About a year ago, I was advocating that we pump more oil to provide fuel to the EU (Okay, NATO) nations. In particular, it was fracking production that would make the difference. That way Europe would stop relying on Russian suppliers. While no one officially joined in the chorus, it’s clear the powers that be did.
Tag Archives: Ukraine
A 21st Century Underground Railroad
When I was in elementary school, I remember being intrigued by the concept (and success of the ) Underground Railroad. Which, of course, despite the wonderful novel (and less accomplished miniseries) written by Colson Whitehead was not really a railroad line. It was just semi-formal route where slaves and free blacks could escape to safe havens in the Northern and Mid-Western regions of the USA.
Russia and Ukraine…An update
We haven’t discussed the situation in the Ukraine for a while.
But, I’m sure you know that Russia is perpetrating a slew of war crimes almost every day. They send in drones and bombs to attack civilian targets- in particular- power plants, electric grids, water supply systems and the like.
Economic Morass
I am not quite sure we thought this all the way through.
After dealing with two years of economic dislocation, supply chain disruption, and deaths due to the pandemic, we are now in yet another period of deprivation.
Grain may flow
Russia has been blockading Ukraine’s Black Sea ports for months. (95% of Ukraine’s food exports traveled this route.) Which means the world is suffering from food shortages. And, it also means Ukrainian farmers lack the funds to purchase new supplies to grow the next crop. But, even if they had the cash, they don’t have any space where they can deliver the crop harvest that is waiting to be exported, since the granaries are full and loaded ships are stuck in the ports.
Imminent Danger
Putin’s ruthless, war-crime laden invasion of Ukraine is continuing.
Most of the world is worried about the bombing of civilian targets. OK- they really aren’t, but they do lament them. Instead, the world complains about the effects of the war on the price of fuel, which drives worldwide inflationary rates.
Food Insecurity
We are not going to discuss the inflation taking over America. (Not to mention, this is a world wide phenomenon. After all, besides the initial supply chain disruption, Russia’s invasion and annihilation of Ukraine has boosted oil and food prices.)
Hidden Fallout from the Ukraine Invasion
So, the Russians are claiming that there are tons of biochemical weapons plants in the Ukraine. And, that’s how they anticipate justifying their use of chem bio warfare in Ukraine- they’ll blame the attacks on Ukrainians attacking their own people. (This is not Syria, folks!) Just like they claim it’s not Russian bombs leveling hospitals, kid centers, and schools, but Ukrainians attacking each other.
Inflation is pretty much guaranteed this year
Despite the efforts of the Fed, we are probably stuck with moderately high inflation for the rest of this year. Unless, of course, Putin ends his misguided adventure in Ukraine.
Continue reading Inflation is pretty much guaranteed this year
Let’s Pump More Oil to Punish Russia.
Some 22 days ago, I agitated that President Biden and Mitch McConnell (as the titular leaders of their respective parties) lean on (at least) the smaller oil producers in the South and the Midwest to up their production. Not just to counteract the removal of Russian Oil from the market place , but because, as happened in the past, as our oil production increases, the price per barrel drops precipitously.