Guess WHO Didn't Make the List...?

A new study by the Wall St. Journal confirms that the US has fallen off the list of the "top 10 most economically free countries."  How is this possible???  Try massive tax rates, out of control government spending and regulations that strangle business owners!  The ramifications of this continued decline are important for those of us who believe in freedom and prosperity, and our business plan is the answer to the rising pressures.  Dennis


America's Dwindling Economic Freedom

Regulation, taxes and debt knock the U.S. out of the world's top 10.

World economic freedom has reached record levels, according to the 2014 Index of Economic Freedom, released Tuesday by the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal. But after seven straight years of decline, the U.S. has dropped out of the top 10 most economically free countries.

For 20 years, the index has measured a nation's commitment to free enterprise on a scale of 0 to 100 by evaluating 10 categories, including fiscal soundness, government size and property rights. These commitments have powerful effects: Countries achieving higher levels of economic freedom consistently and measurably outperform others in economic growth, long-term prosperity and social progress. Botswana, for example, has made gains through low tax rates and political stability.

Workers Are Simply "Giving Up"

This article from Washington's Blog lists a number of reasons for the massive drop in labor "participation rate" which I pointed out in my last post.  It's not JUST the aging baby boomers, or the significant drop in the number of women participating in the work force (male AND female ages 25-54 also fell sharply).  It all points to a significantly weaker economy in the future for the US.  ...Dennis

What Caused the Crash In the Labor Participation Rate?

Posted on January 11, 2014 by WashingtonsBlog

Workers May Simply Be Giving Up

Zero Hedge notes that the number of Americans in the labor force has dropped to 1978 levels:

The civilian labor force … dropped from 155.3 million to 154.9 million, which means the labor participation rate just dropped to a fresh 35 year low, hitting levels not seen since 1978, at 62.8% down from 63.0%.

And the piece de resistance: Americans not in the labor force exploded higher by 535,000 to a new all time high 91.8 million.

What’s causing the crash in labor participation?

Initially, the number of women not in the labor force climbed to a new high.  This is significant because the labor force skyrocketed in the 1960s when feminism encouraged women to work outside of the home:

FULL ARTICLE:

Labor Participation at 35-Year LOW...

This chart says it all.  You can deny it if you like, but NUMBERS DON'T LIE.  ...Dennis

People Not In Labor Force Soar To Record 91.8 Million; Participation Rate Plunges To 1978 Levels

Curious why despite the huge miss in payrolls the unemployment rate tumbled from 7.0% to 6.7%? The reason is because in December the civilian labor force did what it usually does in the New Normal: it dropped from 155.3 million to 154.9 million, which means the labor participation rate just dropped to a fresh 35 year low, hitting levels not seen since 1978, at 62.8% down from 63.0%.

And the piece de resistance: Americans not in the labor force exploded higher by 535,000 to a new all time high 91.8 million.

The jobless, laborless recovery continues to steam on.

LINK to Article:

What are the Odds for Success?...Think About It.

If you knew about a way in which average people could band together and create sustainable incomes, why in the world would you keep it to yourself???  We have a REAL business opportunity for success.  What are the odds of success in our business?...well a whole lot better than the odds of being hired to work at an ice cream plant in Maryland! ...Dennis

Employment Recovery? 1,600 Workers Apply For Just 36 Jobs At An Ice Cream Plant In Maryland

The stock market may be soaring to unprecedented heights, but things just continue to get even tougher for the middle class.  In this economic environment, there is intense competition for virtually all kinds of jobs. 

For example, more than 1,600 applications were recently submitted for just 36 jobs at an ice cream plant in Hagerstown, Maryland.  That means that those applying have about a 2 percent chance of being hired.  About 98 percent of the applicants will be turned away.

Now There Are "Workplace Loans"...

We have a financial solution for millions of struggling Americans.  Imagine working 3-4 part-time jobs and STILL not getting by financially.  In a desperate attempt to stay afloat, more Americans than ever are turning to emergency loans, with high fees and interest.  Now a new twist has emerged on the scene...Dennis   

By Michael Snyder

I have written about the payday loan scam previously, but now a new twist on that scam has emerged.

They are being called “workplace loans”, and companies all over America are beginning to offer them as “benefits” to their workers.  But the effective annual percentage rate on these loans can be as high as 165 percent…

Arizona Restaurant Systems Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz., company that operates 28 Sonic locations in the state, allows workers to take out loans ranging from $150 to $500 that typically last two weeks.

...Almost 24% By 2018

Real stories...Real people...Real problem...
Real Opportunity for US (and them).  ...Dennis

Retirement unlikely for some blue-collar Americans

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Associated Press

Tom Edwards grew up in a family that's been cutting trees and hauling timber in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century. The Spanaway, Wash., resident says he has worked as a logger since he was a kid—it's just what an able-bodied youngster was expected to do.

Now, at 53, with business in a slump and little money in savings, he's pessimistic about his chances of retiring.

"It's never going to happen. By the time I reach retirement age, there won't be Social Security. There's not going to be any money," Edwards said. "I'll do like my father did: I'll work 'til I die."

You Know Times Are BAD When...

If you need a clue as to whether or not money is tight nowadays, imagine a NFL playoff game in Green Bay Wisconsin where the owners can't fill the seats!  This ought to be a wake-up call to anyone who doubts that we are in a deep recession.  We HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY here.  Dennis

NFL should be alarmed that three of four playoff games, including Green Bay's home game, still not sold out

The legend of the waiting list for Packers season tickets in Green Bay has grown over the years. Newborns get put on the list, with parents hoping some day their offspring hits the top of the list.

Green Bay has perhaps the best fans in the NFL ... which is why the league should be very worried that the Packers and two other teams are still struggling to sell out their playoff games.