May 24, 2024
By Steve Blumenthal
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
-John F. Kennedy
This is a short note this week as I’m racing to get on the road to Ithica, NY. Our youngest is graduating tomorrow, and Susan, I, and our family will celebrate our son.
Grab your coffee and find your favorite chair. I post a quick update on the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration “independence” speech and conclude with a short story about Memorial Day.
On My Radar:
- China – Taiwan
- Random Tweets
- Personal Note: Memorial Day
- Trade Signals: May 22, 2024
See Important Disclosures at the bottom of this page. Reminder: This is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. My views may change at any time. The information is for discussion purposes only.
China – Taiwan
Click on the photo for more information
Source: @ianellisjones @kylebass
This is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. It is for educational discussion purposes only. Opinions are subject to change. Consult your advisor.
Random Tweet
Source: @charliebilello
Source: @Geiger_Capital
Click on the photo to access the article.
Source: @zerohedge
SB Here: While I don’t recommend cap-weighted index funds at this point in the valuation cycle (too richly priced), I believe we are in an inflationary cycle that likely lasts into 2030. It is inflation that investors need to beat. I don’t think most individuals get this concept. Your and my personal investment mission must be to beat inflation. There are opportunities.
Source: @CharlieBilello
Click on the photo
Source: @Qcompounding
I “like” and “retweet” posts I find interesting. I enjoy X because I can easily follow people I like to keep On My Radar.
You can follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @SBlumenthalCMG.
Not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. For discussion purposes only. Current viewpoints are subject to change.
Personal Note: Memorial Day
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May every year, holds a profound significance in the United States as a time to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday began after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who perished in the conflict. Over time, Memorial Day evolved to include all American military personnel who sacrificed their lives in various wars. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who have fought to protect it.
I came across an article this week, “The Forgotten History of Memorial Day”, written by Richard Gardiner, who also co-authored with Daniel Bellware a book titled, The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America, which explores the factual history of the holiday and debunks many of the better-known myths about its origins. “According to the Veterans Administration, at least 25 cities across America claim to have originated the Memorial Day holiday,” the authors say. “As a result, numerous historians feel that the true history may never be known.”
Here are excerpts from Gardiner’s article:
During the inaugural Memorial Day observances, which were conceived in Columbus, Georgia, many Southern participants – especially women – decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers as well as, unexpectedly, those of their former enemies who fought for the Union. Shortly after those first Memorial Day observances all across the South, newspaper coverage in the North was highly favorable to the ex-Confederates.
“The action of the ladies on this occasion, in burying whatever animosities or ill-feeling may have been engendered in the late war towards those who fought against them, is worthy of all praise and commendation, wrote one paper.
On May 9, 1866, the Cleveland Daily Leader lauded the Southern women during their first Memorial Day.
“The act was as beautiful as it was unselfish, and will be appreciated in the North.”
The importance of this act and this day extends beyond mere remembrance. Communities across the country engage in ceremonies, parades, and graveyard decorations with flowers and flags, reflecting on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
I’m praying for more “beautiful” and “unselfish” acts as we struggle to unite in a divided America and the world beyond.
I sincerely thank those of you who serve or have served in the military and your wonderful families, who are with you now and forever. May we never forget the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Happy Memorial Day,
Steve
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