this nation has to offer? Me, and the overwhelming majority of Europeans would just like to know why the American electorate came to the conclusion, that the time is ripe for a person like Donald. Or, in other words: What is so terribly wrong in the US that made them vote for Donald? I look foreward to many contributions from US posters. The more, the better. It might help Europeans to better understand what is happening in the US. Europeans (and the rest of the "free world) hunger for an explanation, boiling down to 1 word = WHY?

I allow myself to Quote you: "The US provides about 60% by value of mikitary hardware". No more need to comment this any further.

Always interested what the "Black Rock" guys do. Even their customers are not so sure. Any "allowable" links?. As quoted by you, former ratios, for example Gold versus other equities don't seem to work anymore in form of an "Insurance". It's eighter everything up or down simultainiously. Running for a harbor called "cash".

The "Drillers" in the US need 50$ per barrel. The Saudi's have painted themselves into a corner. They have kicked off costly mega projects. Just to keep going they need prices above 90$. Donalds 45$ goal not likely. Alternatively, instead of "drill baby drill" the US should go by "swill baby swill". That way at least Johnnie Walker and the beer breweries would profit and the price of "booze" would be lower, longer term.

In Russia we have the "Oligarchs" that run the country, with the approval of the new Tsar. In the US we call them "highly successful businessmen".

The sailors in the olden days had many things to fear. But "a loose cannon" in the ship was a major fear. The American voters have decided to have "a loose cannon" on board for the next 4 years.

It is not necessary to comment / speculate on "the war in the Ukraine" anymore. Why? It all hinges on Donalds willingness to further support the Ukraine (or not). If not, the Ukraine is doomed. That is the ONLY deciding factor, everything else is of no relevance.

In "the west" we are referring to the God of the Isrealites. We have no God of our own. Otherwise, I could not possibly choose a God, as there are over 30'000 Gods in India alone and over 40'000 Christian believes (sects). Truly, a smorgasboard of God's available.

I doubt if this survey would hold water in the heartland of the USA. At every meal, God is present at the table. (Even if the corn was grown by hard labor of the praying farmer and not by God). If a pig get's run over by a truck: "It was God's will".

Fully agree. In my home country, 50% die without leaving a "last will". Indicating that they will live "very long time" and my investments "can only go up" forever.

The above mentioned culprits never formed any religious group as far as I know. Nor do they go "bump in the night" as ghosts do. Today's ghosts are made of flesh and blood, supported by a "public relations firm". I call them modern day "Pied Pipers".

My Investor Friends are all "happy campers". Smiles an complacancy all over. Boy, did we have a good run. But, the fact that no bull-market went on forever without major "corrections", makes me look over my shoulder. I am wondering what will "the monkey wrench" be this time around to put a temporary halt to this "feeding frenzie". Donalds tariffs ? More inflation? FED can not lower interest rates? Trade war in general? Possible future earnings dissapointements? Geo-political "disruptions"? What are other "monkey wrenches" that YOU can see? Tell me.

In Europe, the popularity of "God" has diminished greatly. More and more people claim to be not part of any religion. The churches mostly empty. Possibly the result of 250 years of "the age of reason". Not so in the US. Churches are full (some towns feature more churches than bars). The TV evangelists getting wealthy by whipping up their followers into a religious frenzie. Actually, God and Jesus have turned into "big business". How is something like this possible in a country like the US. Has the "age of reason" bypassed the US? Remarkably I see the same dreamy facial expression of Trump fans when he adresses them, just like when the preacher raises a person from his wheelchair, declairing "you are healed". (After having given the wheelchair guy 50 bucks before "the show"). Any explanations to this phenomenum?

I am so glad that even 1 poster has understood the concept. Everyone look at the number of Posts concerning Farang Taxation in this sub-forum. Chaos total. It will become necessary to "outsource" your risk. Otherwise some minor Tax Officials will have a field day with Farang Taxpayors. Them offering "solutions" in form of "Brown Envelopes". Cheaper to hire an Accountant. As I wrote before: " Of course the accountant can not be held responsible, if the Farang uses any sort of trickery. In real life: Supply ALL the documents the acccountant requires from you. Have him sighn for every document that he receives from you. Put yourself in a "no fault" position from the very start. After that, if the accountant "goofes-up" something, he can very well be held responsible, especially if he is a certified "Tax specialist" expected to be up to date with current Tax Legislation. After all you are a Farang overwhelmed by a new intransparent "Tax System". Seeking the help of a Thai specialist to comply with "the law of the land" and even willing to pay for it. Even before a Thai judge, the Farang will look good under such circumstances".

Of course the accountant can not be held responsible, if the Farang uses any sort of trickery. In real life: Supply ALL the documents the acccountant requires from you. Have him sighn for every document that he receives from you. Put yourself in a "no fault" position from the very start. After that, if the accountant "goofes-up" something, he can very well be held responsible, especially if he is a certified "Tax specialist" expected to be up to date with current Tax Legislation. After all you are a Farang overwhelmed by a new intransparent "Tax System". Seeking the help of a Thai specialist to comply with "the law of the land" and even willing to pay for it. Even before a Thai judge, the Farang will look good under such circumstances.

Thanks a million. Very comprehensive. Will go thru it step by step. If that doesn't remedy the problem, I will buy a new apparatus and throw this one out the window.

Not sure if this thread was fully understood by all. It's about TRANSFERRING YOUR RESPONSABILITIES to a Thai professional. Taking the Farang out of the "firing line" of modestly educated "Thai-Officials" that are constantly overwhelmed by new legislation. Not likely available in the deepest of Isaan. But in tourist hubs, yes. All major agreements with the Thai Accountant in writing. All verbal Agreements in Thailand are of no relevance.

I don't us a "Spellchecker". What I type is what you get. But I am sure your written English, French and Italian is as good as mine. Or better?