WNW 170- Budget Battle, CIA Torture Distraction, Madoff Convictions

4.jpgBy Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com  (Friday 12/12/14)

The $1 trillion budget that just passed the House of Representatives has something in it for everybody–to hate.  Conservative Republicans hate that Obama Care and illegal immigration are funded and liberal Democrats hate the rollback of rules for Wall Street and political donations are dramatically increased.  Lots of Republicans think they lost, and plenty of Democrats revolted against the President and they also think they lost.  There have been big splits with Republicans in the past, but the new news is the Democrats are at odds with each other and the President.  I predicted that Democrats would vote against the President, and that is what is happening.  I have to admit, both sides have good reason to hate what they hate.  I think this is just a preview of what the next two years will be like.

The so-called CIA torture was out this week, and on the same day, Obama Care architect Jonathan Gruber testified about the lies he helped to concoct to get that bill passed.  I never thought I would agree with Dick Cheney on anything, but I think this whole thing is, as he says, “full of crap.”   Democrats spent $40 million on this and did not talk to a single person, past or present, from the CIA.  What kind of an “investigation” is that?  I can’t believe Democrats did not know about this interrogation program.  The other thing is this was supposed to be really bad behavior, and some of it was, but there are no charges or prosecutions planned at all.  It only endangers America.  I’ll bet the folks at the CIA are mad as hell.  They didn’t even get the courtesy of telling their side of the story in the report.  Also, what about this Drone murder program that has killed thousands of people accidentally as collateral damage?  Isn’t murder as bad as torture?  Also, American citizens were executed without charge or trial including a 16 year old boy who was killed after his father was killed.  Isn’t murder at least as bad as torture?  Where is the report on that?

So, why did the Democrats put on this show?  I think it was to distract us from Professor Gruber who testified on Capitol Hill on the same day as the CIA report was released.  USA Today finally covered the story in the main section of the paper.  The paper had mentioned it on the opinion section in the past.  Look at the soft ball headline, “Gruber sorry for ‘insulting’ comments on Obama Care.”  Insulting comments?  He and Democratic leaders, including the President, produced a series of lies and fraud to get this passed.  I call it the biggest policy fraud in the history of America.  Here’s another reason for CIA distraction, told by this headline from Infowars.com:  “Congress Passes Bill Which Grants “Unlimited Access to Communications of Every American.”  This was a voice vote only, and it passed 325 to 100–outrageous!  There is no 4th Amendment anymore, and this bill was not even debated.  Lots of Republican voted for this, as well as Democrats.  It was a bipartisan vote to trash our Constitutional rights!!!  This is why I have always said the two parties just take turns ripping us off.

Finally, look at all the coverage USA Today gave to the Madoff employees who got sentenced this week in the biggest Ponzi fraud in history.  Madoff got 150 years, and other folks at his firm got serious jail time.  The Judge said these folks “should have stopped and reported the fraud.”   How about JP Morgan who helped Madoff with this fraud for years?  JP Morgan, or I should say shareholders, paid $2.6 billion to avoid criminal charges.  They, too, “failed to report the fraud.  I’ll bet all the Madoff players would like to have paid a fine and walked!  Of course, you will not hear that sort of comparison or analysis from USA Today.  I am sure Gannett (USA Today’s parent company) and the banking relationship it has with JP Morgan has nothing to do with the soft coverage JP Morgan gets.

Join Greg Hunter as he analyzes these stories and more in the Weekly News Wrap Up.

Please Support Our Direct Sponsors Below
Who Support The Truth Tellers

Discount Gold and Silver Trading Free Report

Satellite Phone Store

Dry Element

Ready Made Resources

Weston Scientific
Stay Connected
Advertise
Comments
  1. Collateral Damage

    Welcome Friends, to Germany late 1930s. Our educational system over the last 60 years has so uniformly taught us to utterly condemn the Germans for allowing the atrocities that took place in Europe to occur during the late 30s and early 40s. Well friends and colleagues, as they say in school, book learning is best reinforced (to increase understanding) when it is followed by hands-on practical exercises.

    Welcome to the practical exercises.

    Me thinks a Whole lot of Collateral Damage will result.

    The world is changed, I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost..

    Or just maybe, the only thing that has truly been changed and ‘lost’ is our sense of innocence and our ‘holier than thou’ conception of ourselves and our vaulted position in the universe.

    Best to All,
    CD

    • paul

      Yes CD …
      It looks like we have just about completely transformed our nation into “The United States of Nazi Germany” … we consider ourselves a superior people … we developed the nuclear bomb (although it was really the Germans who first theoretically came up with the idea, Einstein and Oppenheimer were both German) … we keep trying to subjugate Russia as Germany has always tried to do (and btw always failed to do) … we consider ourselves the Master Race … a “chosen people” to rule the world under a New World Order … and the way things were headed it looked like it was very close to fruition (except for that damn Russia … who always seems to get in the Nazi’s way)!!

      Now when God gave us humans the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness he didn’t say one people who may happen to be superior to others “in some ways” have the right to take away other peoples rights who may happen to excel in other fields besides war, bombs and finance.

      What God gave … he gave to “all of humanity” … and God’s rights don’t have to be spelled out on a piece of paper … they are “inalienable rights” that can’t be destroyed by some Nazi Cabal destroying a piece of paper called the Constitution.

      Some people may enjoy music, philosophy, poetry, etc. … now just because they don’t enjoy war, bombs and finance it doesn’t make them less superior … in fact it may make them more superior because they are being creative and not destructive.

      The “chosen people” of God (has nothing to do with nationality or with particular countries) it is simply all those people who try to be creative and moral in both their actions and deeds … such people are not like politicians … they do not kill, they do not steal, they do not lie, etc. and they find it extremely repugnant (like our Greg Hunter does) to see other people killing, stealing and lying … search out such people, gather around and support them … for “they” … they are God’s “Chosen People”.

      • allen ols

        paul
        u have some great stuff on this site but i will humbly disagree w/u on the chosen people stuff, ok?
        We christians are a “chosen generation, a holy people, born into the family of Christ, or visa versa, that we should show forth the works of Christ. The israelites were chosen by GOD, ABOVE all other peoples. When we are born again into the spirit of Christ, we are a new person, and equal w/ israelites, that are born into christ, the lineage of KING DAVID.
        but we are kool on other stuff. thks. al

      • allen ols

        Stanley “Stan” Fischer born October 15, 1943) is an economist and the vice chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve System . Born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he holds dual citizenship in Israel and the United States.[1] He served as governor of the Bank of Israel from 2005 to 2013. He previously served as chief economist at the World Bank.[2] On January 10, 2014, United States President Barack Obama nominated Fischer to be Vice-Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

      • Charles H.

        paul,

        Exercising moral and ethical behaviors will make a nation or people more civil: but does not qualify or make them “God’s chosen” people. In suggesting this – you fall fatally short of the mark; and enter one of the most popular subterfuges extant today.
        In original context, and historical supremacy – by first designation – only the Jew, the biological seed of Abraham has claim to this title. Period. Today, only born-again Christians – those who satisfy the Biblical qualifications; who God adopts spiritually, are ‘grafted in’ to the commonwealth of the Jew. This preclude ANY Replacement Theology, as Christianity is an extension of Judaism, and completion. (The blood sacrifice of animals as a type, completed in God’s sacrifice of Himself on the Cross.)
        No person, who is terminally sick, wants to fall short of a complete cure. The same goes with spiritual conversion – which in Biblical Salvation is God’s adoption of the Believer into His family. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He has saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5. By ‘good works’ shall no man be justified – as you suggest. “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have ATTAINED to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of FAITH. But Israel, which followed after the las of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? BECAUSE THEY SOUGHT IT NOT BY FAITH, but as it were by the WORKS of the Law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.” Romans 9:30-32. Faith, based upon the Word of God has ALWAYS been the key – not “works”. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1,2.
        I usually refrain from religious discourse – but as Christmas draws very near – nothing but that Pearl of Great Price, worth selling all to obtain – is what should freely be offered. Accept no substitutes.
        Merry Christmas to all!

  2. Donna

    Where to start? On the subject of John Boener, when a man cries more than I do, I’m not about to trust or follow him anywhere. Then, you had Coburn retiring and all booey hooey about it. Where are the terminators? When have you ever seen Nancy Pelosi cry? She reacts to criticism with a roundhouse punch, not tears. Watching Republicans is like watching that old 1950s game show “Queen for a Day.” The housewife with the most sob-evoking personal story got a tiara, a bouquet or roses, and a washer/dryer. Where’s our washer/dryer? Lot of pain in this country.

    Nancy and Elizabeth are concerned about a dump on the taxpayer? You jest, Greg. How much debt did these lib rats shoulder the taxpayer with since Nancy’s reign? All of this is pure theater for the hat-on-backwards goofball who keeps voting these people back in. Where can I get a job that rewards me for malicious pilferage?

    Gruber? What did anyone expect? He bellowed like a scalded dog and all is forgiven. You better pay those medical premiums/taxes or you will be getting your future care in an orange jumpsuit. This guy is sitting on 8 mil for fraud. When you look in the mirror lately, do you see a great big cellophaned sucker?

    I get it. John McCain was tortured. My husband and many, many vets up and died before their time and took the shunning from this population from the day they got back. One half of this population has hated the other half’s guts since. I call these recent times “Vietnam vets’ revenge.” How does it feel now to be spit on by your own government, one big glob on top of another?

    John has been a king rat since the days of Charlie Keating. People keep supporting him and Lindsey Graham, John Boener, Mitch McConnel, Thad Cochran in Mississippi. A handful of political capos erased you children’s future and they were roundly and soundly rewarded. Why should they change? Feinstein and most of these hogs are kissing age 80. We will be lucky to eek out a steady paycheck to keep us fed and housed until our own retirement.

    Back to John. A deceased former congressman from AZ, Sam Steiger, who at one time worked with McCain once commented on his local TV show that: “The John McCain you know in public is not the man I know in private. He is vicious and vindictive. When you take his phone calls, you have to hold the phone several feet from your head because he screams and uses every foul word known to man on you.” Have you ever known McCain to put a lib in their place? I expect him to be the pivot man to help the libs kneecap this new Congress. Anyone wanna bet me otherwise?

    Sam Steiger once said: “I was either too honest or too stupid to return home no richer than when I first went to Washington.” The locals loved or hated him. I guess it depended on whether or not they came home rich themselves (like McCain). Sam knew where all the bones were buried and delighted in telling you where you could exhume them.

    • paul

      Donna … If the people of the world don’t stop supporting the KING RATS in their respective countries … I’m afraid it won’t just be the Americans who will be doomed to a fiery nuclear death!!!

    • Sharon

      We tried to oust Thad, voter fraud, buying votes and corruption won. Understand, Thad’s standing on the floor debating finished long ago. TPTB don’t care because they can prop him up or vote for him. It is a sad day for America. Thanks Greg for all you do.
      Fear Not and Merry Christmas to all.

      If anyone knows a book or web site that can explain derivatives please send the info.

      • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

        Sharon
        A large part of derivatives as I understand it is as follows;

        One party sells something that they don’t own to another party that doesn’t want to buy it.

        This in effect means that e.g. in the comex market people who have no physical gold sell gold to buyers that don’t want to buy physical gold.
        To me this is farcical enough in itself. But add into this charade the fact that this exchange is totally manipulated by TPTB and yet it still sets the spot price for physical gold around the world and the whole scenario becomes totally bazaar.
        Yes indeed the truth is often much stranger than fiction!

        Cheers
        Col

    • Brad27

      Donna,
      You speak of eking out a living until you retire. A solid retirement is a dream from the past. What most people have is only a promise of a retirement. If you are a politician then you may fare better, but with 18 trillion in national debt and 100 to 200 trillion in unfunded liabilities such as Social Security. Medicare, etc. I think there is little hope that we will realize the promise of a comfortable retirement. We may receive our X amount of dollars as promised but they will certainly be inflated, print-’em-up pieces of paper, like the worthless 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollar bills. California is panicking to pay their pension obligations for retired public employees. In the last election they asked us to allow them to pull off a shell game to pull from here to give over there to pay pensions in a desperate scramble. Their pension program, CALPERS, last year projected a 7% return on their investments but realized only 1%. When this thing goes down, the jilted retirees will begin sharpening up their pitchforks and warming up their torches for a march on Sacramento’s statehouse. I think we will all continue working and cutting back on the lifestyle we have become accustomed to face this new reality. I do not think we will be spending much time lounging under that old shade tree with a cold lemonade.

    • allen ols

      donna, AGREED !!!

  3. J C Davis

    Greg. Good wrap up. You covered a lot of changes that happened this weak in 16 minutes.
    What stands out in my mind is the warning the rest of the world gave the government about printing anymore money. Here we have a congress that will not even talk of impeachment. What part of the constitution has Obama not violated or attempted to do so.
    If nothing else he should be impeached due to incompetence, Lying to congress, and defrauding the USA citizens. Yet the republicrats will now follow the same agenda the demopublicans had. Where is the tea party? Is it illegal to take taxes to give to private corporations ? The bug out bags should be given to everyone. Keeping warm have a good weekend

  4. Lars Hansen

    Greg, I know and understand your frustration with the current administration, and I concur. However, deception, lies and obfuscation is not limited to either party. I’d say your bias is truly showing in your current Friday wrap up. I always enjoy listening to your comments; as well as your guests that you interview. I truly appreciate all the time and effort you devote to your website USAWatchdog. You are truly our Paul Revere of current times. I hope you accept my comments in the spirit they are intended, and I truly understand your frustration and irritation with the current regime. Approval ratings of the President shows you have the majority of Americans in your camp. Enuf Said!!

    • Greg Hunter

      Thank Lars and as I often say, “The two parties just take turns ripping us off.”
      Greg

      • Michael Haller

        Hi Greg,

        We found out three things the republicans and democrats can agree on:
        1. Stealing from pension funds
        2. Bailing out the too big to fail banks and
        3. keeping watch on all u.s. citizens

        What a country!

      • Shadow of Doubt

        Hey Greg,
        This may be a bit off topic but is there any truth to the story coming out of Chicago that they are bricking up the windows of the Federal Reserve Building? If true this certainly doesn’t bode well for the sheeple!

      • allen ols

        GREG, AGREED AL

  5. Collateral Damage

    Three more thoughts for the day…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjSpO2B6G4s

    and…

    “Danger, Danger! Will Robinson. 🙂

    Finally, remember, it is always either the Geologist or the unnamed Security Guard that dies on the Planet, always a Red Shirt that was the Collateral Damage. Never one of the primary stars.

    Please try to enjoy your weekend, despite the realities of our world today.

    Best to you,

    CD

    • g.johnson

      thank you cd for that nice interlude. a little time travel can be good for the soul.

  6. Mike Soon Over

    As always Greg you bring it home. Wanted to add a couple of key notes of interest.

    RECORD TAX ES or raking it in first 2 mos of the year $404 Billion FY 2015
    Dollars SPENT $583 Billion DEFICIT $ 180 Billion of the $400 billion half came from individuals. When is enough enough? We all know by 2016 our debt will stand at $20 trillion does the party end at that point?

    Feeling bad for our 9/11 attackers or should we understand more than 5000 deaths from JIHAD in November alone. Iraq and ISIS account for nearly 2000 of the killings. A full report on BBC news.com
    Thanks for all you do Greg

  7. Collateral Damage

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvwQmxLaknc

  8. Laura

    Thanks again, Greg, for another amazing week of reporting.
    My eyes were opened about 2 years ago and I remember feeling so overwhelmed w/how to prep for an economic crash. Somehow, I found The Survival Mom website and was able to see that little steps add to big advances. For those starting, here are a few ideas:
    *Check your pantry- Do you have 3 days worth of meals? Make sure you have a supply of water
    *Once you have 3 days, aim for 2 weeks worth of food and water. Buy only what you’ll eat.
    *Once you have 2 weeks, aim for 1 month and continue on. Buy canned food, food in #10 cans that last years and food (like wheat, rice, popcorn) in bulk and re-package in mylar bags w/ oxygen absorbers.
    *What other items do you use everyday or every week? My husband uses razors and floss everyday- those items will be of value to him. We have a teenage daughter, so feminine hygiene products will be of value to her.
    I’m a SAHM and prepping has become a part-time job. Everyday I do something to prepare. Here’s a site to get you started- http://thesurvivalmom.com/simple-food-storage-meals-for-tight-times-stock-up-on-three-months-worth-fast/

    Thanks to everyone who posts comments on this site. I appreciate the mature discussion and insights of others.

    • Greg Hunter

      Laura,
      You said, “. . . prepping has become a part-time job. Everyday I do something to prepare.” This is fantastic advice and a good way for normal people to take action and not be overwhelmed. That said, time is drawing near. Thank you and “Fear Not”!!
      Greg

    • allen ols

      laura;
      sawyer water filter. al

  9. Donna

    This will be everyone of us in 2 more years, 300+ million contestants.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YW-uv3Ibm8

    • J C Davis

      Donna. The one contestant got 550.00 Knowing what I know today I would have gotten it in silver coins seeing this was filmed in the 60,s. Thanks for the reflections of the past, and image of the future.

  10. Matt

    Let’s look at the budget pass for what it is. It was passed by Republicans, you know that other side which took control. Also endorsed derivative bailouts by tax payers to tune of 300 plus trillion. Invasion of privacy continues unabated. Say good by to the lost Republic, it’s over.

  11. HTC

    Greg, you spoke about your insurance jumping with this obamacare garbage coming out. My sister is a teacher at a middle school and she found out a week or so back that her insurance is going from $300/ month to $800 a month with $3500 deductible. She makes about $950 a month…. Talk about a job killer.

    • Greg Hunter

      HTC,
      Obama Care is the biggest policy fraud foisted in America in history!! Sorry about your sister.
      Greg

      • Al

        I disagree. But being so focused on money, I can understand your position. Mammon is proud of you; exalting money to the highest position!

        But there are so many frauds…
        Income taxes, credit ratings, the money itself, and the biggest of ALL frauds:

        “Pray this 20 second prayer and you’re saved forever!”

        The leaders of Christendom have sown to the wind, now they reap the whirlwind. It’s not wise to steal from God!

        • Greg Hunter

          Al,
          I run a free site and I tell people to prepare so they can help others. I end each week with the Biblical phrase “Fear Not.” I have turned down an enormous amount of advertising from people I thought were not honest or worthy. You want to come on and throw stones then man-up and use a real verifiable name. Your comment is totally unfair but I will post it.
          Greg

  12. BILL REED

    holly completely stupid show. you frame torture as a left right issue,,you use dickless cheney as a news source wtf have you been drinking the whole american goverment should be sent to the hague to answer for crimes against humanity this country is such a joke it would be quite funny if it was not such a tragedy oh and dont forget to give the state of israel a free pass on there crimes gosh would not want to hurt their feelings

    • Greg Hunter

      Bill,
      Don’t forget to give the terrorists a free pass. That includes Hamas and Hezbollah who are set on killing every Jew they can. You would not want to be fair just one-sided because you can’t upset you buddies who like to behead people. Nice team you chose. Don’t comment here again. I am, only posting this so folks can see what the trolls are saying. It’s good to reveal some good old fashion satanic hate once in a while so we all don’t get too comfortable.
      Greg

    • Jerry

      Bill Reed.
      If you can’t make a valid statement here, don’t hide behind the weeds and snipe at Greg. Try CNBC, or any of the other crap tank medias. They’re more to your liking.

  13. allen ols

    greg;

    something is afoot when the us treas. purchases 200k worth of bug out emergency supplied bags for their elite officials. we are getting close to meltdown i think. look at link below as the public take govmnt officials and throw them in trash bins.

    Ukrainian volunteers throw corrupt official into the trash can
    Video for ukraine trash bin challenge► 4:53► 4:53
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51B75U9nmt4
    Sep 7, 2014 – Uploaded by Samira Mansour
    Waste Bucket Challenge 1: Ukrainian volunteers throw corrupt official into the trash can. <a href="/channel/UCUIeFrE8j9YRPCFO0Usblxg" …
    Trash bucket challenge: 'Corrupt' Ukraine MPs thrown into …
    metro.co.uk/…/trash-bucket-challenge-corrupt-ukraine-mps-throw…
    Metro
    Trash bucket challenge: 'Corrupt' Ukraine MPs thrown into bins. Richard Hartley-Parkinson for Metro.co.ukSunday 5 Oct 2014 1:50 pm. Trash bucket challenge: …

  14. Craig Michael

    Hi Greg,
    I look forward to your commentary every week.

    Thank you for adding “Fear not” I need that.

    • Greg Hunter

      Craig,
      We all do including me. Thank you my friend!
      Greg

      • susan

        Greg, we sing a song, “Fear Not” in church every now and then and I think of you.

        • Greg Hunter

          Susan,
          “Fear Not” God the Father is in charge not the bunch of fools who think they are running things. Peace girl and Merry Christ-mas!
          Greg

  15. ConcernedAmericanDad

    Greg, I too was puzzled by the timing of the report, although I had seen this just a couple days before the big release-posted in a zero hedge comment…..
    http://www.strategic-culture.org/pview/2014/11/30/un-report-documents-torture-police-violence-in-us.html

  16. Baja Bryan

    Great weekly wrap as always Greg. I agree with you on how our two party system continues to erode our Constitutional rights. It’s all just political theater to evoke emotions for the masses following with blind faith, when the reality is both parties are working unilaterally for Bigger government and more control.

  17. Deborah Brackenbury

    Of course the Dems came out with this CIA torture charges at a time to distract what else is going on in the country. But is that any reason to keep this hidden away in a closet? I suppose you think the damage the outing of some pedophile priest should be kept under wraps due to damage it might cause the flock. Shame on you, Greg! I’ve read you for years and this is the first time you cannot hide the fact that you indeed are not impartial.

    • Greg Hunter

      Deborah,
      Did you miss the part where I said the Dems had good reason to “hate what they hated”? If you are going to out crime then you should be really upset about the thousands of murders the Obama Administration did in the Middle East. We should prosecute that crime as well. I thought I pointing out the hypocrisy of it all while the powers were distracting us from the real problems we face. I thought I was fair and we will just have to agree to disagree. I am not ashamed of informing the public. By the way, I stopped being a Catholic over the pedophile priest crimes, but I am still Christian!
      Greg

  18. Mason

    Excellent Wrap-Up as usual Greg!

    Thanks for the information on “Congress Passes Bill Which Grants “Unlimited Access to Communications of Every American” and the death of the 4th amendment. It managed to slip under my radar until now.

    Well, that makes it offical then. I guess the United States is now official a true and certified Police State.

    While we are on the topic of the Police State, Martin Armstrong writes in a new article:
    “A new bill passed last week in Illinois would make it a felony to secretly tape any “private conversations,” with steeper punishments for those surreptitiously recording the police.”:
    http://armstrongeconomics.com/2014/12/10/it-is-now-a-felony-to-tape-the-police-abuse-in-illinois/

  19. Mason

    Greg, you may be correct when you said:
    “I never thought I would agree with Dick Cheney on anything, but I think this whole thing is, as he says, “full of crap.” ”

    However, I do assume you are saying this for the opposite reasons that Dick Cheney is saying it.

    To illustrate:

    A political cartoon:
    http://armstrongeconomics.com/2014/12/11/cheney-should-be-charged-under-international-law-and-tried-in-international-criminal-court-for-war-crimes/

    A very short article:
    http://armstrongeconomics.com/2014/12/11/cheney-covers-up-his-role-in-the-torture-scandal-blames-bush-very-clever/

    • Mason

      Greg, I am forced to change my mind. I think you are not correct. The report of the torture program IS hugely important.

      I have to side with LibertyBlitzkrieg on this one:
      http://libertyblitzkrieg.com/2014/12/10/revelations-from-the-torture-report-cia-lies-nazi-methods-and-the-81-million-no-bid-torture-contract/

      I cannot help it: I am just calling them as I see them. Anyone who dismisses the torture report as full of crap sounds like an apologist for the torture program under the Bush/Cheney regime.

      Yes, you are correct that the Drone murder program unleashed by the Obama regime is at least as bad (good one by the way: murder should rightfully always be mentioned when discussing this drone program so kudos for you for that). And yes, the report probably is a distraction for the Obama-care FIASCO. And YES, Dianne Feinstein is the most hypocrite person on the face of the earth for approving of the spying on all American citizens, while simultaneously being outraged when the CIA spied on the Senate.
      BUT….that still doesn’t diminish the importance of the torture-report.

      A few excerpts from the article on LibertyBlitzkrieg:


      One of the greatest propaganda successes of the consolidated and corporate owned mainstream media in the US. has been its ability to convince many naive Americans that people with fascist tendencies do not exist in our society, and it they do, they certainly don’t reside in the highest halls of power.

      One of the key points I try to get across in my writing is that the sociopathic mindset knows no borders, and a society that ignorantly believes that its “leadership” consists of good people with a moral high ground is a society of sheep primed for slaughter. Not only do fascist types exist at the highest levels of the U.S. status quo, the smart ones will typically do everything they can to attain such positions. Why?

      As I noted recently in the post, In Great Britain, Protecting Pedophile Politicians is a Matter of “National Security”:

      I’ve long written about how the percentage of sociopaths within a group of humans becomes increasingly concentrated the higher you climb within the positions of power in a society, with it being most chronic amongst those who crave political power.

      The reason for this is obvious. Those with the sickest minds, and who wish to act upon their destructive fantasies, understand that they can most easily get away with their deeds if they are protected by an aura of power and ostensible respectability. They believe that as a result of their status, no one would dare accuse them of horrific activities, and if it ever came to that, they could quash any investigation.

      One of the reasons the Senate “Torture Report” is so important, is that it forces Americans to confront the fascists and torture profiteers in their midst. Without this report, allegations of wrongdoing at the very top of the U.S. status quo can be easily dismissed as “conspiracy theory.” Hopefully now that we have some proof, we can start to meaningfully confront the cancer metastasizing within our society.

      ……………………

      The phrase “Verschärfte Vernehmung” is German for “enhanced interrogation”. Other translations include “intensified interrogation” or “sharpened interrogation”. It’s a phrase that appears to have been concocted in 1937, to describe a form of torture that would leave no marks, and hence save the embarrassment pre-war Nazi officials were experiencing as their wounded torture victims ended up in court. The methods, as you can see above, are indistinguishable from those described as “enhanced interrogation techniques” by the president. As you can see from the Gestapo memo, moreover, the Nazis were adamant that their “enhanced interrogation techniques” would be carefully restricted and controlled, monitored by an elite professional staff, of the kind recommended by Charles Krauthammer, and strictly reserved for certain categories of prisoner. At least, that was the original plan.

      ………………….

      Just in case that’s not bad enough, it has also come to light that two individuals seen as the masterminds of the torture program made $81 million from it. They were also in charge of overseeing the program’s effectiveness. You can’t make this stuff up. From the Huffington Post:

      WASHINGTON — Two psychologists were paid $81 million by the CIA to advise on and help implement its brutal interrogation program targeting detainees in the war on terror, according to the Senate torture report summary released Tuesday.

      The contract psychologists are identified with pseudonyms — Grayson Swigert and Hammond Dunbar — like most of the individuals named in the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on the CIA program. Published reports dating back to 2007, however, identify the two men as James Elmer Mitchell and Bruce Jessen, both former members of the military.

      There is much much more in the article, but the main point is that is is hugely important for the torture-report to see the light of day. After reading this I must say I have to come to the conclusion that people who say that the torture-report is full of crap are just apologists for the torture-program. Especially if Cheney says it. I’m sorry Greg.

  20. Apollo

    Greg check this article which confirms Jim Willie’s forecast. http://gulfnews.com/business/markets/dgcx-plans-to-start-russian-rouble-futures-contract-spot-gold-1.1425580. Thank you and your guests for the free and unbiased reporting. Take care with lots of love, laughter and joy this Christmas to you and your family and looking forwards to your next week’s guest’s discussions. By the way do fear because bad times are coming according to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WmE_0d0vWU

  21. paul

    This is No Game … US Moving Its Nuclear Weapons into Europe … Now I’m Become Death … The Destroyer of Worlds!

    • paul

      The now famous quote above from the father of the atomic bomb Dr. Oppenheimer “Now I’m Become Death … The Destroyer of Worlds” is very apropos  in today’s world … look at Gruber, the Democrats, Republicans … there is no difference between them … all politicians lie to get what they want … and now they want to move nuclear weapons into Europe … nuclear weapons were designed to bring death (enough to totally destroy our world).

      I would say about 97% of all politicians are a bunch of crazy, insane, untrustworthy, greedy, power hungry, liars … and yet the majority of voters (if the polls are not rigged) elect “these untrustworthy people” to determine when to push the Red Button and end the world.

      Entrusting to a bunch of crazies (who have no sense of decency, morals or ethics) the power to determine whether our children live or die in a thermonuclear war is totally absurd. But these politicians are now moving some of our 70,000 nuclear weapons into Europe after clearly inciting the Russians with a foreign policy intent on taking Ukraine (right on the Russian border). This is like the Russians taking Canada.

      The politicians will always justify their insane acts … Russian politicians will say they recently began flying their thermonuclear weapons close to Europe, the US and Canada to protect them from a nuclear first strike … while US politicians will say “we have to respond in kind” and move our nuclear weapons closer to Russia.

      Excluding the sane people on this site … why can’t the rest of the world see what is happening? … The world is being moved by the powers that be closer and closer to a thermonuclear war.  World War Three is right at our doorstep and people are so dumbed down they can’t remember that “a single nuclear weapon” can destroy an Entire City. Cities like New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Peking, Tokyo, Sydney, Los Angeles can be annihilated within minuets with just nine(9) nuclear bombs.

      The US has about 70,000 nuclear bombs and the Russians probably have a similar amount … this means not just nine(9) cities but 140,000 major cities can be wiped off the face of the Earth in a matter of minutes. All it takes is an insane, untrustworthy, greedy, power hungry, lying politician not readily noted for inner sense of moral integrity or decency to lose his temper and go into an infantile rage … and “It’s All Over” for us … humanity will be completely wiped off this planet.

      Is there a politician in the world today man enough to step-up and put a stop to this deadly escalation? … This is not a game people but it
      seems like most everyone on planet Earth is as crazy as the politicians … the only hope I have to save the ones I love is perhaps for some “nice” alien or Jesus to come down and rescue me and my family … and take us to “a New Home in the Heavens”.

      However, seeing all the Ruins of the Civilizations on the Moon and Mars … and knowing that God destroyed humanity once before in a Great Flood because of their evil ways … my hoping to be saved by aliens or God seems like a real long shot … now if Noah just didn’t build that ark I wouldn’t be here worrying about such things!!! … But I’m here and I don’t have an underground bunker to run to like the politicians.

      Anyone have any idea on how we can stop this Madness???

      • blamb61

        I don’t think we have anywhere near 70k nuclear weapons. We certainly have enough to make the world hell.

      • paul

        NEWS FLASH …

        Russia spent 5 billion dollars to effect a change of government in Canada …

        The new Canadian government installed by Russia declares that English can no longer be spoken in Canada …

        Russia wants the Niagara Falls complex out of American hands …

        The US holds a referendum and the people around Niagara Falls vote to join the USA …

        The USA then sends troops to defend this powerful energy source and only exit to the Atlantic …

        Russia is incensed at the American action and imposes sanctions against the price of their currency and oil …

        The new Russian backed Canadian government moves to segregate the English speaking people …

        The English speaking people revolt and want to set up their own government …

        The Russian backed Canadian government attacks the English speaking people in revolt …

        The USA sends convoys of food and humanitarian supplies to help the English side in revolt …

        The Russian backed Canadian government shoots down a passenger plane and blames it on the USA backed rebels …

        Russia reminds the USA that its military doctrine includes a nuclear first strike …

        The USA takes counter measures and keeps it’s strategic nuclear bombers in the air to avoid their destruction …

        The Russians then begin moving their nuclear weapons over the Arctic Circle and closer to the USA …

        MORE NEWS TO COME … AS THE WORLD MOVE CLOSER TO ALL OUT WAR

        • paul

          Some say God created man … some say the Annunaki created humans by genetically engineering a monkey … looking at the crazy, lying, deceitful, evil politicians running around the world today … they all seem much more like a bunch of “genetically engineered rats”!!

          Imagine God looking down on his creation today … and seeing that his genetically engineered rats have now advanced to the point where “they can light matches” and put any ones house on fire if they are not given cheese! This is getting ludicrously dangerous!

          We see how the Russians (who won’t give the Americans some cheese) have their house threatened to be burned down to the ground.

          Will God “ever intervene in such matters” … his creation has now turned into “a bunch of rats” going around extorting cheese … and if the rats don’t get their cheese they now threaten to light “nuclear matches” and set everyone’s house on fire … this is not what God planned for humanity!

          Those of us who read the Bible know that it tells of a God who will indeed “flush” experiments that go bad, drowning all the rats, and starting over.

          Today’s rats in charge of nuclear matches are being given fair warning by some of God’s messengers… in many various ways … will they take God’s warning seriously? … they’ve already seen their nuclear missiles “shut down” … they have seen their most advanced warship radars shut down … now how high an IQ do they need to realize “someone up there” doesn’t like what they are doing … and is warning them for the last in all kinds of ways!!!

  22. Gord Higham

    Greg

    Looks like John Williams was right, US hyperinflation starts before the end of 2014. Up to 300 TRILLION in derivatives exposure now fully guaranteed by the US taxpayer and the Federal Treasury. First up an estimated 5 TRILLION in shale oil junk bond derivatives which will start to collapse in the 1st quarter of 2015 and a 5 TRILLION dollar bill presented to the FDIC which has .01% of that bill in capital.

    So 5 TRILLION is just the tip of the credit issuance and money printing transferred to the One Bank and put on US citizens and their great, great, great….. grandchildren.

    Indentured servitude and serfdom, I guess Friedrich von Hayek was right.

    Thoughts.

    Gord Higham

    • rezo

      The only way to stop this is to extinguish the perpetrators. There is no other way at this juncture.

  23. Mason

    The most horrifying music video you’ll ever see:
    A country song dedicated to Hillary Clinton

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfU3hI8ML30

    [thanks to LibertyBlitzKrieg for drawing my attention to it]

    • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

      Yes it certainly made me wan’t to throw up!

    • J C Davis

      Mason that was bazar. Shows how misled and uninformed folks can be. One word comes to mind=Benghazi .
      What does she matter now. The next president may be painted as a angel of light.

  24. Doug Williams

    The Bottom line is… ” WE’RE ALL SCREWED.” We could do something about it……but we would get more jail time then the crooks themselves. On a lighter note, Greg, let’s start something new for your readers and listeners. Their PREDICATIONS for the up coming year, (2015). We can make predications just as good or better then your guests. I’ll start it off. Dow, High 18325, Low 12235, Nasdaq, High 4873 , Low 2190, Gold, High 2200, Low 1365, Silver, High, 28.73, Low 24.53, Oil, High 68.35, Low 42.53 U.S. Dollars(Remains King) 93.00 , Low 72.00. Now this is the “FANTASY” one. Dow, High 25158, Low 19385, Nasdar, High 5133, Low 3195. Gold, High 8334., Low 5400. Silver, High 74.83, Low48.63, Oil, High 72.53, Low 36.43, U.S.Dollar High, 103, Low 83 And Time’s person of the year should be the President for bringing us another step closer to being a third world nation.

  25. diane

    Good stuff again, Greg.
    Thanks for all you do.

    • Greg Hunter

      Thank you Diane.
      Greg

  26. Larry W. Bryant

    == What Does the CIA REALLY Know about Its Torture Program? ==

    Perhaps we can get the answer via this online citizens petition: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/impanel-a-federal-grand

  27. Matt Jaymes

    I’ll tell ya Greg, I get a bit depressed examining USA Watchdog (The Dawg) site because week after week, after bloody week, the news just gets progressively worse. However, I would much rather be depressed and informed than deluded and manic; celebrating the cacophony of bovine excrement that the main stream media espouses. Excellent work – you are the quintessence of what real journalism is supposed to be.

    That said: I read somewhere that a breach of $60.00 oil would cause a derivative meltdown. Well according to the charts I routinely observe, that happened today. I thought maybe that might be something you’d want to give at least a cursory examination to.

    Great site, keep up the good work: here’s a ping for Jim Sinclair.

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

    Matt

    • Greg Hunter

      Matt,
      I have Harry Dent on Sunday and he will explain it a lot better than me. In short Dent says the oil derivatives are “going to blow up.” Sunday in an early release.
      Greg

      • allen ols

        …I enjoy ESR. 🙂

  28. Spanky

    Albert Einstein once said, “The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits.” So, I find the caption of the cartoon attached to this week’s news wrap-up to be very apropos. In passing the 1.1 trillion dollar funding bill, congress has (once again) demonstrated that (like stupidity) neither deceit nor self-serving, crony capitalism has limits.
    In my estimation, not a day goes by where we Americans (you and I) are better off than we were the day before. Daily, we lose a little of our freedom and financial well-being. I believe this trend is inexorable and the outcome inevitable. What we are experiencing is a slow, monotonous death by a thousand cuts, and unfortunately, those who are inflicting the wounds are the very ones who took an oath to protect us from enemies, both foreign and domestic. They’re doing this, not because they are anti American or intentionally treasonous, but because they (among other things) are short-sighted, greedy, and incompetent. I’m not confident how much longer this nation can endure this misfortune, but, I am certain that the American people are not paying attention (or, if they are, they just don’t care).
    To his credit, President Eisenhower tried to warn the American people when he said in his farewell address to the nation, “…only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of huge industrial and military machinery of defense …, so that security and liberty can prosper together.” If he was wrong about anything it was that he failed to include large financial institutions as a part of the military-industrial complex. Nevertheless, the key phrase in this passage is “only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry”. Too many Americans know more about the members of the Kardashian family than the politicians who represent them. I suspect that if I asked a hundred random people on the street about the National Defense Authorization Act, fewer than five could describe it. I also suppose that I would have similar results, if I asked the same people who Janet Yellen is. Better yet, how many Americans actually know what a federal Reserve Note is (or how they come into being)?
    Eisenhower also cautioned us about kicking the fiscal can down the road. “… our government,” he said, “must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage..” His counsel is as wise and prophetic today as it was in 1961, but at the time, I’m sure there was a multitude of American’s asking themselves what the hell Eisenhower was talking about. Even if people were listening, they failed to heed his wisdom.

    • paul

      Very well said Spanky … how do we stop the maddness?

      • Collateral Damage

        ‘We’ don’t stop it. The system will stop by itself when it (the financial system) can’t take more stress. That will happen as soon as the grossly bloated debts can no longer be hidden, covered/(Ponzied) over and kicked down the road.

        It will stop through self-perpetuating implosion followed by or to happen coincidentally with war.

        CD

    • Karen

      Great post Spanky! Yes, indeed, “death by a thousand cuts.” But it seems to me the cuts are getting deeper and deeper and the patient (that being “we the people”), cannot hope to survive too much longer. And I agree, I don’t believe in as much the conspiracy theories as I do in incompetence and greed.

      Conspiracy takes intelligence, coordination, patience and forethought – all things I think most of our politicians don’t have. Though I do think they have an unlimited ability to behave greedily, incompetently, selfishly, and ignorantly.

      • Karen

        Let me just clarify my previous statement. I think our politicians are too intellectually challenged to create and follow through on huge conspiracies, but I do not think the same of bankers. I believe bankers DO have the wherewithal to conjure up and follow through on conspiracies to rob and rape the American public. Our politicians are only their witless, greedy pawns.

  29. Charles H.

    Greg,

    With the passing of the stop-gap Budget, to avoid shutdown, and which does away with the Frank-Dodd Act – it looks like the baton is passed to the Republicans to see America goes down the drain. The Masters of Money are in control; nothing but the Banks matters: long live the Banks! Marvelous Kabuki… world class, really.

    • rezo

      A military coupe or total citizen revolution is the only way now its too far gone to be stopped diplomatically .I guarantee to you if idiot Obama puts nuclear weapons in Europe .Russia will install them in the Arctic, Mexico and Cuba primed and aimed at USA strategic cities .

      • Charles H.

        rezo,

        Russia paid such a terrible price in WWII: that it will in no way allow itself to drop it’s guard and be vulnerable again. Russia and China are tied at the hip economically and likely will lead the world after America destroys herself. I fear that America is living a lie, and charts a course akin to ‘Playing Chicken’. I don’t think a ‘head-on’ is likely: but I don’t think either will evade a glancing blow.

        • allen ols

          CHARLES

          agreed!!

  30. Jerry

    Greg, this is getting serious. A few hours ago oil prices slid below $59. per barrel.
    http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2014/12/12/oil-prices/20294645/
    According to my sources the tipping point is $60. per barrel so we are in dangerous waters for obvious reasons. More importantly this will no doubt cause the Rubble to collapse if it stays there, since 80% of the Russian economy is based on natural resources.

    The economic war is in full bloom. I expect a Chinese response soon in the form of U.S. Treasury Bonds flooding the market. They’re not going stand by and watch their biggest trading partner (Russia) get hosed over by the western banking cabal that has been running this dog and pony show like they have the gold markets. Brace yourself. Impact in 3…2….1 months.

    • Greg Hunter

      Jerry,
      I like you analysis here when you say, “I expect a Chinese response soon in the form of U.S. Treasury Bonds flooding the market. They’re not going stand by and watch their biggest trading partner (Russia) get hosed over by the western banking cabal that has been running this dog and pony show like they have the gold markets. Brace yourself.” Yes sir it is game on and it will turn deadly at some point!
      Greg

      • Jerry

        Precisely Greg. The western banking cabal is using the same playbook they used to take down the Russian economy in the eighties by gashing oil prices. Only this time the Russians are waiting for it and have aligned themselves with the Chinese. The Chinese have been purchasing oil from Russia using gold instead of petrodollars, so essentially we’ve taken a dump in our own mess kit. Check out the bond market. Its crashing. It will be below 2.0 by next week Greg.

    • Jeff L

      I have been repeatedly posting that we are not dealing with a Reagan era Russia. While we screw with sanctions they are going about their business increasing economic trade and making new friends. Despite the MSM propaganda (and a falling currency) they are financially sound (unlike the US) and hold all the cards…….I have no doubt on the day they decide to stick it to us the dollar drops, gold (and oil) rise dramatically and the MSM will have another lame explanation for the public. An explanation laced with propaganda and a reason for war……….

      • wd

        Jeff L,

        I keep saying the same thing. There is no Chinese fire drill in Moscow. The are the ones moving and shaking while we keep spiraling downward, they have bought tons and tons of gold to back there currency, Putin is forging ahead with capitalism while we are tripping over our own feet.

        Also the world seems to be embracing them more and more. Everyone things I am crazy, but I believe Putin learned both ways and is a brilliant move maker.
        I will always remember John Kerry’s pathetic blunder in the Middle East and Putin swooped in and took charge- Kerry, was made a complete fool of once again.

        This is the Putin I see running things-Excellent post!!

        I

        • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

          WD, Jerry, Jeff L
          I totally agree with you guys.
          Putin absolutely runs rings around the pathetic bumbling Obama and Kerry. I have said it before – it will be a miracle if these two psychopaths do not lead the world into nuclear war.
          Cheers
          Col

      • Jerry

        I couldn’t have said it better Jeff.

      • allen ols

        jeff l
        good stuff

    • Silence is Golden

      Jerry,
      I see that the $60 Threshold was a major support.
      Next Stop is $50 (which happens to be a LT average). If that breaks then its HELL literally freezing over.
      Saudi’s are playing a wicked game that not only cuts the US Shale Oil but also their Own Revenue (as well as Russia’s – playing tag with Syria and Iran). China is all smiles and the Gold Suppression Boys are running for cover – literally.
      If we don’t see a bounce from the lows in the $50-60 in the 1Q 15 then it sets the scene for deflationary pressures across the globe.

      Greg,
      Looking forward to Harry Dent’s POV. He no doubt will demonstrate that we are now in the WINTER Cycle. Demographics and GeoPol. pressures driving us all into a very long Winter. Spending patterns are indeed the crux of the problem compounded by the stifling DEBT.

      • allen ols

        sig

        agreed!!

    • paul

      Jerry …
      here is a quote right from the mouth of ECB president Mario Draghi (Nov 21, 2014)

      “We will do what we must to raise inflation and inflation expectations as fast as possible”

      Looks to me like the Cabal is now getting ready to move gold, silver and perhaps even oil much higher.

      It sure would be nice to see gold move up … before we are all incinerated in a thermonuclear explosion.

      Eons from now … as visitors to our world from some other galaxy come to study the cause of our civilization’s demise … some very astute alien forensic scientists will probably be very perplexed … wondering … why it’s … that we find only the incinerated bodies with gold coins in their hand … have a big smile on their burnt and charred faces???

    • Paul from Indiana

      Jerry, I have no idea about any of this specifically, but for what it’s worth, I saw on Martin Armstrong’s site this evening that he puts the floor at $57. This HAS to be a touch-and-go sort of deal, or it’s curtains in the derivatives market, and we know a little what that will look like based on 2008, except like the Richter scale, it’s a geometric expansion since then (2008). Martin Armstrong also makes the point that governments prefer war as a cover for themselves, because that is preferable to the citizenry rioting/rebelling. Government is only concerned with self-preservation. Expect all manner of unheard of abuses, violations, crimes to occur as government seeks its perpetual expansion.

      Here’s the deal so far as I can see: the lesson of the 21st century to the world and humanity will be that huge political entities such as today’s modern mega-countries (USA et al) are not viable. And it appears that this lesson will brought home the HARD way. Best always. PM

      • allen ols

        pfi
        yes

    • allen ols

      jerry

      steller post al

  31. Jerry

    A bunch of these countries want their gold back. Gee I wonder why?
    http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/12/markets-precious-idUSL3N0TW32520141212
    Here’s the list –
    – Mexico
    – Netherlands
    – Germany
    – France
    – Belgium
    – Venezuela
    – Switzerland
    – Australia
    – Austria

    • Greg Hunter

      Jerry,
      This looks like a Fed bank run to me.
      Greg

      • Silence is Golden

        The Outlaw Cowboys should’ve been hung when we had the chance.

        • Greg Hunter

          SIG,
          We are all outlaws now.
          Greg

      • Jerry

        Greg I think these countries see the blood in the water with the dollar, and want out. The problem is, there is no gold to give them. Now what?

      • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

        Greg,
        With all that is happening I think we all need to hold onto our hats. The roller coaster is ready to roll.
        Good luck to you Greg and all the Watchdoggers.
        It has been great communicating with you guys. I have learnt a huge amount from this site and have the utmost respect for Greg and his followers and his courageous reporting. I just wanted to say this because I know we are all in huge danger now and this whole mess is about to end very, very badly. I dream of the day that Obama and Kerry would stand trial and be executed for their horrendous crimes but under the status quo this will not happen and even if it did they would only be replaced by some other lunatic.
        Cheers
        Col

        • Greg Hunter

          “Fear Not” Colin and thank you.
          Greg

        • allen ols

          colin
          me too al

        • Collateral Damage

          Colin,

          I get the same feeling too, it just seems that too many things are happening too quickly for the system to remain stable much longer.

          Just in case, I agree, I wanted to be sure to tell you that it has been a true pleasure and a privilege to be able to read your posts, and to listen to and read this website Greg.

          I want to say thanks to each of you.

          Best Regards and God Bless,

          Just in Case,

          Collateral D.

          • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

            CD
            Very kind words from you indeed.
            I very much admire and enjoy your posts too.
            Cheers
            Col

      • J C Davis

        Good point Greg. I haven’t called it that, but that is exactly what it is.

      • Galaxy 500

        Venezuela got their if I remember correctly

  32. allen ols

    ….and

    A young Wells Fargo executive decided to get his first tailor made suit. So he went to the finest tailor in town and got measured for a suit.
    A week later he went in for his first fitting. He put on the suit and he looked stunning, he felt that in this suit he can do business.
    As he was preening himself in front of the mirror he reached down to put his hands in the pockets and to his surprise he noticed that there were no pockets.
    He mentioned this to the tailor who asked him, “Didn’t you tell me you were a banker?”
    The young man answered, “Yes, I did.”
    To this the tailor said, “Who ever heard of a banker with his hands in his own pockets?”

    • paul

      And the banker replied to the tailor … your right … “I don’t need pockets for money … just submit the $5000 dollar bill for my suit to the American taxpayer … those dumb bastards have already paid for my gold plated toilet seats.”

  33. ANTHONY KIRSCH

    DO YOU KNOW IF THE LOBBYISTS FOR THE BANKSTERS GOT THE PORK ATTACHED TO THE SPENDING BILL THAT WOULD USE FDIC MONEY TO SECURE THE FAILURE OF THEIR DIRIVITIVES? THEY WERE TRYING. WHICH IS $100 TRILLION.

    • Greg Hunter

      Anthony,
      I think the taxpayers will be on the hook for $300 trillion. Anyway you cut it is is a big number.
      Greg

      • Paul from Indiana

        Martin Armstrong ( a controversial figure, I know) says this is necessary, as the game is for the USA to try to expand its (our) debt in a race to offset the deflation occurring across all the world’s economies. He also says we are in the death throes of socialism, characterized by deflation on a massive scale. It (macro debt expansion) is a desperate gamble for sure, and as you so often say, the world has never seen anything like it before. I don’t believe we will be successful in negotiating this highwire ongoing. Even the Wallendas (sadly) fall after awhile. Best always. PM

  34. Galaxy 500

    Perhaps the conservatives if we get one as President, can bring charges against the murderer of American citizens without trial…go ‘bama, go ‘bama

    • Paul from Indiana

      Damn, son, where you been? Welcome back. Now, buckle your chinstrap and GET IN THE GAME! Best always. PM

      • Mason

        Yeah right. You never learn do you, G500? The Repblican party is just as bad as the Democratic party (to illustrate: http://armstrongeconomics.com/2014/12/11/cheney-covers-up-his-role-in-the-torture-scandal-blames-bush-very-clever/). Like Greg says: “both partjes just take turns ripping us off.” In effect they are the same party: the Republocrats.
        You, G500, are part of the problem because you support one of these parties.

        • Mason

          My reply is meant for G500, not for Paul.

        • Galaxy 500

          Dude
          I am a tea party guy. Let me guess… you dont vote or you cast a protest vote to the communist party. You sir, are the reason so many idiots get elected. You dont even have the right to complain as you dont vote.

          • Mason

            G-boy (like I said before, if you start name-calling you always do, you just sound like a 16-year old boy and I will have call you accordingly),
            I know you are a Tea Party guy. You don’t have to tell me that. You would know that if you just listened to feedback. That’s an excellent example of why I say that you never learn.

            Furthermore, I would say there is NOTHING WRONG with the Tea Party MOVEMENT. But it’s not enough. And you can trust the corrupt politicians to hijack the Tea Party and corrupt it from within. You have to be a good judge of character and support the uncorruptable people who stand up against the system as it is now. I absolutely admire Ron Paul for example (Ron Paul is gone and there are precious little uncorruptable people left. Rand Paul maybe, but I am not sure yet). So no, I am not saying that not voting is THE thing to do. But you sir – or should I say Dude as you are so fond of this term – are just cheering for team red the whole time, and you never learn from your interactions with forum-members it seems, or the information Greg or other forum members present. So I will copy-paste an earlier reply from me to you from one of Greg’s earlier Weekly News Wrap Ups (https://usawatchdog.com/weekly-news-wrap-up-9-12-14/). You can search under your “name” or mine:


            A third party is needed, or to be more precise: a second party besides the Republocrat party is needed. I’ll settle for just a second party in the United States.
            Furthermore, people (like G500 for example who only likes the Tea Party) need to be less partisan, and they need to realize that the Tea Party grass movement and the Occupy Wallstreet grass movement are upset about fundamentally the same thing. See http://libertyblitzkrieg.com/2012/10/03/occupy-wall-street-and-the-tea-party-are-upset-about-the-same-thing-one-picture/

            So my take-home message for you this time is to check the link. Maybe you will learn something this time.

        • Galaxy 500

          And Dude, if I thought I could save one life, I would have tortured these guys for real. Id take another four Bush years instead of what we got. And No, Bush wasnt my first choice
          What is your solution? Armed insurrection? Terrorist atracks?
          Currently, the only choice we have for change is voting. Please let me know what you propose to affect change.

          • brian

            I cannot help but to interject my objection here. Armed insurrection and terrorism are not the only alternatives to allowing yourself to be gently walked into a cage and separated from your life savings before being unceremoniously slaughtered and tossed into a shallow trash filled ditch.

            You could demand that the rule of law be restored, that our God given rights be observed and respected, that a form of government having its powers limited to only those outlined in the constitution be instituted, that private banking cartels are stripped of the ability to control the supply of fiat currency that serves only as an instrument to confiscate a significant and ever growing portion of the fruits of our labors and that known and proven corruptive and captivating forces that have ensconced themselves into our system of governance to the point that they no longer own just the seats of power but the very avenues and routes to those seats, be formally identified, removed and dealt with ever so severely.

            You could make such a demand in such a way that clearly shows the justified level of zeal, dedication and fervor you hold, you could take an honest look at the velocity with which this nation is headed in the direction it is headed and find cause to act with the sheer desperation our general situation requires in order to affect adequate redress….or you can sit around with your bran muffin, your $8 cup of emulsified and caffeinated pig fat and comfortably wait for what inevitably happens when a large swath of the population openly, haughtily and willfully fails to bear the burden of their liberty.

            • Galaxy 500

              And part of the demand.would be vote the.Dems and Repubs out that dont follow the wishes and interests of their constituents.
              If Mason isnt voting do you think he is picketing the govt. Voting is the.first.step…demonstrations next

              • brian

                fair enough, but the problem is voting is not going to cut it when the only candidates with a chance are beholden to a sundry of interests that run counter to the stability of our society and the foundation of our liberty.

                People need to admit where we really are here, this is not the corruption of three generations ago or even last generation, as corruption increases the rules and effects change…if we want our republic back we will need to do a lot more than vote, thats all I know.

              • RTW

                This last election shows exactly what shape this country is in and where it is headed. Every politician who has passed within 10 feet of Obama was voted out of office. Why, because the people do not like Obama’s policies nor do they agree with his “hope and change”. Republicans were voted in to reverse all the bad/illegal things that have been done over the last 6 yrs. But look what has happened. Did they Bother to check the wind direction? No of course not, which makes one think that the fix is in. Both parties are blurring into one, with concerns for themselves only. The republicans had a golden opportunity handed to them with a simple mandate and they squandered it. Sure, we can reward them next election by voting them out, but what good will that do? Maybe once upon a time that would have been the solution, but I just don’t know now. Look what happens to the few good politicians who do stand up for the voters…they get ridiculed and marginalized by their own party. The answer is out there somewhere, but I don’t have it.

          • Mason

            G-boy,
            You might want to rethink that strategy about torturing. If it were up to you, you would create a massive BREEDING GROUND for terrorists. Go Bush, go Cheney, go torture, go team red, go USA! That’s your mentality. And you keep wondering why there are terrorists that hate us in the first place!? That kind of thinking, G-boy, is so simplistic it is not even funny.

            No, G-boy, my solution is not armed insurrection or terrorist attacks. Please keep that kind of remarks for yourself. Another simplistic remark from a simplistic mind.
            The rot in the political system is so pervasive that a solution is not simple. But it is do-able. I’ll give you a few pointers.

            Your first step is to recognise how pervasive the rot in the system is. Only chose individuals in politics who have the highest integrity (such as Ron Paul). But don’t rely too much on others to affect political change. That goes double for relying on one of the parties for change: that includes both the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. If you want real change, run for office yourself. Withdraw your resources from the current system. Educate yourself and educate others about the system. Greg’s site is one of the good places to start. Be cooperative with the government, up to a certain level, but don’t rely on the government for anything. Buy gold, buy silver, and think about diversifying your assets (or even more) geographically. The biggest risk is coming from the government. Try to stay open-minded, especially if forum-members from Greg’s are trying to show you some tough love. I am really not just trying to give you a hard time or something, but I am actually also trying to learn you something. And I would suggest to look at brian’s suggestions as well.

            So no again, IT IS NOT TRUE that the only choice we have for change is voting. With that kind of thinking, after 8 years of Democrats, people are fed up and vote in the Republicans who rip us off some more. And after 8 years of Republicans, people are fed up and vote in the Democrats, who rip us off even more. And THAT is how this system is supposed to function? I think not! But that’s what you get with this kind of thinking.

            The Democrats brought out the torture-report, but did Obama prosecute Bush/Cheney or other high officials? No, he did not.
            And you shouldn’t bet on a Republican president prosecuting Obama for the drone murder program. Again, that kind of thinking is so simplistic it isn’t even funny.
            Like I said, it is one big happy Republocrat family.

        • Galaxy 500

          And.PS…registered conservative and Independent. I am not a Republican. There is no choice at this juncture, other than Republicans and there are plenty of them like McCain that need to be flushed.
          I’d ask Greg if he voted but I know the answer.

          • Mason

            There is nothing wrong with being conservative or Independent. Registered or not. The tea party movement is fine, like I explained above. It’s just not enough. We need a broader tent to win this, G500. And don’t just place your hope on one party, or on politicians, just because they SAY they represent the tea party. Just look at uncorruptable people who give the system REAL opposition, like Ron Paul in 2012.

            I don’t know how Greg voted, but he always says he is not Republican, nor Democrat, nor Libertarian. And that’s fine.

            But you, G500, are more than a little hypocrite. You said: “Let me guess…you dont vote or you cast a protest vote to the communist party. You sir, are the reason so many idiots get elected. You dont even have the right to complain as you dont vote.”
            Because by the same standards, G500, you would be accusing Greg for casting a protest vote to the communist party and accusing him for the idiots that get elected. I don’t see you doing that. Nor should you. But that means that you are more than a little hypocrite.

            Furthermore, those are some strong words from someone who elected Bush/Cheney although it wasn’t his first choice. Ha, that kind of text you are uttering would be priceless if it weren’t that sad. Don’t you see the pattern?

            Again, try to learn something this time, and try to accept some tough love, G500.

      • Galaxy 500

        Hi Paul
        Ive been lurking. Thanks for the kind words

    • Collateral Damage

      You were missed G500. 🙂

      Hope you stay a while.

      cd.

  35. gutzer53

    I would like to give a shout out for your animator! Wonderful captions and sums things up more than words can say. Good job!

    • Greg Hunter

      gutzer53,
      I was laughing when I found that and laughing when I posted it into the article. Thank you.
      Greg

  36. smaulgld

    Why the CIA report might have been released when it was – as Greg says to run interference with the Gruber Hearings.

    Watch explosive Gruber testimony starting at 1:40 that got no coverage.
    This You Tube has under 1000 views!:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEu95rE2PHI

  37. Brad

    Wowser…very insightful comments by Greg Hunter again this week that flesh out the truth for us in no uncertain terms. That truth being that we are all prisoners in a system run by the rich and powerful for themselves at everyone else’s expense on a world wide basis, with western populations of no more importance than the Russian or Chinese populations because we have no power and our little concerns simply don’t matter anymore. Come the “reset” this will change…..

  38. Michael Gruß

    Dear Mr. Greg Hunter,

    quite an interesting point you made- about the torture-“scandal”. (quotation marks will be explained later).

    though (like in :german: “obwohl”) being forcefed on german/american NWO-propaganda- that vital point you made (slipping the full force spy on american-act- plus the deceit on the obama-care-topic) once again has widen my perspective on things- for this i am very thankfull.

    now fore the scandal: never ever is or will torture be a legit means to get information- for heavens sake: the inquistion is over and it took the lifes of many brave men and many more woman to stop it.

    actually this one of the biggest crimes that can be comitted against a brother/sister and i want all those nazi-f#$@ (sorry but no fun intended) trialed and punished. i am really serious about this- psychopaths like bush/cheney/rumsfeld/wolfowitz- and all these other mankind-worst have to be thought a lesson their parents did not provide-period!

    and by the way – what happend to “ebola”- is the virus extinct or the news about it? apperently the moloch of THEM NEWS has forgotten all about this topic- again i think you have predicted this as well.

    please keep up your excellent work – and i hope you can forgive my “foreighn english” – if i made to much of an error feel free to correct me – never the less- only united i see hope of getting threw this bad episode of mankind;

    yours michael gruss

    • Greg Hunter

      Michael Gruß,
      If you want Bush and Cheney prosecuted, then Obama and his Administration should also be prosecuted for murdering thousands of innocent people with drones. I do not think torture is OK. I am pointing out hypocrisy and I thank you for your comment and support.
      Greg

      • allen ols

        greg

        me too al

  39. Laura

    Okay, so here’s a blurb from LindseyWilliams.net- Please don’t shoot the messenger…
    I’m not saying I agree or disagree, but I certainly think it’s interesting.

    Pastor Williams has announced a regular monthly emailed newsletter that will be distributed to his email list at LindseyWilliams.net. The newsletter will feature articles from his two Wall Street insider friends Mark Johnson and Tom Fyler as well as articles by Pastor Williams himself.

    This month features information from all three including information from Pastor Williams regarding the recent drop in oil prices. In this regard Pastor Williams has said “What our President has done could create some major problems. Almost sounds like the beginning of Ezekiel chapters 38-39 in the Bible.”

    On the recent drop in oil prices Pastor Williams told me “You asked about oil prices. In the past my Elite friends have always told me before oil prices dropped. This time I did not know about the oil price drop before it happened because the Elite did not create the price decline.

    President Obama sent John Kerry to Saudi Arabia (Without any authorization of the Elite) to negotiate the price decline. It was done because of Obama’s hatred of Putin. (Read the article that follows from F. William Engdahl, it is correct)

    The Elite are so angry at Obama that words can’t describe it. There are some really big problems right now between Obama and the Elite.”

  40. Laura

    Here’s the rest- written by F.William Engdahl from the LW.net . looked up this guy’s website- http://www.williamengdahl.com/

    By now even the New York Times is openly talking about the secret Obama Administration strategy of trying to bankrupt Russia by using its oil-bloated Bedouin bosom buddy, Saudi Arabia, to collapse the world price of oil. However, it’s beginning to look like the neo-conservative Russia-haters and Cold war wanna-be hawks around Barack Obama may have just shot themselves in their oily foot. As I referred to it in an earlier article, their oil price strategy is basically stupid. Stupid, as all consequences have not been taken into account. Take now the impact on US oil production as prices plummet.

    The collapse in US oil prices since September may very soon collapse the US shale oil bubble and tear away the illusion that the United States will surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s largest oil producer. That illusion, fostered by faked resource estimates issued by the US Department of Energy, has been a lynchpin of Obama geopolitical strategy.

    Now the financial Ponzi scheme behind the increase of US domestic oil output the past several years is about to evaporate in a cloud of fictitious smoke. The basic economics of shale oil production are being ravaged by the 23% oil price drop since John Kerry and Saudi King Abdullah had their secret meeting near the Red Sea in early September to agree on the Saudi oil price war against Russia.

    Wall Street bank analysts at Goldman Sachs just issued a 2015 forecast that US oil prices, measured by a benchmark called WTI (West Texas Intermediate) will fall to $70 a barrel. In September 2013, WTI was more than $106 a barrel. That translates into a sharp 34% price collapse in just a few months. Why is that critical to the US shale production? Unlike conventional crude oil deposits, shale oil or tight oil as industry calls it, depleted dramatically faster.

    A comprehensive new analysis just issued by David Hughes, a Canadian oil geo-scientist with thirty years’ experience with the Geological Survey of Canada, using data from existing US shale oil production that has now become public for the first time (the shale oil story is very recent), shows dramatic rates of oil volume decline from US shale oil wells:

    The three year average well decline rates for the seven shale oil basins measured for the report range from an astounding 60-percent to 91-percent. That means over those three years, the amount of oil coming out of the wells decreases by that percentage. This translates to 43-percent to 64-percent of their estimated ultimate recovery dug out during the first three years of the well’s existence. Four of the seven shale gas basins are already in terminal decline in terms of their well productivity: the Haynesville Shale, Fayetteville Shale, Woodford Shale and Barnett Shale.

    A decrease in oil daily of between 60% and 91% for these best possible shale oil regions means the oil companies must drill deeper to even stay still with oil production, let alone increase total oil volume. That means the drillers must spend more money to drill deeper, a lot more. According to Hughes, the Obama administration Department of Energy has uncritically taken rosy forecast numbers given them by the companies that boost the US shale oil myth. His calculations show future US shale oil output only 10% that estimated for 2040 by the Energy Department.

    Hughes describes the current deadly dilemma of the shale oil companies as a “drilling treadmill.” They must drill more and more wells just to keep production levels flat. The oil companies have already gone after the most promising shale oil areas, so-called “sweet spots,” to maximize their production. Now as production begins to decline terminally, they must start drilling in spaces with less rich oil and gas returns. He adds, “if the future of U.S. oil and natural gas production depends on resources in the country’s deep shale deposits…we are in for a big disappointment.”

    Oil price collapse

    What Hughes describes was the state of shale oil before the start of the Kerry-Abdullah Saudi oil price war. Now US WTI oil prices have dropped a catastrophic 25% in six weeks, and still falling. Other large oil producers like Russia and Iran are in turn flooding the world market with their oil to increase revenue for their state budgets, adding to a global oil supply glut. That in turn pressures prices more.

    The shale oil and gas bonanza of the past five years in the USA has been built on a foundation of zero Federal Reserve interest rates and huge speculative investment by hungry Wall Street firms and funds. Because of the ultra-rapid oil well depletion, when market oil prices collapse, the entire economics of lending to the shale oil drillers collapses as well. Money suddenly vanishes and debt-strapped oil companies begin real problems.

    According to Philip Verleger, former head of President Carter’s Office of Energy Policy and now an energy consultant, in North Dakota’s Bakken shale, one of the most important new shale oil regions, oil at $70 a barrel could cut production 28 percent to 800,000 barrels a day by February from 1.1 million barrels a day in July. “The cash flow will go down as the prices go down, the amount of money advanced to these people to continue the drilling will dry up entirely, so you’ll see a marked slowdown in drilling,” said Verleger.

    Myths, Lies and Oil Wars

    The end of the shale oil bubble would deal a devastating blow to the US oil geopolitics. Today an estimated 55% of US oil production and all the production increase of the past several years comes from fracking for shale oil. With financing cut off because of economic risk amid falling oil prices, shale oil drillers will be forced to halt new drilling that is needed merely to maintain a steady oil output.

    The aggressive US foreign policy in the Middle East—its war against Syria’s al-Assad regime, its hardball oil sanctions against Iran, its sanctions against Russian oil projects, its cynical toleration of ISIS in Iraqi oil regions, its refusal to intervene to stabilize the Libyan oil economy but instead to tolerate dis-order are all premised on a cocky view in Washington that the USA is once again the King of Oil in the world and can afford to play high-risk oil geopolitics. The official government agency responsible for advising the CIA, Department of Defense, State Department and White House on energy, the US Department of Energy, has issued projections of US shale oil growth based on myths and lies. That has led the Obama White House to launch oil wars based on those same myths and lies about the rosy prospects of shale oil.

    This oily arrogance was epitomized in a speech by then Obama National Security Adviser Tom Donilon. In an April 2013 speech at Columbia University, Donilon, then Obama’s national security adviser, publicly expressed this: “America’s new energy posture allows us to engage from a position of greater strength. Increasing US energy supplies acts as a cushion that helps reduce our vulnerability to global supply disruptions and price shocks. It also affords us a stronger hand in pursuing and implementing our international security goals.”

    The next three or so months in the US shale oil domain will be strategic.

    F. William Engdahl is strategic risk consultant and lecturer, he holds a degree in politics from Princeton University and is a best-selling author on oil and geopolitics, exclusively for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.

    http://www.williamengdahl.com/

    • paul

      Good post Laura!

  41. Jeff L

    All this hand wringing about oil dropping below $60…… I thought it was to hurt Russia ? I thought everyone was saying it would be economically positive (for us) ? Do you get the idea EVERYTHING is designed to collapse the system ? What would you call the bill passed today ? Another nail ? Enjoy your low gas prices, they won’t last. Enjoy your low gold prices, they won’t last.

    • paul

      Right on Jeff!

  42. Texas citizen

    Greg,

    I appreciate your direct candor.

    There seems to be no end to the flood of corruption and treason. The strategy is simple – overwhelm the system with so many “unbelievable events” that the public just gets weary and worn out. As it is we have already passed the point of no return. The only way back to a constitutional government (as founded) is through complete dismantling and rebuilding which can on lumpy occur with violence. Yet that is actually unlikely due to soft, spoiled weak minded citizens who could not survive a week after a grid failure or other severe crisis.

    We lost our moral foundation and have thumbed our nose at God thinking we will always have the blessings from sea to shining sea. The voices of nearly 60 million unborn speak against us. Sodom has more righteousness than this nation.

    Yes there remain many who strive for correction and who fight against this cancer, but the vast majority are simply lazy gluttons drunk with prosperity.

    Even so, arrogance persists. It’s coming down.

    • paul

      I don’t want to believe it … but I think your right Tex!

      • allen ols

        trex, me too tks. al

    • Colin - 'the farmer from NZ'

      Texas Citizen
      You absolutely nailed it when you said;

      “The strategy is simple – overwhelm the system with so many “unbelievable events” that the public just gets weary and worn out. As it is we have already passed the point of no return.”

      Two sentences of brilliance!
      Cheers
      Col

  43. Robert E. Salt

    To understand what’s going on today, an understanding of what happened on 9/11 is necessary. When a quarter mile high building is there one moment and gone ten seconds later, it is assumed that the building collapsed. This was not a collapse! When people view the demise of either Tower, they focus on the top of the building as it unzips. Go to youtube and have another look. Notice the lack of solid debris reaching the ground. The following day George Stephanopoulos was at ground zero and Peter Jennings was in the studio. PJ asked GS what happened to all the debris from the Towers. GS looked like he was about to scratch his head when he said he was told by someone that all 110 stories of each building and all its contents must have fallen into the basement. lol If the building had collapsed, the dozen firefighters in the stairwell on the first four floors of WTC-4 would not have survived. There was collateral damage to the north side of the Bankers Trust building across the street, which consisted of a long vertical opening extending for several floors. The building was repaired at great expense. Shortly thereafter, the building had to be demolished because it continued to decompose. The weapon used on 9/11 causes molecular decomposition of physical matter for years to come. The process supplies its own energy like rows of dominoes falling. If you think the square pools that now occupy the footprints of the Towers are strange, you’re right. They were put there to continually wash away the contamination left from the weapon. Anyone who inhaled the dust that was created that day, suffered from an unusual pulmonary condition. This weapon was likely used on the Oklahoma City building before it was perfected. The remains of WTC-4 had a remarkable resemblance to the remains of the Oklahoma building. Jetliners crashing into the Towers were special effects created in order to enhance the propaganda. Having Arabs taking flying lessons before the event were all part of the plan. The foremost authority of what happened on 9/11 in NYC is Dr. Judy Wood. Her book “Where did the Towers Go?” is a display of evidence. In 1980 President Reagan was supposed to be assassinated six weeks after taking office. His Alzheimers disease was induced; he was never really President. Papa Bush served as President for twelve years. Our country has been run by criminals ever since.

    • RTW

      Robert:
      Thanks for the information on the book written by Dr. Judy Wood. I’m always looking for further reliable information regarding 9/11. It’s always amazing to me that there are an enormous amount of people who buy into the governments explanation, of what happened that day. They believe that not one, but both towers could completely collapse the exact same way. There is so much insurmountable evidence that debunks the government version it’s hard to fathom how people cannot reject it. This tragedy is bolstered by nitwits like George Stephanopoulos and Peter Jennings, who also accept the explanation that the debris from two 110 foot buildings would just fall into the basement. They also don’t think that it was a little strange that Building 7, which wasn’t hit by a plane, also fell the same way. While we’re on the subject of debris, isn’t it strange that there wasn’t one piece of debris from a commercial jetliner found in the Pentagon. They obviously don’t think so. CNN’s Don Lemon probably has it figured out the best. All that debris, probably was sucked up in the same “black hole” which he surmised the missing Malaysian Airliner may have gone into. Come to think about it, his musings make more sense than the basement theory. One must keep in mind that Stephanopoulos used to be a professional liar for the Prez. Need I say more? He also asked, with a straight face, of Darren Wilson, why he just didn’t drive away after Michael Brown walked away from him that day? Never mind the fact that the Gentle Giant assaulted the officer and tried to take his gun from him. Because, I guess, in Georges world, that’s what cops should do when bad guys pummel them. It’s hard to overcome the corrupted main street media when they keep hammering the same drivel into the “low information crowd” 24 hrs a day for days on end. The theory about the pools is fascinating. I never gave it much thought. It would make sense.

      • brian

        I used to laugh at a lot of things that I con no longer laugh at…..Judy Woods beam from outer space theory was one of those things I used to snicker at, but from what we see going on today there is just no telling what is possible and what is not, we are so swaddled in lies and polluted with nonsensical diversions that I doubt we would know the truth if it vanished into the ground in front of us like a 110 story tower….

  44. Sayonara

    Greg:
    Greatly appreciate your passion on reporting the extraordinary corruption and fraud that is so pervasive in our political and financial world. I am absolutely disgusted with Boehner and his minions for guiding and passing what must be the worst spending bill in American history. Celente hit it on the head with Too Big To Fail and To Big To Jail as little Madoff minions go to jail and John Corzine Slimes continue to dine on caviar and veal. The only person who is being honest is Jon Gruber as he openly stated that the American people are stupid and we took advantage them per se. At least 2/3 of the American population are in fact stupid because they have no clue what is happening to them nor do they seem to care. I see it every day and when I comment on these matters to folks, they look at me like a deer with headlights in its eye. WASS (We Are So Screwed) What can I say? The time has come for us to say Sayonara.

    • Greg Hunter

      Sayonara,
      Just get yourself as set as you can. I think Monday is going to be rough.
      Greg

      • Collateral Damage

        Never thought I would catch myself saying this, but,
        I hope you are wrong Greg.

        CD

        • Greg Hunter

          CD,
          Me too my friend!
          Greg

  45. Miro Markovic

    Dear Greg, I want to thank you for another fine weekly wrap-up report. I can see your frustrations, but I am sensing the same feelings among most of my friends. If it is any consolation to you, please know that there are a lot of other people thinking just like you do, but have no courage to spell it out.

    As far as you may remember, in the past, most of the MSM information canals would have reported about American monthly surplus and/or deficit in the international trade. Ever since the economy of the Peoples Republic of China became so much ahead of USA, those reports are missing. Why? Does our government want us not to know about it?

    Beside that, I would like you to pay attention to the very hot issue regarding the economic position of all small companies and their supporting services, which are in business of oil and natural gas extractions from the shall deposits. Namely, while the price of oil was over $100.00 per barrel, it was an economical business. However, if the price of oil goes below $70.00, those small oil companies and their banks, who gave them huge loans, will go under. And then …..comes the domino effect….

    • Greg Hunter

      Thank you Miro!
      Greg

      • Paul from Indiana

        Greg, in 1929 when the market was booming, eventually doubts led to initial selling, problems developed and the asset base began to shrink as the market began its descent. The margin buying of the time (think today’s derivatives) made sense when the asset pool was at a high valuation, but as the market began to collapse, the values went negative. We all know what happened next: selling could not cover the original contracts. Many were ruined overnight. Oil continuing to slide creates these kinds of valuation pressures that can collapse markets very quickly. Derivatives will collapse like a house of cards, not to mention the scenario in our shale oil fields which Miro describes. We are witnessing some of the most momentous times in the history of the world. Best always. PM

        • Greg Hunter

          Thank you Paul for the comment and concise analysis!
          Greg

        • allen ols

          pfi

          totally agreed al

  46. john duffy

    Greg, sorry to hear you have lost your Catholic faith. I too, was greatly disturbed by the sex scandal, but have retained my faith. After all even one of Christ’s twelve chosen, Judas, was a traitor. You might find this commentary, by a devout Catholic writer, about the tumultuous times we live in and the church scandal interesting. Peace brother!

    http://www.markmallett.com/blog/the-spiritual-tsunami/#more-17320

    • Greg Hunter

      John,
      Let me make clear, I did not lose my faith in God the Father or his Son. There are lots of very good Catholics out there too. I was upset with the Leaders who covered it up. Thank you for your comment and your link. Peace bro!!
      Greg

  47. Jim H

    Greg
    Great wrap up. Always enjoy the great debates and discussions (guessing and comments). Kinda in the middle of this way off topic (or is it) Bible history/future very long but very interesting video series. Never heard of it but am pretty engrossed. If anyone has the time, would be very interested in feedback.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoRa3MZxV8g

  48. Donna

    Greg, I would not waste my time on this site if I detected an agenda or a left/right leaning on your part.

    I grew up in a Democrat household. My siblings today are mostly grifters and bullies, totally idol their entire adult lives, 4 of them on “disability.” They use the money and all the programs to launch their drug and booze binges, winter in Florida, summer in Virginia Beach. They know better. They were taught better. This is what you produce when you hand out free stuff. Unlike most of you, 3 brothers had the family business to fall back on servicing “packaged boilers” for big industry. Big bucks involved. They chose government largesse because working interfered with their party life. What happened? The ’60s, Boomer selfishness, coke and smoke, easy babes.

    Dad was a one-man temperance league to no avail. The best he could do was at least keep it out of the home. The patient charts I process at night, make my siblings seem like Puritans. I was asked 30 years back if I thought I could handle listening to disturbing details while transcribing. I could and did. I laughed inwardly, thinking of my Alley Oop siblings. What I listen to NOW is very disturbing. What I process today is the culmination of decades of self-abuse, anything goes, I want, I want.

    The Russians know depravation. We do not. I also noticed something recently when looking at their city of Moscow for one. Crosses are very prominently displayed. Looks to me like religious expression is in vogue. We are doing everything to stomp on it. Our leaders are smug, jubilant, ungrateful. I see a big fall coming. Whether it is our fall or theirs, time will tell and soon.

    Even the Pope has become almost every day political. There is a schism even in the Catholic upper ranks between lib and conservative. Art Bell used to air a Father Malachi Martin who advised, I believe, 5 popes. He spoke of the conflicts and even demonic forces in the Vatican. We are all very much on our own, it seems.

    If I offend in what I write, I do apologize. I just speak and write off the top which is all but verboten today. We all nodded and got along to get along, and look where it got us.

    • allen ols

      donna

      I liked it 😉 al ols

    • Collateral Damage

      Love your posts Donna.

      Our society is indeed in big trouble. You were right about the Russians. They lived through decades where they were told that they couldn’t have religion and learned how important it was to them in the process. They also have been honed on ‘hard times’ over these past 110 years where we in the U.S. have been sliding along on Easy Street by comparison. They have their addictive drugs, and their Vodka problems are a mess, but our Meth culture is arguable just as back and I would argue in many respects worse.

      I bet on the ability of their public to be better adept at weathering the storm that our compadrea.

      Best to u.

      CD

  49. Roy B.

    I work in the oil industry every company where I live that supplies drill pipe has been
    spending millions growing there companies. One company just moved in to a new shop
    now they are going to 40 hours a week 40 hours is like part time in the oil field. You can
    see people are nervous but no panic yet.

  50. John M.

    Another great commentary Greg! I’m amazed that our republic is still holding together with so many economic and political forces that are completely insane and self-destructive.

  51. Mike

    Today..Tomorrow…Next week…next year..

    Nobody knows the exact timing of when a major reset happens but what seems obvious is that a reset will be needed. I watch many try to state that all this talk about gold and silver going up and banks manipulating this or that as simply talk and I have to laugh.

    We all have an opinion on possible timing of a major financial event and that is all we are saying.. at some point in the future we will have to fix what is broken.

    Just because we do not have a crystal ball that allows us to date everything to the minute does not mean that the message is not valid.

    Those that come to sites like this one and make statements trying to discredit one guest or another likely have an agenda or they are simply to foolish to understand the real purpose of the message.

    Educate yourself on the risks facing us…

    Take steps to access your financial ability to weather the storm..

    Generate a plan to protect those important to you and implement that plan to the best of your ability.

    None of us know if you have a day, a week or a year to prepare. All we know is that preparation might be a prudent step all things considered.

  52. HTC

    Jim Willie is saying the global reset is 100% confirmed it is coming MONDAY 12/15/2014. Apparently there was discussion at the last g20 about America kicking out the cabal if you will. China said there would be repercussions for America if they didn’t do this on a deadline. Willie said Obama is to step down from potus status and a general Ham US military to assume the position. He states there is a 30% currency value deduction coming and the new currency will be available as soon as Tuesday the 16th. He has stated before the currency will be red colored bills. China – red. Followed by another 30% reduction around the 6 month time frame until the new electronic currency is up and running. This may be sensationalism but it’s worth checking out anyway.

    • Jeff L

      HTC Anything is possible but if that were common knowledge precious metals and oil would have been bid to the moon Friday (and preceding days)…… Remember both these assets are priced in dollars. For that reason I’ve been saying this oil dump will be short lived…… When the dollar drops oil and gold will double. Just for starters.

    • Laura

      Could you provide a link this Jim Willie comment?

  53. Deborah

    Yes, Greg, murder is as bad as torture. But just because the Dems used the torture story to detract from Jonathan Gruber’s testimony (another important story), just because the snake in the grass sanctimonious Dems most probably knew of the torture for years, just because the Dems spent 40 million on the “investigation” (half of the cost for the architects of the torture), just because Obama is Bush on steroids with his massive drone attacks that kill thousands of innocent people, it sounds like you feel this torture story should have been swept under the carpet. “Full of crap” is how you labelled it. Guess we should just let a bank robber who gets away with a hundred thousand go free since the bankers who stole billions have not been jailed. Personally, I feel it is a very important story. We need this one out there along with the inside 9/11 job story, Benghazi, etc. so US citizens will wake up and stop believing this “USA is all about democracy, freedom, justice crap”. Yes, we do have to agree to disagree on the torture story but at least I’m in good company with Paul Craig Roberts on this one. (Appreciate your earlier response and you getting the stories out there that we do no see on mainstream TV, along with giving your guests a forum they would not otherwise have. You have certainly opened my eyes on weekly basis for years and I know, will continue to do so.)

  54. chris

    Thank you Greg Hunter for your concise overview on all things fnancial i.e. timely guests and your ability to expose and articulate. I’m always happy refering to your site!

  55. Michael MacGuffin

    It must be tough on you, eh Greg?
    I mean, you really do believe that without money, in some form, either gold, silver or a valid fiat currency, everyone is going to perish.
    And since you believe that it’s having some form of money which is most important for survival after the coming crash, you truly are a worshiper of Mammon who is the god of money, who places “having money” in the highest place of thinking regarding security.

    That must be very difficult for you to finally perceive, eh? That YOU are deluded and really following Mammon, leading others to believe that money is their security. Having money is their salvation, and not having money is their doom. That makes you an idolator doesn’t it? Since you also believe in the greatest lie (pray this sinners prayer and 20 seconds from now you will be saved forever) and are deluded about what it really means to follow Christ Jesus, it’s really surprise that you, like all your followers too, are worshipers of a false god.

    Did Abram have money when he left Ur? Or Moses in the wilderness, did he have money when God appeared to him? Or Joshua, when he led the people into the promised land? Did Peter have money when he spoke to the crippled man “… silver and gold I have none, but what I do have I give (freely) to you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; rise up and walk!”

    Yes Greg, you really DO believe what you preach, but what you preach is a lie. People don’t need money for God to provide for them, and lavishly so…

    But what they do NEED MOST is to trust in Him and find their security in knowing their God; the True God, who reveals Himself to everyone only through His Own Word. THAT IS the identity of Jesus Christ; the Word of God, and you desperately need to see behind the veil of His flesh (or your imaginary image of Jesus) and recognize His Spirit; the Essence of who God has always been – and always shall be: our Creator and our Redeemer, and our PROVIDER. The only true security comes from intimately knowing Him who IS the Word of God, and that security breaks through even death.

    You have a good day now, ya hear?

    • Greg Hunter

      Michael MacGuffin,
      I guess Noah should have just let God take care of him and not build a boat? I am telling people to prepare and I am hoping they will, in turn, help others. I am wondering if you are just a new form of troll (you have never commented before) sent here to discredit me. You comment is unfair, and I hope you feel good after using God and his Son to trash me. You too “have a good day now, ya hear?”
      Greg

      • Michael MacGuffin

        Sorry, I forgot how much you depend on flattery.

        (This is Greg Hunter. Michael your apology is disingenuous and you should be apologizing to God for using his word to attack and discredit me. I responded to you in the way I did not because you were unflattering, but because you were unfair and untrue. You should start your own free site and preach what you feel. It’s easy.
        Greg)

  56. greg d

    Greg H,
    This is hands down the best site I have even been on. This place should be mandatory for all thinking adults. You have very intelligent guests and you are well prepared to ask the best questions, and follow up questions.
    On some subjects they mostly agree. And I think some people find that troublesome, but I would imagine if you were on the Titanic, and you asked several experts how sea worthy is the ship, and they all said it was sinking. You might want to get prepared by making a raft or something and then hoping for the best.
    I thank you and your many guests for giving me the confidence to prepare for what I believe is our future. Even though my wife and kids think I’m wasting my time and money.
    One question I hope comes up with your guest Harry Dent Jr. is I heard him say that gold and silver was going to crash in his deflation scenario. At those low prices they will stop digging it out of the ground, will we be able to buy it at these low prices???
    A question I would like to ask the posters here is, does anyone know where I can find a chart with the cost of digging for gold and silver, and also the spot price over the years? I’ve been looking but haven’t found anything as of yet.
    Once again my thanks to you Greg, your guests and also the posters here. I read them all.

    • Greg Hunter

      Thank you Greg D doe your comment and kind words!
      Greg

  57. r.j.

    hi Greg Here is the position I would be in if I was Putin. I would be massively short oil in the futures market fully hedged against my losses on my oil. That is if Putin is actually losing money, who knows what it costs for his state owned oil companies to drag a barrel of oil out of the ground. Meanwhile he helps dismantle the U.S. fracking industry , and boosts the U.S. dollar which he subsequently offloads at a premium. Just a thought Merry Christmas to all….r.j

  58. Randy0302

    Wow lots of comments!
    Here may be a fix for the Repulic.
    The National Liberty Alliance has set up Common Law grand juries in all 50 States and the are working with ever Sheriff in America to educate and empower them. Sheriffs are Constitutional officers. This has the backing of our military. If a federal judge rules against Constitutional principles the can and will be arrested.
    As many know the U.S. became a corporation in 1933 and our entire system is corporate.
    Look at your birth certificates and drivers license written in all CAPS. This indicates a corporation. Our entire system is a legal fiction. We all know know the Fed is a private corp. The debt of this private corp is called the “public debt” and we believe it so we pay it.
    That is all ending . Check what the NLA is doing and let your Sheriff know you have his/her back and demand Common Law. We can restore the Republic but we must pass this on and take action.

  59. Rod Cloutier

    The maddoff convictions prove that you can jail bankers, their support staff, and penalize fraud. This is actually good news that has a positive tone. The tide is turning.

    The same with the torture report coming out. The tide is turning, people are slowly waking up to the reality that ‘Yes, it can happen here, and we should do something about it’. Even if it is inadequate, and incomplete, this proves that at least people are becoming more aware.

    The same said about the transfer of nuclear weapons to Europe. Why would this report have come out if people were only trying to cover up and obfuscate what is really happening? This is again positive news that people are waking up and starting to report what is really happening- this is real news for once NOT propaganda.

    These are all hopeful, positive changes that prove the tide has turned. The powers that be have only a short while left until they become the powers that were.

  60. Timco

    Greg- The CME has just instituted a 400 dollar per ounce circuit breaker on gold. That is shocking. The 100 year old Federal Reserve building (across the street from the CME) in downtown Chicago is boarding up the windows with limestone. Things are getting very edgy. Food, water and ammo are essential for everyone. In haste my friends, in haste.

  61. RTW

    Greg:
    Mr. MacGuffin sounds like he has been or maybe still is, in prison and has successfully passed the “Born again Christian” class. I don’t believe that we all worship or idolize money. However, through no fault of our own, currency is required to survive in this world. This person obviously has a computer so he must also have MONEY. I doubt that he is just walking the earth allowing God to provide for his every need. I wonder how he rationalizes all the people in the world dying from starvation, disease, accidents, murder etc. Are they all non-believers and money worshipers, because in his convoluted thinking, God would not allow that to happen. Right? How about all the children who were molested and scarred for life, by none other than God’s messengers. My gut tells me that all involved, or affected, were strong believers in God, yet unthinkable things happened to them and even the priests who did not actually participate in the atrocities, aided and abetted it all, by covering it up. Since Mr. MacGuffin is all about using bible stories to make his point, has he forgotten the one about the 3 wise men who brought, of all things, a gift of GOLD, for Mary and Joseph? What were they thinking? Regardless of what the welfare state thinks, God wants us to work and earn a living on our own and to be able to feed ourselves, and yes to think about him.

Reply Cancel Reply

Please Note: All comments are moderated and manually reviewed for spam. In turn, your comment may take up to 24 hours to be posted. USAWatchdog.com also reserves the right to edit comments for grammar and spelling errors.