We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Putin's 'Strategic Blunder' In Syria May Be A Boon For Investors

Click here to access article by Kenneth Rapoza from Forbes.

The capitalist devotion to profits above all else is illustrated in this piece posted on a major capitalist website. With a profit opportunity looking very promising, this blogger departs from the usual ruling class anti-Russian line to promote Russian stocks where he sees investors could make a "killing". It seems that the Russian entrance into the Syrian situation has been well received in Europe where talk is growing about ending Russian sanctions.
While January is likely too early to see the end of Russian sanctions, which began last year due to Moscow’s involvement in supporting separatists in east Ukraine, odds are high that Russia could see discussion on the rollback on sanctions soon. “Markets will discount that well before hand,” Signorelli says.

The Market Vectors Russia (RSX) exchange traded fund closed 3.9% higher on Monday as investors weigh this sentiment shift. In fact, Russian equities beat out the S&P 500, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, and oil futures, all higher today.