The Test of Time

Looks like it’s time again for Americans to experience another one of the big economic swings that pops up every now and then. Great celebrations over gas prices that have dropped under $3 and in 13 states under $2 a gallon. Just in time for Christmas is making everyone feeling a little more prosperous and loosening up the old purse strings. Hopefully, this time around, we’ll see a lot more saving than spending as well as paying off all those pesky credit card bills, but considering past practice, I sincerely doubt it. It seems that even in the worst of times we find a way to get the kids more Christmas gifts than they need and splurge on lots of other things that we spend months paying off, if we get to it.

Elsewhere we are seeing all sorts of economic shifts. The oil industry is already feeling the pinch and the “Fracking Boys” are already talking about a long term shut down, which is exactly what the Arab oil nations would like to see. The Russian economy is nearing collapse again and Mr. Putin seems to be a lot quieter than he has been over the past year. Personally, I would not be surprised to see him be replaced by the Pollitt Bureau in a couple of months if he can’t find a way to turn it around, which will be particularly difficult since the US has announced a NEW set of restrictions and penalties that go into effect immediately.

Not a peep out of China, yet but you can be sure as this economic turn starts having an effect on other countries it will be in all the head lines. In the meantime, I certainly don’t object to having that extra $20 in my pocket each week. I do wonder how much this will drive industry into expansion, if at all. It seems that cheap energy always helps the over all economy, even when it hurts those closest to the energy industry … what just how bad will it hurt? The big producers will only make one billion in profits rather than the three or more they have become used to? And how about the trucking industry? They will certainly see better profits, and if they are smart, some decline in costs to their clients. Funny to hear that they airline industry hasn’t and has no intentions of rolling back ticket prices well into 2015 but no doubt, that will catch up with them and the minute one airline starts lowering prices the rest will get whipped into a lather almost immediately. If only all of this could have a direct effect on those darn cable TV and internet costs!

Optimism abounds as can be seen by the newest hopes that the US and Cuba will renew it’s old friendship that existed before the overthrow of Batista back in the 60’s. The recent release of Alan Gross paves the way for better relationships with a relaxation of the trade embargos. One thing is for sure, both countries will benefit from better trade relations and with Russia on the verge of collapse, there is a lot more incentive, particularly for those Cubans that would like to adopt a bit more capitalism into their economy, especially anything that would restart the flow of American dollars their way.

Across the globe we could see a lot more changes. If the economy starts growing in other countries, organizations like the Taliban & ISSIS will start seeing a decline in their followers since their ranks are mostly those that have lost hope of finding work and are desperate for anything they can believe in. China may have to loosen it’s grip on Hong Kong and Taiwan not to mention all those dissidents that are spending so much time protesting rather than at their jobs making money for the country.

Yes … it is certainly going to be interesting to watch but strange enough, I haven’t seen or heard of how it will affect the Zombie attackers we keep seeing on TV. I’ve got plenty of ammo and beanie weenie’s stocked up; but since they walk everywhere I see no benefit to them … of course with gas prices down we can all keep the old truck filled up and get out more often to mow ‘em down! Hmmmmm …. a win / win?