WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU LEAVE THE U.S.?

by Bob Jones, ( Updated Sept 20, 2004)

The regime of George Bush and Co represents a dangerous threat to the stability of this country and the world and perhaps the safety of you, your family and your assets if you don’t toe the line. Information will be provided to explain what the risks are and specific steps you can take to protect yourself including diversifying investments overseas and possibly leaving the U.S. if Bush gets re-elected.

Why is it important that this information be disseminated?
Many Americans are in denial about what is really going on beneath the surface in our society- the major loss of our civil liberties and freedom. They would prefer to think of America as a force for good. They don’t want to hear that many people in the rest of the world think their president is more dangerous than Osama bin Laden or Saddam Hussein. They also blissfully think the economy will keep humming along, their jobs are secure and that their real estate will continue to rise in price. Very few are taking steps to protect themselves or their assets if conditions deteriorate badly. It might be good to do your homework now and avoid a possible scramble in Nov 04 if Bush gets re-elected.

My qualifications: I have been a registered investment advisor since 1982 but most of my qualifications would come under being a citizen political observer since 9/11. I have read many of the current books written by insiders and top journalists about the dangers of the Bush empire. This would include books by Woodward, Clarke, Dean, Pitt, Moyers and Chomsky. I have forced myself to read the Patriot Act and the new Intelligence Authorization Act of 2004 (Patriot II)-both of which are full of unreadable legal references. I have spent three to six months out of the country in each of the last three years. This has given me an interesting view from afar as I learned to look at the U.S. through the eyes of foreigners. It is said that you can’t see a bubble when you are inside it. Well I have been outside the bubble called American delusion and I can see it clearly and I believe it will be popped. The only question in my mind is how and when.

Some of the problems we face:

Our government has been taken over by a group of right wing conservatives headed up by Mr. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rove. They believe in military expansion, global empire building, pre-emptive attacks and perpetual wars. They believe that if they kill enough people who don’t like them, the world will be safe.
Middle Americans have been "numbed and dumbed." Our government is manipulating the masses by controlling the media, brainwashing the public and has kept our populace fearful since the 911. Americans are being told what to think and don't know it. Alternative views and dissent are often suppressed or not reported.
The Patriot Anti-Terror Act has taken away some of our basic rights under the Constitution such as:

a. The first amendment right to freedom of speech/dissent, freedom of the press and the right to peaceably assemble. Dissent can be considered treasonous. Today in America, it’s dangerous to speak or write freely. You might get a visit from the FBI – no joke. Brutal police tactics are disrupting many peace rallies.

Two examples: In December, 2001, Barry Reingold was working out a his local gym in San Francisco and was talking to someone about Bush, bin Laden and the politics of oil. When he returned home, he found two FBI men at his door waiting to question him about his views.

Brett Bursey, executive director of the South Carolina Progressive Network, was arrested in October 2002 for holding a sign that said, “No War For Oil” outside an event where Bush was speaking. He was charged with threatening the president’s safety. (Both examples are from Democracy Now and Amy Goodman’s broadcasts)

What does Attorney General John Ashcroft have to say about freedom of speech? On Dec 6, 2001, speaking before Congress, he said “To those who scare peace loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid the terrorists- for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve.”

“Phantoms” of lost liberty? I don’t think so. These are real losses which must be regained. Furthermore, he is saying very clearly that if you speak out, you are aiding the enemy, the terrorists. The next logical step is that you will be treated like a terrorist and possibly be arrested.

b. The fourth amendment right for citizens to be secure in their houses against unreasonable searches and seizures without probable cause. Section 213 of the Patriot Act (the sneak and peak clause) allows federal officials to enter your home, search your belongings, and attach devices to your computer to notify them of keystrokes and monitor your e-mail - all without your permission or knowledge. How many of us have sent e-mails complaining about Bush and Co and might be in jeopardy?

c. The sixth amendment right to a have a lawyer, speedy public trial and impartial jury. Some American citizens, mostly Muslim and Arab Americans, have been arrested, are often not allowed access to an attorney, are not told the charges against them and are sometimes subject to the verdict of secret trials. This harsh treatment exists despite the fact that Section 102 of the Patriot Act specifically states that Muslim and Arab Americans should not be singled out for discrimination or and are entitled to the same civil rights and liberties of every American.
There is increasing alienation from the world community at US arrogance, bullying, unilateral militaristic actions against Iraq and Cheney’s plans for world domination and control of Middle East oil reserves. Trudeau of Doonesbury Comics fame put it so well in a cartoon on Oct 10, 02. "In one year Bush transformed worldwide sympathy toward America into universal resentment." Ask any foreigners except Israelis if you don't believe this statement. And its gotten worse since Oct 02.

The world wants Bush out of the White House, according to a poll in August 04. The poll shows in 30 of 35 countries people preferred Democrat candidate John Kerry. Senator Kerry was particularly favoured by traditionally strong US allies. He beat Mr Bush on average by more than a two-to-one margin, 46 per cent to 20 per cent, according to the survey by GlobeScan, a global research firm.
Thousands of Americans have been on “no-fly” lists with no way to check on the government files on them and no way to get off the list. ACLU has filed a class action lawsuit against the Dept of Homeland Security in an attempt to stop this practice.
Amnesty International said recently, “The U.S.-led war on terror has produced the most sustained attack on human rights and international law in 50 years.”
On December 13, 2003, President Bush quietly signed into law Patriot Act II known as the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2004. This law broadens the government’s power to track citizen’s financial transactions. It will allow the government to obtain financial records from banks, stockbrokers, credit card companies and most other businesses without gaining permission from a judge and without demonstrating probable cause. The organizations are forbidden from informing clients they have given information to the FBI.

What does all this mean? For starters, the odds favor Bush winning again in Nov 04. Why do I say this?

According to the website Current Electoral Vote Predictions for 2004, www.electoral-vote.com, Bush is now leading Kerry in projected electoral votes 327 to 211. That’s enough to win and Bush is gaining. Of course, who knows if these numbers are rigged. Pray for a miracle or Kerry looking good in the debates.
Continual horrible news in Iraq has not changed voters’responses that much.
Bush is the incumbent with all the advantages that offers. In time of terror or war, those advantages multiply.
Any major terrorist activity between now and the election is likely to help Bush. In a recent issue of The New Yorker, Lawrence Wright said, “a group claiming affiliation with Al Qaeda warned in an Arabic paper in London that it might be targeting the U.S. in this election season.” They said, “ we are very keen that Bush does not lose the upcoming elections- that Bush’s idiocy and religious fanaticism help to stir up support for Al Qaeda in the Islamic world.”
The Republicans have access to more wealthy contributors than the Democrats. This will result in more TV ads which usually influence Joe public.
The Jesus factor-Fundamentalism is growing rapidly in the U.S.- Bush is an evangelical Christian and one author claims that 40% of Americans consider themselves evangelical Christians and are the core of his political base. His crusade to rid the world of evildoers struck a cord with them. “Either you are with us or with the terrorists. We are a righteous empire and God is on our side.”GWB. Scary stuff. Bush is openly soliciting help from conservative church congregations which is in direct violation of federal laws which prohibit churches from being active politically.
History of dirty tricks by Bush’s head strategist, Karl Rove. Many believe Bush and Rove will do whatever it takes to stay in office. Read Bush’s Brain by James Moore and Wayne Slater if you doubt this.
Senator Robert Byrd has written an excellent, disturbing book called Losing America. He refers to a "shadow" government which was set up hours after 9/11 and consists of 100 senior executive branch officials who live and work secretly outside DC at 2 east coast locations. This shadow government would assume command in case of a national emergency. Congress didn't sanction this shadow government and was not made aware of it until the story was leaked in March 2002. I thought only the “conspiracy” folks believed in this stuff.
Probable “staging” of events near the election i.e. finding weapons of mass destruction, code red terrorist alerts, initiating martial law, etc.
If all else fails, possible election fraud by controlling the software of the voting machines produced by Diebold Election Systems. Diebold’s CEO, Wally O’Dell, has raised over $100,000 for Bush and is on record as saying he is committed to delivering the electoral votes of Ohio to Bush.

Possible outcomes if Bush gets re-elected:

Continuing and worsening worldwide terrorism. This is a direct result of American aggression. Our government still believes it can bomb or shoot its way to peace. Every Iraqi citizen the US kills creates a multiple of their friends and family who vow vengeance. Gandhi had it right when he said that “violence is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy."
Worsening environmental problems. Bush has initiated over 200 major rollbacks in environmental laws. The Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act are in jeopardy. Poisoning of the air, water and soil can only continue so long before it has a major impact on public health.
Potential for serious civil unrest in the US as social programs are cut and unemployment increases due to outsourcing of jobs to China and India. Bill Moyers of PBS fame said in his book Moyers on America that he fears the possibility of class warfare between the rich and the poor. There could be riots, sniper incidents and increasing police brutality. Remember how one sniper held DC hostage for almost 3 weeks last year? Consider this. There are over 751 hate groups in the US monitored by the Southern Poverty Law Center. At a large We the People conference recently, speakers openly called for violent revolution in the US. The former head of Earth Liberation Front, Craig Rosebraugh, has just written a book titled The Logic of Political Violence. His closing line is, “It is time for a revolution in the United States of America.”
Worldwide economic recession starting in the next few years. The piper must be paid at some point. Bush’s excessive military spending an unnecessary tax cuts to the wealthy are bankrupting the country. The current bubble of prosperity will likely be popped by some combination of rising interest rates, falling dollar or rising and sustained high oil prices. Major drops in real estate prices and the stock market may occur. (This is likely no matter who gets in office). The ratio of property prices to rents is at an unsustainable 20 year high.

The reality of peaking oil production worldwide and lack of adequate reserves is up against increasing global demand, especially in China, and the U.S., where we love our SUV’S. This is the elephant in the closet few are talking about. The bottom line is we are not going to have enough fossil fuels to meet increasing demand and it is going to have a huge negative worldwide economic impact over the next 10 -20 years.
There appears to be an increasing probability of reinstalling the military draft. Bush needs a very large military to pursue his goal of perpetual warfare.

In his acceptance speech at the Republican convention, he said, “We will defend America no matter what it takes.” Who is attacking us? War at what cost? We all know young men and women who will be put in harm’s way unnecessarily because of this attitude.
My guess is that the government will make a strong attempt to control the internet in the future. In the government’s publication, Rebuilding America’s Defenses, written in 2000, was this statement, “ The internet is playing an increasingly important role in warfare and human political conflict. The use of the internet to spread computer viruses reveals how easy it can be to disrupt normal functioning and even military networks. Any nation which cannot assure the free and secure access of its citizens to these systems will sacrifice an element of it’s soverneignity and it’s power.”

GW knows that the greatest tool available to the Progressive movement is the internet for education and coordinating opposition. Common sense would suggest that he will do whatever it takes to eliminate this advantage. I was listening to C- span late one night last year and saw GW signing the Homeland Security Act. He said that one of the goals of Homeland Security is to control cyberspace so that our enemies can’t use it against us. A chill went up my back.
If Bush wins, it would amount to a ratification of the ruthless style and philosophy that have underpinned Bush’s presidency- what Barack Obama at the Democratic convention called the “politics of anything goes.” This philosoph scorns deliberation and dissent, exalts brute power and mocks the popular will. It would signal that a majority of Americans not only tolerates but endorses his anti-democratic style. No amount of dire warnings or severe criticisms dissuaded Bush from pursuing reckless fiscal and military decisions in his first term. Why would he change course now if the majority of voters endorse him. I’m not sure I want to live in a country which supports this type of leadership and values.

So what does this mean? What are the major risks we face?

Personal safety. If you say the wrong things to the wrong people, you could get arrested. Forget freedom of speech. If you get on the wrong list, you could disappear with few legal rights.
Possible loss of value in real estate and securities in an economic decline.

How can you help yourself?

Securities- Take responsibility for managing your investment securities defensively or turn it over to professionals with risk adverse strategies. Don’t try to ride out the next long term decline unless you never want to retire.
Debt- There are record levels of debt in this country and people will be squeezed financially when interest rates start up. Pay off loans and increase savings. Ask your parents about this unusual concept.
Reduce real estate holdings by selling non residence properties before the bubble bursts. Don’t make home equity loans for personal use.
Diversify investments overseas:
a. Consider investing in property outside the U.S. for a safe haven for you and your family to go and live if things get really bad in the U.S. This property could appreciate in value if the U.S. dollar continues to decline. Some areas of the world are still undervalued. Canada had a decline in house prices from ‘89 to ‘97 and has been rising gradually since then. It looks like good value now. At present, if you buy real estate in Canada with American dollars, you get a 25% discount because the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar.

In New Zealand, the real estate market has been favorable for 3 years and prices have appreciated strongly. The market is overextended short term but the long term prospects are excellent since so many people consider it to be one of the safest and most beautiful places in the world.

Both Canada and New Zealand currently allow non-citizens to purchase real estate but there is a strong push by New Zealand citizens to change the law to not allow this in the future.

The last line of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson says, "We mutually pledge our lives, out fortunes and our sacred honor". That’s a profound statement. It begs the question- Am I willing to give up my life and my assets for my country? I might be if I could be assured it would get rid of Bush and it results in world peace. Short of that, I’d rather keep my life and assets thank you.

How bad would it have to get before I would consider leaving the country? I would start packing when my fellow activist friends start getting arrested and are not permitted due process under the law. In the meantime, I am doing everything I can do to promote John Kerry and regime change in November. If Bush gets re-elected, at a minimum I intend to spend more time outside the U.S. in the future.

Two books are recommended reading. After the Empire-The Breakdown of the American Order by Frenchman Emmanuel Todd and the European Dream –How Europe’s Vision of the Future is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream. Both books make a good case for the U.S. going downhill and the future of Europe as a sane, viable place to live as an alternative to the U.S.

b. Consider putting some savings or securities outside the U.S. Foreign bank savings accounts provide a higher safe return compared to the U.S. (~5 % vs 2 %) plus offer the possibility of appreciation if the U.S. dollar continues to decline. (Savings in New Zealand bank accounts have appreciated 20% in the last year due to the falling dollar.)

Royal Bank of Canada provides accounts where you can invest in a variety of currencies – New Zealand, Australia, Euro and British pound. You would receive the corresponding interest rates associated with these currencies. Accounts can be opened by mail. Monies are safe from seizure by the U.S. government. This is not true with many banks.

Another reason for putting some money and/or property outside the U.S. is a hedge against the possibility that our government could impose restrictions regarding allowing money to be taken outside the country. If the U.S. dollar starts a significant decline, and there is a major outflow of money from the US, the government may take steps to keep capital here. I am told that the last time such a restriction occurred in the U.S. was in the 1970’s when they didn’t allow money to leave the country for one and a half years but I haven’t been able to verify this. I believe this is currently the situation in Argentina. And of course it happened in Nazi Germany but we won’t go there…

The first time I thought about buying property or shifting investing overseas, I felt funny about it, like I was a traitor or something. Now that I have done it and profited from it, it seems like a sound, sensible plan of diversification and hedging my bets. And the time I spend out of the U.S.each year is very refreshing. Each time I return to the US I am less and less sure this is a place I want to call home. I sure hope Kerry wins…

I welcome your feedback Bob Jones

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