Monday, August 31, 2026

The Fallacy of Stable Prices

 The Federal Reserve's focus on maintaining "stable prices" and how this approach has contributed to an unstable economy over the last century. It critiques prominent economists who supported this notion and highlights the consequences of their views on economic policy.

1. Historical Context:

Herbert Hoover sought government intervention during the Great Depression, supported by economists advocating stable prices as essential for prosperity.

Common sense suggests that lower prices increase purchasing power, yet economists like Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes had a flawed understanding of economic stability.

2. Economic Theories:

The notion of stable prices is misleading since it can cause harm by preventing natural fluctuations in pricing that reflect productivity increases.

The emphasis on maintaining price stability came from fears of falling prices during economic downturns, seen as a primary cause of depressions.

3. Prominent Economists' Failures:

Fisher and other economists displayed over-optimism during the 1920s, predicting continued growth while ignoring signs of an economic bubble.

Fisher lost significant wealth during the Great Depression, as his predictions failed to materialize, demonstrating the risks of relying on such economic forecasts.

4. Austrian Economic Perspective:

Ludwig von Mises and F. A. Hayek attributed economic crises to the artificial expansion of credit, suggesting that booms from cheap money eventually lead to busts.

They argued that credit expansion distorts capital allocation, causing market misallocations and unsustainable investments, leading to economic downturns.

5. Misunderstanding of Inflation:

Inflation is often viewed as a necessary strategy to promote economic growth, which Mises pointed out creates an illusion of profit while discouraging savings.

The Austrian perspective teaches that managing inflation and price levels incorrectly can exacerbate economic issues instead of solving them.

6. Consequences of Policies:

Attempts to maintain a stable price level can lead to the erosion of market signals, creating worse economic conditions in the long term.

There is a need to correct the misallocations caused by previous credit expansion instead of treating inflation as a fix.

The focus on stable prices by the Federal Reserve and influential economists like Fisher and Keynes has led to repeated cycles of economic boom and bust, driven by artificial credit expansions. The Austrian economic perspective places emphasis on the dangers of these practices, advocating for a more realistic approach to economic management that allows natural price changes reflecting true market conditions. Addressing the root causes of inflation, rather than attempting to maintain static price levels, is crucial for fostering a stable economy in the long run. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/fallacy-stable-prices

Secret Chinese Buyer Purchased Farmland Near U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fighter Jet Hub

 In November 2024, a corporation labeled as Chinese-owned, Long Feng International, Inc., bought over 1,500 acres of farmland in Kings County, California, for $21.2 million. This land is located approximately 16 miles from the U.S. Navy's main Pacific fighter jet base, Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, which supports critical military air operations including F-35C Lightning II squadrons.

The USDA's foreign-landholding database classifies Long Feng as a U.S. corporation with a primary Chinese owner.

The farmland features productive agricultural areas and an established water supply.

Long Feng has recently acquired an additional 315 acres, bringing its total to nearly 1,829 acres, with some of this land now even closer to the Navy base.

There is no public information about the individual who owns Long Feng, as U.S. regulations currently do not mandate disclosure of corporate owners.

Crucial questions remain unanswered:

1. Who is the true owner of Long Feng?

2. What happened with the additional 315 acres secured in 2026?

3. Was the original farmland purchase reviewed for security implications?

4. Why is NAS Lemoore not included on the federal list of sites monitored for foreign purchases? 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exc-secret-chinese-buyer-purchased?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=213041192&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

American Kids Attended A Camp In Xinjiang Run By A Sanctioned Paramilitary Group Abusing Uyghurs

 A recent report reveals that American children participated in a summer camp in Xinjiang, organized by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a sanctioned paramilitary group known for human rights abuses against Uyghurs.

The Atlanta-based Chinese American Youth Association (CAYA) was involved in an August camp that brought together 50 youth from the U.S., Germany, and Belgium.

The XPCC is a Chinese Communist Party-controlled group sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for implementing a harsh surveillance and indoctrination program against minorities.

At the camp, attendees learned about "Corps spirit" and were encouraged to promote the XPCC's narratives to others back home.

The camp included tours of military sites and glorified narratives about the XPCC's role in border defense, without addressing the group's controversial history.

CAYA acknowledges receiving funding from Chinese government offices to support its activities, although details remain vague regarding financial sources for the camp trip.

This camp aimed to shape the perspectives of American youth about the XPCC and its activities in Xinjiang. The children's involvement is seen as part of a broader effort to spread pro-CCP propaganda overseas, raising concerns about indoctrination and the narrative around China's treatment of Uyghurs. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-american-kids-attended?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=213074611&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

New UNICEF Data Exposes the Gaza Starvation Farce

 Recent findings from a UNICEF survey challenge longstanding claims about famine and malnutrition in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. This survey highlights a more complex reality, revealing that Gaza is dealing with issues of obesity rather than widespread starvation.

1. Contradicting Famine Claims:

Since the onset of the IDF-Hamas war, predictions of severe famine and malnutrition in Gaza were frequently made by UN officials and experts.

Notably, situations worsened following a suspension of food deliveries in 2025, leading many media outlets to portray Israel negatively.

2. UNICEF Findings (2026):

The UNICEF report revealed minimal levels of acute malnutrition in children, contradicting the earlier dire predictions.

It reported that the rate of acute child malnutrition in Gaza is at 0.5%, the lowest in the region.

Approximately 12% of children experience stunted growth, substantially lower than the regional average of 26%.

3. Emerging Issues of Obesity:

Alarmingly, the UNICEF report also indicated that 4% of children under five are affected by obesity, suggesting a shift from undernutrition to overnutrition.

This trend is unprecedented in a region previously described as experiencing famine.

4. Nutritional Context in Gaza:

Prior to the conflict, Gaza benefitted from foreign aid, allowing many families to enjoy a middle-class lifestyle.

A large portion of their consumption included locally-produced fruits and vegetables, helping to sustain nutritional standards.

5. Criticism of Misinformation:

The article criticizes the Western media and academia for spreading unfounded claims about starvation in Gaza.

It underscores the tendency to ignore evidence that counters the narrative of suffering, instead accepting claims from biased sources.

The new evidence presented by UNICEF highlights that, contrary to claims of famine, Gaza's food security situation involves distinct challenges, including rising obesity rates. Increased awareness of this data may help counter the narrative of acute malnutrition and starvation that has dominated discussions about Gaza in the international arena. 

https://spectator.org/new-unicef-data-exposes-the-gaza-starvation-farce/

The Political Violence Double Standard

 The double standard in how political violence is portrayed in the media, particularly contrasting left-wing and right-wing violence. It argues that left-wing violence is often downplayed or justified, while right-wing violence is exaggerated and condemned.

1. Different Responses to Violence:

When violence occurs among leftists, it often receives some justification or backing from scholars and politicians.

Conversely, violence associated with the right is portrayed as a more significant threat, despite data that some say misrepresents the reality.

2. Statistical Manipulation:

The statistics used to claim right-wing violence is more prevalent tend to exclude incidents of left-wing violence.

Examples include the George Floyd riots and various attacks on religious and political institutions attributed to left-wing groups.

3. Historical Context:

Political violence has roots dating back to the French Revolution, with leftist movements using violence as a tactic for political gain.

The article points out that the legacy media tends to uphold the narrative of right-wing violence being worse than left-wing.

4. Lack of Organization on the Right:

There is no organized mass of right-wing protestors comparable to the extensive network of leftist movements like Black Lives Matter or Occupy Wall Street.

Rightist protests often lack the professional structure and funding seen in leftist demonstrations.

5. The Role of Media and Academia:

Left-wing narratives dominate academic and media discourse, painting right-wing violence in a particularly negative light.

Right-wing activists and movements often do not receive similar media attention or support.

6. Rhetoric and Demonization:

The left has been known to demonize its opponents, leading to a culture where violent actions can be rationalized.

This rhetoric leads some individuals to commit acts of violence against perceived opponents, motivated by the belief in a higher moral cause.

7. Comparative Violence Statistics:

Historical analyses suggest that leftist regimes have been responsible for far more casualties than right-wing regimes.

Citing specific statistics, the article challenges the notion that right-wing violence is more pervasive, arguing that the truth is often misconstrued or ignored.

8. Examples of Media Double Standards:

Incidents like the Tea Party rallies, which were peaceful, were compared to violent protests by the left.

Information from the media often highlights leftist protests' peaceful nature while ignoring or downplaying violence during these events.

9. Methodological Flaws in Violence Counts:

Studies analyzing political violence rely heavily on biased media reports to classify incidents.

There is evidence that many leftist actions resulting in violence are underreported or classified differently, leading to imbalanced interpretations of violence.

The article asserts that there is a prevalent bias in how political violence is reported, favoring the left and framing right-wing movements as more dangerous. This narrative is sustained by a combination of selective statistics, media representation, and the historical context of political violence, which often ignores the broader implications of leftist aggression. The author encourages a reassessment of the data that influences public perception of political violence.

https://www.city-journal.org/article/political-violence-right-left

Dems push Hochul to block staggering 72% tax rate slapped on NYC’s first full casino

 Local lawmakers in New York City are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to intervene in a situation regarding the tax rate for the city’s first full casino, Resorts World New York City. The proposed tax rate of 72% on slot revenues is being criticized as excessively high.

1. High Tax Rate Concern: A letter from local Democrats calls for Hochul to block the 72% tax rate imposed on slot revenues, which lawmakers argue would be detrimental to the casino.

2. Legislators' Stance: State Senator Joe Addabbo expressed that the tax rate is unreasonable and emphasized the need for urgent action from the governor's office as the Gaming Commission reports to her.

3. Resorts World Background: Resorts World initially began as a slot parlor in 2011 and is now offering live table games after receiving a full state license. They had proposed a 56% tax rate while applying for their license.

4. Tax Structure Disputes: The Gaming Commission states that the 56% tax rate does not include separate obligations for the horse racing industry, which adds another 16%, leading to the proposed 72%.

5. Comparison with Other States: The current tax rate for Resorts World is significantly higher than rates in other states, like New Jersey (9.25%) and Michigan (19%).

6. Job and Investment Impact: Lawmakers, including Rep. Gregory Meeks, are concerned that the uncertainty around the tax rate could affect billions of dollars in private investments and thousands of jobs, undermining local businesses.

7. Call for Accountability: The lawmakers argue that while the casino should meet its commitments, the state should honor the original terms under which these commitments were made.

8. State's Position: A spokesperson for Hochul has declared that tax rates have always been distinct from payments needed for racing support, stressing the priority of generating revenue for public services such as education.

The debate over the high casino tax rate for Resorts World New York City continues, with local lawmakers requesting immediate action from Governor Hochul. They argue that a resolution is crucial for the casino's future operations, job creation, and economic impact in the region. Both lawmakers and the Gaming Commission are maintaining their positions, leading to a challenging situation as stakeholders await a decision. 

https://nypost.com/2026/08/31/us-news/dems-push-hochul-to-block-staggering-72-tax-rate-slapped-on-nycs-first-full-casino/

Fauci memos expose instructions to delete emails, steer spy agencies during COVID-19 pandemic

 Recent evidence from Dr. Anthony Fauci's tenure in government has emerged, highlighting a culture of secrecy regarding email communications and his interactions with U.S. intelligence agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This summary outlines key points from the findings presented by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul.

1. Email Deletion Requests:

Dr. Fauci requested recipients to delete specific emails after reading them on at least five occasions throughout his career. This practice raises concerns over compliance with the Federal Records Act, which mandates the preservation of government work records, including emails.

2. Interactions with Intelligence Agencies:

Fauci's emails highlight efforts to influence U.S. intelligence agencies, like the CIA, towards scientists advocating for the theory that COVID-19 had a natural origin, despite evidence suggesting it could have been artificially created and leaked from a lab.

3. Specific Instances of Influence:

A CIA memo indicates Fauci encouraged the agency to consult with scientists Robert Garry, Kristian Andersen, and Eddie Holmes, who supported the natural origin theory. Another email from July 2021 showed Fauci emphasizing the significance of a scientific article aligned with this view.

4. Contracts for Bioterrorism Research:

The CIA entered into a contract with Fauci's agency, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Allergy, focused on bioterrorism research. This involved unclassified but restricted funds for analyzing how certain viruses mutate and spread.

5. Federal Records Act Compliance:

The Federal Records Act necessitates that federal agencies manage email records effectively, preserving them adequately. The Obama administration mandated the archiving of email systems for this purpose.

6. Legal Troubles Ahead:

Fauci received a pardon at the end of the Biden presidency but faces potential state investigations. During a committee session, he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly to avoid answering questions and was held in contempt of Congress, which has led to a referral for potential prosecution.

7. Legal Defense Fund:

In response to his legal challenges, Fauci has established a legal defense fund. Additionally, a former adviser has pleaded guilty to conspiracy for evading Freedom of Information Act requests, indicating further investigations into the mishandling of government communications.

The recently released memos provide a troubling insight into Dr. Fauci's email practices and interactions with intelligence agencies during critical periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. These developments suggest ongoing legal and ethical questions regarding his actions in government.

https://justthenews.com/accountability/political-ethics/monfauci-memos-expose-instructions-delete-emails-steer-spy-agencies?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators

The Fallacy of Stable Prices

 The Federal Reserve's focus on maintaining "stable prices" and how this approach has contributed to an unstable economy over ...