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In this episode, Doug Casey and Matt Smith reflect on Doug's recent travels to Southeast Asia, his observations of cultural and infrastructural contrasts, and his insights on the state of Western civilization. They discuss historical events noted in Encyclopedia Britannica, touching on figures like Sean Connery, and the secularization of traditional holidays. Doug shares his thoughts on global opportunities, including in places like Sri Lanka, and critiques the current U.S. financial system and political climate. They also analyze recent ominous financial trends, highlighting potential risks for the future.

Tune in for Doug's unique perspectives on history, culture, global markets, and speculative opportunities worldwide!

**Timestamps:**
00:00 - Introduction and Doug’s return from Asia
01:00 - Encyclopedia Britannica and today's historical events
03:00 - Halloween, secularization, and cultural shifts
05:00 - Doug’s experience almost meeting Sean Connery
06:30 - Historical reflections: Lyndon B. Johnson, Harry Houdini, and Mussolini
08:00 - Doug’s reflections on Southeast Asia: Malaysia and Thailand
10:00 - Qatar and Emirates: Observations on airline quality
12:00 - Comparing infrastructure and service quality in Asia vs. the U.S.
15:00 - Discussing Sri Lanka's economy and opportunities
17:30 - Reflections on speculative opportunities in Sri Lanka
19:30 - Arthur C. Clarke’s connection to Sri Lanka
22:00 - Discussion on bond markets and the current U.S. financial climate
24:00 - Banking sector risks and bond yield trends
26:30 - The cost of elder care in Southeast Asia vs. the U.S.
30:00 - Social Security, Medicare, and U.S. budget challenges
32:00 - Reflections on upcoming U.S. elections and economic trajectory
34:30 - "Civil War" movie review and implications for U.S. stability
37:00 - Living through crisis: Ukraine and Sri Lanka analogies
38:30 - Tribute to Gonzalo Lira

In the third episode of this series, Doug Casey, Michael Yon, and host Matt Smith explore current events and global dynamics with "3 observations and 1 prediction" from the past week. This session offers Doug's reflections from Buenos Aires, Michael's international insights, and discussions on critical topics like the U.S. election, media manipulation, and political influence.

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[00:00:00] Introduction and Episode Setup
Matt kicks off with Doug Casey and Michael Yon, noting the format: three observations and one prediction. Doug shares his first observation from Buenos Aires, reflecting on his travels and the upcoming U.S. election.

[00:01:00] Doug's Thoughts on Elon Musk's Election Influence
Doug discusses Elon Musk’s offer of monetary incentives tied to voting intentions, hinting at potential legal issues and raising questions about the importance of elections in a coercive system. Doug argues that the government’s reach should be limited.

[00:04:00] Michael’s Personal Anecdotes on Election Bribery
Michael recalls personal memories involving bribery in voting, comparing it to similar tactics in Thailand, where candidates offer incentives like whiskey and shoes to voters. He also speculates on Elon Musk’s potential political aspirations.

[00:07:00] Doug on a Constitutional Convention Possibility
The discussion shifts to the idea of rewriting the U.S. Constitution. Doug reflects on potential public support for a leader with a military background, given the volatile times ahead.

[00:11:00] Michael’s Barber Encounter in Okinawa
Michael shares a unique story about a barber in Okinawa who is preparing for a food shortage. This reveals a cultural inclination towards preparedness and tracking global issues.

[00:17:00] Doug’s Observation on Media Bias and Subscriptions
Doug shares his analysis of media bias at The Washington Post and its impact on subscription numbers. He discusses Bezos’s political silence, hinting that media influences elections more than endorsement choices.

[00:21:00] Discussion on U.S. Presidential Candidates
Michael and Doug discuss the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, expressing skepticism about her qualifications. They analyze the media’s role in shaping public perception.

[00:25:00] Michael's Skepticism of Media Manipulation in Combat Photography
Michael, with extensive experience in combat zones, discusses inconsistencies in a recent photograph of Trump, revealing insight into potential manipulation in media.

[00:34:00] Michael’s Analysis on a North Korean Defector’s Fraudulence
Michael recalls a 60 Minutes interview with a North Korean defector, which he quickly deemed fraudulent. His expertise in identifying inconsistencies led to public validation of his suspicions years later.

[00:37:00] Doug on Election Polls and the "Installation" of Candidates
Doug critiques election polls, suggesting they are unreliable and politically motivated. He predicts Kamala Harris could be “installed” due to media manipulation, despite Trump's popularity in certain regions.

[00:42:00] Puerto Rico's Statehood Movement
Doug discusses the Democrats' strategic interest in making Puerto Rico a state, which would shift political representation in favor of the Democrats.

[00:46:00] Michael on Philippines Statehood Aspirations
Michael shares insights into the Philippines' history and the notion of becoming a U.S. state. He compares the unique culture and perspectives found there with the ongoing challenges in regions like Mindanao.

[00:52:00] Closing Thoughts on Election and Predictions
As the episode winds down, the team reflects on the uncertain future of the U.S. elections. They share varied perspectives on how quickly (or slowly) the election results may be resolved, ending with Michael’s perspective on immigration at the U.S. border and closing remarks from Doug on his rapport with Michael and Matt.

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Join us each week for Doug Casey, Michael Yon, and Matt Smith’s sharp takes on current events, global issues, and political power moves. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to stay informed!

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and https://michaelyon.substack.com/

In this episode, Doug Casey and Michael Yon discuss their major observations this week. Doug kicks off by questioning FEMA's effectiveness, calling it a wasteful agency that fails to provide real emergency relief, while Michael highlights the troubling development of new FEMA camps in North Carolina. The conversation shifts to the increasing uncertainty experienced by global travelers, with both agreeing that even seasoned expatriates struggle to find safe havens in today's world. They delve into the weaponization of drug legalization, especially in places like Thailand and the U.S., warning about its economic and social impact. Doug also critiques the decline of American universities, pointing out how elite institutions have embraced woke ideologies while hoarding massive endowments. On the geopolitical front, Michael discusses the prolonged nature of the Ukraine war and warns that Israel may face existential threats if its conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah escalates. Doug concludes by predicting a significant rise in long-term interest rates, driven by inflation and escalating U.S. debt, which could spell trouble for the economy.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Introduction: Matt introduces Doug Casey and Michael Yon, who will discuss three key observations and a prediction.

[00:01:00] Doug on FEMA: Doug Casey shares his skepticism about FEMA's role and effectiveness, recounting his experiences post-Hurricane Katrina and calling FEMA a "giant scam." He critiques its ineffectiveness and focus on equity and climate response, stating that the agency should be abolished.

[00:08:00] Michael Yon on FEMA Camps: Michael talks about new FEMA camps in North Carolina and compares them to military forward operating bases. He highlights how corporations might benefit from land loss in mineral-rich areas post-disaster.

[00:14:00] Uncertainty on Where to Move: Michael and Doug discuss how even the most experienced travelers are unsure of where to settle amidst geopolitical instability. They mention Central America, including El Salvador, but caution against relocating to these areas long-term.

[00:22:00] Drug Legalization and Weaponization: Doug and Michael explore the rapid increase in pot shops in Thailand and the U.S. They discuss the broader implications of drug legalization, especially as a weapon of psychological and economic warfare, with Michael mentioning the Chinese involvement in U.S. drug distribution.

[00:34:00] Doug on Woke Universities: Doug discusses the impact of left-leaning ideologies in universities, particularly Harvard and other elite institutions. He predicts a decline in enrollment and philanthropic support for these woke institutions in the near future.

[00:39:00] Michael on Ukraine and Israel Conflicts: Michael predicts that the Ukraine conflict will last longer and grow bigger, comparing it to the Israeli war with Hamas. He suggests that Israel's survival is at risk as the conflict grows, especially if the U.S. is distracted by internal issues.

[00:45:00] Doug’s Prediction on Rising Interest Rates: Doug makes a bold prediction about rising interest rates, explaining how inflation and U.S. debt will drive long-term rates higher, leading to potential economic troubles.