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A Billionaire Lectures Serfs In Davos: "America's Lifestyle Expectations Are Far Too High"

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Mike Krieger via Liberty Blitzkrieg blog,

If you listened closely this morning, you could hear humanity vomit as JP Morgan CEO, Jamie Dimon, began to speak at Davos. In what amounted to some of the most egotistical and delusional statements heard at a conference filled with egotistical and delusional participants, Mr. Dimon didn’t disappoint. Here are a couple highlights courtesy of Twitter:

 

Such shameless insincerity would even make his Best Banker Buddy (BBB) Barry Obama blush. I don’t know about you, but I’m eagerly awaiting Mr. Dimon’s 2028 Presidential run with Chelsea Clinton as running mate.

But I digress. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it has. Enter billionaire Jeff Greene, who’s comments at Davos make Sam Zell look enlightened.

From Bloomberg:

Billionaire Jeff Greene, who amassed a multibillion dollar fortune betting against subprime mortgage securities, says the U.S. faces a jobs crisis that will cause social unrest and radical politics.

 

“America’s lifestyle expectations are far too high and need to be adjusted so we have less things and a smaller, better existence,” Greene said in an interview today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We need to reinvent our whole system of life.”

Wait a minute, “we” need to reinvent our whole system of life? I’m curious, Mr. Greene, how specifically will YOU be adjusting your lifestyle expectations? I didn’t think so. Kindly shut the fuck up.

Greene, who flew his wife, children and two nannies on a private jet plane to Davos for the week, said he’s planning a conference in Palm Beach, Florida, at the Tideline Hotel called “Closing the Gap.” The event, which he said is scheduled for December, will feature speakers such as economist Nouriel Roubini.

Apologies, it appears when it comes to Jeff Greene, he is adjusting his expectations in the opposite direction, upward. Jewish Business News reports that:

Billionaire Jeff Greene really does believe that he can get $195 million for his California estate, which just so happens to be the most expensive listing for a residential property in American history.

 

The 59 year old made his money by betting against the subprime mortgage market that burst in 2008. But many observers think that the $195 million price tag on the Beverly Hills property is just a type of marketing gimmick and that Greene does not honestly expect to get that much money for it.

 

Greene dispelled these rumors in an interview with the New York Times. “When you consider the value of the land and the quality of the construction. $195 million is really quite reasonable,” he said.

Oh, but there’s more. When Mr. Greene had the audacity to run for the U.S. Senate in Florida back in 2010, salacious details about what went onboard his yacht came out. While I don’t care what he or his friends do in their spare time, this doesn’t seem to vibe with the idea of Americans lowering their lifestyle expectations, does it?

From the Huffington Post:

Working on Greene’s 145-foot Choy Lee yacht was like being “locked” in Studio 54 in its prime. It was nothing short of, “Sex, Drugs, and Techno Music.” Celebrities, “hired” party girls, mayhem, and debauchery. I saw more tits and ass in one night on Jeff Greene’s Summerwind than I have for the past seven years on South Beach.

 

Greene attempted to dispel reports of the alleged partying that went down on his boat earlier this week.

 

“When I’m on my boat, we’re kayaking, we’re scuba diving, there’s no wild parties,”said the Senate hopeful at a press conference. “I think that people are trying to associate time I’ve been on my boat when I’ve had some different kinds of colorful guests. They’re trying to associate me with that. But, look, I’m a 55-year-old man. I’m not a partier.”

 

The “colorful people” alluded to by Greene could include Lindsay Lohan, whoreportedly spent time on the yacht in St. Barth’s last New Year’s Eve, and former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, who has reportedly partaken in vibrant festivities aboard the vessel.

 

Peach recalls, “Mike Tyson got on board sometime in late August. I particularly remember serving Tyson a vodka and Red Bull while he was receiving oral sex from a hired entertainer.”

 

Tyson, now sober, offered a detailed account of time he spent on Greene’s yacht to Sports Illustrated last month.

 

“This [drug dealer] goes and gets me a big rock of cocaine,” he said. “So pretty soon I got a party going on. I got everything: I got these rugby players. I got these naked girls, I got all these … everything’s going on in the room.” 

Now back to the Bloomberg article:

The billionaire said he’s planning on having dinner tonight with former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, and will attend several private meals and parties throughout the week.

It’s no surprise that such a disingenuous guy would find the time to have dinner with Tony Blair, a celebrated crony capitalist and war criminal. Here are a few Tony Blair lowlights I have showcased previously:

Picture of the Day – A Very Creepy Season’s Greetings from Tony Blair

Tony Blair Gets Paid (Again) – Secret $61,000 per Month Contract with Saudis Revealed

Letter Reveals Tony Blair Advised Kazakhstan’s President on How to Spin Massacre of Innocent, Unarmed Protesters

Apparently, some lifestyle expectations are more equal than others.

Have a Nice Day:

Screen Shot 2015-01-21 at 11.43.31 AM

 

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Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:13 | 5695335 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

 This is so pathetic. Asia is so desperate that they're covering $usd denominated loans to cover interest payments.

 The carnage is going to be even worse than 07.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:18 | 5695339 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

I was alarmed that they had to have a panel of "experts" on CNN today regarding this "Deflategate" football crap that included a "super blogger" for the Indianapolis Colts who stated "we would have lost anyway".  What is the argument about and is it really news?  WHO THE FUCK CARES?  Everyone knows that it is the National Fix League anyway.  I had to shut that off.  There are too many other things to concern oneself with.  Is this really what we are down to?  Talk about bread and circuses but I think many of us are short of bread.     

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:27 | 5695813 Refuse-Resist
Refuse-Resist's picture

Watching TV is the path to hell. The path to a braindead hypnotized existence.

I find that the less TV to which I am exposed, the less fearful I am (of anything) and the less I 'need' certain products.  I see the females in my household appear to be more suceptible to the poisonous lies coming out of the telescreen, therefore they benefit even more by not be exposed to propaganda, advertising, and the cesspool known as American culture.

 

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:17 | 5695340 Alternative
Alternative's picture

Waaaa! Waaaa! The guy got rich on betting against the subprime and now is saying that Americans live better than they deserve.

As if their voting makes them deserve anything except slavery?!

What a shocker. 

Waaaa, waaaa!

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:23 | 5695345 The Blank Stare
The Blank Stare's picture

WOW! Who would have thought that acting in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" could turn you into billionare?

 

I wonder how Larry David is doing?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:23 | 5695347 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

What's he think about Israeli standard of living ???

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:26 | 5695349 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

No. I definitely don't want a weak JPM......I want a dead JPM.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:27 | 5695351 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

Does he know how Moe Greene wound up ???

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:49 | 5695354 bunnyswanson
bunnyswanson's picture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veEONs44rhM&x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=8...

If it cannot be everyone's world, than it will be no one's world.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 15:40 | 5697652 RichardParker
RichardParker's picture

bunny:

Apparently David Crowley pissed off the wrong people.

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2015/01/20/david-crowley-army-veteran-and-g...

 

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:43 | 5695366 Niall Of The Ni...
Niall Of The Nine Hostages's picture

Anyone who thinks the two women not his wife he brought to Davos are "nannies" is too stupid to live.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:20 | 5695792 e_goldstein
e_goldstein's picture

I'm pretty sure the only person who thinks they are nannies is his wife.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:50 | 5695375 GRDguy
GRDguy's picture

In an illustrated dictionary, there's probably a picture of that guy, [one of the top agents of the Great Red Dragon (Serpent, Snakes In Suits, etc)] right next to the word "sociopath"; which is defined as "intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they cold-bloodedly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret." (From "Snakes in Suits")

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:50 | 5695376 sidiji
sidiji's picture

that fkr deserves to be strung up, along with his wife and 2 kids....this arrogance exceeds those of the French nobility pre-revolution...disgusting

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:52 | 5695377 pragmatic hobo
pragmatic hobo's picture

stfu and eat your ipad you slaves.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:53 | 5695378 enloe creek
enloe creek's picture

You made choices and were born into the family you had. Life goes on forget everything else. Be whatever you can as best you can. Unless you are an evil type then don't be so good at it.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:53 | 5695379 enloe creek
enloe creek's picture

You made choices and were born into the family you had. Life goes on forget everything else. Be whatever you can as best you can. Unless you are an evil type then don't be so good at it.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:52 | 5695380 q99x2
q99x2's picture

Everything changes over time and rarely does it change according to the human will.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 01:54 | 5695382 dirty belly
dirty belly's picture

Let them have all they want.  They will choke to their demise on it after it all implodes on them.  It's like seeing and hearing some kind of broken machine coming to an end, all the grinding sparking squealing quaking thumping flaming smoking hemorrhaging  squirting.  Then the old building finally caves in on them and it's over.  I can see that. 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:42 | 5697500 MeelionDollerBogus
MeelionDollerBogus's picture

Really? To me looks like they've got a sweet 1000 year setup for iron gates, gold pavement and slavery for all the rest of us if we don't rise up and put an end to it with our own hands.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:05 | 5695389 Lies All Lies
Lies All Lies's picture

If you useless keyboard warriors  spent as much time and energy trying to make a success of your lives as you do aimlessly postng smart-arse comments to your equally hopeless mates on this forum..... YOU TOO COULD HAVE A PRIVATE JET!! (or even a nice car)

I guarantee you, HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL people do not waste their time at forums like this.

It's for second rate losers. That's you.

 

(That's it. I've spent almost 10 mins on this. That's enough. More important things to do. )

 

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:13 | 5695396 Bunghole
Bunghole's picture

10 minutes?  More like 90.  Yeah, you must be real busy.  

Did mom just heat up a Hot Pocket and refresh your Capri Sun?

Because it never gets old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSA_sWGM44

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:11 | 5695476 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

I guarantee you, HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL people do not waste their time at forums like this.

Pot calling the kettle black is quite popular.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:19 | 5695411 Latitude25
Latitude25's picture

No, You had to register and wait for email confirmation.  You're a committed blogger.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:22 | 5695485 Otrader
Otrader's picture

Mr Greene, is that you?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 04:27 | 5695567 JamaicaJim
JamaicaJim's picture

Fuck off dickless.....fucking lying cunt

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:28 | 5695658 yrbmegr
yrbmegr's picture

Lol

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:41 | 5695670 MickV
MickV's picture

17 week .gov troll

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:05 | 5695697 fel.temp.reparatio
fel.temp.reparatio's picture

"I guarantee you, HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL people do not waste their time at forums like this."

...says the idiot wasting their time at a forum like this.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:48 | 5695744 yrbmegr
yrbmegr's picture

Of couse, some highly successful people DO spend time at forums like this.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:40 | 5697491 MeelionDollerBogus
MeelionDollerBogus's picture

It's crime, not success - if we all want to turn to crime the world will burn in a week.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:08 | 5695397 AgShaman
AgShaman's picture

Normally, I associate the color red with pitchforks...

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:16 | 5695407 Latitude25
Latitude25's picture

I don't let billionaires, socialists or anyone else define what quality of life is.  I have absolutely no interest in their life styles.  I'm happy.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:30 | 5695424 Batman11
Batman11's picture

Working in his own self interest he does recognize the strong possibility that the masses are going to rise up against the new super rich.

The master plan - adjust everyones expectations lower.

BUT this will be a reality for those lower down the scale, those at the top will just use PR to pretend they are doing it.

Hopefully, those horrible masses won't rise up and take away all his lovely money.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:37 | 5695431 divingengineer
divingengineer's picture

How do you like your billionaire? 

Medium rare?

A little pink inside?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:16 | 5695480 bunnyswanson
bunnyswanson's picture

Rothschild Cutlets, Dimon Under Glass.  Rockefeller on Rye.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 02:37 | 5695432 Counterpunch
Counterpunch's picture

The guy grew up middle class in MA - one has to wonder how much his fortune was due to "Jewish Privilege"  -wealthy and connected jews all engaging in ethnonepotism

 

Sure - maybe he's totally self-made, and maybe Jewish networking on Wall Street has nothing to do with it.

 

He's still a fucking cunt.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:16 | 5695478 Raging Debate
Raging Debate's picture

I have no issue with Jeff's wealth. He is right, the US as it sits now is unsustainable.

Half the population on now lowered wages and higher cost of living cannot support the other half.

Boy was Ross Perot right. You lose 1/3 total of all productivity that generates a tax base, allow $500B a year in tax loopholes while setting up a police state to tax the shit out of the little guy and demonize the population and you get the implosion in America we are living through.

Cicero was right about traitors and leadership. We're close to being Mexico with a big military. So where do we ratchet down further from here Bangledesh?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 05:25 | 5695613 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

I think we are now Fascist Italy & Spain 1930s, both of which still have zip going for them.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:42 | 5695509 mog
mog's picture

New film.

American Sniper 2.

Starring Jeff Greene

About time it was produced and directed by those who' have to change their lifestyle'.

Production dates running late.

Get it back on schedule.

Why are we plebs letting it happen?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 05:23 | 5695610 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

And there is this today, proving we are mostly gerbils:

IRS Hires Company Behind HealthCare.Gov Disaster To Build Obamacare Tax System...

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 03:50 | 5695541 Joe A
Joe A's picture

I say, lead by example and renounce all your wealth and go and live with the homeless.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 04:49 | 5695586 smacker
smacker's picture

"Tony Blair, a celebrated crony capitalist and war criminal"

Watching the Blair POS nowadays makes it hard to believe that he used to be a socialist Labour Party activist, attending CND Ban The Bomb marches and such. Nicknamed "Miranda" at university. Allegedly prosecuted for sexual importuning (aka "cottaging") in a public lavatory in London's Piccadilly.

In 1997, he wriggled his way into government (New Labour, aka Fascist Labour) and quickly became a modern day fascist in the Mussolini mould (not the Hitler mould because Blair already knew that jews have power, influence and wealth, so he cosied up to them). Followed by an illegal invasion of Iraq thru lies which make him a war criminal.

He's now a multi-millionaire, earning money doing disreputable things for some of the world's foulest criminal despots.

And politicians wonder why huge numbers of people have zero trust and confidence in them. They need look no further than Tony Blair for an explanation.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 05:18 | 5695606 css1971
css1971's picture

Democracy if it ever really existed, is gone. Bought and paid for.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 05:25 | 5695614 css1971
css1971's picture

I don't listen to hypocrites.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:07 | 5695643 KashNCarry
KashNCarry's picture

Off with their heads!

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:22 | 5695652 CHX
CHX's picture

<<< billionaires deserve their whealth

<<< nobody deserves to own that much

 

Simple question...Which is it?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:21 | 5695782 Bob
Bob's picture

It's not an issue of whether they "earned" or "deserve" it when it reaches such levels.  The real issue is that anyone with that much money becomes a genuine threat to the rest of us due to the power to impose their will via the people and assets they buy and/or control upon the rest of us. Their will is not something that has anybody else's best interests in mind. 

It's just too damn dangerous to our health for us to allow it.  

That little "conference" in Davos produces agreements that literally control the rest of humanity . . . and not for the better.  This is how we end up with a "democracy" that is nothing but PR for the interests of rich psychopaths.  Moar wealth for them, moar war and poverty for the rest of us. 

Redirecting the argument for chopping them down from a survival-based instinctual drive to some mythical burning envy is nothing but blind sophistry. 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:26 | 5695812 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

Well said Bob.  Davos is the kickoff meeting for another year of insider trading.  These guys are getting the government numbers ahead of everyone else and other nice tidbits of information.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:17 | 5695943 Downtoolong
Downtoolong's picture

Exactly. When a used car dealer becomes a billionaire by hitting the lottery, or some app developer gets lucky enough to be bought out by Facebook, this does not imply they have the intelligence or wisdom to direct the lives of the rest of us. 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:28 | 5695657 yrbmegr
yrbmegr's picture

Now, does anyone want to tax the rich?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:31 | 5695661 Global Observer
Global Observer's picture

The messengers may have no credibility to deliver it, but the message, neverthless, is valid. The USA as a nation will be consuming less and less, whether they choose to or not. So for the majority of Americans, the choice will be between making a virtue of the necessity or remaining disappointed when the reality fails to match their expectations day after day.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 06:50 | 5695680 surf0766
surf0766's picture

It is cronism and capitalism . They are not one in the same dipshit.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:04 | 5695695 neuronius
neuronius's picture

cronyism + capitalism = crapitolism

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:18 | 5695712 Mareka
Mareka's picture
Flash Gordon: You mean they'd be slaves.
The Emperor Ming: Let's just say they'll be satisfied with less.
Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:22 | 5695716 Panic Mode
Panic Mode's picture

Jamie Dimon: money first, money second, money third. WTF you want family or country for.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:31 | 5695999 mijev
mijev's picture

10cc from the Wall street shuffle

 

Bet you'd sell your mother...

 

You can buy another.

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 20:26 | 5698541 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

Wonder what sees as 'his' country?

((Scratchin' ma haid))

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:20 | 5695717 Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch's picture

We need to reinvent our whole system of life.”

Is a bullet or two through his head, reinventing life enough?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:36 | 5695728 yrbmegr
yrbmegr's picture

If everyone would stop trying to make so much money, it would be easier for me to make lots of money.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:47 | 5695737 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

we got posters saying it's ok his wealth was a bet against the tbtf-and it's good advice so don't get mad a him.

most of us see him for what he is. a reptile, trading on inside info, buffet and gates type..anyone reading ZH for any length of time will see corruption of markets the national press wil not touch, so do I give him credit for being a criminal? he is no henry ford creating jobs and feeding thousands of families -he created nothing but stolen wealth. and some here defend that?

he did not think his words would get into the press, one can only guess how many times he has spoken much worse and it did not.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 20:25 | 5698524 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

Worked for a technology company where all the serious money, as in hundreds of millions, was made by non-technolohy manipulators in the top management, on the Board and financiers.  Screwing around with the share price, entering into disastrous CFDs and then moving out to join up with the counter parties etc. etc.  Those of us doing all the technology were just drones and serfs earning a pittance in comparison and seeing our share options being manipulated like hell.  

The same experience opened my eyes to Tribal shenanigans in a big way I might add. Prior to that I had swallowed the Official Narative hook line and sinker.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:09 | 5695772 atthelake
atthelake's picture

dup

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:08 | 5695773 atthelake
atthelake's picture

After the treason trials, we need to take our money back.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:48 | 5695866 22winmag
22winmag's picture

That's the general attitude at the gas station, barbershop, and pizza shop.

 

How do you establish a fair monetary reset for citizens? Most of the top and many of the middle class owe their fortunes to various financial frauds, "ill gotten gains", and a legal system that favors them. Much of the lower class is given money to the extent they often live better than working class American stiffs. How does one account for such pervasive filthy money in regards to "taking it back"?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:33 | 5697461 MeelionDollerBogus
MeelionDollerBogus's picture

Sokkomb

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:32 | 5695788 Downtoolong
Downtoolong's picture

After listening to Greene’s breakfast chat I was reminded, in a way, of what I had for breakfast.

I threw up.

 

But hey, at least Green is telling us what is really on his mind, despicable and disgusting as it might be.

Dimon thinks the same thing but won’t say it, he just tells what sells.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:32 | 5695821 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

And thus Greene confirmed that the American Dream is no longer viable.  American Dream 2, you need to live in a smaller house, drive a shitbox, and eat hamburger helper instead of steaks.  American Dream 3 is where you live in a shack, walk to get water, and eat rice breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

Maybe this jackass' carriage runs over a peasant boy in the street and things change.  Does history ever repeat?

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:19 | 5695945 barroter
barroter's picture

Am sure he thinks of himself as a "wealth creator."  What I gather is that he (and his kind) needs to extract MORE from the serfs, so it's better to get the peasant's mind right on this. Live with less!

Do not forget what your role as a tax payer and serf is: To Prop Up the Wealthy. Those bad derivative bets can't be eaten by the rich, can they?  It's YOUR job now to bail them out.

What damage will Greene incur if a peasant boy is sucked into the engine of his G650? THAT is what matters!!!  Well, like the Marquis St. Evermonde, I am sure Greene will toss a few $20's to the bereaved father.

 

 

 

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:32 | 5697450 MeelionDollerBogus
MeelionDollerBogus's picture

HOUSE? My, aren't we all hoity-toity! Y'all get shacks stapled together in rows under the shadow of the Overlord's mansions and skyscrapers.

"house"... you make me laugh.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:37 | 5695829 fiftybagger
fiftybagger's picture

"Working on Greene’s 145-foot Choy Lee yacht was like being “locked” in Studio 54 in its prime. It was nothing short of, “Sex, Drugs, and Techno Music.” Celebrities, “hired” party girls, mayhem, and debauchery."

Hmmm.  Perhaps these homeless and penniless fellows knew what they were talking about:

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 

Luke 6 King James Bible

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6 King James Bible

1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

James 5 King James Bible

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:36 | 5695836 22winmag
22winmag's picture

These global whiners would love to replace your Oldsmobile or GMC with a Trabant.

 

Their limousine motorcade is exempt.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:43 | 5695848 Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights's picture

Dear Mr. Greene, Please go fuck yourself.

 

Sincerly

The Serfs...

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 08:58 | 5695901 chindit13
chindit13's picture

Wow this site is good entertainment.

First, it’s yet another “Mike Knows Best” piece written by a former Wall Streeter who didn’t make as much as Jeff Greene, but who now occasionally boasts about his Rocky Mountain High snowboarding lifestyle, while being critical of everything that allowed him to live that RMH life.  Mikey, instead of snowboarding, what are you doing to make the lives of rural Bangladeshi females better?  Do you tell them just to accept the bad hand dealt to them by a random Universe?  Tighten their belts and all that?  Accept that they just lost the Birth Lottery?  Well, you’re as far above those women in lifestyle as Jeff is above you.  Do you think you deserve that?  Do you think your snowboarding lifestyle doesn’t sound like you are grandstanding in the same way as Greene?  And don’t tell me you’ve never partied hardy in your life.  Had you done your Wall Street job with greater aplomb, do you think you’d be any different than Greene?

Second, Greene bet against subprime, which means he saw what was coming and since he couldn’t stop it, figured what the heck and tried to make money off of the collective foolishness of borrowers and lenders alike.  How the hell is that different from someone who sees problems in the system and tries to preserve and grow capital by buying gold and silver, plus prepping for tomorrow while lambasting the non-prepping “sheeple”?  Is it just because Greene’s subprime bets paid off better than those backing up the truck all the way from $1900 and $48?

Third, lots of folks are criticizing his lifestyle, especially the debauchery.  The avatars of some of these critics are naked boobs and butts.  The irony is rich, right “Bunghole” and Latina Lover?

Fourth, for the last few years this comment section is all and forever about “the stupid Idol-watching sheeple”, which is to say full of sanctimonious and condescending “I know best because I’m awake” preaching.  All the self-proclaimed “preppers” take some perverse joy in thinking about how miserable the “FSA” and non-preppers are going to have it when TSHTF.  The only difference between that ubiquitous personality trait of this site’s comment section and Jeff Greene is that Greene’s subprime bet has put him on an infinitely higher plateau, and given him a lot more visibility, than PM stackers.  Everyone gets to jump on him for his comments, because he has a platform, but his comments are far less condescending as the typical comment right here on this site.  (By the way, does anyone disagree with his view that people are going to have to tighten their belts?  Yes, he’s lucky, so he won’t notice the tightening, but what he says is no different than what peppers this site daily.)

Finally, looking back on mankind’s historical record, particularly when technological advancement accelerated in the 19th and 20th Centuries and---coupled with humanity’s natural tendency to stratify itself into the Darwinian Fittest and The Rest---contributed to a growing wealth gap, it is no wonder Karl Marx, and later Lenin, Mao, etc., gained an audience.  Even this site, over its brief existence, has drawn a crowd that hates any kind of financial success, no matter its source.  According to the zeitgeist here, anyone with excessive wealth---not only crony capitalists---should have it taken away, or at least taken down to a level one silver ounce below the average ZH member.  Apparently the “undeserving wealthy” means anyone with more than the average stacker.

Greene is no Al Gore, bemoaning AGW from his Gulfstream.  He may well be an a-hole, as are all of us, but he’s no worse that most of those on this site who are pretending they occupy some moral high ground, but who are constantly bemoaning the “cluelessness of the sheeple who are going to get what they deserve”.  For all the faults Greene might have, he isn’t looking forward to using his guns and ammo to gun down the FSA and roving zombie hordes, as so many on this site are.

You're all (Linda) Jeff Greene, just hypocrites.

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:05 | 5695913 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

I am not speaking for all the posters here. but I understand that wealth is a tool once one has riches that provide for myself and family, the excess must be put to work, providing jobs for others to feed and house and clothe those employed..the massive wealth of the 0.01% is based on another model. (mr greene's)

today we have reptiles who have no responsibilty to use their wealth to improve society, as they suck up avialable capital they prevent others from creating a vibrant economy.

they are true parasites nothing more.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:39 | 5696039 Bob
Bob's picture

Good to see you passing through, Chindit13! 

Yeah, hypocrisy and contradictions abound.  Here like anywhere. 

But could you raise your criticism above the ad hominem level to share your perspective on the issue of billionaires and their world-shaping impact?

Here we have a trader--yeah, a fucking paper-pushing gambler--who is now a billionaire "with a platform."  You are aware of the power he and, indeed, all of his ilk wield as a result of no substantive merit beyond their money-making ability and luck?

Does that sound like a good thing to you?

I'd really like to know, given your intellect and your wealth, how you see the real issue of dispute. 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:37 | 5696416 Mike Honcho
Mike Honcho's picture

Well thought out but the thought was not well done.  You enjoy generalizing many points in your post with a position of expertise.  Common but intelligent people dont hate the successful rich, that is a sect of brainwashed society.  The perturbrance comes from the nature of his comment.  It implies Americans have been on easy street and need to get used to a lesser existance, all while at a conference that is of no benefit to citizens but to the global insiders.  If you dont find that offensive then your proclaimed higher status is from delusion.

A small community of comments is not the same platform as Twitter.  Comparing the offensive content is a lame attempt at proving a point.  Attacking PM stackers or preppers is again generalizing an attitude of a group based on off the cuff comments made by a few that you find off color.  Not sure what echelon you exist on but take it down a notch.

Going online to tell everyone hypocites is the chuckle my morning needed.  So you cast the first stone I see.  A man of purity, astounding.

I have nothing against J.Greene's success.  His Wiki shows self made, good for him.  I have dated women who bring nannies on vaca and I by no means jet set, barely can afford a train set.  His comment was inappropriate, condescending, and deserving of backlash.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 11:46 | 5696743 Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch's picture

The Universe is not random. We are all here to find God. I fear you'll be coming back again.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 20:10 | 5698494 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

Gave you a green.  Don't necessarily agree but your comment is trenchant and well argued.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:10 | 5695923 Prober
Prober's picture

Envy, resentment & bitterness, endlessly. On, and on, and on, and on ... These billionaires earned their money.

Why not complain instead about the vote-buying entilement parasite feeding programs that consume 60% of government spending

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

STEAL **YOUR** EARNINGS OUT OF EVERY PAYCHECK !!!

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:20 | 5695964 d edwards
d edwards's picture

Greene's comment is the modern version of "let them eat cake."

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 19:50 | 5698428 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

Here's the point: Both extremes - the FSA and the 1% - are parasites.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:17 | 5695944 homonohumanus
homonohumanus's picture

That is more a matter of shooting the messenger than anything else...

Clearly no matter his status and habits he is right, we are wasting resources away and at a dangerous pace.

 

The scary part is that down that line of thinking there is a lot of bothering issues that are unlikely to gather consensus among the population.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:19 | 5695959 Downtoolong
Downtoolong's picture

Wait until they start talking about global warming. There’s nothing quite like hearing one of these arrogant, egotistical, self-centered, hypocritical, sociopaths rant on about saving the planet when their carbon footprint is 5000 times the size of the average person. 

The lifestyles of the rich and famous are far removed from the ones they try to dictate to us. That goes for A-list celebrities and every talking-head morningshow and talkshow host too. Half the point of conferences like Davos is to keep reinforcing in their mind that this is somehow the proper order of things. The other half is to share inventive schemes to keep it that way.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:38 | 5696057 . . . _ _ _ . . .
. . . _ _ _ . . .'s picture

Austerity in the USA? Ha. Kicking and screaming, perhaps.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:44 | 5696097 gmak
gmak's picture

The only way you could make money on sub-prime was by getting some squid to help you cheat by convincing investors to take the other side of your imaginary short.

 

Let's take 50% of all those 1% assets and use it to pay down the debt accumulated by bail outs of these "I'm not subject to the same rules as you" slimebuckets.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 19:48 | 5698423 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

True dat.....

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 09:59 | 5696185 all-priced-in
all-priced-in's picture

People should live the lifestyle that they are able to pay for - themselves... 

 

 

I do - and I bet most of the people on this board do -

 

I am not without charity - a safety net sure - but we are providing government funded hammocks.

 

 

 

 

 

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:03 | 5696192 RovingGrokster
RovingGrokster's picture

I may voluntarily downsize my life in order to pay less homage to the taxing powers of government, but I resent with every fiber the limousine liberals telling me I must exist cold and hungry in the dark because they have priced food, fuel and comfort out of existence!

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:39 | 5696434 Grinder74
Grinder74's picture

"Billionaire Jeff Greene - who flew his wife, children and two nannies on a private jet plane to Davos for the week - has some words of wisdom for the average American: "America’s lifestyle expectations are far too high and need to be adjusted so we have less things and a smaller, better existence. We need to reinvent our whole system of life."

 

Obviously, he's too stupid to know the proper usage of "less" and "fewer".

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 11:39 | 5696706 Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch's picture

Just substitute the word things with people and you know what he's saying.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:43 | 5696448 pupdog1
pupdog1's picture

The robber barons of yore were ruthless, but they built oil-producing empires, railroad lines across impossible terrain, ultra-efficient ginormous steel plants, mile-long auto assembly factories, and nationwide communications systems. As retirement hobbies, they built hospitals, libraries, and universities. Then for more fun, their heirs funded medical research and the arts.

In other words, they created massive real lasting wealth.

This fuck?

"Billionaire Jeff Greene, who amassed a multibillion dollar fortune betting against subprime mortgage securities..."

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 19:46 | 5698411 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

Yes, that is the major distinction of recent times, is it not? Most of the 1% got there by speculating via  the inside track, adding nothing of value.  

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:47 | 5696476 DonGenaro
DonGenaro's picture

this world is run by psychopaths

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 11:08 | 5696564 loregnum
loregnum's picture

Your typical jew.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 11:33 | 5696671 Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch's picture

Jeff Greene will be reincarnated as a poor Indian girl from Calcutta. Enjoy it now Jeff.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 11:51 | 5696775 Sturm und Drang
Sturm und Drang's picture

These are the barbarians at the gates meine Freunde. Their "sword" decapitates entire economies. These, these Davospaths are the enemy and that is the ball you keep your eye on.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 13:07 | 5697127 gadzooks
gadzooks's picture

American lifestyle expectations are imperative, if you need the book on it ? i`ll write it!

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 13:13 | 5697148 robertocarlos
robertocarlos's picture

Americans don't deserve what they have. They will deserve what they get.

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:13 | 5697392 MeelionDollerBogus
MeelionDollerBogus's picture

I'm picturing assholes in monocles shoveling cake into their mouths, spouting "Let them eat crumbs!" like they're playing the elites' version of "fluffy bunny"

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:37 | 5697466 trader1
trader1's picture

Greene is correct.

We need an entire new system.

His bank account will go to zero, as with everyone else.

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