Our World Today

While listening to, combing through and trying to digest various news stories, I am overwhelmed. So much going on ... all at once... in multiple parts of the world.  Every day there seems to be some dramatic event or newsworthy topic making it more and more difficult to keep up with and write about with any kind of depth. Consequently, it's hard to pick and choose and narrow it down to just a topic or two on a regular basis.

So here's a brief synopsis of what I think are the most compelling events and news stories facing us in 2016.

I'll start with economic markets. The world is a mess. For a period of time China had become an economic engine globally. But now China has its' own problems with a troubled market and stagnant growth. And some say, is on the road to a major recession. This in turn has a ripple effect on many other markets, including our own.

Then there's the European and Monetary Union of which a large portion of European countries belong. With the creation of the Euro and a mentality of 'all for one and one for all', the EU now has a more powerful impact on global economics, Unfortuately, they're not in the greatest of shape either, which in turn contributes to the current economic turmoil. Remember Greece, etc.? That hasn't gone away...

Add to the above the drop in the price of oil. In some ways one would hope this would be a good thing, making gas cheaper at the pump, thus giving consumers a bit more cash to spend elsewhere and thus fuel spending and enhance the economy. But with lower prices, comes lower revenues, cost cutting measures and job layoffs and/or lack of new hires. Thus putting more people out of work. Everywhere. The economic ripple effect is a strong one.

In relation to the above and as I've written previously, ISIS has been giving Saudi Arabia a run for it's money with acquiring oil fields in Northern Iraq and Syria,  and in turn, selling that oil below market prices in direct competition with them, OPEC and even the U.S. Saudi Arabia, for the first time ever is now thinking of instituting an income tax and even doubling the price of gas, adding fuel to the fire so to speak.

Not to forget that the Middle East seems to be on the road to a civil war with other Middle East countries. Saudi Arabia's air strikes on the Iranian Embassy is no small event.

Of course we can't forget the growth and influence terrorist groups in general now have on the global community whether it be economically or psychologically. When countries live in fear of random terrorist attacks that no one seems able to forecast or prevent for the most part, this also affects the mindset of markets.

Another area of concern is North Korea. From what we now know, they have a hydrogen bomb. Just wonderful, huh?

Amongst all of the above, the U.S. has been living on borrowed time as far as any stability of our own economy is concerned. Yes, we've had a strong stock market (which I think is about to collapse but that's a topic for another day). It's also been reported that we have job and economic growth. Somehow though, I doubt the accuracy of those numbers. Why?  Generally speaking, everywhere I look seems to point in the exact opposite direction!

We also have deficits in the trillions, low interest rates and a slowing economy.  More corporations are moving outside of the U.S. in order to escape high taxes or the ability to hire cheap labor. Manufacturing has gone to China, Mexico, India and other foreign lands to cut costs. You can't blame them. But if China goes south, can the others be far behind?

The health care industry is quickly becoming another area that is in trouble, though you won't hear much about it in the news. ObamaCare is NOT turning out to be the answer. The one bright spot is that both the Senate and House have voted to repeal it. But it's anyone's guess as to what type of reforms they'll come up with.

Then there's the slow, gradual encroachment of government into our everyday lives. I've written many, many blogs about this topic. Land grabs, NSA spying, waterway controls, more gun control with the possible ultimate goal of federalizing the police, executive order after executive order by President Obama when he can't get congress to sign off on his bills. There's also the corruption of the IRS and other government bureaucracy's yet to be acknowledged and challenged.

So much more to say and write about, but I think I've gone on long enough!

Bottom line, is that these are extremely vicarious times in which we live, that require cool heads and a true moral compass to make decisions that are right economically and globally. Unfortunately, there are always those who crave power, have a personal agenda or decide that their religion, politics or philosophy are the right way regardless of the negative impact.

No doubt we are at a precipice and I'm hoping that with the upcoming presidential races, we'll elect a candidate who can navigate through all the turmoil and economic problems and lead us to more stable and better times. I believe one person can make a difference. I'm hoping I'm right, but of course only time will tell...