Yesterday 26 February 2024 Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov was interviewed by Ria Novosti that published numerous snippets but not the entire transcript, which was rather annoying.
There's no chance of finding a political solution in France through any kind of party intervention. The explosion will be a social one, and perhaps then the partys will be able to overcome the divisions they have established.
The main one is to make people believe that the Rassemblement National is racist when it opposes massive, unskilled, economically unassimilable immigration.
The left signals its virtue by demanding exactly the opposite, a wide-opening of borders that destroys its popular base.
We've built an anti-national left that thinks of itself as "internationalist". And we've tipped the popular masses in favor of a reactionary, economically and socially liberal right.
I'll tell you a personal anecdote from a very big strike that lasted 3 months. We were united in action, and one of my close comrades was an ex-French Algerian, whereas I came from a pro-independence family. In other circumstances, he would have killed me, he told me. But we were brothers in social action.
and thank you for putting de Gaulle back in the center. we say in French to put the church back in the middle of the village.
I just wrote for MoA about Germany. but I didn't post, maybe too long, too much personal feeling.
But ultimately it is so similar to France.
the con
The disappearance of a generation.
This political class (and social, this was also true in the unions and business leaders) which had lived through the real war, not the Hollywood version.
It took me to reach 60 to understand to what extent DeGaulle was a devoted, disinterested, far-sighted statesman and, above all, surrounded by an administration with the same qualities.
Thanks for coming to the Gym! I read your comments and thank you for your notification as I would have missed them. Writing comments here is the best way to communicate as I do read them all, which is easy since there're so few in comparison. Is it possible for France's many political parties to attain a consensus to form a coalition to oust Macron, or will France have to suffer until the next presidential election?
I found the interview useful and informative but do sympathize with your critique of the journalists and the questions asked. That said, Minister Siluanov
grrr…. didn’t miss a beat with his answers. As per previous exchanges you and I’ve had, it was encouraging to hear the exchange rate improving from 100 to 90 rubles per dollar, and also an exchange mechanism for yuan that sounds ready to deploy. The discussion of CBDCs was enlightening - I’ll admit to being a bit spooked by the idea as a possible Trojan Horse to eliminate cash payments from societies. One massive solar flare/ EMP event and everything goes “arga warga” not to mention the incentive for underground economies to grow like weeds. Gold, guns, grub and greed. I’m not a “prepper” but I do listen and take notes! And “knock on wood “. Thanks again for your considerable efforts and desire to share your gleanings.
"Prepper'--I once had a house and acreage in the Black Hills South of Rapid City that was initially a bomb shelter before being turned into somewhat of a chalet, built into the back of a hill. That was 1990, and a whole 'nother story. If you understand Keynes's bancor concept, that's where the CBDCs come in--they are inter-central bank currencies that can't be used for the everyday transactions of the national currency. That way there's no "reserve" currency as the dollar is unfortunately.
Duly noted, thanks for the tips. Super Imperialism it is then probably followed by the trilogy-to-be - the ‘nuts ‘n’ bolts’ of the ancient Jubilees are of great interest to me as a way of mitigating the impending collapse of the Western economies. I owe it to my idol Yves Smith to read (and own) Econned- much has evolved (“devolved”?) since its writing but I’m sure her wisdom is rather perennial (even in the esoteric sense). I had the great fortune to meet BOTH of them at a very infrequent Naked Capitalism “meet-up” in the East Village 20+ years ago. I got to the “watering hole” maybe 30 min after the start time- got a pint of Guinness and headed to the back where the reserved gathering room was. I could easily spot Yves at one of the tables surrounded by a gaggle of folks and while I was having my first sips and wondering how to wade in, this fellow walks up to me, sticks out his hand and says, “ Hi! I’m Michael. What brings you to Naked Capitalism?” I told him about finding the blog after spending much time at the (now retired) Oil Drum blog, following the unfolding horror show taking place in the Gulf of Mexico with the BP oil well blowout. After learning much about the “oil patch” and the huge amount of dollars involved, I started to “follow the money” which led me in short order to Yves and her blog with its amazing “commentariat”. He assured me I was in good company and don’t be shy about introducing myself- Yves delights in meeting newcomers he said. Well, he was right- I don’t remember seeing him again that night and maybe 2 months later I see a photo- “OMG! That was Michael HUDSON!!” A night to remember and cherish, fer sure!
Very cool! I was a Drum Head and ASPO-USA member. Lots of very essential info was provided on that blog. I was one of Hudson's initial Patreon members, #7, and we communicate on occasion. He just sent me a couple of items related to his being part of Jill Stein's Campaign Team.
I’m acquiring a “spectator’s” understanding of economics thanks to Yves Smith, Michael Hudson, Steve Keen and Stephanie Kelton (MMT) and others- mostly‘heterodox’ thinkers although the mainstream names (Keynes, Minsky and the “Chicago School “ etc) get referenced and explained somewhat. (I haven’t started reading books by the aforementioned yet, but will probably start with Prof. Hudson- I’m convinced that a debt Jubilee is imperative albeit unlikely- but hey, I’m a dreamer ;^). So I’m acquainted with Keynes’ bancor concept and can agree that it’s roughly analogous to CBDC for international settlements but a few nations are pushing hard for digital currencies (India comes to mind) and the elimination of cash- Brave New World? We certainly live in “interesting times”!
With Hudson, his magnum opus "Super Imperialism" is a must read, the 3rd edition. After that, it depends on your focus--"Killing the Host" if greater understanding of Neoliberalism is desired, or "The Destiny of Civilization: Finance Capitalism, Industrial Capitalism or Socialism" and the trilogy he's not quite finished that starts with ".... and forgive them their debts," followed by "Collapse of Antiquity." There are another dozen+ that are more economics oriented.
In China, the use of the digital wallet is very popular, but cash is still used. IMO, it all depends on trust in government. Once the new international institutions are in-place and working, the system's stability ought to increase markedly and the ability of predators to attack national currencies will be diminished. Our next Patreon chat with Dr. Hudson is March 7th.
Siluanov talks like a 1950s era US Finance official. There were plenty around rgwn. Thirty years ago I sat next to a senior US Treasury official traveling to Mexico City to assist with the latest peso crisis. Competent as all can be. His entourage showed up with a few limousines at the tarmac and whisked him away. Never mind Customs.
There's a lot more he could have provided and there's more that should've been asked. Once Galzyev's BRICS currency idea was jettisoned, the new payment architecture's moved rapidly.
Having worked deep inside the government as a senior computer architect for fifteen years (cargo and everything and everybody that touches it), I am of the opinion that if they (globally, imports wise) really, seriously want it, the less said in public, the better.
May I present for your consideration the so-called Trump 'Travel Ban' introduced shortly after his inauguration. Much to the satisfaction of us, the insiders operating in deep dark spaces, not a single one of of the govvies, Senior Service or political appointees, had a clue with regard to how the system actually works. Us contractors pride ourselves in preventing the government from walking off the cliff. In this case, no problem, they had no clue. We prefer to keep it that way.
I agree the rate of progress will want to be kept as secret as possible. Short of global war it can't be stopped. I see Biden kept the reverse travel ban on North Korea, but waived all the rest. There may come a time when the dollar is no longer accepted internationally.
There's no chance of finding a political solution in France through any kind of party intervention. The explosion will be a social one, and perhaps then the partys will be able to overcome the divisions they have established.
The main one is to make people believe that the Rassemblement National is racist when it opposes massive, unskilled, economically unassimilable immigration.
The left signals its virtue by demanding exactly the opposite, a wide-opening of borders that destroys its popular base.
We've built an anti-national left that thinks of itself as "internationalist". And we've tipped the popular masses in favor of a reactionary, economically and socially liberal right.
I'll tell you a personal anecdote from a very big strike that lasted 3 months. We were united in action, and one of my close comrades was an ex-French Algerian, whereas I came from a pro-independence family. In other circumstances, he would have killed me, he told me. But we were brothers in social action.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
No wonder people still yearn for De Gaulle--or rather his myth-- despite his shortcomings.
THANKS.
and thank you for putting de Gaulle back in the center. we say in French to put the church back in the middle of the village.
I just wrote for MoA about Germany. but I didn't post, maybe too long, too much personal feeling.
But ultimately it is so similar to France.
the con
The disappearance of a generation.
This political class (and social, this was also true in the unions and business leaders) which had lived through the real war, not the Hollywood version.
It took me to reach 60 to understand to what extent DeGaulle was a devoted, disinterested, far-sighted statesman and, above all, surrounded by an administration with the same qualities.
Good morning Karl
Don't know how to mail or Private Message
Hope you can read my
Posted by: La Bastille | Feb 28 2024 9:53 utc | 308
And 306
At MoA.
Pledge Support Always possible but....how about financial privacy? That's now in EU really scarring
Thanks for coming to the Gym! I read your comments and thank you for your notification as I would have missed them. Writing comments here is the best way to communicate as I do read them all, which is easy since there're so few in comparison. Is it possible for France's many political parties to attain a consensus to form a coalition to oust Macron, or will France have to suffer until the next presidential election?
I found the interview useful and informative but do sympathize with your critique of the journalists and the questions asked. That said, Minister Siluanov
grrr…. didn’t miss a beat with his answers. As per previous exchanges you and I’ve had, it was encouraging to hear the exchange rate improving from 100 to 90 rubles per dollar, and also an exchange mechanism for yuan that sounds ready to deploy. The discussion of CBDCs was enlightening - I’ll admit to being a bit spooked by the idea as a possible Trojan Horse to eliminate cash payments from societies. One massive solar flare/ EMP event and everything goes “arga warga” not to mention the incentive for underground economies to grow like weeds. Gold, guns, grub and greed. I’m not a “prepper” but I do listen and take notes! And “knock on wood “. Thanks again for your considerable efforts and desire to share your gleanings.
"Prepper'--I once had a house and acreage in the Black Hills South of Rapid City that was initially a bomb shelter before being turned into somewhat of a chalet, built into the back of a hill. That was 1990, and a whole 'nother story. If you understand Keynes's bancor concept, that's where the CBDCs come in--they are inter-central bank currencies that can't be used for the everyday transactions of the national currency. That way there's no "reserve" currency as the dollar is unfortunately.
Duly noted, thanks for the tips. Super Imperialism it is then probably followed by the trilogy-to-be - the ‘nuts ‘n’ bolts’ of the ancient Jubilees are of great interest to me as a way of mitigating the impending collapse of the Western economies. I owe it to my idol Yves Smith to read (and own) Econned- much has evolved (“devolved”?) since its writing but I’m sure her wisdom is rather perennial (even in the esoteric sense). I had the great fortune to meet BOTH of them at a very infrequent Naked Capitalism “meet-up” in the East Village 20+ years ago. I got to the “watering hole” maybe 30 min after the start time- got a pint of Guinness and headed to the back where the reserved gathering room was. I could easily spot Yves at one of the tables surrounded by a gaggle of folks and while I was having my first sips and wondering how to wade in, this fellow walks up to me, sticks out his hand and says, “ Hi! I’m Michael. What brings you to Naked Capitalism?” I told him about finding the blog after spending much time at the (now retired) Oil Drum blog, following the unfolding horror show taking place in the Gulf of Mexico with the BP oil well blowout. After learning much about the “oil patch” and the huge amount of dollars involved, I started to “follow the money” which led me in short order to Yves and her blog with its amazing “commentariat”. He assured me I was in good company and don’t be shy about introducing myself- Yves delights in meeting newcomers he said. Well, he was right- I don’t remember seeing him again that night and maybe 2 months later I see a photo- “OMG! That was Michael HUDSON!!” A night to remember and cherish, fer sure!
Very cool! I was a Drum Head and ASPO-USA member. Lots of very essential info was provided on that blog. I was one of Hudson's initial Patreon members, #7, and we communicate on occasion. He just sent me a couple of items related to his being part of Jill Stein's Campaign Team.
On the dedollarization issue, Pepe Escobar's interview of Sergei Glazyev was published by Sputnik, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240228/rocky-road-to-dedollarization-sergei-glazyev-interview--1117034183.html
Pepe's back in Moscow attending what seems to be a never-ending parade of events happening there.
I’m acquiring a “spectator’s” understanding of economics thanks to Yves Smith, Michael Hudson, Steve Keen and Stephanie Kelton (MMT) and others- mostly‘heterodox’ thinkers although the mainstream names (Keynes, Minsky and the “Chicago School “ etc) get referenced and explained somewhat. (I haven’t started reading books by the aforementioned yet, but will probably start with Prof. Hudson- I’m convinced that a debt Jubilee is imperative albeit unlikely- but hey, I’m a dreamer ;^). So I’m acquainted with Keynes’ bancor concept and can agree that it’s roughly analogous to CBDC for international settlements but a few nations are pushing hard for digital currencies (India comes to mind) and the elimination of cash- Brave New World? We certainly live in “interesting times”!
With Hudson, his magnum opus "Super Imperialism" is a must read, the 3rd edition. After that, it depends on your focus--"Killing the Host" if greater understanding of Neoliberalism is desired, or "The Destiny of Civilization: Finance Capitalism, Industrial Capitalism or Socialism" and the trilogy he's not quite finished that starts with ".... and forgive them their debts," followed by "Collapse of Antiquity." There are another dozen+ that are more economics oriented.
In China, the use of the digital wallet is very popular, but cash is still used. IMO, it all depends on trust in government. Once the new international institutions are in-place and working, the system's stability ought to increase markedly and the ability of predators to attack national currencies will be diminished. Our next Patreon chat with Dr. Hudson is March 7th.
Another adult in the room! Russia is doing well.
Siluanov talks like a 1950s era US Finance official. There were plenty around rgwn. Thirty years ago I sat next to a senior US Treasury official traveling to Mexico City to assist with the latest peso crisis. Competent as all can be. His entourage showed up with a few limousines at the tarmac and whisked him away. Never mind Customs.
There's a lot more he could have provided and there's more that should've been asked. Once Galzyev's BRICS currency idea was jettisoned, the new payment architecture's moved rapidly.
Having worked deep inside the government as a senior computer architect for fifteen years (cargo and everything and everybody that touches it), I am of the opinion that if they (globally, imports wise) really, seriously want it, the less said in public, the better.
May I present for your consideration the so-called Trump 'Travel Ban' introduced shortly after his inauguration. Much to the satisfaction of us, the insiders operating in deep dark spaces, not a single one of of the govvies, Senior Service or political appointees, had a clue with regard to how the system actually works. Us contractors pride ourselves in preventing the government from walking off the cliff. In this case, no problem, they had no clue. We prefer to keep it that way.
I agree the rate of progress will want to be kept as secret as possible. Short of global war it can't be stopped. I see Biden kept the reverse travel ban on North Korea, but waived all the rest. There may come a time when the dollar is no longer accepted internationally.