national security

• Global stocks rise but oil, Fed keep investors nervous (Reuters)
• Janet Yellen: An orthodox economist for unorthodox times (Reuters)
• House Democrats Said to Be Open to Lifting Oil Export Ban (BBG)
• Don't Count on an Oil Rally If U.S. Crude Export Ban Is Lifted (BBG)
• Germany welcomes 34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism (Reuters)
• U.S. soldier Bergdahl may face life sentence in court-martial over desertion (Reuters)

If the United States were truly serious about terrorism, it would start by gauging the level of threat properly and communicating that appraisal to the American people: We would also have a more honest and open discussion about our own role in generating it; we would now be having a frank discussion about the role of the media; we’d also see more creative efforts to discredit, marginalize, spoof, and embarrass the groups we oppose; and you’d see a more hardnosed approach to the various American “allies” who are part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

As President Obama prepares executive action to pass further gun control legislation, one errant reporter dared to ask the White House press secretary exactly how such proposals would have prevented any recent mass shootings. The response was... as expected.

Everyone Agrees that We Need to Stop Mass Shootings ... But This ISN'T the Way to Do It

Syria was a secondary topic on Putin's mind today when during a meeting with his defense chiefs, Putin gave the order "to strengthen Russia’s strategic nuclear forces amid rising tensions with the U.S. over the global balance of power."

“There are enough people in the last two nights of the sample to question the widespread assumption that Trump’s comments will hurt him among GOP primary voters.”

We are at a critical crossroads in American history, and we have a choice: freedom or fascism. Let’s hope the American people make the right choice while we still have the freedom to choose.

Since taking office, Obama has boosted the number of people on the no fly list more than ten-fold, to an all-time high of 47,000 - surpassing the number of people barred from flying under George W. Bush. So should we be at all surprised that President Obama is using one egregious violation of Constitutional rights to target another?

"...Should you continue your flagrant support of Saudi Arabia by way of foreign aid and weapons sales, you are no longer to be trusted to hold an elected position of influence. You should therefore resign, effective immediately. The question is: Is your allegiance to the people of the United States, or are you beholden to another kingdom?"

"What you're going to hear from him is a discussion about what government is doing to ensure all of our highest priority — the protection of the American people," the US attorney general said. Lynch's staff later confirmed that the president will specifically call on Congress to review certain gun control measures. And since Congress has long ago given up on taking action in a world in which the Fed's Chairman/woman is expected to "get to work", it will again be up to an Obama executive order to restore peace to the land by continuing his crusade against the Second amendment.

Update: DMV releases driver's license photo of Farook

In a press briefing on Thursday, San Bernardino officials catalogued the weapons and ammo discovered in the vehicle and home of Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik who killed 21 and wounded 14 on Wednesday. Additionally, CNN (citing "sources") says Farook was likely "radicalized." The pair were "well equipped" and could have staged another attack, police say.

Having stated unequivocally last week that "we can't let this become the new normal.. enough is enough," following the Planned Parenthood shooting, President Obama - having seen a record amount of background checks for gun purchases over the Black Friday weekend - is set to make a statement (alongside his National Security Team) with regard the mass shooting in San Bernardino yesterday...

If we are forced to keep our money in the bank... and cash is outlawed... the Deep State will have total economic control over us all.

“Russia’s installation of their anti-aircraft missile-defense system increases that possibility of — whether it’s intentional or even an accidental event — where one side may shoot down the other side’s plane. And that’s really where the potential is for this devastating nuclear war."

“These special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence, and capture ISIL leaders."