Month: August 2024

Via The Brownstone Institute,

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Ramesh Thakur’s book, Our Enemy, the Government: How Covid Enabled the Expansion and Abuse of State Power.

The top global agency, part of the United Nations system, for promoting preparedness in advance for health emergencies and crises and coordinating national responses, is the World Health Organisation. Unfortunately, its performance in helping the world manage Covid-19 proved, to be kind, very patchy. This makes it all the more surprising that there should be a concerted effort underway to expand its authority and boost its resources.

WHO Wants a New Pandemic Treaty?

The Covid-19 crisis illustrates how the source and scope of many critical problems are global and require multilateral solutions, but the policy authority and requisite resources for tackling them are vested in states. An efficient architecture of global health governance would have detected the emerging epidemiological threat early, sounded the alarm, and coordinated the delivery of essential equipment and medicines to population clusters in the most need.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is at the centre of the existing architecture. It works worldwide to promote universal health care, monitor public health risks, prepare for emerging epidemiological emergencies, and coordinate responses. It sets international health standards and guidelines and provides technical assistance to countries in need. It’s credited with eradicating smallpox and coordinating the response to SARS.

Its Covid performance, however, was somewhere between underwhelming and disgraceful. Its credibility was badly damaged by tardiness in raising the alarm; by the shabby treatment of Taiwan at China’s behest despite the potential lessons to be learnt from its prompt and effective measures to check Covid; by the initial investigation that whitewashed the origins of the virus; and by flip-flops on masks and lockdowns. For problems without passports, in Kofi Annan’s evocative phrase, we need solutions without passports. Instead, international and domestic border closures, wholesale quarantine of healthy populations, and mandatory vaccine requirements insinuated passport requirements into quotidian activities.

Health includes mental health and well-being and is highly dependent on a robust economy, yet the WHO-backed package of measures to fight Covid has been damaging to health, children’s immunisation programs in developing countries, mental health, food security, economies, poverty reduction, educational, and social well-being of peoples. Their worst effect was grievous assaults on human rights, civil liberties, individual autonomy, and bodily integrity.

To make it worse, in promoting these policies the WHO violated, without providing any justification beyond China’s example, (1) the guidance from its own report in 2019 that summarised a century’s worth of worldwide experience and science; and (2) its own constitution which defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The vaccine push has similarly ignored accumulating safety signals about the scale of adverse reactions, on the one hand, and rapidly dwindling efficacy after successive doses, on the other.

Euro-US efforts, backed by Australia, to amend legally binding international health regulations and adopt a new pandemic convention would confer extraordinary powers on the WHO to declare public health emergencies of international/regional concern and command governments to implement their recommendations. WHO inspectors would have the right to enter countries without consent and check compliance with their directives. They would lock in the lockdowns-vaccines narrative and preempt rigorous independent retrospective reviews of their costs and efficacy.

The “reforms” amount to a WHO power grab at the behest of Big Pharma and Big Donors. Whether approved as two separate instruments or folded into one overarching new treaty, the changed architecture will greatly strengthen the WHO’s core capabilities on public health surveillance, monitoring, reporting, notification, verification, and response. The rush to amend the existing International Health Regulations (IHR) encountered significant pushback from developing countries, China, and Russia last month but will come up again for discussion and approval. The new treaty under negotiation will be presented to the World Health Assembly, the WHO’s 196-member governing body, in 2024. 

Remarkably, there’s been virtually no public debate on the ramifications of such far-reaching encroachments on national autonomy, state sovereignty, and human rights. The Spectator has been an honourable exception. Well-capacitated, technically proficient, and democratically legitimate states should be wary of ceding control of the policy agenda, decision-making authority, and enforcement powers to inefficient, cumbersome, and unaccountable international bureaucracies. Many governments argue that other issues like climate change, gun violence, and racism also constitute public health emergencies which would expand the WHO’s remit even more.

The two new instruments would give pride of place to pandemics above all else. Yet pandemics are rare events. The WHO listed only four in the 120 years before Covid-19: the Spanish flu 1918–19, Asian flu 1957–58, Hong Kong flu 1968–69, and swine flu 2009–10. They impose a low disease burden compared to the endemic infectious and chronic diseases. According to the World Life Expectancy, from 1 March 2020 to 9 June 2022, heart diseases, cancers, strokes, lung diseases, and influenza and pneumonia killed more people around the world than Covid-19. Moreover, as is well known and unlike the earlier pandemics, about three-quarters of the 6.3 million Covid-related deaths were in people with comorbidities at or above average life expectancy.

Florida and Sweden resisted the lockdown groupthink and have come out markedly better on the balance of benefits versus harms. Yet the new regulatory framework would strip away their right to chart their own independent paths, just like lockdowns removed responsibility and agency from individuals to the public health clerisy.

Why empower a bigger and richer WHO to enforce wrongthink on the whole world? On 24 January, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said an urgent priority was to “strengthen WHO as the leading and directing authority on global health,” for: “We are one world, we have one health, we are one WHO.” On 12 April, he said the Covid crisis had “exposed serious gaps in the global health security architecture;” the new treaty would be “a generational agreement” and “a gamechanger” for global health security.

If adopted, they will consolidate the gains of those who have benefitted from Covid-19, concentrating private wealth, increasing national debts, and decelerating poverty reduction; expand the international health bureaucracy under the WHO; shift the centre of gravity from common endemic diseases to relatively rare pandemic outbreaks; create a self-perpetuating global biopharmaceutical complex; shift the locus of health policy authority, decision-making, and resources from the state to an enlarged corps of international technocrats, creating and empowering an international analogue of the administrative state that has already thinned national democracies. It will create a perverse incentive: the rise of an international bureaucracy whose defining purpose, existence, powers, and budgets will depend on outbreaks of pandemics, the more the better.

The Woke Health Organisation?

On 8 May, Senator Malcolm Roberts discussed the latest abortive effort by the UN system to promote “sexuality education” from birth. Yes, really. The origins of this go back to the document Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe funded by Germany’s health ministry and published jointly with the WHO Collaborating Centre in Europe in 2010. In 2023 the effort to universalise these Euro-origin standards faltered in the UN Commission on Population and Development. The EU and “progressive” Western countries” (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Canada) push to foist the woke agenda on the rest of the world failed due to resistance from non-Western countries like Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Holy See.

Dr David Bell explains how last year the WHO’s abortion care guidance called for babies to “be killed up until the moment they emerge from the birth canal, without delay, whenever a pregnant woman requests it.” It recommends abortions be available on request and advises against “gestational age limits.” This is both a bureaucratic and a moral overreach. Only the governments concerned have the right and responsibility to make decisions on policy parameters between pro-choice and pro-life advocates.

The WHO has also determined that alcohol is dangerous for your health, regardless of how little or rarely you imbibe. If you believe you drink responsibly, you are just the alcohol industry’s useful idiot. The WHO says alcohol accounts for 5.1% of the world’s disease burden and “contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally.” A WHO news release in January insisted that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.”

Over the last three years, we have been conditioned to accept that public health safety trumps all other values and considerations, including such quaint old-fashioned notions as liberty, free choice, and individual responsibility for one’s health and lifestyle choices.

On 15 April, in the latest iteration of its role as the world’s nanny, the WHO published Reporting about Alcohol: A Guide for Journalists attacking the notion of “responsible drinking” as “a marketing tool and a tactic to influence public beliefs about the alcohol industry” that neither tells us when to stop nor acknowledges the option of abstinence. It also allegedly “ignores the inherent risks in consuming alcohol, mischaracterising its harms as the result of a small minority of individual drinkers who cannot control their intake.” It stigmatises those who cannot hold their drink by putting “the entirety of the blame for alcohol problems on individual drinkers rather than more prominent…factors such as advertising, pricing or availability.”

Thus three key elements of the successful weaponisation of Covid for ensuring compliance with Science™ diktats from the WHO – scaremongering, shaming, and controlling the media narrative around it – are being replicated to socially engineer human behaviour on drinking, behaviour that is as old as human civilisation.

The bureaucratic nature of the WHO shows in the Preamble to the draft pandemic treaty: 49 articles over 4.5 pages. The current draft of the treaty uses language beloved of technocrats: “synergies between multisectoral collaboration – through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches at the country and community level – and international, regional and cross-regional collaboration, coordination and global solidarity, and their importance to achieving sustainable improvements.”

The progressive elements of the treaty include ritualistic obeisance to inclusiveness, solidarity, transparency, accountability, “the importance of diverse, gender-balanced and equitable representation and expertise,” “the determination to achieve health equity through resolute action on social, environmental, cultural, political and economic determinants of health, such as eradicating hunger and poverty, ensuring access to health and proper food, safe drinking water and sanitation, employment and decent work and social protection in a comprehensive intersectoral approach.”

The treaty also makes several references to environmental and cultural factors. A research brief from the Australian Academy of Science in August 2020 concluded: “males with Covid-19 are more likely to be hospitalised, more likely to be admitted to an ICU and more likely to die.” According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 April), of the 13,456 people whose underlying cause of death was Covid-19, 7,439 were men and 6,017 women. According to Worldometers, in China, the Covid case fatality rate for males was 2.8 per cent compared to 1.7 per cent for females. According to the CDC, 55 percent of US Covid deaths were males. Yet, the WHO says Covid has a worse impact on women.

WHO to Govern the Health of the World?

The WHO has been captured by the woke activists, as can be seen in the following sentence from the executive summary: 

In this guideline, we recognize that most of the available evidence on abortion can be assumed to be derived from research among study populations of cisgender women, and we also recognize that cisgender women, transgender men, nonbinary, gender-fluid and intersex individuals with a female reproductive system and capable of becoming pregnant may require abortion care (p. 4).

How can any organisation that spouts such anti-empirical rubbish as “women, girls or other pregnant persons” be accepted as an authority on science, biology, medicine, or public health? A search of the document reveals that the phrase “pregnant person” occurs 65 times, including Recommendation 2(LP) mentioned above. The WHO has become just another vehicle for global cultural imperialism of the US woke agenda.

UNICEF published The State of the World’s Children 2023  report last month with the alarming conclusion that in the last three years, lockdown-induced disruptions to healthcare had resulted in a total of 67 million fewer childhood immunisations. This means that “in just three years, the world has lost more than a decade of progress.”

Whisper it softly for fear of being cancelled, but does the WHO understand the difference between enjoying life and existing on life support? Going by its woeful record on Covid, the answer is: No, it does not.

Yet, this is the body that wants to expand and entrench its powers to dictate our lives. What’s more and contrary to what most Westerners believe with respect to the UN system, the push for the WHO as a nanny suprastate legally empowered to override national decisions on health measures is being led by Western governments and philanthropic foundations that have captured the organisation, including one Bill Gates. In fact, had it not been for a revolt led by African governments, the push would already have succeeded last year.

Euro–US efforts to amend legally binding international health regulations and adopt a new pandemic accord (that is, treaty) on “pandemic prevention, preparedness and response” would confer extraordinary powers on the WHO, acting through the director-general and the six regional directors (for Africa, the Americas, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific), to declare public health emergencies of international/regional concern and instruct governments to implement their recommendations. 

A new treaty would require approval by two-thirds of the WHA member states (that is, 131 countries) and be subject to their national ratification process. But the international health regulations can be amended by just 50% of member states (98 countries).

An open letter to the two houses of the UK Parliament from the Health Advisory and Recovery Team (HART) on 9 December was a welcome effort to educate parliamentarians. Rather surprisingly for such a radical recalibration of the relationship between sovereign governments and an international bureaucracy, parliamentarians and ministers have so far shown a singular lack of interest in learning just what their governments are signing up for.

To take just one example, the amendments propose that the present reference to “full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons” in Article 3 of the IHR should be replaced by “equity, coherence, inclusivity.” This would throw out the standard vocabulary of the international human rights movement as embedded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the faddish catchphrase of the current woke agenda.

Many governments argue that other issues like climate change, gun violence, and racism also constitute public health emergencies which would expand the WHO’s remit even more. Sure enough, on 2 May the Guardian reported that the next UN climate summit in November in Dubai will, for the first time ever, discuss health issues in depth.

The terminological change in the IHR (the draft new treaty sticks to “pandemics”) from a pandemic to a “public health emergency of international concern” would make it easier for the WHO to assume extraordinary powers for health crises short of pandemics. The new regulatory framework would chip away at the right of sovereign states to chart their own independent paths, just like lockdowns shifted responsibility and agency from individuals to the public health clerisy.

Because pandemics are rare events, the requirement for every country to dedicate a minimum of 5% of its health budget to pandemic preparedness (Article 19.1c of the draft new treaty) doesn’t make much sense. Why empower a bigger and richer WHO to enforce wrong groupthink on the whole world?

This is the stuff of bureaucrats’ dreams: the legal authority to declare an emergency and the power thereafter to commandeer resources for oneself from sovereign states and to redirect resources funded by the taxpayers of one country to other states. The Covid years saw a successful bureaucratic coup that displaced elected governments with cabals of unelected experts and technocrats who lorded it over citizens and intruded into the most intimate personal behaviour and business decisions.

Deeply held differences – over whether it should be legally binding or voluntary, limited to actual emergencies or extended to cover potential outbreaks, whether the WHO should be the single source of authority on pandemic information with the power to advise governments on what constitutes unreliable information, misinformation and disinformation (proposed new IHR Article 44.2e); on equitable vaccine access vs. vaccine nationalism where rich countries can price out the poor; robust regulation of wet markets, strengthened information sharing requirements etc. – will likely make the negotiations protracted and contentious and may yet scupper the initiative.

We can but live in hope.

The WHO is engaged in a silent coup against the governments of the world. If it succeeds, an organisation set up to serve governments will boss it over them instead and compel their taxpayers to pay for the privilege. It is a basic axiom of politics that power that can be abused, will be abused – some day, somewhere, by someone. The corollary holds that power once seized is seldom surrendered back voluntarily to the people.

Authored by Teri Ward via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a severe and complex neurological disorder affecting 20 million to 30 million people in the United States.

PN damages nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, primarily in the feet and hands. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, and muscle weakness can drastically reduce quality of life, making even simple tasks challenging.

Identifying and treating the root cause of PN is vital to prevent further nerve damage and preserve mobility. If left unaddressed, PN can lead to severe complications, including the risk of limb amputation.

What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Recognizing the symptoms of PN is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent irreversible damage. Common early warning signs include numbness that may feel like “walking on pillows” and pain or burning sensations in the feet or hands.

PN can manifest differently depending on the cause and the type of nerves affected. Symptoms vary widely; some individuals experience severe pain, while others might have numbness with little discomfort. The onset can be gradual, as seen in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), or sudden, as in neuropathy from toxic exposure or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Typically, PN follows a “stocking and glove” pattern, starting at the feet and progressing upward, eventually affecting the hands. This pattern occurs because the longest nerves are most susceptible to damage due to issues like reduced blood flow and metabolic disturbances.

Peripheral nerves consist of sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves, with symptoms varying based on which type is affected. The severity and progression of symptoms also depend on whether the nerves are myelinated (with a protective sheath) or unmyelinated. Damage can be axonal or demyelinating, affecting the nerve fibers or the myelin sheath, respectively.

Sensory Nerves

These nerves transmit sensations like touch, temperature, and pain. Many sensory nerves, especially pain-sensing fibers, are unmyelinated and may be affected more gradually. Damage can cause:

• A tingling feeling, often described as “pins and needles”
• Numbness or a complete loss of feeling
• Increased sensitivity to touch or pain (hyperesthesia) and pain from things that usually do not hurt (allodynia)
• Problems with balance or walking due to loss of body awareness (sensory ataxia)
• Deep aching sensations
• Tiredness after activity
• Itching that feels different from regular itching (neuropathic itch)

Motor Nerves

These nerves control muscle movement. Most motor nerves are myelinated, allowing faster signal conduction and potentially quicker symptom onset when damaged. When affected, symptoms may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt
• Trouble walking or maintaining balance

Autonomic Nerves

These nerves regulate involuntary functions and may be myelinated or unmyelinated. Symptoms include:

• Feeling dizzy when standing up
• Slow digestion (gastroparesis)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bladder problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes, mouth, or skin
• Burning and flushing of the skin

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

PN is not a single condition but rather a group of related disorders that can have various causes and symptoms. PN occurs when the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, are damaged. This damage can occur through various metabolic and cellular pathways, affecting the nerves in different ways but ultimately leading to disruptions in nerve function. The development is often complex and likely involves multiple contributing factors.

The following list of mechanisms and causes is not exhaustive, and ongoing research continues to uncover new insights, but some of the leading causes include the following:

• Metabolic factors: In conditions like Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar and lipid levels can disrupt nerve function and decrease blood flow to the nerves. In Type 1 diabetes, the deficiency of insulin and C-peptide, rather than excess glucose alone, may contribute to nerve damage. Ironically, rapid reductions in blood glucose levels during treatment can lead to treatment-induced neuropathy.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction: The energy-producing structures within cells, called mitochondria, can malfunction, resulting in reduced energy production and increased harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). While ROS play important roles in cellular signaling, an excess can harm nerve cells.
• Protein misfolding: Misfolded proteins, such as amyloid, can impair blood supply, trigger inflammation, and cause toxicity to nerve cells.
• Circulatory problems: Reduced blood flow from conditions like peripheral artery disease limits oxygen and nutrients to nerves.
• Immune-mediated and autoimmune causes: Conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and lupus involve the immune system attacking nerves. Paraneoplastic neuropathy occurs when the immune response to cancer targets healthy nerves. Other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, cause nerve damage indirectly. This can occur through chronic inflammation, nerve compression, nutrient malabsorption, blood vessel inflammation or damage, or granulomas that compress nerves or disrupt their blood supply.
• Gluten-related sensitivities: Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity may cause nerve damage through inflammation or malabsorption. Notably, one study found that 34 percent of people with idiopathic (unexplained) neuropathy had evidence of gluten sensitivity, and 9 percent had biopsy-confirmed celiac disease.
• Physical trauma: Injuries or pressure on nerves occurring alongside conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tumors, and compression injuries can lead to damage.
• Infections and vaccine reactions: Infections from certain viruses or bacteria, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, Lyme disease, shingles, COVID-19, and Campylobacter jejuni, can directly attack nerve tissue or trigger immune responses that damage nerves. PN has also been reported after vaccination for COVID-19, shingles, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), and influenza.
• Toxic exposures: Chemicals, medications, and environmental toxins can damage nerves. Many medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and cardiovascular and antiviral medications, can affect nerves. Other toxic exposures include heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and chronic alcohol use.
• Hereditary disorders: Genetic conditions, like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), affect nerve development and function. CMT often leads to muscle weakness and wasting in the lower legs and feet, causing high arches, hammer toes, and skin discoloration. In severe cases, hand muscles can also waste away, making the fingers curl into a “claw” shape.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins D, B1 (thiamine), B12, and E, as well as copper and folate, can lead to PN. Malabsorption, chronic alcohol use, and bariatric surgery worsen these deficiencies. Conversely, excessive vitamin B6 intake can cause neuropathy.
• Chronic diseases: Conditions such as kidney failure, gout, and thyroid disease can lead to nerve damage.
• Blood protein disorders and cancers: Multiple myeloma and other blood cancers can cause an abnormal buildup of proteins known as paraproteinemia that can damage nerves or the blood vessels that supply the nerves.

 

What Are the Types of Peripheral Neuropathy?

There are many different types of PN. It is classified in numerous ways, including by the nerves affected, underlying causes, and symptom characteristics. Some of the ways PN can be classified include the following:

Distribution

• Mononeuropathy: affects a single nerve
• Polyneuropathy: affects multiple nerves
• Multiple mononeuropathy: affects two or more nerves in different areas

Nerve Fibers Affected

• Large fiber neuropathy: affects large, myelinated nerve fibers
• Small fiber neuropathy: affects small, unmyelinated nerve fibers
• Mixed fiber neuropathy: affects both large and small fibers

Function

• Motor neuropathy: affects nerves controlling muscles
• Sensory neuropathy: affects nerves transmitting sensory information
• Autonomic neuropathy: affects nerves controlling involuntary functions
• Sensorimotor neuropathy: a combination of sensory and motor nerve involvement

Cause

• Acquired neuropathy: caused by environmental factors, illnesses, infections, etc.
• Hereditary neuropathy: caused by genetics
• Idiopathic neuropathy: cause unknown

 

Who Is at Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy?

PN risk is influenced by various factors, some of which cannot be changed (unmodifiable) and others that can potentially be controlled through lifestyle choices (modifiable). Factors that increase the risk of developing PN include the following:

• Age: The risk of PN increases with age. In the general U.S. population, the prevalence is about 10.4 percent in those aged 40 to 69 and 26.8 percent to 39.2 percent for older adults. While some hereditary neuropathies, like CMT, may appear in childhood, other inherited neuropathies may develop in adulthood.
• Sex: Males have a much higher likelihood than females of developing PN, but females are more likely to experience pain.
• Race: PN is more common among black people than white.
• Height: Taller people are considerably more likely to develop PN, likely due to the longer length of their nerves.
• Genetics: Some sources of neuropathy, like CMT, familial amyloidosis, and Fabry disease, can be inherited.
• Diabetes and metabolic conditions: Prediabetes or diabetes substantially increases the risk of developing PN. The prevalence of PN is more than twice as high in adults aged 40 to 69 years with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The risk increases with the duration of the disease, with more than half of diabetics likely to develop the condition.
• Body mass index (BMI): A higher BMI, calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height squared (in meters), is a risk factor for developing PN.
• Education: Research shows that those with less education may have higher odds of developing PN.
• Smoking: Many—but not all—studies indicate a higher risk of PN is associated with smoking.
• Circulatory diseases: Conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels, and circulation can increase the risk of PN. Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels, influencing overall circulation. A family history of cardiovascular disease also increases the risk of developing PN.

 

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis, identifying the cause, and ruling out other conditions is key to effective treatment. Diagnosing PN takes a step-wise approach.

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation

In the first step, symptoms are assessed, and a detailed history is taken to obtain information about alcohol use, family history of neuropathy, recent illnesses or vaccinations, and use of neurotoxic medications such as gout medications, antivirals, and chemotherapy. Additionally, information about blood transfusions, sexual history, and intravenous drug use is gathered to assess HIV and hepatitis C as potential causes.

Clinical and neurological examinations follow, evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to temperature, light touch, position, and vibration. The practitioner will consider the onset and progression of PN, whether symptoms are symmetrical or asymmetrical, their location, and the nerves involved, providing clues to the underlying causes and type of neuropathy.

Urgent referral to a neurologist is warranted for individuals experiencing sudden, severe, or worsening symptoms to ensure prompt treatment. This is particularly critical for those showing nerve damage in multiple areas, unusual patterns, or having only motor or autonomic symptoms without sensory changes.

Absent indications of referral necessity, this initial assessment may lead to a clinical diagnosis of PN. However, even in diabetics, additional testing is essential to eliminate other potential coexisting causes.

Step 2: Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests help identify contributing factors and rule out other conditions. Depending on the individual’s clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, blood tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of disorders
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to detect inflammation
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to assess blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, kidney function, and liver function
• Thyroid function tests to check for thyroid disorders
• Vitamin B12 with methylmalonic acid and homocysteine to identify vitamin B12 deficiency and its potential impact
• Vitamin B6 to check for deficiencies or excess that may affect nerve function
• Protein immunofixation to detect abnormal proteins in the blood
• Various autoantibody tests to identify autoimmune conditions
• Vasculitis tests to detect inflammation of the blood vessels
• Tests for specific viruses and bacteria to rule out suspected infections that can cause neuropathy
• Heavy metals to check for toxic exposure
• Genetic tests to identify hereditary neuropathies

Some of these tests may be ordered by the primary care practitioner or a neurologist following referral.

Step 3: Electrodiagnostic and Medical Tests

If initial tests are inconclusive, symptoms are complex, or other health conditions are present, further testing or a neurologist referral may be necessary. A specialist can then conduct advanced tests to provide valuable insights into the extent and nature of nerve damage. These additional assessments may include:

• Nerve conduction study (NCS): This test measures the speed and strength of nerve signals using sensors placed on the skin. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing DPN. NCS can exclude other conditions, identify affected nerves, distinguish between axonal (nerve fiber) and demyelinating (nerve covering) damage, and determine damage severity.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles by inserting a small needle into the muscle. EMG helps confirm a PN diagnosis and provides additional information that can complement the findings of the NCS.
• Sweat testing: Sudoscan and Neuropad are noninvasive tests that diagnose small fiber neuropathy and early autonomic dysfunction by assessing sweat gland activity. Sudoscan uses electrochemical reactions to measure sweat gland function on the palms and soles, while Neuropad involves a color-changing patch on the foot to indicate sweat production.
• Imaging: Peripheral nerve ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can reveal injured and compressed nerves not accessible by NCS or EMG. MRI provides detailed images of the overall anatomy, while MRN offers more specialized and specific imaging of peripheral nerves, but it is not as widely available.
• Biopsy: Nerve or skin biopsies may be obtained and analyzed. A nerve biopsy may help assess possible immune-mediated or infectious neuropathies, while a skin biopsy is used to determine nerve fiber density.
• Examination of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF): If the suspected cause is infectious, inflammatory, vasculitic (related to blood vessel inflammation), or paraneoplastic (related to cancer), the CSF may be analyzed.

Other less common, newer, or not widely available tests include VibraTip, corneal confocal microscopy, laser-evoked potentials, and quantitative sensory testing.

 

What Are the Possible Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy?

While peripheral neuropathy is often a complication of other conditions, it can lead to its own set of complications due to nerve damage. These include:

• Injuries: Without sensations, sharp objects, heat, and extreme cold can cause unnoticed wounds.
• Falls: Nerve damage affects gait, coordination, and balance, increasing fall risk.
• Pain and hypersensitivity: Up to 24 percent of those with DPN experience pain affecting sleep and quality of life. Hypersensitivity, where unpainful stimuli cause pain, is also common. Even the light touch of bedsheets can be unbearable.
• Disability: Nerve damage can make daily tasks difficult or impossible.
• Foot ulcers and amputation: About 30 percent of diabetics develop foot ulcers during their lifetime, with a high risk of recurrence. They are serious complications that can go unnoticed due to nerve damage, leading to infections or gangrene. Poor circulation and high blood sugar hinder healing, with over half of ulcers becoming infected, often resulting in lower limb amputation.
• Autonomic dysfunction or failure: Damage to autonomic nerves can cause cardiovascular issues (irregular heart rate or blood pressure), digestive problems, difficulty swallowing, urinary issues (incontinence, frequent infections), and difficulty regulating body temperature.

While these complications can be serious, there are steps that patients and their families can take to prevent or manage some of them effectively and improve quality of life. Here are some practical strategies:

• Foot care: Inspect feet daily and immediately address foot injuries; wear clean, dry socks and closed-toed shoes.
• Driving safety: Regularly assess whether driving is safe.
• Fall prevention: Be aware of surroundings, install railings, remove throw rugs and trip hazards, and install nightlights.
• Burn prevention: Set the water heater at 125 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to avoid burns.
• Health checkups: Get regular checkups to help manage blood pressure, digestive issues, and body temperature regulation.

 

What Are the Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Treating PN can be complex due to its many underlying causes and symptoms. The primary goal is to address the identified cause, such as managing blood glucose in diabetics or correcting vitamin deficiencies. In about 20 percent of cases, no cause is identified. However, symptoms can still be treated to improve quality of life, according to studies in Norway and the Netherlands, as mentioned in a 2020 paper in Neurological Research and Practice.

Traditional painkillers are typically ineffective for nerve pain, so other medications are generally utilized. Unfortunately, these medications do not work for everyone; they do not address the underlying cause of PN and often come with significant side effects.

1. Anticonvulsants

Despite limited effectiveness and significant safety concerns, gabapentin is widely prescribed as a first-tier treatment for neuropathic pain. Some researchers recommend reconsidering its use. A Cochrane Review found that gabapentin provided over 50 percent pain relief to about 38 percent of people with painful DPN.

Safety concerns arise when gabapentin is taken with drugs like benzodiazepines and opioids. In a study of accidental mixed-drug deaths involving opioids, gabapentin was present in about 25 percent of cases. Adverse effects include daytime sleepiness, weight gain, edema, and dizziness, with additional concerns about cognitive impairment, dementia risk, addiction, abuse, misuse, and illegal distribution.

Another option is pregabalin. However, research shows that for the majority of people with painful DPN, pregabalin provides little relief. At a dosage of 300 milligrams, only one in 22 people experienced a reduction in pain of 50 percent or more.

2. Antidepressants

Antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., duloxetine), are effective in treating neuropathic pain. Duloxetine has been shown to provide better pain relief than pregabalin. These medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the nervous system, which helps reduce pain signals. Be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your prescribing practitioner.

3. Analgesics

Controlled-release oxycodone has been found to be an effective treatment in painful DPN with significantly improved quality of life. Tramadol, tapentadol, and other opioids may also be effective and are sometimes prescribed for severe neurologic pain. However, they should be used cautiously due to the associated high risk of addiction, misuse, illegal distribution, and when used with coexisting severe psychiatric conditions.

4. Corticosteroids, Plasma Exchange, and Intravenous Immune Globulin

These treatments are used for severe neuropathies caused by inflammation or immune attacks on nerves, like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Steroids reduce inflammation. Plasma exchange (PE) removes harmful antibodies from plasma and replaces it with a substitute solution. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), made from pooled antibodies from healthy donors, helps regulate the immune system.

5. Other

As for topical medication, lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream may provide localized relief with few systemic side effects.

Other potentially effective treatments include surgery for cases of nerve compression, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, and low-level laser therapy.

Studies show that combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medicine can improve effectiveness and nerve function. Emerging therapies such as ARA 290, a peptide, are also being explored for potential benefits in managing PN associated with sarcoidosis.

 

How Does Mindset Affect Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect a person’s daily life, affecting mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Chronic pain, numbness, and other symptoms associated with PN can lead to sleep disturbances, which in turn can exacerbate the perception of pain, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, the financial burden of associated direct and indirect costs can create stress that further degrades quality of life.

While PN symptoms can influence mental state, mindset also plays a significant role in how individuals experience and manage their condition. A large study on various pain conditions found that certain thought patterns, such as thinking the worst about pain, fearing pain, and being overly aware of pain, are strongly linked to negative emotions, anxiety, depression, higher pain intensity, and greater interference with daily activities.

This research underscores the importance of addressing mindset in PN management. A positive mindset can be a powerful tool in coping with PN and potentially improving outcomes. Here are key aspects of how mindset influences PN:

• Pain perception: Research has shown that mindset can influence how the brain processes pain signals. A more positive outlook may help reduce the perceived intensity of pain.
• Fear: Fear of falling can lead to decreased physical activity, which causes muscle weakness and loss of balance, further reducing mobility. This inactivity creates a vicious cycle, increasing the risk of falls. Other fears can play a role in this cycle, such as the fear of not being taken seriously or the fear of becoming disabled. Addressing this fear through mindset techniques and building confidence in safe movement can improve both physical and mental health.
• Impact on physical health: The stress and anxiety resulting from fear can trigger the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, leading to increased cortisol levels. Chronic high cortisol levels can contribute to inflammation, suppress immune function, and impair healing processes. These physiological changes can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms and hinder recovery. Adopting stress-management techniques and maintaining a calm mindset can help mitigate some of the adverse effects of stress on nerve function.
• Treatment adherence: A proactive mindset can improve adherence to treatment plans, including medication regimens, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• Coping strategies: A resilient mindset can help individuals develop and implement effective coping strategies, leading to improved quality of life despite PN symptoms.

 

What Are the Natural Approaches to Peripheral Neuropathy?

While many people use natural and herbal remedies, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is often limited. What works for one person may not work for another. Natural products can cause adverse reactions, interact with medications, or be contraindicated with certain medical conditions. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Natural approaches to peripheral neuropathy can complement conventional treatment effectively. The first step is to eliminate or minimize the causative agent. Before starting any necessary chemotherapy, optimizing nutritional status may help prevent PN or lessen its severity. Since nerves regenerate slowly and the body does not produce new nerves, patience is essential, especially with natural approaches, as damage can become irreversible over time. Below are some natural approaches backed by peer-reviewed research.

1. Exercise

Research demonstrates that aerobic exercise can improve symptoms of PN, whether performed alone or in combination with resistance or balance training. A minimum of three weekly sessions of activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming is recommended. Simple exercises, including leg stretches and balance movements, can also enhance nerve function and reduce pain. Regular exercise can potentially delay progression, improve symptoms, and, in some cases, even reverse symptoms. It can also enhance blood flow, reduce cellular damage, and stimulate nerve regeneration.

2. Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet (GFD) can effectively reduce neuropathic symptoms and improve quality of life in those with gluten neuropathy, a type of peripheral neuropathy linked to gluten sensitivity. A small study found that those who strictly followed a GFD experienced better pain management and overall health compared to those who continued eating gluten. Gluten is incompletely digested and can cause inflammation by increasing intestinal permeability, even in individuals without gluten sensitivity.

3. Health-Promoting Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and nervous system development and function.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two important omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in fatty fish. EPA is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while DHA is crucial for brain health. A small pilot study found that supplementing with 1,000 milligrams of DHA and 200 milligrams of EPA for three months helped reduce pain in DPN.

One study found that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was as effective as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in reducing pain, although ALA may work more quickly in those with better kidney function. It is found in borage, evening primrose, and blackcurrant seed oils.

4. Additional Nutritional Support

Research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can improve symptoms and quality of life for those with peripheral neuropathy. These beneficial nutrients include:

• Vitamin E: This vitamin may reduce the occurrence and severity of chemotherapy-induced PN and synergize with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ).
• Mitochondrial support: PQQ and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been shown to support mitochondrial function. PQQ has neuroprotective properties and promotes nerve regeneration by increasing nerve growth factor synthesis. CoQ10 has antioxidant properties, potentially improving energy production and reducing oxidative stress.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for nerve health, with deficiency linked to an increased risk of DPN. Supplementation may improve symptoms.
• B-complex vitamins: These include B1 (thiamine), B12 (methylcobalamin), folate (methylfolate), and B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate).
• Benfotiamine: This is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 that is more effectively absorbed and better at raising thiamine levels in the body. It can potentially reduce nerve pain and improve function in diabetic neuropathy.
• Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is common. The mineral is required for normal thiamine functions.
• Copper: A copper deficiency can cause symptoms similar to vitamin B12 deficiency, such as nerve damage and sensory issues. This may occur in someone with a history of bariatric surgery, multiple nutritional deficiencies, or high zinc exposure, such as from supplements or certain denture pastes.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight free radicals and balance ROS. Glutathione and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are well-known for enhancing nerve regeneration. Melatonin, another powerful antioxidant, protects nerve cells, reduces inflammation at injury sites, and stimulates the growth of new nerve fibers.
• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): Another antioxidant, ALA, given both intravenously and orally, can help reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with DPN. It is found in beef heart and kidney, tomatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, this neuroprotective agent promotes nerve cell survival by stabilizing cell membranes and helping prevent cell death.
• Fibrinolytic enzymes: Bromelain (found in pineapple) and lumbrokinase may help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and support nerve healing. Lumbrokinase may help prevent excessive scar tissue formation and promote regeneration.
• Hypericum (St. John’s wort): This natural antidepressant has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and potential benefits in reducing neuropathic pain.
• L-glutamine: Oral supplementation may reduce the occurrence and severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
• Curcumin: This is a compound in turmeric that may reduce DPN severity and lower blood sugar levels, along with various other health benefits. Nano-curcumin, a highly absorbable form, has shown promise in studies.

Individual supplementation or a professional formulation may be necessary to achieve therapeutic doses. While most B vitamins are safe in high doses, excess vitamin B6 can damage nerves and induce or worsen neuropathy.

 

How Can I Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy?

Preventing peripheral neuropathy involves maintaining good metabolic, vascular, and nerve health. Just as the risk of peripheral neuropathy increases with each component of metabolic syndrome, the protective benefits increase with each healthy diet and lifestyle change. Here are some key strategies:

• Maintain good blood sugar control: This is essential for diabetics, but keeping blood glucose levels in check can prevent nerve damage in everyone.
• Exercise regularly: Movement is critical, so rather than stressing over which exercises to do, it may help to seek guidance from a professional to choose safe and appropriate activities. Even simply walking can make a significant difference.
• Follow a healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, naturally raised lean meats, and omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon.
• Ensure adequate nutrient intake: Obtain sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients through a balanced diet and supplementation as necessary. Consult a nutrition professional for assistance.
• Avoid toxic exposures: Eat organic foods to avoid pesticides and chemicals. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as these can contribute to nerve damage.
• Manage other health conditions: Keep blood pressure under control and maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid prolonged pressure on nerves: Be mindful of repetitive motions or prolonged positions that compress nerves.
• Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress, which may exacerbate neuropathy symptoms.

Authored by Michael Kern via OilPrice.com,

The biggest European car market, Germany, saw the sales of electric vehicles plummet by 36.8% in July from a year earlier, as EV sales are softening worldwide and as Berlin ended subsidies at the end of 2023.

New car registrations of battery vehicle vehicles (BEVs) in Germany slumped to 30,762 vehicles in July from the same month of 2023, the latest data rom the German Federal Motor Transport Authority showed on Monday. July marked the largest annual drop in EV sales since the government ended subsidies for EV acquisitions in December 2023.   

While BEV sales plunged, the overall car market held relatively flat. New car registrations of gasoline-powered passenger vehicles rose by 0.1% year-over-year in July, and diesel car sales increased by 1.4%. 

Tesla’s new registrations slumped by 36.7% in July compared to the same month of 2023, and was among the worst-performing foreign brands in Germany last month. Renault, Hyundai, and Fiat, among others, also saw their sales on the German market fall in July compared to a year earlier. 

EV demand has visibly softened over the past year, leaving legacy automakers in the U.S., Germany, and France struggling with an overcapacity of their EV models as they realize that the transition to fully electrified transportation will be taking longer than they thought.

Earlier this year, BEV sales in the United States fell for the first time since the onset of Covid in 2020. 

With lower EV sales than expected, major carmakers in the U.S. and Europe are scaling back production of electric vehicles amid overcapacity and are rethinking their ambitious EV sales goals.

Rising concerns about EV capital costs, uncertainties around a number of elections this year, especially in the U.S., and a shortage of rapid-charging stations are the three key factors slowing the EV momentum, Goldman Sachs Research analyst Kota Yuzawa said in May.

The slowdown in global EV sales has hit the profits of the major EV battery manufacturers this year, too.    

Submarines are crucial for navies because they provide stealthy, strategic capabilities for surveillance, deterrence, and offensive operations in underwater environments.

This graphic, via Visual Capitalist’s Bruno Venditti, shows the top 12 countries by their number of military submarines as of July 2024, based on data from GlobalFirepower.com.

Russia Has the Biggest Fleet

Russia ranks first with 65 submarines, followed by the U.S. (64) and China (61).

Combined, the three countries account for 40% of the global fleet.

When it comes to technology, however, the U.S. is ahead.

According to Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. submarine technology is one generation, or 10 to 20 years, ahead of  counterparts like China.

The latest addition to the U.S. Navy, the Columbia-class nuclear submarine, is the most sophisticated vessel of its kind. It is stealthy and equipped with 16 missile tubes.

The American fleet also has the Seawolf class, designed to address the threat of Soviet ballistic missile submarines and replace the aging Los Angeles class of submarines.

During the 1980s, a fleet of 29 submarines was to be built, which was reduced to 12. With the end of the Cold War and each submarine costing about $3 billion, the program was reduced to only three units.

Among the Russian fleet, the Sierra II Class, also known as Project 945A Kondor Class, remains one of the most expensive and deep-diving submarines. These vessels were explicitly developed for search and destroy missions against U.S. nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

If you liked this post, check out Mapped: The World’s Largest Armies in 2024. This graphic shows the top 10 countries by military personnel as of May 2024.

Authored by Victor Davis Hanson via American Greatness,

The Good News

The good news for the Trump campaign is that the sure Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is a lifelong California hard leftist at a time when the state is emblematic of progressive nihilism. Her extremist advocacies as a San Francisco county and city attorney, state Attorney General, and senator are on record. And they are consistent with what has virtually destroyed the state.

Harris was also a driving force as vice president for Joe Biden’s unpopular and unworkable progressive policies—whether open borders, massive illegal immigration, hyperinflation, fanning woke divisiveness, arguing for lax criminal prosecution, or defunding the police. She was far closer to the mindset of the unhinged Squad than Joe Biden himself.

None of the Biden-Harris administration’s main policy initiatives ever polled 50 percent approval. Abroad, the world blew up under their tenure with an unbridled Putin invading Ukraine, an unbound Iran brazenly using its proxies to attack Israel, and China all but warning the West of its impending absorption of Taiwan—now not a question of if but only when.

So, it should be easy for Trump to win the key midwestern swing states. All he needs to do is repeatedly remind voters that Harris is the most far-left presidential candidate in modern history. He can drive home that she is not only on record endorsing these extreme positions but has been doing so emphatically for years to energize her exclusively left-wing constituents and audiences.

If Trump heeds the lessons of late Lee Atwater, then he need only follow the 1988 Republican campaign script, when hard-left Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis’s 17-point lead in late July melted through nonstop reminders that Dukakis was and always would be far to the left of the American voter.

Dukakis’s efforts to claim that the election was only about his “competence,” not his liberal ideology, evaporated after a devastating series of ads—exposing the “technocrat” Dukakis as an extremist and a hypocrite desperate to disown and hide his prior unapologetically left-wing record from the voters. And Dukakis was a far better candidate than Harris.

The Bad News

However, the bad news for Trump is that there are only roughly 90 days left to expose Harris’s extremist record. And like cognitively challenged Joe Biden in 2020, her handlers will not allow her to speak extemporaneously or to give interviews to real journalists.

She will hide her innate silliness and her extreme record and instead teleprompt a scripted persona and pseudo-centrist agenda to the nation.

There is, then, almost no time to redefine the reclusive Harris, given she was never a candidate for 2024 nomination. She stuck by the hard lie that Joe Biden was “fit as a fiddle” until he wasn’t and was selected by party bosses and billionaires at a historically late stage of the campaign. That was not a drawback given her hard-left vulnerabilities, but an advantage given that it was always much easier to hide the real Harris in three months than for over two years.

In addition, she will vastly outspend the Trump campaign—given that her youth, gender, and race contrast positively with the admittedly enfeebled octogenarian Biden and his increasing snark, crankiness, and off-putting incoherence.

And finally, she is a tempting personal target that naturally irks Trump. So, he has risen to the bait to respond in kind to the sort of personal vitriol that has long been directed at him and now running mate J.D. Vance. When politicos, like the governor of Illinois, stoop to lie that Vance had sexual intercourse with a couch, then there are now no limits on anything.

Harris is certainly a “DEI” candidate. In the hysteria following the death of George Floyd and the months-long riots of 2020, Joe Biden pandered to his hard-left base that had orchestrated his nomination by forcing the withdrawal of his non-electable primary rivals by promising that he would select a black vice president who would likely be a woman.

Those racial and gender fixations explained why Biden selected Harris, who otherwise had a dismal and brief senate career. As a candidate herself, she had failed to win a single primary or a single delegate and withdrew in humiliation from the 2019-20 race without even entering a primary or caucus.

During the violent days of the summer of 2020’s rioting, arson, and looting, Harris virtue signaled her eagerness to get on the presidential ticket in ways that would have proved impossible on her own merits, apparently by pandering to the hard-left BLM/Antifa base.

So, she loudly helped to raise money to bail out Minnesota rioters and looters. She bragged on CBS that protests (that had long proved violent and had led to deaths and hundreds of injured law enforcement officers) would and should not cease. And thus, we, the American people, she boasted, should “beware” that the unrest would continue up to and beyond Election Day. That warning is about as provocatively left-wing as it gets in American politics and was far more reckless than anything Trump said on January 6. Yet apparently her radical incitement either helped, or was excused, in her appointment as Biden’s running mate

Moreover, Harris has indeed played the race card, sometimes presenting herself as the “first” California Indian-American senator, sometimes altering her accent to a black patois to emphasize her supposedly authentic black credentials—as the child of an immigrant, Jamaican, and Stanford professor father.

There are other tempting but dead-end Trump targets.

Given that his lead over Biden had been growing weekly and given the president’s exponential rate of cognitive decline, it was natural to keep harping on Biden as the “worst” president in U.S. history. As Trump put it, the entire Biden tenure really was a “disaster”—and thus, logically and by extension, so was Harris’s role in that calamity of an administration.

So, all these ad hominem, name-calling targets are naturally attractive. But in the few weeks left (early voting in some states is scheduled to begin in mere days), they remain dead-ends, distractions, and time-wasters.

Proving Harris is a DEI selection, a woke opportunist, a hypocrite, an utter incompetent, childlike, and indistinguishable from Joe Biden won’t win Trump a single additional MAGA vote in the swing states or one new Trump-hating Democrat.

But these ad hominem distractions will bore or even bother independent voters as they hear endless media-ginned-up controversies and psychodramas that Trump is “cruel,” “mean,” and “racist.” At best, Trump will achieve a draw with the Trump-hating media and, at worst, sacrifice precious time and opportunities better spent warning Americans of the Harris record.

Trump, again, must force Harris to come clean by either reemphasizing her lifelong extreme positions or be exposed as a flip-flopping opportunist, scrambling to reinvent herself in the fashion of a losing George McGovern, Mike Dukakis, or Jimmy Carter.

Getting tangled up in Harris’s woke and racial contortions, her opportunistically amorous past, and her bouts of cacklerhea will only suggest that Trump is desperate and playing into the hands of the woke victimization narratives.

Trump must instead hammer away that Biden-Harris has left us with a $1.2 trillion yearly interest bill on the debt, higher interest rates, 10 million unaudited illegal and often dangerous aliens, a nonexistent border, and prices on staples essential to life—key foods, fuels, power, housing, insurance, and health care—20 to 30 percent higher than when Biden took office.

He should ask Harris, “You own these policies, so why are you suddenly ashamed rather than proud of what you did?” Harris bragged that she was “proud” to have been the last person in the room with Biden on the decision to flee in disgrace from Afghanistan.

So, Trump should ask, “Then why did both of you abandon to the Taliban terrorists over 70,000 American trucks, armored vehicles, and Humvees, as well over a half-million heavy machine guns, automatic pistols, and assault weapons, along with over 100 planes and helicopters and nearly 200,000 assorted night-vision goggles, sophisticated radios, and artillery pieces?”

In our dangerous world, with an explosive Middle East, a belligerent Russia, and an oil-thirsty China, the best way to protect American energy interests and independence is not to ban fracking and horizontal drilling, stop the development of natural gas production, or mandate electric vehicles and implement the Green New Deal.

Once upon a time, the Republicans revealed to the country just how far left a nice enough George McGovern was, just how out of touch and hard leftist gentleman Mike Dukakis was, and just how unstable and unsustainable the world was that an upright Jimmy Carter had left America. Landslide rejections of those leftist agendas followed.

So, show all the clips of a word salad Harris struggling to achieve minimum coherence—but always in the context of her espousal of agendas that no one today wants.

Let the left talk of her “diversity” and being “the first female and black vice president” and the pathbreaking “black and Indian nominee” until the American people are weary of cheap woke pandering.

And let Trump simply answer, “She is the diversity candidate; I am the unity candidate. I want to help all Americans recover from the recent nightmare by offering them policies that improve their livelihoods, their freedoms, their security, and their unity with one another.”

A final note. As long as Joe Biden selfishly deceived the American people about his mental decline, as long as the president barked and snarked out his divisive Phantom-of-the-Opera, semi-fascist, and anti-MAGA speeches, as long as he demagogued to win a midterm or reelection by draining the strategic petroleum reserve, cancelling student debt, or offering amnesties, the more the people were sick of him and wanted him out.

But Biden now?

Our president is an isolated, crushed figure. He was cruelly ambushed by the very forces that had fixed his nomination in 2020 by forcing out his rivals and employing him as a ceremonial veneer for their otherwise unpalatable hard-left agendas. So just as Joe lived by the 2020 coup, so his career perished by the 2024 sequel.

Thus, Trump need not constantly pound a now impotent and increasingly irrelevant Biden with the self-evident and obvious: that he was a “horrible “president” and a “disaster.”

America knows that. It is relieved that Biden has only six months left to endanger us.

But given Biden’s diminished capacity, his visible frailty, and his seclusion, how does Trump beat Harris by beating a proverbial dead horse?

For the first time in his life, the now-neutered Biden may even gain public sympathy for his feebleness—especially as the Orwellian left narrative factory churns out new pretexts that a “courageous” Joe Biden “voluntarily” stepped down “for the good of the country” and is now a “George Washington figure.”

A Way Forward?

Again, focus on the disastrous Biden governance of the last four years. Make Harris own it. And contrast it with 2017-21 and what will follow in 2025.

But cease with the invective that he was demented, his already old debate as the worst in history, and his tenure an utter disaster.

Trump is no longer running against a has-been caretaker, whose implosion appeals to the innate sympathy of the swing voter (but not to the extent of wanting another four years of him).

Finally, in the next debate(s), Trump must not only use characteristic broad adjectives for Biden and Harris, such as “disaster,” “terrible,” or “horrible,” but simply pepper Harris with what Biden actually did and her role in it. Don’t describe Harris as a disaster, but communicate in exactly what way and precisely how in her own words. And there are 30 years of her extreme advocacies to make that case.

Do all that, and Trump will win decisively in the fashion that Republicans did in 1972, 1980, and 1988 by avoiding the personal and simply demonstrating why McGovern, Carter, and Dukakis were not what they professed to be but entirely at odds with the majority of Americans.

The left wants Trump to spend the next three months harping on Biden’s dementia, the farce of its coverup, the Democrat coup to remove him, and the off-putting record of Kamala Harris.

Yet if Trump falls for all that, he will allow the hardest-left candidate in American history to do to the United States what she and her fellow leftists did to California.

Authored by Frank Fang via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

Two U.S.-based advocacy groups are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the activities of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “united front” foreign influence organizations in the United States, after identifying groups responsible for street violence in San Francisco during Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit in 2023.

The Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) and Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) used open-source research and facial recognition technology to identify CCP-aligned actors allegedly assaulting peaceful pro-democracy protesters during Xi’s four-day visit, according to their newly-released report.

The groups found that 19 leaders of the CCP’s united front groups were in San Francisco during Xi’s visit and 12 of them allegedly participated in attacks against protesters. These leaders came from all over the United States, including New York, California, Portland, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Philadelphia.

“Investigate whether united front groups in the U.S. are acting as unregistered foreign agents of the PRC in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act,” the two groups urged the DOJ, referring to China’s official name, the People’s Republic of China.

The report also urged the DOJ to “explore the potential criminal liabilities of individuals and groups engaged in” transnational repression.

Xi arrived in San Francisco on Nov. 14 last year for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Many decided to use his visit as a platform to peacefully protest against the CCP’s human rights violations, holding demonstrations at the San Francisco International Airport; on the streets near the Moscone Center, where APEC meetings were held; in areas outside of the St. Regis Hotel where Xi stayed; and in other locations around the city.

However, the peaceful protests were marred by violence allegedly committed by Xi’s supporters and pro-CCP demonstrators. The report documents 34 cases of harassment, intimidation, and assault.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP, said in a July 31 statement that the CCP-directed attacks “were an outrageous violation of American sovereignty and the values we all hold dear.” He called on the FBI and the San Francisco Police Department to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“This thuggery—also known as transnational repression—has no place in America,” Moolenaar said. “The CCP cannot be allowed to bring its Orwellian model of totalitarian control to American soil.”

United Front Groups

The CCP leverages a network of groups, some directly under the control of the United Front Work Department within its Central Committee, to carry out its “united front” strategy to advance the regime’s interests overseas. A big part of the strategy involves exerting influence and control over Chinese diaspora communities and promoting favorable narratives about China under the CCP’s rule.

One united front leader identified in the report is Li Huahong, the head of the Chinese Anti-Cult World Alliance (CACWA). According to the report, Li, who was wearing a CACWA jacket at the time, allegedly attacked Chinese activist Jia Junwei outside of St. Regis on Nov. 14 last year. Jia had traveled to San Francisco seeking justice for her deceased father, a victim of the regime’s land expropriation policies who died in Chinese detention in 2017.

Jia said that Li “snatched her banner, dragged her into an area surrounded by other CCP supporters who held up their large PRC flags so that no one could see what was happening, pulled her hair, and hit her in the head,” the report states, adding that an ambulance later arrived at the scene and first responders treated Jia.

Li was “alleged to be involved” in more attacks the next day, alongside a dinner reception for Xi at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, according to the report. Inside a parking garage across from the hotel, an unidentified man wearing a CACWA jacket was among a group of 15 masked CCP supporters allegedly attacking Tibetan protesters, after the latter unfurled a banner with the words “Dictator Xi, Your Time Is Up.”

In 2013, Li was convicted in New York on charges of attacking Falun Gong practitioners. The faith group is persecuted by the CCP in China.

Also on Nov. 14 last year, Li Huanjun, a victim of forced demotion in China, said that she was hit in the head with a flagpole and pinched on the arms, waist, and other places several times during encounters with CCP supporters.

One of the individuals who allegedly participated in the harassment and intimidation of Li Huanjun was Jing Dongsheng, the report stated, identifying him as the president of the Oregon Association for the Promotion of the Peaceful Unification of China.

Four other united front leaders were allegedly responsible for attacks against Chinese activist Wang Wei on Nov. 15 last year. According to the report, their names are Wengxi Zhuoma, president of the Sichuan Association of Washington State; Guo Jianwei, president of the Henan Association of Washington State; Fang Weixia, chair of the Association of China’s Peaceful Reunification of Washington State; and Chen Wenshen, vice president of the Seattle-area Fujian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Washington State.

In a video, Fang can be seen “punching … and kicking” activist Wang, according to the report.

Wang explained in the report that he was wearing a “Free China” sticker on his arm, which could be the reason he became a target of the CCP supporters.

“A question which the U.S. government, local governments, and federal and local law enforcement authorities may need to confront is whether the CCP united front groups and individuals are essentially acting as unregistered foreign agents, in which case they may be in breach of the law,” the two groups wrote.

Transnational Repression

HKDC and SFT said that local authorities in San Francisco did not do enough to protect protesters.

“Despite strong awareness of CCP [transnational repression] at the federal level and a general commitment to countering it, agencies were unprepared to do so in San Francisco,” the two groups wrote.

“Local law enforcement authorities exhibited a lack of awareness of [transnational repression], were often unresponsive when alerted to the attacks, and took little and inadequate action in response to the attacks.”

The report explained that protesters had to change their protest plans several times “due to safety concerns.”

For example, Tibetan and Uyghur groups canceled their plan to march to the Hyatt Regency on Nov. 15, 2023.

“When they saw the large numbers of CCP supporters gathered outside the hotel and an absence of separate protest zones, they decided against this course of action as they feared it could lead to a potentially violent confrontation,” the report reads.

Standing Up for Liberty

The report offered recommendations to the White House, the Department of State, the DOJ, the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Congress, and state and local authorities to address the CCP’s acts of transnational repression.

It urges the State Department to impose targeted sanctions against foreign individuals who “direct or engage” in acts of transnational repression. It also asks the Department of Homeland Security to offer transnational repression-related training to state and local law enforcement.

Congress is also urged to pass legislation such as the Transnational Repression Policy Act, the Stop Transnational Repression Act (H.R.5907), the Combating Transnational Repression Act of 2024 (H.R. 7443), the Law Enforcement Support and Transnational Repression Hotline Act (H.R. 7433), and the Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Combat Transnational Repression Act (H.R. 7439).

Introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) in February and co-sponsored by Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), and Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), H.R. 7439 would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a “transnational repression threat training program” for state, local, tribal, campus, and territorial law enforcement, according to a press release.

“Silence and lack of action will surely signal to the CCP that it has ‘gotten away with it’ and simply encourage it to continue to pursue its objectives to silence, intimidate, and inflict violence on those it perceives as its enemies abroad,” the report reads.

“At best, it leaves those who live in the United States and advocate for freedom and human rights in East Turkestan, Hong Kong, the PRC, and Tibet uncertain and skeptical that U.S. authorities will protect them when the CCP seeks to come after them, and, at worst, fearful and intimidated in the ‘land of the free.’”

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.

Authored by George Citroner via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

The internet drives news cycles and touches practically every aspect of our lives—from communicating with friends and family to finding a job. The current crop of teens is unique from any previous generation in that they are immersed in a virtual world that can present very differently from reality. Many teens have become addicted to it.

A 2023 Statista survey found that U.S. teenagers spent an average of 4.8 hours on social media platforms every day, with girls spending an average of 5.3 hours compared to 4.4 hours for boys.

“Being as excessive and addictive screen use is routinely listed as one of parents’ biggest concerns for children, I think it’s overdue that we start educating children as early as possible about the dangers of unhealthy and mindless screen use,” Anthony Anzalone, a clinical psychologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told The Epoch Times.

Teen Brain Development Affected

Scientists have begun investigating the consequences of living one’s life online, and what they’ve discovered is discouraging.

A systematic review from the University College London, published in June in PLOS Mental Health, looked at 12 studies involving 237 youths aged 10 to 19 who had a formal diagnosis of internet addiction between 2013 and 2023. All the studies were conducted in Asian countries.

Researchers defined internet addiction as an inability to resist the urge to use the internet, which negatively affects mental well-being, as well as aspects of social, educational, and work life.

All studies reviewed used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine how areas of the brain interact with each other (functional connectivity) in participants living with internet addiction while at rest and while completing a task. The effects were seen throughout multiple regions of the adolescent brain.

The studies showed a mixture of increased and decreased activity in parts of the brain that are activated during rest, along with an overall decrease in functional connectivity in parts of the brain used in active thinking.

The findings indicate these changes lead to addictive behaviors and tendencies in adolescents and behavioral changes associated with intellectual ability, physical coordination, and mental health and development.

Functional Changes in the Brain

Another study, published in 2023 in JAMA Pediatrics, investigated a group of 169 sixth- and seventh-grade students from a middle school in rural North Carolina. Researchers split the students into smaller groups according to how often they reported checking their Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat feeds.

The habitual user group members checked their feeds 15 or more times daily, moderate users between one and 14 times, and nonhabitual users less than once daily.

The children received three brain scans at roughly one-year intervals while they played a computer game that offered rewards and punishment in the form of smiling or scowling faces.

While playing the game, frequent checkers demonstrated changes in brain regions linked to reward processing, which typically responds to experiences like winning money or risk-taking. They also had difficulty controlling impulsive or habitual behaviors.

The findings indicate that teens who grow up checking social media more often become hypersensitive to feedback from other kids. They also experience fewer or less intense positive feelings from previously rewarding stimuli, which could drive them to pursue more potent feelings through increased reward-seeking behavior.

However, the effects of habitual checking may depend on the individual, according to the authors.

In some children, checking could become “compulsive and problematic” while others engage in “an adaptive behavior that allows them to better navigate their increasingly digital environment,” the authors suggested.

Signs of Disruption

Anzalone said that much like with other addictions, people addicted to the internet tend to exhibit a pattern of behaviors that impede daily functioning, such as excessive preoccupation with screen use and withdrawal symptoms when screen use is not possible.

Other notable features of internet addiction include the following:

• Inability to reduce time spent online
• Lack of interest in other activities
• Continued screen use despite real-world problems
• Use of gaming to remove negative moods
• Jeopardizing jobs, school, or relationships due to screen use

Treatment

According to Anzalone, treating teen internet addiction requires strong family involvement.

He pointed out that most of the evidence regarding the treatment of internet addiction revolves around a combination of family therapy “to help promote effective communication and collaboration between caregivers and children,” promoting other activities to replace “hazardous media use,” and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address distortions that patients may have about themselves or their screen usage.

CBT is based on the idea that how people think about situations can affect their feelings and behaviors. Family therapy is a type of talk therapy focused on improving relationships between family members, which can help treat specific mental health or behavioral issues.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 57 randomized controlled trials found that CBT, in combination with other treatments, was among the therapies that ranked best to treat internet addiction effectively.

“In many cases, the internet addiction is the symptom and not the cause of the problem, so it’s essential that we address any underlying mental health conditions that may be exacerbating the issues, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder),” Anzalone added.

However, he emphasized that in severe cases, a “digital detox” may be needed. In this detox, exposure to nonessential screen use is gradually reduced, and mindful habits and better-quality activities replace constant digital stimulation. Only after this detox can children be safely reintroduced to technology.

Prevention

Anzalone suggested that parents be educated about how harmful excessive screen use is for children and provided with tools to help them raise children with healthy screen habits, the most important of which is parental support and interaction.

“For young children, nothing will ever replace the quality time a caregiver spends with their child,” he said.

He added that the more parents help their children explore their environment, encourage play outside, and provide children with emotional, social, and persistence coaching to help them better connect with the world and build resiliency to handle life’s stressors, “the less we will see them engage in various negative and maladaptive behaviors.”

Authored by Autumn Spredemann via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

Post-election demonstrations in Venezuela continue as pressure mounts against disputed President Nicolás Maduro, who has firmly stood his ground amid ongoing calls to release voting details from the July 28 general election. In the streets, clashes between Venezuelan security forces and protesters have resulted in at least 20 deaths, according to Human Rights Watch.

On Aug. 3, Maduro announced that 2,000 civilian arrests have been made and denounced those who contest his administration.

“This time, there will be no forgiveness,” Maduro said during a Saturday rally of his supporters in Caracas. “We have 2,000 prisoners captured and from there, they will go to Tocorón and Tocuyito [prisons], maximum punishment, justice.”

During what Maduro supporters called a “grand national march for the defense of peace,” allies of the disputed head of state gathered outside the presidential palace of Miraflores while Maduro delivered a fiery address that condemned the opposition-led protests.

Maduro called for the arrest of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez for “electoral fraud,” and demanded a criminal sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison. Court authorities in Caracas reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Machado on July 31 for challenging the accuracy of the election results and encouraging protesters.

Regardless, demonstrators are standing their ground after a week of protests, saying they believe there is evidence showing Gonzalez won the July 28 general election.

Standing on a truck surrounded by other members of the nation’s largest anti-Chavez coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform, Machado appeared before a crowd of opposition supporters on Saturday to encourage Venezuelans to fight for election integrity in the country.

“After 6 days of brutal repression, they thought they were going to silence us, stop us, or intimidate us … look at the response,” Machado posted alongside a video of the opposition rally on the social media platform X.

“Today, the presence of each citizen on the streets of Venezuela demonstrates the magnitude of the civic strength we have and the determination to go to the end,” Machado said.

Presidential candidate Gonzalez also took to social media to show his support for the protesters and the calls for transparent election results.

“Today, united Venezuela came out, without fear, in peace and with family, to demand respect for its decision at the polls. We will ensure that your decision is respected and we will begin the re-institutionalization of Venezuela,” Gonzalez stated on his X account.

Venezuela’s post election demonstrations come at a time when “Chavismo” advocacy, named after former socialist President Hugo Chavez, has hit an all time low. In the months leading up to the presidential election, Maduro lost key support among voters that have historically been loyal to the country’s entrenched socialist party.

Much of this is due to the unprecedented economic crisis that has come to a head since Maduro became president in 2013. Venezuela’s GDP contracted by more than 75 percent between 2013 and 2021, according to the International Monetary Fund. It represents the single largest economic collapse for a nation not at war in nearly five decades.

This, in turn, has ignited an exodus of more than 7 million Venezuelans since 2014, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

The United States is among the growing pool of international voices, which includes Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, that are pressuring Maduro to release election vote details.

On Aug. 1, U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced a resolution for the United States to recognize Gonzalez as the president-elect of Venezuela.

“The Venezuelan people’s desire for freedom and democracy is admirable. The recent electoral process, which narco-dictator Maduro fraudulently claims he won, has been a testament to the tenacity of the Venezuelan spirit,” Rubio stated in a press release.

The following day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Gonzalez and Machado to congratulate the opposition candidate for “receiving the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election as documented by the democratic opposition’s extensive efforts to ensure a transparent accounting of the votes.”

Talk about eating your own tail…

Seattle is infested with so much crime, its jails are running out of space. And, because King County Jail is running out of space, the city is now considering a program that “would pay for jail beds at the SCORE jail facility in Des Moines,” according to KIRO 7. 

Its a move that the report says “would cost Seattle millions”. And, unsurprisingly, it isn’t winning any fans in Des Moines, as the SCORE facility would be used for offenders who are locked up only for 24-48 hours, before being released. 

The report says that the Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee met Wednesday to discuss a pilot plan, with public comments varying from full support to calling it “theatre.” The proposal would fund at least 20 beds, costing $1.5 to $3 million annually, depending on usage.

“It’s scary. It’s scary. Currently things are quiet, but if they start releasing them into our neighborhood, things could change,” said Joan Longnecker, who lives near the SCORE facility in Des Moines.

Another neighbor says he doesn’t mind the program “as long as they are not released directly from that facility.”

Under the proposal, Seattle officers would escort offenders to the facility and court dates, but the handoff process post-release is still being finalized. The City Council may vote on the pilot on August 6. A similar program with King County jails and SCORE was tried last year but ended after a few months due to cost and sustainability issues.

Seattle does know they can use these very same tax dollars to pay the salaries of tough-on-crime DAs whose policies on crimes aren’t ‘let them back on the streets no matter what they do’, right? 

Submitted by Brent Johnson of Santiago Capital.

Executive Summary

This report delves into the profound investment implications of innovation eras, specifically examining the 1920s and the 2000s.

These periods have significantly influenced economic growth, stock market behavior, and investment strategies. They demonstrate how genuine technological advancements can drive economic booms, yet also underscore the risks of speculative bubbles when investor expectations exceed realistic outcomes, leading to market volatility and economic challenges.

The 1920s marked a transformative era for the automobile industry, transitioning cars from luxury items to mass-market products. Henry Ford’s production innovations drastically reduced costs, making the Model T affordable for the average American family. The success of the Model T catalyzed economic growth in related sectors, including steel, rubber, and oil, due to the increased demand for raw materials. Major auto manufacturers like Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler became industry titans. GM’s strategy of offering diverse models at different price points and Chrysler’s aggressive expansion through acquisitions and innovative engineering attracted significant investor interest.

However, the euphoria surrounding the auto industry led to speculative investments, not only in manufacturers but also in companies producing auto parts, tires, and infrastructure related to automobiles. Smaller, often financially unstable car manufacturers like Durant Motors and Marmon Motor Car Company attracted substantial investments, driven by the hope of finding the next big success. The practice of buying stocks on margin exacerbated the speculative bubble. This method allowed investors to purchase stocks with borrowed money, increasing both potential gains and risks. When stock prices declined, it triggered a wave of selling to cover margin calls, contributing to market instability.

By the late 1920s, production capacity outpaced consumer demand, leading to financial strain on smaller manufacturers. The realization that the extraordinary growth rates were unsustainable culminated in the stock market crash of 1929. The crash wiped out billions in wealth and precipitated the Great Depression, highlighting the fragile nature of speculative-driven markets.

The 2000s introduced the digital age, characterized by the proliferation of the internet, mobile technologies, and social media platforms. Companies like Nvidia, Apple, Google, Meta, Tesla, Microsoft, and Amazon, collectively known as the “Magnificent 7,” became central to market valuations. These companies drove significant technological innovation and societal disruption, leading to immense market concentration. At peak valuations, the three largest of these (Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple) collectively represented around a third of US GDP, a concentration unparalleled since the 1920s.

Extreme valuations of today’s tech giants are driven by assumptions of continued exponential growth, invulnerability to competition, and resistance to future technological disruptions. These assumptions mirror the speculative optimism of the 1920s. The lessons from historical manias indicate that high
valuations based on overly optimistic projections often lead to speculative bubbles and market corrections.

Both the 1920s and the 2000s experienced rapid market adoption of new technologies, transforming daily life and driving economic growth. However, both periods also faced significant speculative excesses, leading to financial instability. Innovations in the 1920s, such as the automobile and household appliances, fundamentally changed how people lived and worked. Similarly, digital advancements in the 2000s, including smartphones and social media, redefined communication, media consumption, and social interactions.

The historical parallels between the 1920s and the 2000s provide valuable insights into the relationship between technological innovation and investor behavior. While technological advancements can drive substantial economic growth, they also tend to lead to speculative bubbles and financial instability.  

These two eras also caused much bigger investor manias due to the multitude of simultaneous technological breakthroughs.

In isolation, each has had a profound impact on society and financial markets.

Collectively, even more so.

In both instances, the same common flawed thinking prevailed: There would be limited or no competition, the existing technology would not be surpassed, and estimations of future market saturation points were grossly exaggerated.

We know the 1920s ended very badly. Expectations of future investment returns were predicated on nonsensical forecasts, market share and no future disruption. While we don’t yet know the ending of our current boom, we believe it is helpful to understand the relationship between innovation and investment manias of the past

As new technological advancements continue to emerge, and tales of riches are presented, investors must remain vigilant about the risks that are sure to accompany these opportunities. The examples of past manias suggest the stretched valuations of tech giants today will eventually, and undoubtedly, also face challenges.

The report seeks to emphasize the dual nature of technological progress—driving economic growth while also posing risks of speculative bubbles. Investors should balance their enthusiasm for new technologies with realistic assessments of market dynamics and potential risks, drawing lessons from historical innovation eras to navigate the current landscape.

Background

Why are these two eras so important and unique in financial history? What makes them so distinctly different from other innovation manias?

How do technology revolutions lead to investment manias? Why do new inventions stir up animal spirits within investors? What makes them take leave of their senses, where genuine innovation breakthroughs lead them to suspend rational behavior?

These two eras are unique for the multitude of innovations that took place within them.

Most other innovation eras were centralized around a single innovation, whereas these two eras had many innovations colliding with each other all at once. As a result, these were turbo-charged.

Conversely, the Canal Mania of the early 19th century in Britain was driven by the enthusiasm for constructing canals to improve transportation and stimulate economic growth. The success of earlier canal projects, such as the Bridgewater Canal, fueled speculative investment in new canal schemes.

Promoters of canal projects issued shares and attracted significant investments, often based on exaggerated claims of profitability and future traffic. The bubble led to the construction of numerous canals, many of which were unprofitable due to overbuilding and competition. By the mid-1820s, the canal industry faced financial difficulties, and many investors suffered losses as canal stock prices fell and several projects failed.

The Railway Mania in Britain in the 1840s was one of the first major technology-driven investment bubbles. As railways began to revolutionize transportation, promising faster, more efficient movement of goods and people, investors poured money into railway companies. The promise of huge returns fueled speculative investments, driving up stock prices.

At its peak, Parliament authorized nearly 9,500 miles of railways – way beyond excess capacity. However, by 1846, the bubble burst, and investors lost fortunes as overvalued shares plummeted and numerous railway companies went bankrupt.

The introduction of steamships in the early 19th century transformed maritime transportation, leading to a surge in investment in steamship companies. The potential for faster and more efficient trans-oceanic travel attracted speculative investments in new steamship lines and related infrastructure. Companies were often promoted with grand claims about their capabilities and potential profits.

However, the overestimation of demand, competition, and technical difficulties led to a financial collapse in the steamship sector. Many companies failed, and stock prices plummeted, reflecting the overhyped expectations and eventual disillusionment with the steamship industry.

The development of the electric telegraph in the mid-19th century revolutionized communication by enabling near-instantaneous transmission of messages over long distances. The success of Samuel Morse’s telegraph system inspired a wave of investment in telegraph companies and related technologies.

Speculators were drawn to the rapid expansion of telegraph networks and the promise of lucrative returns from international communications. Companies such as the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which aimed to lay an undersea cable between Europe and North America, saw their stock prices soar. However, technical challenges and financial difficulties, including the failure of early transatlantic cables, led to a collapse in telegraph stock values and substantial investor losses.

In the early 20th century, the electric power industry saw rapid technological advances and widespread adoption. Companies that promised to deliver electricity to homes and businesses attracted massive investment. The advent of electric lighting, along with the development of electrical appliances, drove speculative enthusiasm. Accordingly, investors flocked to electric utility companies and electric equipment manufacturers.

However, the market soon became oversaturated with numerous competing companies, many of which were financially unstable. When the bubble burst, many electric companies failed, and investors faced substantial losses. This period highlighted the risks of overinvesting in emerging technologies without solid business fundamentals.

In each of these singular innovation examples, the same common the same flawed thinking prevailed:

• There would be limited or no competition
• The existing technology would not be surpassed
• Estimations of future market saturation points were grossly exaggerated.

What happens when many innovations happen at once?

If one singular innovation can lead to crazy investor behavior, what happens to investor behavior when many innovations occur at once?

In the case of 1929, it took 25 years for the Dow Jones Industrial Average to surpass the peak of 1929.

Let’s look at how today’s innovation euphoria compares to then.

Continue reading at the Macro Alchemist.