New Ancient Group also ISRAEL bringing us more problems?

Dear Readers;   I would like for you to join an ancient group that started in 1776, but somehow got lost about 25 years ago. This group is of open invitation,with no initiation fee, it only requires that you be a U.S. Citizen.   Now it is time that we reassert that we are "Americans without prefix or suffix" as Sam Rayburn once said. In those days there were liberal Democrats, conservative Democrats, Ivy league Republicans, and on and on. Today we have Tea Party Republicans, Right Wing Republicans, Moderate Democrats, Liberal and Conservative Democrats and the list goes on.   Sam Rayburn was a Democrat, but he carried the legislative agenda for Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy and was considered a fair man and good leader by leaders of both parties.

It is now time to be, as Rayburn said: AMERICANS without prefix or suffix. You have a special invitation to join.     The economy is recovering gradually. Economic indicators are stable and steady throughout the nation and our national employment is increasing every month, even absorbing all the soldiers from Iran and Afghanistan that make it home from war.     The banks, and corporations that have been holding back for years, now are "getting back into the game" and we see new construction, expansion and economic improvement from coast to coast. We have observed new construction in Indianapolis, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston. It is happening, and brokers report that it is time "get on board or get left behind" in the real estate economy. So, let's not let ideology or artificially created ideologies keep you from enjoying the profits to come.

MAKE THE STATEMENT THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE SUCKS YOU INTO AN IDEOLOGICAL RAMPAGE.   "I AM AN AMERICAN WITHOUT PREFIX OR SUFFIX AND I WILL SUPPORT AMERICA, NOT YOUR ideological group arguments."     One of the wonders of the United States is our freedom of speech and the resilience of our people. Americans (with a few notable exceptions) are a good and intelligent people. In the USA logic generally prevails over ideological torpor. Thus it should not be difficult for you to be an "American" and support your government, your community, your business and your family.

How about that we make an effort to encourage our political representatives to act like Americans without prefix or suffix. Start doing the business of the people, instead of the business of one party or another. I don't know about you, but as for me,

"It is about time that we force our elected officials to stop petty gridlock and get back to the people's business."  

Make the call or write the letter to your man in Washington. Ask him or her for now, forget party and remember "America".  It is time. You are an "American".  I know it sounds ancient, and old fashioned. But it is a heck of a lot better than these other labels we have forced nearly every one into.     Say it in the mirror. "I am an American" And then think of what that means. I have a flag that the Marines gave me at my father's grave site, because he fought, so that I and my children could live in peace...as Americans. Not Republicans. Not Democrats. Not Tea-Partiers. But, Americans.   I can proudly assert to you, that my new group, called simply Americans, can get more done than the entire lot of the "Prefix" bunch. Join me.

* * *     EUROPE, IMPACTS UPON AMERICA, AND STABILITY IN BANKING   We see that people have realized that the Euro is only a strong as it's weakest link, because the strongest link (Germany) is only willing to give a limited amount to save the Euro. The weakest links have always been PORTUGAL, IRELAND, GREECE and SPAIN (The PIGS).   Those nations reminded the world of how stable and strong the USA truly is, and investment in the dollar continues strong.   But, when we look at banks like Citi, Bank of America, Chase and others, who have invested, or loaned billions to the PIGS, with every indication that those loans are risky and could default, we see that Europe could break one or two of America's largest banks and put a dent in the US Treasury (which has also loaned billions there).  

So while millions of American businesses have been starving for loans, Citi Bank (CitiGroup), has been lending huge amounts to the PIGS of Europe. Why are we not surprised by their lack of judgement?     Citi Bank and it's fellows are weak because they again have made poor judgments and in doing so threaten the national economy of the USA, as their European loans go bad.

This should be of concern to you. Many Americans are concerned that these financial institutions have repeatedly made decisions that have impacted our nation and often driven millions of Americans into financial stress. The phrase too big to fail should be replaced with "TOO BIG TO TRUST WITH OUR ECONOMY".


IT IS TIME THAT WE REEVALUATE THE POWER, THE FINANCIAL MONOPOLIZATION AND THE CLOUT THAT THESE INSTITUTIONS HAVE ON OUR NATIONAL ECONOMY.
  They are of a size that they threaten, not stabilize, our economy. Perhaps we need to rethink this system, and find ways to diversify the power, to bring the capital back into the heartland of America. Ironic isn't it, that over 2500 towns in the USA are struggling for capital, are losing population, worried about survival, experiencing population declines because the "big boys" of banking, have deserted small town America and focused their capital and profits on our biggest cities.     While CITI and other suck up deposits from Americans, they they lend the money to the PIGS of Europe, trying to rebuild Europe while our heartland starves for capital and loans. Show me a local community banker and I will show you a person vested in his town. Show me a "store manager for Wells Fargo" and the suited robot officers of branches who have little authority and a big policy manual and I will show you someone who just wants to keep their job or get promoted to a bigger branch in a bigger town. Two different classes of people, local community bankers, and employees of the giant banks.

Ben Boothe Sr. Boothe Companies www.benboothe.com 817 793 1484      To see other articles, we have over 400 posted on subjects from around the globe, through our international consulting services. 

See: Boothe Global Perspectives  

G L O B A L . . UPDATE:

ISRAEL AND GAZA  Israel and Gaza are at it again.   The fundamental issue are two religious groups and two variant political groups who both want control and power. Most observers think this is more about politics than it is about religion.   Their politics are complex and hard to understand. They include historic issues that are simply not relevant or understood by most Americans or Westerners. "Relevant" is the operative word here.

THE GAME AS WE SEE IT TODAY: 6 STEPS   Watch the steps of escalation (6 WAYS TO CREATE A WORLD WAR).

1. Israel in "control", says it seeks security. It has built walls, fences, barricades, and essentially controls every item going in or coming out of Gaza and people in Gaza are suffering. Israel does not and never has wanted Gaza to exist and Gaza's people demand a right to live in peace. Israel's soldiers destroy ancient olive orchards, cut off city water supplies, blockade food deliveries, block roads and do not allow children to go to school much of the time. Bank accounts in Gaza and in Islamic areas are seized and frozen by Israel. Food, medicine, water and even power, are all controlled and limited by Israel.  

2. In anger and desperation, the people in Gaza, desperate for food and supplies, appoint individuals to carry bombs and blow up check points and key posts. Hamas, demands that Israel have the blockades dropped and cries out for freedom of access and transportation and demands the right to live in peace next door to Israel.  

3. Last week, as the leader of Hamas was reviewing and structuring a peace proposal, Israel's hard line military and political leaders pushed the button and had his house bombed, destroying the peace agreement and murdering the one man who potentially could have negotiated peace at this time.

4. Hamas, responded by sending hundreds of missiles into Israel, killing 3 Israeli civilians. Israel responded by bombing dozens of houses and buildings, killing 200 people in Gaza, most of them, civilians.  

5. Hamas escalated by exploding a bus bomb in Israel, injuring 12 people, perhaps more.  

6. Both sides are preparing for a ground war, which will people of Gaza and blood on both sides will pour. Emotions are high and it seems that logic and reason no longer rule this conflict. Unfortunately, the tanks and jets are all American made, and it will be American bombs and bullets that Israel uses if it pursues a ground war invasion.

The American people should consider whether we really wish to be providing the weapons, bombs and assistance in funding the instruments of death in this conflict.   

On the other side, half a dozen Islamic nations are providing guns and bullets, but they simply will be out gunned and out manned should Israel bring it's US supplied forces to bear.

Irregardless, the result will be loss, death and slaughter, should a ground invasion begin.   Powerful forces are at play. Most of the leading nations of the Middle East, including Jordan, Egypt,Saudi-Arabia and Iran are sympathetic to the people of Gaza. Consider, the army of Egypt and Iran, and a host of smaller Islamic groups, when funded by the oil money of the Saudi's could be formidable. Some of these nations are "friends" of the USA, some friends of France and Germany. But "western"influence for peace will have to be profound, to force them to stop a conflict and force diplomatic solutions. The United States continues to spend billions every year supporting Israel, although in recent years, both Bush Administrations, the Clinton and Obama administrations have been frustrated with the lack of willingness of Israel to be willing to make concessions for peace. Israel, by it's indiscriminate bombing of civilian populations has in many ways hurt it's credibility with peace loving nations.

30 years ago, Israel was perceived as a "victim" by the world. Today, it is considered the world's primary danger to peace in the region by nations throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Part of that perception has been because of poor judgments on the part of Israel's leaders, in bombing civilian populations, and treating the people in Gaza as prisoners or sub-standard people who are just an inconvenience. 

But, now, both sides, are equally wrong, equally warlike and equally to blame, if blame is of importance. Both sides have made terrible mistakes and murderous judgments. They can either be allowed to blast away until destruction and massive death results, while the rest of the world watches smoke rise from a distance, or......logic, reason, and firm guidance can take over.   We can resist tyranny, war, murder and a lack of insightful judgement and powers of the world that have some integrity and authority can discipline and take over the process. Often, when children become violent, adults must step in and take control.

The question is, who will be the ones to do so? What nation or people of earth will provide leadership in bringing these people to peace.  We believe the United Nations would be perfect, if the international community would sanction and fund US Peacekeepers and give them more authority in the area. If not, the big players of the world, will be forced to do so. It could be the Saudi's, the Turks, the Iranians or Egyptians on one side, or the USA, France, Germany and Japan on the other. But the "big boys" of the world, are hesitant to get in the middle of the mess. We should every be thankful to Hillary Clinton, who worked with Egypt to negotiate yet another "impossible" cease fire. We should be thankful to John Kerry who has worked for peace in several nations, with some success. We should be thankful to Jimmy Carter and Bill Richardson who have worked as private citizens for peace around the world.  But, there are forces at top levels in Israel who do not want peace.  And there are radicals with Hamas, ISIS, the Taliban, the Muslim Brotherhood who would prefer fighting to peace.  Somehow, the paradigm, the mental framework must be reset, by leaders with wisdom and compassion. 

It is further complicated by Saudi Arabia and the Wahhabi fundamentalists spending billions supporting Sunni and Iran and other forces spending huge sums supporting Shiites, both groups competing to be the "Mohammed and warriors for Allah".  This battle has gone on for hundreds of years and even is Israel, America, Britain and France were not in the Middle East, the Islamic split between these two religious sects would  and will, no doubt continue to kill and war upon each other. This is even more complicated with ISIS now trying to become the kingpin of the Islamic world, using the most radical and cruel methods of murder and abuse to abuse and control people. 

That is why this is such a problem, because no one really wants the problems of Israel, Gaza, the Palestinians, and the "Quasi" political/religious conflicts that are so confounding.  Americans, for the most part, are a "live and let live" society, and this is partially the reason America does so well. We as a rule, do not believe we have to impose our religion on people by the gun...we consider it a personal decision and give people the personal freedom to chose their own religion. In America we do not accept by law, killing others in the name of religion. We call it Freedom of Speech but, that freedom in the USA is careful not to allow threats or force by one religious group on another.  But, we Americans, when we see Tyranny by murderous radicals, we tend to take action to stamp these trouble makers out...because they only bring darkness, death and division. Best to put them away in the name of and cause of a peaceful society. 

In Gaza, and nations bordering Israel, it seems that they are always on the brink of another war, which Israel will win with superior weapons and superior technology. But by doing so, Israel, as led by Netanyaho, runs the risk of becoming an ugly outcast of the world, because victory gained by shedding massive innocent blood is an ugly win at best. Should Israel, by flexing it's muscle then decide to take shots at Iran then Iran would surely win that battle against Israel, as it has better missiles, a larger army and much more resources. In spite of all of the pressure the USA has put on Iran, it is still the strong nation of the region.

In the event of Iran's involvement, Israel would use it's massive congressional lobby to lure the USA into the conflict. The USA by entering in would enrage Egypt and a host of other nations, perhaps even our 'friend' Saudi Arabia. Then we would have the prospect of the USA, with the support from western nations together, against the Middle East.   So, we have it. The game would be on. Those of you who believe in logic, reason and enlightenment, should consider using your resources and influence to encourage a peaceful settlement of regional conflicts in the Middle East  before we have a much larger and costly conflict that frankly the USA and the world, cannot afford. This would weaken the USA, while China and India, would sit back and continue to increase their economic growth and power. 

We must focus our talent and resources on rebuilding the USA. A strong USA is the best thing we can to to help our friends around the world. We need to clean up our "own" backyard.  The best way we can built a strong USA is not with military force, but by rebuilding our industrial, agricultural, technological, and infrastructural base.  Our military involvement in these ancient and petty disputes is something that we end up paying a huge bill for. Our conflicts in the Middle East have taught every "Western" nation the same lesson, decade after decade. We can go there, spill blood and even win battles. But when we depart, very little changes culturally. The conflicts of other nations prove this. Look at the results after the French, after the British, after the Russians, in the Middle East and Asia and we see historic proof.

Our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will have little lasting effect. How about the idea that we encourage peace while re-routing the billions we send to Israel and to the Middle East back to internal economic development and focus on our homeland! The "militant red necks" of Israel, must be dealt with by Israel, with hopes that moderate Jews can someday regain control of their nation. The "militant red necks" of Hamas, and Islam must be dealt with by their own people, in the same hopes for moderation and peace. We, in the USA, need to deal with our "radicals" and "Red Necks" and assure that they do not destabilize our economy. So, it is time, for enlightened Americans to step forward. For years, I have called this the "Global Generation" or the "Connected Generation". I have faith that the youth and enlightened young people coming up, are the hope for a new world of peace.  This new Global Generation, does not need to fight wars based upon religion, because they have a belief that all people are "FLOWERS FACING THE SUN",  and that religious people from every tradition, have similar ethical desires for peace, compassion, love, kindness and doing positive things to help humanity.  Also every religious tradition condemns murder, rape, theft, deception, cruelty, and calls for peace. 

Ben in D.C.

That is who GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES, has as an audience and most of you, our readers can contribute something positive to our nation, and this world.    

We have enough challenges in the USA homeland. We as AMERICANS simply don't need to fight other people's battles these days. We have had enough wars to last us for the next few decades. There is a basic thought that says: "If we remove American money and American presence from the Middle East, we immediately remove the reason for and impetus for conflict."   How about that we consider this thought. Instead of being Israeli Americans or Islamic Americans, or "Military Americans" we again, join the club, and just be Americans. Bring our people home, bring our investment and our money home. Allow the Islamic people to fight their own battles.  Allow Americans to rebuild our economy and our society.  There is a good possibility, that ISIS and that crowd will self destruct, or be destroyed by Islamic people who fear and distrust them. If the USA is not there, is re-defines who the battles are up and against. It is hard for them to kill us for being there, if we simply decide that we will not play the game. Perhaps we should let those disturbed and angry people focus on their own conflicts, as has been their tradition for centuries. We have our on "home grown" problems to deal with, at home. 

H O M E!   Ben Boothe, Sr. BOOTHE COMPANIES

By: Ben Boothe, Sr. Chairman Ben Boothe Companies

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