SAR #14239

"The relationship between those who are constantly watched and tracked, and those who watch and track them, is the relationship between masters and slaves." - Chris Hedges

About Inflation: Interest rates on 30 Treasuries have fallen to 3.06%, which suggests that investors do not see any inflation on the horizon. In Europe rates have been creeping ever lower, with 10-year German notes below 0.9% and even Spain (Spain!) borrowing money for less than Uncle Sam. Must be something in the water. 
 
Another Point Of View: Responding to Obama's chest-beating, Angel Merkel noted that “American cannot solve all the world's problems anymore.” For extra credit, identify the last time it could. Or did.

Short Form: According to the UN's IPCC, global climate change is “severe, pervasive and irreversible.” (And it may well temporarily result in extreme snowfalls.)

Leaky Roof: The US housing market 'recovery' is beginning to stall as supply increases and sales stall. Simple supply/demand suggests that house prices will be heading lower. Again.

Counterattack: France's new economy minister (replacing the silly fellow who criticized austerity programs) wants to do away with the 35-hour work week because unemployment has hit new record highs. And somehow making those who have jobs work longer will create new jobs... 
 
Money For Nothing: The 2012 Ron Paul's presidential campaign secretly paid one of Michele Bachmann's campaign aides $73,000 to abandon her, join Paul and badmouth Michele's chances. In that she never had a chance, seems to reflect rather poorly on the Paul campaign's smarts. On the other hand, they did appeal to the same fringe group...

Missing Linkage: A Pew survey found that about 49% of Americans think the US messes with the world too much, 30% think it doesn't interfere enough, and about 30% can't find the world on a map.

Pot/Kettle: President Obama has blamed the violence in Ukraine on the Russians. The speech was then sent to Moscow, where Putin will read it to reporters tomorrow, blaming the Americans.

Adaptive Democracy: The Pakistani army says that it will be the ultimate mediator between the government (which holds office at the military's sufferance) and opposition groups (which is everybody else).

Mirror, Mirror: The UN Security Council has passed a resolution that threatens sanctions against anyone affecting the stability of Libya. Even citizens, especially if they are trying to make it more stable.

Chickens, Roosting: Nearly all of ISIS top leadership were imprisoned by US forces in Iraq in places like Abu Ghraib.

About Wages: Corporate profit margins are at new highs, feeding the stock market boom which enriches the 1%. 
 
Porn O'Graph: French Socialist Freeloaders.