JDArtist's Blog

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The FBI began using the word ‘epidemic’ to describe mortgage fraud in September of *2004* predicting that it would cause an economic crisis if it were not contained. Greenspan, Bernanke, and Geithner knew exactly where we were headed, but failed to take action. The highrollers were having waaay too much fun sitting at the gambling tables with other people’s money, donchaknow. Until Reality once again reared its ugly head and it became obvious that all of those pretty zeros existed only on paper. The money – trillions of dollars – never actually existed!

When time came to settle up at the window, the modern-day Medici wannabes had to admit that the jig was up. Technically, they were insolvent and screamed for help – by threatening to bring down the entire global economy! – and the entire mess suddenly became a Big Freakin’ Emergency™. So the FED “rev’d up the presses” to pay off their gambling debts. FOREIGN banks and their U.S. subsidiaries received a huge chunk of that $3.3 trillion in TARP funds.

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~ Desiderata ~

by Max Ehrmann

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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

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As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

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If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

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Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

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Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

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Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

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Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

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With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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