The political landscape in the United States continues to be a battleground, with the release of over 40,000 hours of Jan. 6 Capitol Police security video sparking fresh controversy. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has raised significant questions about the handling of the footage by the now-disbanded Jan. 6 committee, particularly the roles of its former Republican members, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Lee has called for an investigation into the committee, questioning its transparency and objectivity. The committee, which was disbanded in January 2023, faced criticism for its composition and perceived partisanship in its approach.
In health news, prominent cardiologist Dr. Peter Mulla has criticized the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing concerns such as the overestimation of mortality risks and the suppression of early treatment options. Meanwhile, Indian researchers have found no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination was behind “unexplained sudden deaths”, instead pointing to the disease itself, binge drinking, and intense exercise as risk factors.
The international community continues to grapple with the Israeli attack on the al-Wafa hospital, with the Biden administration attempting to support Israel while also making gestures towards a ceasefire. The solution to the conflict is seen as difficult due to extremist factions on both sides. Meanwhile, support for the Ukraine war in Europe is starting to fray, and the US foreign policy is seen as needing to negotiate with China on the Taiwan conflict instead of fighting.
In economic news, the potential return of deflation and its impact on the economy is being discussed, with indicators such as falling oil and gasoline prices, lower company earnings, and tightening lending standards being highlighted. The global nature of the issue is emphasized, with examples from the UK and Japan. The reverse repo facility at the Federal Reserve has been experiencing a significant decrease in funds over the past few months, which could lead to economic challenges and potential recessions.
The future of nuclear energy is also under scrutiny, with the cancellation of a pioneering Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project due to ballooning costs raising questions about the viability of this technology. Despite the challenges, SMRs are seen as a potential solution to the high costs and long construction times associated with traditional nuclear power plants.
Finally, the role of gold as a monetary hedge during hyperinflationary periods is being discussed, with a focus on the experience in Romania in the 1990s. The importance of holding onto gold during hyperinflation, as it can serve as a hedge against major calamities, is highlighted.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/political-battles-health-controversies-and-economic-woes-a-world-in-turmoil/