These Are The Times That Try Men's Souls

Macroeconomic, Geopolitical & Fiscal Forces Collide

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.

By Thomas Paine, The Crisis No. I

Written December 19, 1776 then published December 23, 1776 one needs to wonder if Thomas Paine was in reality Nostradamus. Did he have a crystal ball? Whether he did or not, Paine’s words ring true today. Let’s hope the world is listening.

Thomas Paine was not credited as being an “original author” of the Federalist Papers, essays written in the 1780s in support of the proposed U.S. Constitution together with the advocation of a strong federal government. In October 1787, the first in a series of 85 essays seeking ratification of the Constitution appeared in the Independent Journal under the pseudonym “Publius.” Addressed to “The People of the State of New York,” the essays were actually written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. They would be published serially from 1787 - 1788 in most New York newspapers. It was hailed as one of the most important political documents in history. It still is.

Today’s Scenarios

In today’s world, most of the time we’re taking two steps forward and one step back. At times however it seems that we are skipping those two steps forward, just moving backwards. With all that is happening around the world it’s probably a good idea to take some time and examine what our direction is as related to our macroeconomic, political and fiscal environment. In reality that is exactly what I do each day; I suggest you do the same but in case you do not, keep reading.