Why We Can Forget About “Drill Baby Drill” (Podcast)

Why We Can Forget About “Drill Baby Drill” (Podcast)

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  May 7, 2025

Travis Stice is not one of those rare corporate CEOs who is a household name around the world... like Warren Buffett. But the two share a similar ethos. 

Buffett famously quipped, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful,” which was ultimately a nod to the cyclical nature of markets and the economy. 

As surely as night follows day, and autumn/winter follow summer, bad times follow good... and then good times follow bad. 

Travis Stice understands this cyclicality all too well. As the founder/CEO of a large, pure-play Permian basin shale company (Diamondback Energy), he has seen ridiculously wild swings in the oil market, literally from nearly $150 per barrel all the way down to MINUS $40 per barrel, all within the past 15-20 years. 

So his warnings on the oil market are undoubtedly worth hearing. 

Stice penned an update to his shareholders earlier this week that bears special attention. And in it, he warned of the following:

• Over the past fifteen years, the US energy sector has provided extraordinary benefits to the US economy and American consumers.

• Rising oil production— thanks almost exclusively to shale producers— has kept energy prices low, driven job growth and exports, increased GDP, and filled government tax coffers.

• In 2024 alone, Texas collected $27 billion in state tax revenue from the oil and gas industry— more than the total tax revenue of more than 34 states.

• Yet oil production costs in the US have risen dramatically over the past decade. And tariffs make oil production significantly more expensive.

• There are further geological headwinds preventing further expansion; many shale resources are reaching their peak— or are already past their peak production.

• As a result of these factors, US oil production is now falling. Key metrics like crew counts and rig counts are down by as much as 20%.

• Simultaneously, oil is cheap right now. Adjusted for inflation— and adjusted for the cost of drilling— oil is nearly the cheapest it has been in decades (aside from the pandemic).

• With such cheap prices, there will be very little exploration for new oil... which is really bad for US energy independence, and likely means much higher prices in the future.

Stice sums it up by saying, “This will have a meaningful impact on our industry and our country.”

This is the topic of our latest podcast episode— and, candidly, the future of energy is pretty critical to understand. Oil may be cheap now, but this will likely be short-lived, and we could see a major price spike down the road— especially if the US dollar is displaced as the global reserve currency.

We invite you to listen in to today’s podcast here.

(For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.)
Y
To your freedom, James Hickman Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

TO READ MORE: https://www.schiffsovereign.com/podcast/why-we-can-forget-about-drill-baby-drill-podcast-152745/?inf_contact_key=0c98c052bac7e1331af19afe8d90578d6303c23d34f0b6ec81d0174425c11f9a

Economist’s “News and Views” 5-12-2025

The absolute beginning of collapse, Gold will explode in value- Bill Holter

Triangle Investor:  5-12-2025

In this interview, Bill Holter discusses the looming economic instability and potential financial collapse driven by a massive derivatives market.

He emphasizes the risks associated with major financial institutions and the implications of the US's growing debt.

Holter also highlights the importance of gold and silver as safe havens during crises, the challenges facing China, and the future of financial markets amidst rising inflation and interest rates.

 He warns that the current financial system is unsustainable and urges individuals to take proactive measures to protect their wealth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8nEP1dIPJg

IMF CONFIRMS IT: Gold's Revaluation Will Be Beyond Your Wildest Imagination! - Andy Schectman

Financial Wisdom:  5-12-2025

0:00 - IMF declares major global economic reset

0:17 - Speculations on gold's future value

1:00 - U.S. becomes major gold importer for first time since WWII

1:24 - Trump's statement and discussions on gold revaluation

2:12 - Market vs. government-led gold revaluation scenarios

3:05 - Calculating gold's potential revaluation based on M1 supply

4:42 - Central banks' incentive to revalue gold

5:21 - Global accumulation and repatriation of gold

6:02 - Slow reintegration of gold into the monetary system

6:27 - Historical precedent for gold revaluation

7:06 - COMEX inflows suggest preparation for gold repricing

 8:22 - Risk in London's over-leveraged gold market

9:03 - States begin recognizing gold and silver as legal tender

10:56 - Something is clearly changing with gold and silver

11:52 - Market volatility manipulation and price suppression

13:09 - China's gold accumulation and ETF inflows

13:53 - A generational shift in monetary thinking

 14:04 - Gold's return as more than a commodity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCC9uaWlA0o

Why Government Spending Dropped 5.1% in Q1

Heresy Financial:  5-12-2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiK2B6MI47w

Monday Coffee with MarkZ. 05/12/2025

Monday Coffee with MarkZ. 05/12/2025

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Good Morning- Another Monday with this group ~ Best part of waiting for the RV is spending time with you all!

Member: Hope all moms had a great Mothers Day Weekend.

Member: Welcome back home Mark……in the famous words of Jerry Maguire, show me the money  lol

MZ: There is some positive stuff coming out of the rumor mill. Bond folks will not tell me if they have received dollars or not. They seem awfully liquid and awfully happy but will not tell me yeah or nay.

MZ: They did say there is a lot of competition for some of the bond deals. There are competing buying groups like the Treasury and Chinese elders …they are paying higher and higher prices for bonds which is a good thing for us.

MZ: This does not tell us timing…..but them being offered more….I find interesting. Maybe it will speed up those bonds.

MZ: I also had a number of sources come to me over the weekend and tell me Venezuela is now 100% in the first basket. That really makes me feel better that they are ramping things up on the Bolivar. This was my favorite piece of weekend news.

MZ: There is supposed to be a lot more news coming in today.  I usually get group news Monday afternoons.

MZ: Trump is leaving right now for his Middle East Tour.

Member: There are old rumors that the President needed to be out of country when RV/Reset was released. Wonder if they are still valid?

Member: Hopefully while Trump is on the way to Saudi Arabia he sends out the EAS

Member: I would be surprised if the RV doesn’t happen this week before the Arab summit that Iraq is hosting. I believe it starts in a couple of days.

Member: So what was the big “earth shattering” announcement for President Trump ?

Member: I believe the big announcement is an EO involving Pharma prices and bringing down prescription cost by 30-70 %

Member: 30-80% discount on pharmaceuticals is HUGE! Parity on drugs worldwide means parity at all levels……countries also

MZ: You may be on to something. Is this a move toward Nesara/Gesara and parity for all?  

Member: Trump. 30 days for drug companies to drop drug prices.

Member: IMO- Mark his 1 hour and 8 minutes that President Trump did this morning was basically him was telling everyone NESARA GESARA

Member: I heard the assets are Gold - they are now trading in gold

Member: I’m wondering - Is the US running 2 monetary systems at this time?

Member: Hopefully they are …and one is the QFS?

Member: The MSM news this AM was talking about eliminating Ohio property tax..

Member: Still hoping they get rid of income taxes and the IRS

Member: (From Dinar Guru) Mnt Goat  I believe the pivot point for us investors is all riding on the Iranian talks. Not a single event but a pivot point. What will come of Iran is also part of the fate of Iraq. We can also see now the parallel market is all about to be fully broken and the dinar is rising every day...Remember also that these correspondent banks for the remaining 5% of the foreign transactions is slowly being implemented, with a completion target by June, not starting in June... So, now we gradually hear about the decline of the dollar and rise of the dinar. This is a target for the CBI...

 MZ: I totally buy everything being said right there.

MZ: “ We apologize to the chest” Parliamentary Framework: offers the second term to the Sudanese in exchange for a fee” Watching political machinations are laughable. The people are clear on who they want.

MZ: “Iraqi Ministry announces new recovery units” This really sounds like DOGE. Handling corruption and cleaning up governments. It also sounds like Nesara/Gesara. We have seen the same movement in Vietnam, Indonesia . Iraq and the US.

MZ: “A quantum leap: an Iraqi port receives 207 oil tankers for the first quarter of 2025” This is part of the belt/road initiative. To increase their port and trade system. They have made huge progress in a short time. They are experiencing a “Renaissance” in Iraq which should bring us a change in dinar value.

Member: so are we looking at June now?

MZ: I don’t know the timing but still think it may happen in May.

Member:  Praying this RV will be wrapped up by Memorial Day!!!!

Member: Thanks Mark and mods….. Have a good day everyone

Mod:  THANK YOU, MARK AND COMM FAMILY!! SEE ALL OF YOU AT 10:00 AM EST TOMORROW, UNLESS SOMETHING HAPPENS, FOR ANOTHER GREAT PODCAST...

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

FOLLOW MARKZ : TWITTER . https://twitter.com/originalmarkz?s=21. TRUTH SOCIAL . https://truthsocial.com/@theoriginalm...

Mod:  MarkZ "Back To Basics" Pre-Recorded Call" for Newbies 10-19-2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oILmAlptM

MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

Note from PDK: Please listen to the replay for all the details and entire stream….I do not transcribe political opinions, medical opinions or many guests on this stream……just RV/currency related topics.

 ZESTER'S LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/CrazyCryptonaut

THANKS FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED DAY! SEE YOU ALL  TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY EVENINGS FOR NEWS @ 7:00 PM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!  FROM NOW ON NO MORE NIGHTLY PODCASTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQD755aoGYY

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 5-12-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Mon. 12 May 2025

Compiled Mon. 12 May 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Judy Note: Mon. 12 May marks the beginning of the 17th week of Trumps “second” term and on that same Monday he (allegedly) activated the Quantum Financial System Worldwide.

BRICS just launched BRICS Pay and HSBC launched gold tokens to obliterate the petrodollar. They’re dumping the dollar, trading in national currencies, and setting up a new system outside of globalist control. Digital assets now represent physical bars. It’s a controlled demolition of the economy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sun. 11 May 2025 TRUMP’S CODED WARNING — GLOBAL RESET ACTIVATED …Charlie Ward and Friends on Telegram

“We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make.” That’s not a tease — it’s a warning. Trump didn’t just hint — he signaled. Behind closed doors with Canada’s PM, the plan was (allegedly) set in motion. Timing? Right before his Middle East trip. The fuse is lit.

The dollar is DONE. Deutsche Bank? Finished. JP Morgan? Hoarding hard assets. The banks don’t trust each other. Liquidity is collapsing behind the scenes. Federal Reserve = loan shark cartel, bleeding us dry to keep the illusion alive. This isn’t about debt — it’s about total control.

A TRIGGER EVENT IS COMING.

Brace yourself for a massive monetary explosion. BRICS just launched BRICS Pay to obliterate the petrodollar. They’re dumping the dollar, trading in national currencies, and setting up a new system outside of globalist control.

HSBC launched GOLD TOKENS. Digital assets now represent physical bars. Sound money is coming back. Gold, silver, land — REAL VALUE is making a comeback. Fiat is dying. The system is cracking. This is not a test.

The collapse is planned. Get out of the banking casino. Buy silver. Buy farmland. Buy gold. This is the only way to survive the coming storm.

And don’t forget who started the chain reaction: Trump and the Alliance. Middle East, BRICS, HSBC, Israel—it’s all connected. The old guard is panicking. They pushed the system to the brink, and now the reset begins.

Expect a financial earthquake BEFORE MONDAY.

The next phase of the plan is already moving. You’re watching the controlled demolition of the economy.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What We Think We Know as of Tues. 13 May 2025:

BRICS just launched BRICS Pay to obliterate the petrodollar.

Sun. 11 May 2025: NOW COMES THE STORM …G***o TV on Telegram

On January 20, 2025, Trump reentered the battlefield—side by side with the restored U.S. military. On March 27, they (allegedly) seized control of the Fed. On April 26, the Gold Standard(allegedly)  returned globally. By May 1, the entire fiat system was officially DEAD.

Now the final phase begins. The Quantum Grid is (allegedly) live. EBS countdown underway. Devices prepared. Every soul on Earth is about to witness the storm.

Redemption Centers are (allegedly) active. Gold-backed currency is (allegedly) here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Global Currency Reset:

Sun. 11 May 2025 UPDATE! QFS Is Replacing the Banking System—Redemption Centers Are Secure and Processing Gold-Backed Payments—Banks Are Desperately Freezing Accounts, Blocking Access to Your QFS Funds, and Spreading Media Lies to Keep You Trapped in the Dying Fiat System! – Gazetteller

https://gazetteller.com/update-qfs-is-replacing-the-banking-system-redemption-centers-are-secure-and-processing-gold-backed-payments-banks-are-desperately-freezing-accounts-blocking-access-to-your-qfs-funds/

Sun. 11 May 2025 589bull on X: “He’s finalizing something big—like FX-level, gold-layered, system reset big. Petrodollar’s on life support. Iraq, Saudi, UAE—all lining up. Feels like we’re watching the board get cleared before the rate switch.” / X https://x.com/589bull10000/status/1921595926885302320

https://x.com/589bull10000/status/1921595926885302320?t=ouKOZlXsobBIYT55kDHx0A&s=09

Sun. 11 May 2025 Gesara QFS on X: (1) Gesara QFS on X: “A New Phase for Humanity Begins on Monday – Here we are on the edge of history. What we’ve been talking about all along—the great revelation and transition—is not years away but just a few days. This coming Monday marks the start of the official new phase. I believe that from” / X

Sat. 10 May 2025: BOOM! OPERATION SANDMAN IN MOTION: 100+ Nations Launch Coordinated Strike to OBLITERATE the U.S. Dollar — TRUMP Ready to CRUSH the Globalist Coup! – amg-news.com – American Media Group

Read full post here: https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/05/12/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-may-12-2025/ 

************

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26  The pilgrimage that is happening right now in the Middle East inside of Iraq, I want you to know that this selling of this money has nothing to do with what we are studying.  They're talking about selling money and converting it to another currency internally for the citizens of Iraq.  They're not talking about that currency being moved on Forex on an international level which a lot of you got confused about.

Militia Man   If Iraq is going to be international they're going to have to be in compliance.  One of their compliances is to have an internationally acceptable exchange rate.  They don't have that yet.  But they are going to have one.

*************

HUGE! The FOMC Meeting Confirmed Our Entire Gold and Silver

HTZ Cap:  5-11-2025

HUGE! The FOMC Meeting Confirmed Our Entire Gold and Silver Predictions - Schectman, Schiff, Macleod

JPM analyst explains what could push gold prices up to $6,000. JPM sees a possibility of another 80% surge in gold prices In her latest research note, JPM’s commodities strategist Natasha Kaneva discussed the possibility of continued momentum in gold that could push its price up to as much as $6,000 over the next four to five years.

According to Kaneva, global investors are losing their appetite for US investments due to the new government’s uncertain trade policies that many believe could trigger a full-blown trade war in 2025.

International investors are starting to reassess the exorbitant privilege and safe haven status of the US dollar,” she noted in a report this week.

 In this episode three financial experts, Andy Schectman, Peter Schiff and Alasdair Macleod share their gold and silver price predictions and highlight the recent developments in the macroeconomic landscape affecting the precious metals sector.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEtcgwq0qIk

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Monday Morning 5-12-25

How Did The Central Bank's Strategic Plan Control The Dollar Price?

Banks   Economy News – Baghdad   The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, confirmed on Sunday that the strategic plan adopted by the Central Bank, in cooperation with banks, focused on controlling the buying and selling of dollars outside official channels.

This was achieved by accommodating foreign trade requirements and meeting demand through open and correspondent accounts. This contributed to a decline in demand for dollars in the parallel market.

Saleh explained that "the narrowing gap between the official exchange rate and the parallel (black) market exchange rate is one of the most prominent indicators of the success of the strategic approach to controlling the currency market outside official channels, which has had a positive impact on economic stability and the interconnectedness of the Iraqi economy."

He added, "This approach has contributed significantly to enhancing the stability of the monetary market, which benefits the strength of the Iraqi dinar and represents a key factor in improving the business environment and attracting local and foreign investments, particularly those operating under the Investment Law."

He noted that "these measures also contribute to strengthening financial and banking governance by supporting transparency and restricting cash transactions to official channels, which helps combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and illegal financial activities."

Regarding the operational aspect of the Central Bank's strategy, Saleh noted that "supporting commercial and investment banks and linking them to the SWIFT system and international correspondents represents a fundamental step towards enhancing compliance with international standards."

 He emphasized that "the Central Bank has succeeded in establishing an electronic monitoring system to track transfers and banking operations in foreign currency. This system has passed multiple testing stages and proven its effectiveness."

Regarding monetary policy and enhancing confidence in the banking system, he stated that "the strategy adopted has contributed to reducing annual inflation rates by limiting exchange rate fluctuations in the parallel market and providing foreign currency through official channels.

This has helped boost confidence in banks and reduce reliance on the informal market, thus gradually supporting the value of the dinar."

He continued, "These measures are pivotal within the Central Bank's strategy to reform the financial and banking system," stressing that "the continued success of this process requires sustained cooperation and commitment between the Central Bank and national banks, particularly with regard to strengthening governance and compliance to ensure transparency, integrity, and effectiveness in the financial system."  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=55350

After The Dollar's Decline Against The Dinar, The Government Announces The Central Bank's Success In Establishing An Electronic Monitoring System To Track Transfers

Buratha News Agency1372025-05-11   The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, revealed on Sunday the reason for the dollar's decline against the dinar in Iraqi markets.

"The narrowing gap between the official exchange rate and the parallel (black) market exchange rate is one of the most prominent indicators of the success of the strategic approach to controlling the currency market outside official channels, which has had a positive impact on economic stability and the interconnectedness of the Iraqi economy," Saleh told the official agency.

He added, "This approach has contributed significantly to enhancing the stability of the monetary market, which benefits the strength of the Iraqi dinar and represents a key factor in improving the business environment and attracting local and foreign investments, particularly those operating under the Investment Law."

He noted that "these measures also contribute to strengthening financial and banking governance by supporting transparency and restricting cash transactions to official channels, which helps combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and illegal financial activities."

Regarding the operational aspect of the Central Bank's strategy, Saleh noted that "supporting commercial and investment banks and linking them to the SWIFT system and international correspondents represents a fundamental step towards enhancing compliance with international standards."

He emphasized that "the Central Bank has succeeded in establishing an electronic monitoring system to track transfers and banking operations in foreign currency. This system has passed multiple testing stages and proven its effectiveness."

Regarding monetary policy and enhancing confidence in the banking system, he stated that "the strategy adopted has contributed to reducing annual inflation rates by limiting exchange rate fluctuations in the parallel market and providing foreign currency through official channels. This has helped boost confidence in banks and reduce reliance on the informal market, thus gradually supporting the value of the dinar."

He continued, "These measures are pivotal within the Central Bank's strategy to reform the financial and banking system," stressing that "the continued success of this process requires sustained cooperation and commitment between the Central Bank and national banks, particularly with regard to strengthening governance and compliance to ensure transparency, integrity, and effectiveness in the financial system."   https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/459997

A Government Advisor Reveals The Reason For The Dollar's Decline Against The Dinar.
 
Economy     2025-05-11 | 08:49   5,764 views  The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, revealed on Sunday the reason for the dollar's decline against the dinar in Iraqi markets.
official exchange rate and the exchange rate in the
 
"The shrinking gap between the parallel (black) market is one of the most prominent indicators of the success of the strategic directions to control the currency market outside official channels,  which has had a   positive impact on economic stability and the  interconnectedness of the Iraqi economy," 
Saleh said in an interview with the official agency, followed by Sumaria News.

He added,  "This approach has contributed significantly to enhancing the stability of the monetary market,  which benefits the strength of the Iraqi dinar and  represents a key factor in
     improving the business environment and
     attracting local and foreign investments,
particularly those operating under the Investment Law."

He noted that  "these measures also contribute to strengthening financial and banking governance
by supporting transparency and restricting cash transactions to official channels,
which helps combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and illegal financial activities."
 
Regarding the operational aspect of the Central Bank's strategy, Saleh noted that  supporting commercial and investment banks and linking them to the SWIFT system and international correspondents represents a fundamental step towards enhancing compliance with international standards."

He emphasized that "the Central Bank has succeeded in establishing an electronic monitoring system
to track transfers and banking operations in foreign currency.
 
This system has passed multiple testing stages and proven its effectiveness."
 
Regarding monetary policy and enhancing confidence in the banking system, he stated that  
"the strategy adopted has contributed to reducing annual inflation rates by
     limiting exchange rate fluctuations in the parallel market and
     providing foreign currency through official channels.
 
This has helped boost confidence in banks and reduce reliance on the informal market, thus
gradually supporting the value of the dinar."

He continued, "These measures are pivotal within the Central Bank's strategy to reform the financial and banking system," stressing that "the continued success of this process requires   sustained cooperation and commitment between the Central Bank and national banks, particularly with regard to
     strengthening governance and compliance to
     ensure transparency, integrity, and effectiveness in the financial system."    
  
https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/economy/525851/مستشار-حكومي-يكشف-سبب-تراجع-الدولار-أمام-الدينار   

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 5-12-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

U.S. ANNOUNCES CHINA TRADE DEAL IN GENEVA

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “I’m happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks. First, I want to thank our Swiss host. The Swiss government has been very kind in providing us this wonderful venue, and I think that led to a great deal of productivity we’ve seen. We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive.

We had the vice premier, two vice ministers, who were integrally involved, Ambassador Jamieson, and myself. And I spoke to President Trump, as did Ambassador Jamieson, last night, and he is fully informed of what is going on. So, there will be a complete briefing tomorrow morning.”

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “This was, as the Secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days. It’s important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought.

That being said, there was a lot of groundwork that went into these two days. Just remember why we’re here in the first place — the United States has a massive $1.2 trillion trade deficit, so the President declared a national emergency and imposed tariffs, and we’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency.”

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  The White House

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS OR THE US? SAUDI ARABIA MAY HAVE CHOSEN A SIDE AMID THE FACEOFF

Since the start of the year, the BRICS economic alliance and the US have seen tensions explode, and Saudi Arabia has unwillingly sat at the center. Indeed, their issues have reached a fever pitch amid a brewing trade war between the United States and China. Now, all eyes are on Riyadh and where its loyalties could lie in a geopolitical sense.

The country was among the first to be included in the bloc’s landmark expansion plan. However, since accepting an invitation to join, Saudi Arabia has yet to fully become a part of the collective. Now, that may never come, as it stands in a complicated position with both allies.

Saudi Arabia Stands at the Center of US & BRICS Conflict: Which Side Are They On?

Since his return to the White House, US President Donald Trump has not minced words regarding the BRICS bloc. Indeed, he warned that the bloc would face a 150% tariff for its attempts at creating a currency to rival the US dollar. Moreover, it has hit China with import duty increases as high as 245% amid its ongoing challenges.

Those issues have only continued to fester throughout the year. Moreover, it has created a rather uncertain geopolitical dynamic for one nation at the center. Specifically, as the BRICS and the US face off, Saudi Arabia may soon be forced to choose a side. That is, if it hasn’t already done so.

Saudi Arabia was present at a BRICS meeting last week, according to sources. Moreover, it is still considered a potential BRICS nation after accepting its invitation to join as an expanding country.

However, that may not tell the whole story. Specifically, the country is worried that its BRICS relations will threaten its partnership with the US, Reuters reports.

Saudi Arabia “does not want to risk US anger as negotiations are underway in Washington,” the report noted. This created a notable balancing act between its US and Chinese relations. On the one side, China is its biggest oil exporter. Alternatively, Washington is a key security and tech partner.

The decision may have already been made due to its inaction; however, Riyadh has yet to officially join BRICS. Therefore, it may be able to salvage its relationship with China on its own. Subsequently, ensuring its partnership with both nations could endure, with only BRICS suffering in the end.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

DEMOCRATIC SENATORS PROPOSE BAN ON CRYPTO PROMOTION BY TRUMP, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AMID STABLECOIN BILL SPAT

▪️__A group of 20 Democratic Senators__ has introduced legislation that would ban the creation and promotion of cryptocurrencies by the President, Vice President, Congress, and Senate-confirmed Cabinet members, among some others.

▪️__The legislation was introduced amid growing tensions__ over the Senate’s stablecoin bill, after a number of Democrats withdrew their support from the current version of the bill.

▪️__The bill would attempt to prohibit Trump and Melania from profiting from their memecoins, though it would not necessarily impact the World Liberty Financial project.

▪️Elon Musk, as a Special Government Employee, would also be barred from promoting crypto.

A group of 20 Democratic Senators have unveiled new legislation that seeks to prohibit senior government officials from issuing or endorsing cryptocurrencies, as key Democrats raise concerns about President Trump's business dealings in the crypto sector.

The so-called “End Crypto Corruption Act of 2025” would prohibit the President, Vice President, members of Congress, individuals appointed to Senate-confirmed positions, and certain other special government employees in the Executive Office, plus their spouses and dependent children, from issuing, sponsoring, or endorsing any cryptocurrencies or other digital assets.

One such special government employee: Elon Musk, alongside other members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. Musk recently clarified that the department has no plans to use the memecoin of the same name in its official capacity.

Normal sale transactions would be permitted in the current form of the bill, which imposes fines and possible jail times on offenders. The bill covers government employees and their families during their term and for one year after, and was introduced on May 7.

The bill, the Senate counterpart of similar House legislation introduced earlier this year, is the latest response to the escalating political negotiations over the Senate's stablecoin bill.

A number of Senate Democrats voted against the legislation in its current form,  accusing Republicans of not compromising on key issues like anti-money laundering legislation and foreign issuer oversight.

The bill seeks to prevent President Trump and his wife Melania from profiting from their memecoins, which were issued shortly before the inauguration. $TRUMP has recently traded higher after Trump announced its top holders would be personally invited to a White House dinner, raising conflict of interest concerns from some Democrats.

However, it's unclear whether Trump’s position as “chief crypto advocate” at the World Liberty Financial firm — more closely associated with his sons and senior administration members — would be prohibited under the bill in its current form.

Senate Democrats have recently raised concerns about a planned $2 billion deal between an Abu Dhabi investment firm and Binance with the firm’s WLD1 stablecoins.

“Our concerns about Binance’s compliance obligations are even more pressing given recent reports that the company is using the Trump family’s stablecoin to partner with foreign investment companies,” several Democratic senators wrote last week.

Senator Elissa Slotkin (MI), a co-sponsor of the bill, told Michigan Advance that preventing Trump from profiting from his memecoin is more pressing than broader crypto regulation:

“We’ve got a more immediate crocodile closer to the boat, and that’s the president of the United States, selling his own currency and marketing his own currency and using it as a form of payment to line his pockets,” Slotkin said.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Trump is Finalizing Something Big

Trump is Finalizing Something Big

589bull:   5-11-2025

He’s finalizing something big—like FX-level, gold-layered, system reset big.

Petrodollar’s on life support. Iraq, Saudi, UAE—all lining up. Feels like we’re watching the board get cleared before the rate switch.

Watcher.Guru:  JUST IN: White House says more trade deals could be announced this week.

Christian Patriot:  Trump said Friday 4 or 5 more deals would be announced very soon… almost immediately… and he’s headed to the Middle East On a trip he was going to take after Pope’s funeral but didn’t. Wonder why?! Maybe because this week is the #GCR #RV

Switzerland.

Where they go when no one’s allowed to watch.

FINALIZATION

A global checkmate signed in silence.

Greer says it was “fast.” Bullsh*t. You don’t untangle $1.2 trillion in trade imbalances over lunch. They staged it to look casual. The real deal was inked long before they landed.

Bessent called it a national emergency.

Read that again.
Not a negotiation.
Not a dispute.
Emergency.

They just rewrote the rules under executive war powers, and no one even blinked.

China didn’t push back because China’s not the opponent. They’re in on it.

Everyone’s been watching the wrong board. This wasn’t about trade. It was about currency. Control. Leverage. Who gets to value reality when the dust settles.

Now gold’s flooding in. The yuan’s being padded. And behind closed doors, Trump’s already dealt Iraq, Vietnam, and half the Middle East their new terms.

They’re calling it a “productive meeting.” What they meant was: It’s done.

Tomorrow they’ll spoon-feed the narrative. But if you’re reading this, you already saw the trigger get pulled. The system’s flipping. And no one’s stopping it.

Watcher.Guru:  BREAKING: United States announces trade deal with China.

Source(s):
https://x.com/589bull10000/status/1921595926885302320
https://x.com/589bull10000/status/1921621608076025924

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/05/11/589bull-trump-is-finalizing-something-big/

“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 5-12-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Monetary policy raises the value of the dinar and reduces reliance on the parallel market

The Iraqi dinar has recently recorded strong performance against the dollar, driven by a series of monetary measures adopted by the Central Bank, which have contributed to reducing demand for hard currency in the parallel market and enhancing the confidence of traders in official channels.

This improvement comes amid ongoing government efforts to consolidate financial stability and stimulate business activity through effective monetary instruments and transparent and direct financing mechanisms.

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dr. Ammar Hamad, confirmed to Al-Sabah that this increase reflects the success of the monetary policy pursued by the bank in reducing reliance on the parallel market and providing safe and transparent sources of financing for foreign trade. He explained that this policy has enabled the commercial family to obtain dollars through official channels that adhere to international standards, without having to resort to the unregulated market.

Hamad noted that the Central Bank continues to work toward consolidating the local banking system and raising its operational efficiency to levels consistent with international banking standards, making it a fundamental pillar in driving economic development in Iraq. He added that the bank is adopting advanced mechanisms that enable banks to offer diverse banking products that support various economic sectors and facilitate financing and cash flow operations.

For his part, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial Affairs, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, explained that a number of factors contributed to strengthening the value of the dinar, most notably the weak demand for the dollar in the parallel market, as a result of the Central Bank's policies regarding financing foreign trade for the private sector. He explained that the bank strengthens Iraqi banks' dollar balances through their correspondents abroad, especially banks with a high credit rating (AAA), which speeds up the execution of international transfers and reduces the need for dollars in the local market.

He also indicated that the move towards using alternative currencies such as the euro, yuan, dirham, and lira in banking transactions has helped reduce excessive reliance on the dollar.

Saleh also noted that enabling small businesses to access financing sources directly through Iraqi banks, without costly intermediaries, has helped reduce operating costs and improved commercial efficiency, as this segment represents approximately 60% of private sector trade. He added that travelers can now easily obtain their foreign currency dues via payment cards at a subsidized exchange rate of 1,320 dinars to the dollar, in addition to the ability to receive dollars in cash at Iraqi airports, which has eased pressure on the parallel market.

In the same context, economic expert Nazir Al-Saadi emphasized that the money transfer services provided by the Central Bank have become safer and more effective, which has prompted business families to move away from the parallel market, which is characterized by significant risks and high costs.

He explained that relying on official transfers not only ensures the safety of transactions, but also reduces the final cost of imports, which is positively reflected in the prices offered to consumers. He added that random transfers from the parallel market often caused losses to importers due to failure to implement them or due to price fluctuations, while the Central Bank mechanism provides a stable financial system that preserves the value of the currency and reduces Opportunities for manipulation. link

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Tishwash:  The US Embassy: the participation of an Iraqi delegation in an annual investment summit.

The US Embassy in Baghdad announced on Sunday that an Iraqi delegation will participate in the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit this May.

The embassy said in a statement that it is leading a delegation of 46 business leaders from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to ​​the United States to participate in the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, which is being held in the Washington, D.C., area from May 11-14.

The embassy added that the delegation "includes a diverse range of sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, franchising, agriculture, construction, investment, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and oil and gas. This diversity highlights the broad opportunities for cooperation and investment between the United States and Iraq."

It emphasized that the summit "is the largest event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment in the United States," noting that it "brings together international investors, representatives from state and local governments, and government officials to facilitate investment in the American economy."

She explained that the summit "is organized by the Ministry of Trade and provides essential information and services to help foreign investors navigate the investment process in the United States," noting that it "aims to help Iraqis identify investment opportunities in the United States and grow their businesses."

The embassy continued in its statement, "This visit is part of a series of important visits aimed at strengthening economic relations between Iraq and the United States across various sectors."

It concluded by saying, "During May, a delegation from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation visited Baghdad, and in April, more than 100 businessmen and companies from the American-Iraqi Chamber of Commerce participated in a business forum in Baghdad."  link

*************

Tishwash:  The 2025 budget schedules will be finalized by the end of May.

MP Baqir Al-Saadi stressed that "the existence of 2025 budget schedules is important to ensure project funding and provide financial support for local governments, enabling them to proceed with implementing service projects across all sectors."

Al-Saadi indicated in a press interview seen by (Al-Masry Al-Youm, Sunday 5/11/2025) that “the 2025 budget schedules will be decided by the end of this May.”

He said, "Despite talk of the possibility of postponing the budget resolution until after the November 2025 elections, there are indications that the budget schedules may be finalized by the end of this month. Thus, after the end of the legislative recess, the parliament will have the opportunity to finalize it or hold extraordinary sessions to discuss and vote on it."

He explained that "the delay in finalizing these schedules and the Cabinet's failure to send them to the Parliamentary Finance Committee for review before submitting them to the Parliament Presidency for a vote has negative repercussions on the funding of service projects in ministries and local governments." link

************

Mot:  ... Don't Forget – Grandma  

More News, Rumors and Opinions Sunday PM 5-11-2025

US Should Back a Debt Instrument Backed by Gold

Gold Telegraph:   5-10-2025

BREAKING NEWS: THE INFLOW INTO PHYSICALLY BACKED GOLD EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS IN APRIL WAS THE LARGEST SINCE 2022 WITH CHINA-LISTED FUNDS LEADING THE MOVE

China…

“The inflow intensified in April when the world’s two largest economies exchanged t*t-for-tat import tariffs…”

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/china-led-funds-spur-largest-monthly-inflow-into-gold-etfs-three-years-2025-05-08/

BREAKING NEWS: U*****E IS STARTING TO CONSIDER A SHIFT AWAY FROM THE U.S. DOLLAR, POSSIBLY LINKING ITS CURRENCY MORE CLOSELY TO THE EURO

Plot twist.

“Some European countries that do not use the euro, including Denmark, peg their currencies to the euro using the European exchange rate…”

Source: https://kyivindependent.com/u*****e-considers-linking-hryvnia-closer-to-euro-rather-than-dollar-reuters-reports/

The National Bank of Poland governor says gold is a shield against global instability and a cornerstone of economic sovereignty. Central bankers are starting to say the quiet part out loud…

My friend Judy Shelton (@judyshel) is a fearless patriot and leading voice for sound money… Unafraid to confront the silent destruction of fiat currency. The United States should back a debt instrument backed by GOLD.

Judy Shelton:  If you don’t mind going back to 2012, here’s an article I wrote published in the Cato Journal describing how to issue gold-backed Treasury bonds as an important first step on the road to sound money, both at home and abroad. https://search.app/32iVUvRBJFyBh6

BREAKING NEWS: BANKS AND BROKERS ARE SEEING RISING DEMAND FOR CURRENCY DERIVATIVES THAT BYPASS THE DOLLAR… BYPASSING THE DOLLAR IS GAINING MOMENTUM IN ASIA

The momentum is no longer being questioned.

“The attempt to find alternatives is another sign that companies and investors are turning their backs on the world’s reserve currency…”

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-09/global-shift-to-bypass-the-dollar-is-gaining-momentum-in-asia

Wall Street banks say investors managing trillions are beginning to scale back their exposure to United States assets. Again, the foundation is shaking.

China just greenlit the use of foreign currency by banks to fund expanded gold imports. China is ramping up gold buying… Swapping U.S. dollars for hard assets. The world is starting to piece it together. Big.

Source(s):   https://x.com/GoldTelegraph_/status/1920512888348839967

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/05/10/gold-telegraph-us-should-back-a-debt-instrument-backed-by-gold/

************

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

PompeyPeter  What we know is the budget hasn't been activated.  We also on Saturday the 17th in Baghdad Sudani heads up the Arab Summit...29 countries of the Arab League.  I think Big Don is going to be there as well.  That's the word on the street... 

Militia Man  This is an event that's going to be historic...Investors put their money where their mouth is....$88 billion invested in Iraq in 2023/24...There's an estimated $400 to $500 billion more on the way.  That's massive!  A half a trillion dollars is huge.  Why?  Iraq told us they have $16 trillion worth of rare earth and that doesn't even include the taxes and tariffs at the borders...The list goes on an on.  To think there's not going to be an adjustment so Iraq can enter and be integrated into the International financial system is flat-out silly.  But there's still a lot of people that believe that.  That's ok, it's not meant for everybody.

************

GOLD RUSH HOUR: The Day the Dollar Resets—How Life as You Know It Will Change

Taylor Kenny:  5-11-2025

In this episode of Gold Rush Hour, Taylor Kenney and ITM Trading President Eric Griffin dig into the hidden warning signs of a dying dollar, rising volatility, and what history tells us about currency resets.

With gold hitting new highs and the Fed denying reality, we ask: are we already in the final stage of the dollar’s life cycle?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO5YDha1RFQ

A Currency-Market ‘Avalanche’ Is Heading For The U.S. Dollar, And The Tremors Started This Week

A Currency-Market ‘Avalanche’ Is Heading For The U.S. Dollar, And The Tremors Started This Week

Joseph Adinolfi   Wed, May 7, 2025   MarketWatch

Investors have valid reasons to be concerned about wild swings in the global currency market over the past few days, according to one market veteran.

Since late 2022, Stephen Jen, chief executive and co-chief investment officer of Eurizon SLJ Capital, has been warning about the possibility that the U.S. dollar could be vulnerable to a sudden, disorderly depreciation, which he has likened to an “avalanche.”

Jen thinks that moment may have finally arrived. In a report shared with MarketWatch on Wednesday, Jen and co-author Joana Freire said that the sudden spike in the value of the Taiwan dollar and other Asian currencies could be a prelude to a bigger selloff in the greenback.

“We continue to believe the risks of investors being blind-sided by such a non-linear sell-off in the dollar continue to rise. The sharp sell-off in [the Taiwan dollar] last week is such an example. There will be others, we predict,” they said in the report.

In the view of Jen and Freire, changes in the geopolitical landscape, interest-rate spreads or other factors could inspire U.S. trading partners to start dumping the massive stores of dollars and dollar-denominated assets they have accumulated since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

They calculated that the pile of at-risk dollars held by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and other major Asian exporters has topped $2.5 trillion, a tally that has recently been rising by about $500 billion a year. Some of this money has been parked in liquid money-market instruments that aren’t included in data on international investment flows, Jen said.

The chart below shows the cumulative trade surpluses that major Asian exporters have accumulated with the U.S. since the start of 2020. It shows that the biggest “avalanche” risk for the dollar stems from Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, China and Vietnam.

If local exporters were to unload even a portion of their dollar holdings, it could cause the buck to weaken substantially. The risk is compounded by the fact that these market participants know the dollar is overvalued, Jen said, which could encourage them to cut and run if the greenback continues to weaken.

“The overhang of liquid dollar holdings is just too large if the dollar weakens, the Fed cuts interest rates, and China stages a cyclical rebound,” Jen and Freire said.

The Federal Reserve wasn’t expected to cut rates on Wednesday at the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting, but expectations have been growing for cuts totaling 75 basis points in 2025.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/currency-market-avalanche-heading-u-162200542.html

News, Rumors and Opinions Sunday 5-11-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Sun. 11 May 2025

Compiled Sun. 11 May 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Global Financial Crisis:

Sat. 10 May 2025 The Quantum Reset has begun. And this time, it’s backed by more than code. It’s backed by history, momentum, and a world finally ready to say: Enough. …Julian Assange on Telegram

Sat. 12 April 2025 The U.S. just (allegedly) triggered the Global Currency Reset (GCR) and the Revaluation (RV), shattering the corrupt system that’s enslaved the world for decades.

Fri. 11 April 2025 a classified Tier 1 operation (allegedly) quietly began. $500 trillion is now moving through the global system through perfectly timed veils of tariffs.

Trump’s trade war was about taking down the rigged currency game. The U.S. Trade Representative is now (allegedly) enforcing currency revaluations as part of new deals. No more manipulation. No more fake valuations. No more China cheating the dollar.

The Federal Reserve plans to print $9.5 trillion to buy out global gold. But the moment they move, the dollar hits ZERO. Gold will shoot to infinity.

Inside the Tier 1 Blueprint for a Silent $500 Trillion Reset as Global Financial Realignment Is Already in Motion

Over $500 trillion in frozen or hidden assets is now (allegedly) being introduced back into circulation under humanitarian cover. This structure prevents manipulation, bypasses corruption, and protects the mission: 80% of the funds directed toward humanitarian infrastructure, 1% for logistical discretion, and 19% anchored in U.S. Treasury bonds to stabilize the sovereign narrative and avoid inflationary shocks.

Tariffs provide the smokescreen. Governments declare economic wins as hidden financial pathways quietly funnel resources through redemption frameworks unknown to the public.

This operation will never be called a reset. It will be labeled as “liquidity flow alignment,” “sovereign debt stabilization,” or “post-pandemic optimization.” But make no mistake: this is a reverse-engineered correction of economic plunder. The theft of wealth, time, and global potential is (allegedly) being quietly reversed—without ever admitting the theft occurred.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sat 10 May 2025 TRUMP ACTIVATES GESARA – GLOBAL RESET IN MOTION …Ben Fulford on Telegram

May 8, 2025 — It’s official: GESARA is LIVE. Redemption Centers are (allegedly) operational. Biometric NDAs are being enforced. Quantum Access Cards distributed. Digital gold wallets activated. And StarLink has become the digital backbone of the global reset. The war for financial freedom is no longer coming — it has BEGUN.

Trump’s Executive Order from April 10 (allegedly) TERMINATED the Federal Reserve. All Fed assets are now in U.S. Treasury control under the QFS. Every major transaction in the restored Republic must now pass through Quantum Voting System sovereignty checks. The days of globalist central banking are (allegedly) OVER.

Global Debt Cancellation is HAPPENING NOW. Sources from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe confirm sovereign debt is being wiped — quietly, under biometric NDA lock. Nations once crushed by the IMF and BIS are walking free. Break that NDA? Instant QFS lockout. No appeal. No warning.

Redemption Centers are real. In Reno, Zurich, and Shanghai, Tier 3 and 4B individuals are (allegedly) being called in, scanned, verified, and issued Quantum Cards linked to gold-backed digital wallets. Offline. Immune to the old system. Verified funds — already visible.

StarLink is not a comms system — it’s the QFS backbone. Hundreds of satellites now serve as military-grade financial nodes. Encrypted, (allegedly) unhackable. This is why dozens of global banks are “upgrading” — forced into GESARA compliance. Bank failures are not glitches. They’re cleansing ops.

The fiat system is COLLAPSING. Every major currency — dollar, euro, yuan — is falling under the weight of asset-backed reform. New currencies are already being sandboxed in Brazil, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and parts of the restored U.S.

GESARA is NOT a theory. It’s OPERATIONAL. Iceland, Hungary, Brazil — already moving. The U.S. is next. As the globalist parasites fall, a synchronized transition unfolds.

This is it.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/05/11/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-may-11-2025/

***********

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Militia Man  It's about Iraq but it's not all about Iraq because the impact that a revaluation will have on the region and trading partners.  The world is going to be a part of this...When they turn it on everybody else needs to be ready for that.  That's when it comes to the central bank and the Bank of International Settlements...the central bank of all central banks.

Frank26  If you listen very closely, if you watch very closely not what they say but what they do...then without a doubt I believe that what we are looking for is already here and it's already been exposed because it's no secret in the way the community around the world internationally is reacting.  Everybody knows.  Even the man on the moon.

************

Europe’s Final Act: Germany & EU Head for Disaster, "Only Collapse Will Change Europe" I Marc Faber

Soar financially:  5-11-2025

Dr. Marc Faber returns to Soar Financially with a raw, unfiltered breakdown of the global economic powder keg.

 From Trump’s dangerous tariff games to Europe’s trillion-dollar debt blunders and the collapse of socialist systems, Faber holds nothing back.

Is gold expensive or still cheap at $3,400?

 Why is the dollar doomed but still dominant?

And are the BRICs about to shake the world order?

Timestamps

00:00 - Faber on Trump: “12-year-old brain”

01:00 - Europe’s $1T debt madness & irrelevance

04:30 - Socialism’s grip & subsidy addiction

08:00 - Germany lifts debt brake: A new disaster?

 10:00 - Paper money = worthless?

12:00 - Why democracies can’t cut spending

14:00 - Tariff traps & US economic blindspots

20:00 - Dollar is doomed… but still king

23:00 - Investing across currencies: the FX problem

27:00 - BRICS, China, & emerging market moves

31:00 - Why Hong Kong still works

 35:00 - $3,500 gold: panic or protection?

38:00 - Gold vs silver vs platinum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkBxn581alE

BRICS Cracking Western Empire as Global Financial Reset Accelerates

BRICS Cracking Western Empire as Global Financial Reset Accelerates

Lena Petrova: 5-10-2025

For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme as the undisputed king of global finance. Its dominance has underpinned international trade, served as the primary reserve currency for nations worldwide, and granted the United States unparalleled economic leverage.

However, rumblings of discontent have been growing, and a powerful force is emerging that threatens to challenge this long-standing status quo: the BRICS alliance.

The BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – representing a significant portion of the world’s population and economic output, have been actively pursuing a policy of de-dollarization.

This multifaceted strategy aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar in international trade and financial transactions, ultimately paving the way for a more multipolar global financial system.

Several factors are driving this push for de-dollarization. Firstly, the perceived weaponization of the dollar by the US, particularly through sanctions, has created a desire for alternative economic pathways. Nations feel vulnerable when their access to the global financial system can be unilaterally restricted by Washington.

Secondly, the BRICS countries are increasingly frustrated with the inherent disadvantages of the dollar-centric system. They argue that it necessitates holding large reserves of US dollars, exposes them to US monetary policy decisions, and limits their economic sovereignty.

Finally, the ambition to create a truly multipolar world, both politically and economically, fuels the de-dollarization agenda. The BRICS nations seek to assert their influence on the global stage and challenge the long-held dominance of the West.

The de-dollarization efforts of the BRICS nations are undeniably contributing to a potential shift in the global financial landscape.

While a complete dismantling of the dollar’s dominance is unlikely in the near future, the erosion of its influence is becoming increasingly apparent. This could be interpreted as a gradual “reset” of the global financial order.

Despite the momentum behind de-dollarization, significant challenges remain. The US dollar’s deep-rooted infrastructure, network effects, and safe-haven status are formidable obstacles. Furthermore, ensuring the stability and credibility of alternative currencies and payment systems is crucial for their widespread adoption.

The BRICS alliance’s pursuit of de-dollarization represents a significant challenge to the existing global financial order. While the path to a truly multipolar system is long and complex, the efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar are gaining traction and could lead to a fundamental shift in the balance of economic power.

The acceleration of these efforts suggests that a global financial reset, characterized by increased multipolarity and a redistribution of economic power, is not just a possibility, but an unfolding reality. The future will undoubtedly witness a more contested and fragmented global financial landscape, where the dominance of the US dollar is no longer taken for granted.

https://youtu.be/I_TMb844VHY

The Forgotten History: 5 Surprising Facts About Mother's Day You Never Knew

The Forgotten History: 5 Surprising Facts About Mother's Day You Never Knew

By  MSTIMES•5/04/2025

The Evolution of Mother's Day: A Journey Through Time

Have you ever wondered about the real story behind Mother's Day? While we all celebrate this special occasion with flowers, cards, and gifts, the rich history of Mother's Day traditions holds fascinating surprises that many people don't know. Today, we're exploring five remarkable facts about Mother's Day that reveal its complex origins and evolution throughout history.

Many of us think of Mother's Day as a modern holiday created by greeting card companies, but its roots actually stretch back to ancient times. The traditions surrounding maternal celebration have evolved dramatically over centuries, taking different forms across cultures while maintaining the central theme of honoring motherhood.

Ancient Roots: Mother's Day Celebrations Before Modern Times

The concept of honoring mothers dates back thousands of years, far beyond the modern holiday we celebrate today. In ancient Greece, spring festivals were dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities in Greek mythology. Similarly, the Romans celebrated a festival called Hilaria, which honored Cybele, a mother goddess, in March. These ancient Mother's Day traditions provided the earliest foundations for our modern celebration.

What many people don't realize is that these ancient celebrations weren't focused on individual mothers as much as they were on motherhood as a divine concept. The worship of mother goddesses represented fertility, protection, and the continuation of life itself - concepts that still resonate with our modern understanding of motherhood.

Ancient Culture Maternal Celebration Deity Honored Approximate Time Period

Greek Spring Festival Rhea 6th century BCE

Roman Hilaria Festival Cybele March 15-27, Roman calendar

Celtic/Gaelic Seasonal celebrations Various mother goddesses Pre-Christian era

Egyptian Festivals Isis Ancient Egyptian period

Mothering Sunday: The Christian Connection

One of the most surprising facts about Mother's Day is its connection to Christian traditions. In 16th century England, a practice called "Mothering Sunday" emerged on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originally, this was less about honoring mothers and more about returning to one's "mother church" (the main cathedral of the area). Domestic servants were given the day off to visit their home parish and families.

Over time, this religious observance evolved into a more secular celebration where children would present their mothers with flowers and small gifts. This tradition of Mothering Sunday became a precursor to our modern Mother's Day traditions, though with distinctive religious overtones that have largely faded from today's celebration. While American Mother's Day has different origins, this European tradition shows how maternal celebrations have taken various forms throughout history.

The Surprising Anti-War Origins of American Mother's Day

Perhaps the most unexpected fact about Mother's Day is that its American origins are deeply rooted in peace activism. In the 1850s, Ann Reeves Jarvis organized "Mother's Day Work Clubs" to improve sanitary conditions and lower infant mortality. During the Civil War, these clubs declared their neutrality and cared for wounded soldiers from both sides.

Following Ann's death, her daughter Anna Jarvis campaigned for a day to honor mothers, leading to the first official Mother's Day celebration in 1908. What's truly remarkable about these Mother's Day origins is that Anna Jarvis envisioned it as a day of peace and maternal values that could heal the divides of war. Julia Ward Howe, another influential figure, proposed a "Mother's Day for Peace" in 1870, where mothers would unite to promote disarmament.

The connection between Mother's Day and anti-war sentiment represents one of the most powerful Mother's Day traditions that has been largely forgotten. Ironically, this holiday born from pacifist ideals has transformed into one of the most commercially successful celebrations of the year.

Key Figure Contribution to Mother's Day Year

Ann Reeves Jarvis Created "Mother's Day Work Clubs" 1850s

Julia Ward Howe Proposed "Mother's Day for Peace" 1870

Anna Jarvis Campaigned for official Mother's Day Early 1900s

President Woodrow Wilson Signed Mother's Day proclamation 1914

The White Carnation: Symbol with a Forgotten Meaning

When exploring Mother's Day traditions, we can't overlook the significance of the white carnation. Anna Jarvis chose this flower as the emblem of Mother's Day for its symbolic qualities. She selected white carnations because they represented the purity and endurance of a mother's love. The tradition began when Jarvis delivered 500 white carnations to the first official Mother's Day service in Grafton, West Virginia.

Over time, the tradition evolved to differentiate between honoring living and deceased mothers: white carnations came to honor deceased mothers, while colored carnations celebrated living ones. This symbolic practice represents one of the most poignant Mother's Day facts that has faded from common knowledge. Today, while flowers remain central to Mother's Day celebrations, the specific symbolism of carnations and their colors has largely been forgotten as roses and other blooms have become more popular.

The Founder's Rejection of Commercialization

Perhaps the most ironic fact about Mother's Day is that its founder, Anna Jarvis, eventually came to despise what the holiday had become. By the 1920s, Jarvis was actively fighting against the commercialization of Mother's Day. She was arrested for disturbing the peace at a carnation sale fundraiser and spent her later years and inheritance campaigning against the holiday she had created.

Jarvis had envisioned Mother's Day as a deeply personal celebration where children would spend time writing heartfelt letters to their mothers expressing gratitude. The flourishing industry of pre-made cards, candy, and flowers seemed to her a corruption of the holiday's original intent. This stands as one of the most surprising Mother's Day facts: its creator became its most vocal critic.

Year Mother's Day Development Anna Jarvis's Response

1908 First official Mother's Day celebration Full support and organization

1914 National holiday declaration Initial satisfaction with recognition

1920s Growing commercialization Active opposition and protests

1940s Fully commercialized holiday Legal battles against commercialization

Global Variations: Mother's Day Around the World

While American Mother's Day traditions are widely known, it's fascinating to discover how this celebration varies across cultures. In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of the country. In Ethiopia, families gather for the Antrosht festival at the end of the rainy season, where daughters bring vegetables and cheese while sons contribute meat.

These international Mother's Day traditions highlight the universal importance of honoring maternal figures while showcasing unique cultural expressions. In Mexico and many Latin American countries, Mother's Day (Día de las Madres) is a fixed date on May 10 rather than the second Sunday in May, and typically involves serenades, special church services, and elaborate meals.

The Japanese celebration of Mother's Day, known as "Haha no Hi," became popular after World War II and originally involved giving carnations, similar to American traditions. However, it has evolved to include children drawing pictures of their mothers and helping with household chores as expressions of gratitude.

Preserving the True Meaning of Mother's Day

Understanding these surprising facts about Mother's Day traditions can help us reconnect with the holiday's deeper significance. While commercial aspects have become firmly established, we can still honor the original spirit of Mother's Day by incorporating more personal and meaningful gestures alongside purchased gifts.

The rich history of Mother's Day reminds us that this celebration has always been about expressing genuine gratitude and acknowledging the invaluable contributions mothers make to our lives and society. Whether through ancient ritual, religious observance, or modern celebration, honoring motherhood transcends time and culture.

As we approach another Mother's Day, perhaps we can take inspiration from its complex origins. We might write heartfelt letters as Anna Jarvis intended, contribute to peace and social justice causes in honor of its activist roots, or simply spend quality time creating memories with the maternal figures in our lives. In doing so, we can celebrate Mother's Day traditions in ways that are both personally meaningful and historically mindful.

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https://www.msmtimes.com/2025/05/The-Forgotten-History-5-Surprising-Facts-About-Mothers-Day-You-Never-Knew.html