I had thought that the fourth wave was complete on the 21st, but it continued through the 23rd. The fifth wave (down) was from then through the 27th. That completed the first wave of one higher degree since the August 2nd top. The upward retracement since then is the second wave. When it’s done (and it may be at this point, though there’s a gap in the S&P from August 14th around 1685.39 that could get filled), the third (downward) wave will be larger and swifter than the wave one down.

Setting aside my ability to accurately interpret the wave pattern in real time (or lack thereof), my intention has been to draw attention to something that most people are simply complacent about. The stock market has topped and will drop on the order of 75% from here. Most supposed wealth will simply disappear. There’s still some time to protect some of it and put it to actual use in some increased level of self-sufficiency at both the individual and community levels. That so few people are aware of what’s happening and willing to talk about it doesn’t bode well for us.

There’s time this fall to plant some fruit and nut trees, buy some compost, and build the soil in order to begin the shift from consumer to producer.

The committed lawn mowers and new car buyers will probably have the hardest time with the end of growth and abundant fossil fuels. And a lot of them will be angry about it. We’re nowhere near prepared for that.

How many “Patrol” deputies are there?
How many are paid for by the contracting municipalities?
How many are paid for by the County?

“LaBarre said he worried about cutting the sheriff’s office down to a point where it becomes solely reactive.” I’ve got news for you, Andy.Except for what the contracting units provide IT’S ALREADY THERE!

“Dan Smith (R-District 2) pointed to Clayton’s comments about the board recognizing the importance of having safe communities throughout the county. Crime does not respect municipal boundaries, Smith noted, and having businesses and homes that are safe countywide affects everyone. This board has recognized that for a long time, he said.”

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Doing it so that businesses “grow and employ more people” isn’t the goal of the program. The intention is to spend less on energy, pollute less, and keep more financial assets in the community, all of which in turn help keep the businesses viable. Employment increases would likely occur in the energy-efficiency services industry, though.

Maybe the county could help get the state to allow a residential version of the program as well.

Lord only knows what ‘local businesses’ the financial astute Mr. Smith would suggest the County invest in. Just the sort of thing the Detroit Pension Board was famous for, all of which is documented via Free Press and Detroit News investigative reporting. The last person on the planet we need to get financial management tips from is Mr. Smith.

When Bob Guenzel offered county employees 3% raises each year for 5 years, I asked him how this would work if we went into a deflationary period. His answer was “Not in my lifetime”. That was about 2004.

Yes to NO for a four-year budget. How can you project for that long a time?

Make that short-term US treasuries.