Things that Go Bump in the Night

Lately I’ve noticed things that don’t make a lot of sense. Mostly they are counter-intuitive news stories. See if you agree:

1. China angry with US over naval cruises in international waters China claims as their own because of their man-made islands
2. China irate with US for selling Taiwan military hardware of $1.8 billion
3. China claims US is making military trouble intentionally while they…
4. Federal Reserve raises interest rates while massive cash hoards remain unused in banks and corporate treasuries
5. Federal Reserve raises interest rates while inflation near historic lows and stable
6. Federal Reserve raises interest rates even while 5% or more of workforce has given up on seeking work; unemployment remains at 5.2%; GDP nearly stagnant
7. Who’s benefiting from higher interest rates? Who is hurt by higher interest rates?
8. For several days stock market values fall based on worries on what the Federal Reserve will do with interest rates; when the decision is made, markets soar; then they slump big time. Who knows what moves the market and why? Anyone?
9. Russia enters Middle Eastern military skirmishes in Syria; picks fight with Turkey
10. Russia claims fight against ISIS but fires on Syria’s rebel encampments who are also fighting ISIS
11. Russian fighter jets cram airspace where Anti-ISIS coalition jets also operate; probability of erroneous dog fights soar
12. Trump admits being a little divisive; trying to pull Republicans together
13. Fossil Fuels cause global warming; global markets still compete for oil sales
14. Fossil Fuel demand falls; prices plummet; alternate fuel markets still struggle
15. Affordable Care Act hits targets; number of uninsured Americans declines
16. Congress works overtime to kill Affordable Care Act programs
17. Congress votes for huge spending bill without sourcing means to pay for it
18. Congress decries surge in national debt
19. Conservatives preach the Gospel but decry lack of religious freedom
20. Oh don’t bother….

This list could go on and on. One statement doesn’t make sense given the context in which it was given. Sometimes the statement contains the antithesis of its meaning in the same sentence. I suppose I could be confused by the times, or the language or the personalities involved. But I doubt that, truly I do!

In any case there is much confusion at large on many topics these days. It will remain so until we make sense of it or ignore it long enough.

Rather than get agitated and bollixed up, I think I will ignore the chaos and seek serenity somewhere else. Others will either do the same, or become bollixed. Either way it is on them and not me. This time, anyway.

Ah peace.

December 21, 2015