Posts Tagged ‘Financial’

Now, hey… Most of you know that I’m no fan of the far right or the far left for that matter… (I’m like morally on the right, culturally & foreign policy on the left, and probably financially radical… so no party represents how I feel or think… but I digress)

Chicago protesters voiced concerns over bailouts and how the financial situation is being addressed. It was completely ignored by mainstream media.

Anyway, although I am no fan of the far right, that a protest of this magnitude in downtown Chicago was ignored by the media is an injustice. There were some other parts of the political spectrum in there as well (since most people were never told why bailouts are viewed as necessary… most of us oppose them)

Here’s the link: Chicago Protests

Instead of ignoring the protest, engage it… address it… answer peoples’ concerns. It’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time, but at least listen to and honestly consider their concerns. If you still think your stance is correct, well, at least you reflected on it.

Ignoring the concerns either depresses or radicalizes people. It certainly doesn’t win their trust.

Here’s the link: Chicago Protests

Let me just say this… Obama inherited a horrible situation. I wouldn’t want his job, because I’d never sleep at night (I’d probably be awake vomiting between prayers… the responsibility is immense… I hope he feels it. And I wish he would read and reflect on the inaugural address of Abu Bakr (the first khaleefah after the death of the Prophet, alayhis-salaam)… I’ll find the translation & post it in a day or two, insha’Allah.

** Footnote: BTW – Just so you don’t think I’m some whacko that will take matters into his own hands… I said “financially radical” because I think interest is included in the usury of the Old Testament and riba mentioned in Qur’an. Interest-based economies are what I take issue with.

I do not mean to inflame an already uncertain and fearful public, but when you look at history, economic decline preceded the major World Wars. Well, this article from Dr. Frederic F. Clairmont (a prominent Canadian academic and researcher) cites several factors – Arms Races, Israel and the Middle East, US-China Relations, the financial markets, and the dynamics of overproduction. When taken together, these things point to a potential for war on a large scale.

But then again, take a look at the world right now… there already is war on a large scale.

Anyway, here’s the link: Is A Major War A Possibility In 2009? The Historical Antecedents

Keep in mind though… we should not be worriers, talkers, or time-wasters. Worrying about these things, wasting time discussing world politics in our gatherings, etc… all useless. What we should be worrying about are the things we can control and the things we will be asked about on the Last Day. Financial crisis, Sino-US relations, arms races, political outcomes in Israel… I’m not going to be asked about any of those.

In fact, now that I’ve typed this… it got me thinkin’ about some of the things I will be asked about. And one of those things is my relationship with my neighbors. I’m going to invite my neighbor over for dinner… finally, after 5 years of living here. What are you going to do?

My electric bill was triple what it was two years ago. Gas prices are almost triple what they were three years ago. Candy bars, milk, education, etc. They’re all higher in price… not because they’re any more valuable today than they were before… not because the companies are greedy… Nope. Our money is worth less.

You might want to watch this video on the devaluing of US currency…

Check out this Google video on the history of money and debt.