What the New Tax Bill Deal Means for You. JWR’s Comment: I’m very skeptical about what went on in back-room deals to get this legislation passed so quickly, particularly in the U.S. Senate. Were promises made about acquiescence to one or more upcoming treaty ratifications or the DREAM illegal alien amnesty bill? Time will tell, but something seems amiss.
The Lumberman sent this: Food Stamp Rolls Continue to Rise. (Nearly 43 million people in the U.S.–14% of the population!)
Frequent content contributor John R. sent the next few items:
Doomsday for the US Dollar: Post Mortem for the World’s “Reserve Currency” (Mike Whitney)
Failing to Prosecute Wall Street Fraud Is Extending Our Economic Problems – Washington’s Blog
Sidestepping the U.S. Dollar, a Russian Exchange Will Swap Rubles and Renminbi
Items from The Economatrix:
Eurozone Debt Crisis Spreads to Belgium
Silver at $40 Will be Best 2011 Metals Bet, Standard Bank’s Ikemizu Says
The Dire Collapse Taking Place
Ruble-Remninbi Trading to Start in Russia
Extreme Weather Sparks Global Commodities Rally
Public Pensions Face Underfunding Crisis
Kids Write Santa For Basic Needs This Year Instead Of Toys. [JWR Adds: Julenissen is bringing my kids ammo and silver for Christmas. They said that they wanted “tangibles”, bless their hearts.]