The former president of Brazil, Lula de Silva, had his conviction on corruption charges upheld by an appeals court in Brasilia, the capitol city. His supporters vowed an appeal to the Supreme Court immediately following the news. Given that an election will be held this year to replace interim president Temer( also the target of an investigation), it is unlikely Mr. de Silva will prevail as a viable candidate. His Labor Party support seems to think that he will somehow be found not guilty. This is wishful thinking on their part. Mr. de SIlva was caught in the net of the "Car Wash" investigation that has ensnared over 100 law makers and elected officials in addition to members of the Oderbrecht Construction Company.
Mr. de Silva remains popular among lower class workers, especially in Sao Paolo. Many voters believe it is past time for him, having already served two terms as president and essentially handpicking his successor, Dilma Rousseff, who was impeached last year. A photo of the two recently has them embracing as old comrades who served the country.
The Supreme Court may choose not to hear the case. Observers around Latin America will be watching closely on developments in the largest country in South America and its largest economy.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Trump to Davos
President Donald Trump is in Switerland to attend the world economic forum in the snowy countryside of the Alpine state. Trade ministers from around the world will pay heed to his words as he explains the position of the US regarding international trade balance and how it will be addressed in the immediate future. China will especially take note as new sanctions targeted Chinese nationals this week. Some of those nationals have been instrumental in providing assistance to North Korea's access to international hard money. Some have had their assets and accounts in the USA seized by the Treasury Dept., or frozen as these individuals respond to inquiries about the activities involving North Korea's trade.
Early comments acknowledge that China's trading policies are patently unfair. A court ruling this week identified a Chinese company as one that has stolen propriety information and caused a US company to the brink of bankruptcy and the loss of hundreds of domestic jobs. Certainly, Mr. Xi, Chinese Premier, will take note. This week also saw Chinese Government officials seize a former Chinese national who is a citizen of a foreign country. It appears that the position of Chine is that once a Chinese, you are always a Chinese citizen and subject to arrest anywhere and anytime if you are the subject of an investigation for any trumped up reason, or any other suspicion found by Security agencies(of which there are many).
Welcome to Davos-Take notes, have fun.
Early comments acknowledge that China's trading policies are patently unfair. A court ruling this week identified a Chinese company as one that has stolen propriety information and caused a US company to the brink of bankruptcy and the loss of hundreds of domestic jobs. Certainly, Mr. Xi, Chinese Premier, will take note. This week also saw Chinese Government officials seize a former Chinese national who is a citizen of a foreign country. It appears that the position of Chine is that once a Chinese, you are always a Chinese citizen and subject to arrest anywhere and anytime if you are the subject of an investigation for any trumped up reason, or any other suspicion found by Security agencies(of which there are many).
Welcome to Davos-Take notes, have fun.
Russyan Winter Olympians Number 169
Well, so much for the IOC's ban on Russyan participation in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea. The IOC announced that 169 athletes will be allowed to compete as " athletes from Russya" , as opposed to "athletes representing Russya". This is some Orwellian semantics meant to justify the IOC 's action. It has become another international laughing stock, especially after the scandal in gymnastics which has displayed to the world the corrupt practices by the governing bodies of various athletic organizations. The IOC ranks right up there with the National Football League of the USA and everyone's favorite, F.I.F.A., the governing body of international soccer. And it's no secret, it's all about the money. All one has to do is follow the money, like politics.
So, we'll be watching the Russyans again, knowing they are all on the "juice", and will eventually be stripped of any medals they might win in South Korea, representing their hometowns, home oblasts, home gulags, home kremlins, home orthodox churches.
So, we'll be watching the Russyans again, knowing they are all on the "juice", and will eventually be stripped of any medals they might win in South Korea, representing their hometowns, home oblasts, home gulags, home kremlins, home orthodox churches.
State of the State: 2018 with Jerry Brown
The old has-been Jesuit, Jerry Brown, Governor of California, gave his 16th state of the state speech yesterday, his final speech on this occasion. Praise the Lord! He will retire at the end of the year and go to his rural ranch retreat to contemplate his navel(meditate) and write about his vast experience in public life in various locations.
Of note yesterday, he highlighted the fiscal strength of the state, citing a $6.1 billion dollar surplus(projected). He said that these funds should be put into a "rainy day" fund, or in the political parlance of the day- a slush fund to be used as the party in office sees fit. How quaint! He went on to extol the virtues of the high speed train being developed in the Central Valley with the goal of linking Northern Caliornia with Los Angeles. Despite recent cast adjustments pushing the investment into the stratosphere of $67 billions, he firmly believes this is a good thing for taxpayers.
Jerry: "What about the pension fund deficits lurking in the weeds at the Yolo Causeway? What about the infrastucture upgrades and maintenance that has become a drag on the economy? What happens when tech companies finally realize they can relocate to less taxing states such as Texas, Florida, and Washington? Jerry didn't mention the net outflows of residents during his tenure. Of course not, he's a Democrat.
What can we hope for from his likely democratic replacement? More of the same: tax and spend, take from most to buy power and security among like minded liberals(progressives).
Highway 101 Reopens
After devastating mudflows in Santa Barbara that killed at least 17 residents, calTrans reopened the highway to traffic. Maybe some of the budget surplus could be used to prevent future mud flows.
Of note yesterday, he highlighted the fiscal strength of the state, citing a $6.1 billion dollar surplus(projected). He said that these funds should be put into a "rainy day" fund, or in the political parlance of the day- a slush fund to be used as the party in office sees fit. How quaint! He went on to extol the virtues of the high speed train being developed in the Central Valley with the goal of linking Northern Caliornia with Los Angeles. Despite recent cast adjustments pushing the investment into the stratosphere of $67 billions, he firmly believes this is a good thing for taxpayers.
Jerry: "What about the pension fund deficits lurking in the weeds at the Yolo Causeway? What about the infrastucture upgrades and maintenance that has become a drag on the economy? What happens when tech companies finally realize they can relocate to less taxing states such as Texas, Florida, and Washington? Jerry didn't mention the net outflows of residents during his tenure. Of course not, he's a Democrat.
What can we hope for from his likely democratic replacement? More of the same: tax and spend, take from most to buy power and security among like minded liberals(progressives).
Highway 101 Reopens
After devastating mudflows in Santa Barbara that killed at least 17 residents, calTrans reopened the highway to traffic. Maybe some of the budget surplus could be used to prevent future mud flows.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Snow in Them Hills
It appears that our winter will arrive shortly: snow in heavy amounts will fall today and tomorrow, finally giving the local skiers an opportunity to enjoy some powder skiing. Homewood resort should open up many runs at the top for visitors to try out. We look forward to the weather.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Davos: What Now For Mr. Putin
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| Look at those Boots-What Big Feet You Have, Mr. Putin |
This comes as a result of America's passage of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (aka Caatsa), signed into law by President Trump last August. This is the law that requires the Treasury Dept. to issue a report that lists "senior foreign political figures and oligarchs in the Russian Federation," including individuals close to Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, leader of the largest country in the world today, their estimated net worth, and known sources of income. This information will certainly cause a stir in the halls of the Kremlin where these rats congregate to sip tea from the golden samovar brewed by Mr. P.
There are reports that Russian lawyers are as thick as thieves in the halls of Washington DC's lobbying firms and other influence peddlers, known and unknown. "Please, Sir, " they say, "don't put my client's name on the list. He's just a simple Russian and wouldn't hurt a flea." My. my. And how are things in Crimea? How about Ukraine? How about the Russian athletes training for the Winter Olympics? Oh, they've been banned as Russians, but they can compete as cossacks, steppe peoples, and yurt builders of sorts. All this comes as earlier sanctions and a drop in the price of oil has stunted growth in Russya. The economy of the largest country in the world has been slowing dramatically since 2010 , but Vladimir still enjoys enough support and will undoubtedly be reelected this year for another endless presidency. He thinks that he'll convince the oligarchs that they should repatriate their business holdings(cash) to Russya to help the advance of GDP. Right. What are you smokin'?
Can't wait to read the names in the report and see how much these folks are really worth.
Patriots Clinch Division
In what seems like destiny, the New England Patriots came from behind to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-20. Down 20-10 at the start of the 4th Quarter, it became a contest of how Tom Brady, nursing a hand injury, would carve out victory over the upstart Jags.
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