11 Haziran 2013 Salı
Continued Volatility From Rising Bond Yields
Global markets began to selloff overnight after the Bank of Japan concluded its latest policy meeting with no new changes announced. That was a disappointment to some investors who hoped the central bank would take steps to address bond market volatility or increase its ETF program.
So Asian markets were generally lower overnight. China was closed again for a holiday.
Most European markets are also lower as yields in countries like Spain and Italy are on the rise. The sharp rise in rates over the last month has added to volatility in financial markets.
There wasn't much market moving news in the US, so trading here took its cue from overseas markets and started out weak. The Dow was down -150 points in early trading but has since climbed back all the way to positive. That's quite a turnaround so far, but its still very early in the trading session. As we have said many times, it's how the market closes that matters most.
Part of the reason for the snapback is that though the yield in the 10-year Treasury rose to 2.26% this morning, it has since given back most of that rise. It currently is hovering near 2.22%.
Commodities are mostly lower today despite weakness in the dollar. Oil prices are down near $94.65 and gold prices have fallen back to $1374.
The volatility index couldn't get under 15 yesterday, and today is back above the 16 level.
Trading comment: No change to our recent stance. We continue to think that although we are having some near-term volatility that the stock market will rally into quarter end as portfolio managers continue to address being underinvested. Yesterday some stats came out that hedge funds and small investors are as heavily invested in equities as they have been since 2007. Although that could be a slight negative, we still don't see the type of extreme bullish sentiment that has market prior market tops.
So Asian markets were generally lower overnight. China was closed again for a holiday.
Most European markets are also lower as yields in countries like Spain and Italy are on the rise. The sharp rise in rates over the last month has added to volatility in financial markets.
There wasn't much market moving news in the US, so trading here took its cue from overseas markets and started out weak. The Dow was down -150 points in early trading but has since climbed back all the way to positive. That's quite a turnaround so far, but its still very early in the trading session. As we have said many times, it's how the market closes that matters most.
Part of the reason for the snapback is that though the yield in the 10-year Treasury rose to 2.26% this morning, it has since given back most of that rise. It currently is hovering near 2.22%.
Commodities are mostly lower today despite weakness in the dollar. Oil prices are down near $94.65 and gold prices have fallen back to $1374.
The volatility index couldn't get under 15 yesterday, and today is back above the 16 level.
Trading comment: No change to our recent stance. We continue to think that although we are having some near-term volatility that the stock market will rally into quarter end as portfolio managers continue to address being underinvested. Yesterday some stats came out that hedge funds and small investors are as heavily invested in equities as they have been since 2007. Although that could be a slight negative, we still don't see the type of extreme bullish sentiment that has market prior market tops.
10 Haziran 2013 Pazartesi
Monday Morning Musings
Stocks in the US were higher after the open but so far are struggling to stay positive in early trading. This isn't all that surprising after Friday's outsized rally, which was on the back of Thursday's big reversal. The S&P has quickly bounced from testing the 1600 level to nearing 1650 this morning.
On a positive note, Standard & Poor's has raised the US debt rating outlook to Stable from Negative, saying that some of the downside risks have receded. Bond yields are slightly higher despite the news, with the 10-year yield trading at 2.20%.
A couple consumer staples stocks that are higher today are McDonald's (MCD) after reporting solid global same-store sales and B&G Foods (BGS) which announced the acquisition of the company that makes Pirate's Booty (kids reference).
The St. Louis Fed President made comments today that the still low rate of inflation could justify the Fed's aggressive monetary policy stance.
Asian markets were mostly higher overnight, led by a sharp snapback rally in Japan (+4.9%). Consumer confidence in Japan hit its highest level since 2007. China was closed for a holiday, but the Chinese ETFs are lower today after several economic datapoints showed slower growth in China.
The dollar is higher today, and commodities are mixed. Gold prices are slightly higher while oil prices are a bit lower near $95.50. Gold is back below the $1400 level ($1383).
The volatility index is sitting just above that 15.0 level that we have been watching as a barometer for investor sentiment. If it can get back below the 15 level we would not be surprised to see the market rally back to recent highs. But a move higher in the VIX could mean more consolidation is needed first.
Trading comment: We used the weakness last week to add to stocks. Our recent worry that investor sentiment would become too complacent seems not to have happened as some of the investor surveys we follow show that bearish sentiment quickly spiked higher last week. Some of our indicators are showing the highest levels of bearishness so far this year. High bearish sentiment is okay at this juncture because it keeps the wall of worry high and as the old saying goes "bull markets love to scale the wall of worry".
KAM Advisors has long positions in BGS and MCD
On a positive note, Standard & Poor's has raised the US debt rating outlook to Stable from Negative, saying that some of the downside risks have receded. Bond yields are slightly higher despite the news, with the 10-year yield trading at 2.20%.
A couple consumer staples stocks that are higher today are McDonald's (MCD) after reporting solid global same-store sales and B&G Foods (BGS) which announced the acquisition of the company that makes Pirate's Booty (kids reference).
The St. Louis Fed President made comments today that the still low rate of inflation could justify the Fed's aggressive monetary policy stance.
Asian markets were mostly higher overnight, led by a sharp snapback rally in Japan (+4.9%). Consumer confidence in Japan hit its highest level since 2007. China was closed for a holiday, but the Chinese ETFs are lower today after several economic datapoints showed slower growth in China.
The dollar is higher today, and commodities are mixed. Gold prices are slightly higher while oil prices are a bit lower near $95.50. Gold is back below the $1400 level ($1383).
The volatility index is sitting just above that 15.0 level that we have been watching as a barometer for investor sentiment. If it can get back below the 15 level we would not be surprised to see the market rally back to recent highs. But a move higher in the VIX could mean more consolidation is needed first.
Trading comment: We used the weakness last week to add to stocks. Our recent worry that investor sentiment would become too complacent seems not to have happened as some of the investor surveys we follow show that bearish sentiment quickly spiked higher last week. Some of our indicators are showing the highest levels of bearishness so far this year. High bearish sentiment is okay at this juncture because it keeps the wall of worry high and as the old saying goes "bull markets love to scale the wall of worry".
KAM Advisors has long positions in BGS and MCD
9 Haziran 2013 Pazar
Top 5 Bad Financial Habits to Break
... Do you or someone you know have any bad financial habits? I do …
Most of us have one … or two … or several bad financial habits. From experience, my bad financial habits resulted in some very expensive mistakes. It’s ok! As long as bad financial habits are broken or at least controlled, they will have minimal effect on your financial success. The first step is identifying your bad financial habits.
Here are the top 5 bad financial habits to avoid that keep people from getting a positive grip on their finances.
Impulse shopping. Impulse shopping happens unexpectedly sometimes. Think of shopping like alcohol. It should be done “responsibly” and can become addictive, if not careful. Make shopping a planned activity with a list or a budgeted amount. Unplanned or impulse shopping may sabotage your spending plan / budget. Also for large ticket items, give yourself 24 to 48 hours to shop for a better deal or to figure out if you really want it and can afford it. You’ll be glad you waited.
Retail therapy. Retail therapy may help you to feel good for a moment but they buyer’s remorse is painful. When you are emotionally down, distraught or highly emotional, avoid shopping or making any large purchases. The more emotional we are, the less financially objective we become. Do something that doesn’t cost anything or very little, like go for a walk, spend time with family or friends, etc. Your bank account will thank you when you start to feel better.
Overdraft protection. Overdraft or “Courtesy Pay” is so convenient! However, overdraft protection (a financial oxymoron in my opinion) is relatively designed to allow you to overspend. It allows or approved checks or charges to go through even when you do not have enough in your account for a Fee. A fee of $27 up to $35 is charged to your account for every overdraft, even if the amount runs $1 or $5 over the amount you have in your account. Generally it is like a very short-term line of credit with a ridiculously high effective interest rate. Now was that cup of coffee really worth $40? Besides, we spend more when we use debit cards. Use cash instead.
Savings tampering. Savings is money set aside for a specific purpose like emergency, down payment of a house or car, school, etc. Avoid using savings for something that is outside of its purpose. The best way to do this is to establish a savings account that is not easily accessible with a certain amount directly deposited every pay period. Savings accounts are supposed to grow, not be chiseled away.
Financial promiscuity. Financial Promiscuity is when multiple credit cards are used for small purchases when cash should be used. Avoid using credit to purchase that "value meal" or anything less than $50. This will ensure that Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt) will not be slowly acquired.
By acknowledging our bad financial habits, we can focus on stopping and changing them. Some bad financial habits may be more challenging to quit than others, but it can be done. Contact a financial coach to help with ideas and techniques of replacing bad financial habits with good financial habits to help you reach your financial goals faster.
Financially True,
Here are the top 5 bad financial habits to avoid that keep people from getting a positive grip on their finances.
Impulse shopping. Impulse shopping happens unexpectedly sometimes. Think of shopping like alcohol. It should be done “responsibly” and can become addictive, if not careful. Make shopping a planned activity with a list or a budgeted amount. Unplanned or impulse shopping may sabotage your spending plan / budget. Also for large ticket items, give yourself 24 to 48 hours to shop for a better deal or to figure out if you really want it and can afford it. You’ll be glad you waited.
Retail therapy. Retail therapy may help you to feel good for a moment but they buyer’s remorse is painful. When you are emotionally down, distraught or highly emotional, avoid shopping or making any large purchases. The more emotional we are, the less financially objective we become. Do something that doesn’t cost anything or very little, like go for a walk, spend time with family or friends, etc. Your bank account will thank you when you start to feel better.
Overdraft protection. Overdraft or “Courtesy Pay” is so convenient! However, overdraft protection (a financial oxymoron in my opinion) is relatively designed to allow you to overspend. It allows or approved checks or charges to go through even when you do not have enough in your account for a Fee. A fee of $27 up to $35 is charged to your account for every overdraft, even if the amount runs $1 or $5 over the amount you have in your account. Generally it is like a very short-term line of credit with a ridiculously high effective interest rate. Now was that cup of coffee really worth $40? Besides, we spend more when we use debit cards. Use cash instead.
Savings tampering. Savings is money set aside for a specific purpose like emergency, down payment of a house or car, school, etc. Avoid using savings for something that is outside of its purpose. The best way to do this is to establish a savings account that is not easily accessible with a certain amount directly deposited every pay period. Savings accounts are supposed to grow, not be chiseled away.
Financial promiscuity. Financial Promiscuity is when multiple credit cards are used for small purchases when cash should be used. Avoid using credit to purchase that "value meal" or anything less than $50. This will ensure that Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt) will not be slowly acquired.
By acknowledging our bad financial habits, we can focus on stopping and changing them. Some bad financial habits may be more challenging to quit than others, but it can be done. Contact a financial coach to help with ideas and techniques of replacing bad financial habits with good financial habits to help you reach your financial goals faster.
Financially True,
Tarra Jackson ... Making Money Sexy
7 Haziran 2013 Cuma
A New Twist On The Goldilocks Economy
Markets are nicely higher this morning after investors cheered this morning's jobs report. Nonfarm payrolls rose 175,000 in May vs. expectations for 159,000. The unemployment rate ticked up a touch to 7.6%.
In a normal recovery, 175k new jobs would not be enough to get excited about. It certainly doesn't paint a picture of a robust economy, which used to be able to add 300-400k jobs per month. But this is anything but a "normal" recovery. Investors today are more worried about the Fed taking their foot off the gas and tapering back their bond purchases.
So today's luke warm jobs report fits into a new sort of Goldilocks scenario where it isn't so hot that the Fed feels pressure to stop its QE program, but it also isn't so bad that it looks like the economy is weakening.
Also, the unemployment rate ticked up to 7.6%. The Fed has said they want to see it near 6.5% before they think about raising rates. Given that so many people have dropped out of the labor force, we could see some of those folks re-enter as the economy strengthens. That would lengthen the time it might take for the unemployment rate to get down to 6.5%. Adding 175k jobs a month just isn't going to cut it. And youth unemployment remains extremely high.
Most folks are talking about the end of this year for the Fed to begin tapering its bond purchases, but not until mid-2014 before they curtail the program altogether. And that assumes that the economy continues to improve.
Asian markets were mostly lower overnight. Japan was down as much as -3.0% before a notable spike from the lows that was attributed to a large ETF purchase by the Bank of Japan. Japan's finance minister also said pension funds would be allowed to diversify away from bonds.
European markets are higher today. Germany's Bundesbank lowered its GDP outlooks for 2013 and 2014, with next year's growth projections coming down to 1.5% from 1.9%.
The 10-year yield is moving higher today on the jobs data to 2.14% so far. Last week's highs were around 2.21%.
The volatility index is plunging today, down -7.5% to 15.35. We have been highlighting that 15 level and if we get a couple of closes back below 15 that would increase the probability that the recent pullback is over.
Trading comment: We said that as the S&P 500 came down to its 50-day average and tested the 1600-1605 level we wanted to be buyers. So far that has worked out well, as the SPX bottomed right at 1600 yesterday and rallied into the close. Today it is up another 1% nearing the 1640 level. We could see some resistance at the 1645 level where the overhead 20-day average resides. But its still early in the day, and we would also like to see a strong close today as opposed to the market fading into the close.
In a normal recovery, 175k new jobs would not be enough to get excited about. It certainly doesn't paint a picture of a robust economy, which used to be able to add 300-400k jobs per month. But this is anything but a "normal" recovery. Investors today are more worried about the Fed taking their foot off the gas and tapering back their bond purchases.
So today's luke warm jobs report fits into a new sort of Goldilocks scenario where it isn't so hot that the Fed feels pressure to stop its QE program, but it also isn't so bad that it looks like the economy is weakening.
Also, the unemployment rate ticked up to 7.6%. The Fed has said they want to see it near 6.5% before they think about raising rates. Given that so many people have dropped out of the labor force, we could see some of those folks re-enter as the economy strengthens. That would lengthen the time it might take for the unemployment rate to get down to 6.5%. Adding 175k jobs a month just isn't going to cut it. And youth unemployment remains extremely high.
Most folks are talking about the end of this year for the Fed to begin tapering its bond purchases, but not until mid-2014 before they curtail the program altogether. And that assumes that the economy continues to improve.
Asian markets were mostly lower overnight. Japan was down as much as -3.0% before a notable spike from the lows that was attributed to a large ETF purchase by the Bank of Japan. Japan's finance minister also said pension funds would be allowed to diversify away from bonds.
European markets are higher today. Germany's Bundesbank lowered its GDP outlooks for 2013 and 2014, with next year's growth projections coming down to 1.5% from 1.9%.
The 10-year yield is moving higher today on the jobs data to 2.14% so far. Last week's highs were around 2.21%.
The volatility index is plunging today, down -7.5% to 15.35. We have been highlighting that 15 level and if we get a couple of closes back below 15 that would increase the probability that the recent pullback is over.
Trading comment: We said that as the S&P 500 came down to its 50-day average and tested the 1600-1605 level we wanted to be buyers. So far that has worked out well, as the SPX bottomed right at 1600 yesterday and rallied into the close. Today it is up another 1% nearing the 1640 level. We could see some resistance at the 1645 level where the overhead 20-day average resides. But its still early in the day, and we would also like to see a strong close today as opposed to the market fading into the close.
6 Haziran 2013 Perşembe
MAJOR BREAKDOWN IN THE DOLLAR
Major break in the dollar index today is signalling 15-20 weeks of declines ahead. This should be the fuel to drive gold back to test the old highs by early this fall.
Moneyless Tribe Update
I'm still in Connecticut, hitching west starting this Saturday - getting a late start. I have to be in Billings, Montana by June 20th to meet a British film crew there, hopefully hooking up with a moneyless friend or two on the way.
I'm feeling very grateful to my friends, Michael, Sarika, and baby Satya, for hosting me in Vermont, and to my friends, Gordon, Kay, and baby Mazzie, for hosting me in Connecticut.
Now it's to the Rainbow Gathering (inshallah) to launch the moneyless tribe.
(The exact location of the Gathering in Montana is not yet determined, probably not until the middle of this month).
I'm likely not going to have much computer time for a while, so this'll be the last post for maybe some time.
Posting about the Moneyless Tribe
I posted about the moneyless tribe in the Fellowship for Intentional Community (ic.org) website, copying it here:
http://reach.ic.org/postings/index.php?pageID=2
Community Forming Suelo Posted On 5/29/2013, Last Updated On 5/30/2013
Web Address: https://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/
-------------------------------
Other Miscellaneous Details about the Tribe
Since it is to run on consensus, all ideas here may be subject to change, depending on what our group wants.
I envision us networking with intentional communities, organic farms, churches, ashrams, monasteries, towns and cities, etc., that welcome us, allowing us the gift of providing our free services (in whatever field).
Migrating to intentional communities can provide a kind of bloodline connecting communities across the land, instilling gift economy, keeping us open-minded to different ways of living, and also provide the option of scoping out communities for settling down to members who find they're no longer up for the migratory life.
As we gain momentum, I envision more and more churches and regular house-holders in cities and towns offering us places to stay in churches, in private yards, in houses, in community centers, in support of us providing services in their communities.
In the pay-it-forward system, others can donate food or items they already have on hand (not going out and buying things for us), as well as us collecting excess food at closing time of stores, restaurants, schools, etc., food that would otherwise be thrown out.
Any services and items we provide are to be freely given, and all services and items we receive are to be freely given, already at hand, not bought or sold.
Beware of Pie-in-the-Sky Dewy Eyes
To anybody thinking about joining, a walking tribe will be very vigorous and unpredictable (though we can accept rides as an exception). It's not for everybody.
Group dynamics are difficult in modern culture not accustomed to community. Modern human community muscles are atrophied, needing to be exercised and developed. Conflicts and heavy disagreements are bound to arise among us.
When circumstances get physically difficult and uncomfortable, which is guaranteed, we often find undesirable behaviors arise in ourselves we weren't aware of, and this can give rise to conflict with each other. If we face this, not running away, with a spirit of patience, tolerance, open mindedness, and utter respect for each other, this will be our opportunity for self development, opportunities to become shining lights and sources of great power.
But if we find our disagreements become too great, and we feel we must depart, we must also forgive ourselves. There may be divisions, meaning our organism is then ready to divide into two new communities, each with differing, valid viewpoints. All life divides and reproduces. This is natural.
Activism
As I've mentioned in previous posts, something in the fore-front of my mind has been our culture's abuse of indigenous peoples, and our need to bring restitution and healing.
Previously I spoke of one of the missions of our tribe being a walk of repentance, to call for our culture and our nation as a whole to repent and make restitution for what it has done to indigenous peoples, not only in the US, but all over the world.
I'm envisioning us starting with the Lakotas, going to lands, such as the Black Hills, legally belonging to the Lakota tribe by US treaty (Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868), as well as by Supreme Court decision in 1980 (United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians). More details on that later.
But our primary mission is to live by example (the best activism), and in so doing, challenge our culture's ideas of private property and commerce, also reminding our churches of their ancient values (from the very beginning) of living simply, basic sharing ("holding all things in common"), and doing for the sake of doing, not for the sake of profit. Only then can we understand abundant life. These are the principles of all the world's religions I've looked into. Few are challenging our religions to hold to their own most basic principles. But this isn't going to happen without huge opposition and risk.
This is about more than returning stolen lands to the Lakota people, but this is a great place to start, a very tangible, concrete object lesson.
Final Warning
This could all be very crazy ideas. Life is a big crap game, especially in this lifestyle. Nobody knows the future. But the miracle of life came about in this great crap game, which I call the mind of God. And the roll of the dice is what makes it fun, and magical.
Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with your might;
for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
I returned and saw under the sun
That the race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to people of understanding,
Nor favor to people of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10-11)
To them all!
I'm feeling very grateful to my friends, Michael, Sarika, and baby Satya, for hosting me in Vermont, and to my friends, Gordon, Kay, and baby Mazzie, for hosting me in Connecticut.
Now it's to the Rainbow Gathering (inshallah) to launch the moneyless tribe.
(The exact location of the Gathering in Montana is not yet determined, probably not until the middle of this month).
I'm likely not going to have much computer time for a while, so this'll be the last post for maybe some time.
Posting about the Moneyless Tribe
I posted about the moneyless tribe in the Fellowship for Intentional Community (ic.org) website, copying it here:
http://reach.ic.org/postings/index.php?pageID=2
Community Forming Suelo Posted On 5/29/2013, Last Updated On 5/30/2013
A wandering moneyless tribe! Sharing in community my experience living without money for 12 years. To be launched at the 2013 Montana Rainbow Gathering. We are accepting folks willing to give up all money, and also looking for communities we can be of free service to on our migratory path and to network with.
Two-fold mission:
1) Practice gift economy by not having, accepting, or using money, freely giving and receiving, offering free services to individuals, towns, organic farms, intentional communities, churches, ashrams, monasteries along its migratory path.
2) Raise awareness by activist example, (eg, challenging concepts of private property and returning stolen lands to native people’s stewardship, reducing stress on the environment and ending dependence on corporate trade and exploitation of "third world" populations).
Prerequisite to join us: give up all money to your name, not taking or using it, to fully grasp the meaning of walking by faith (courage).
It is to run by consensus, to be ecumenical, to practice and bring to light the forgotten principles of the world's spiritual traditions (giving up possessions, doing for the sake of doing rather than for future reward).
Email Address: freemeansnomoney@gmail.com Two-fold mission:
1) Practice gift economy by not having, accepting, or using money, freely giving and receiving, offering free services to individuals, towns, organic farms, intentional communities, churches, ashrams, monasteries along its migratory path.
2) Raise awareness by activist example, (eg, challenging concepts of private property and returning stolen lands to native people’s stewardship, reducing stress on the environment and ending dependence on corporate trade and exploitation of "third world" populations).
Prerequisite to join us: give up all money to your name, not taking or using it, to fully grasp the meaning of walking by faith (courage).
It is to run by consensus, to be ecumenical, to practice and bring to light the forgotten principles of the world's spiritual traditions (giving up possessions, doing for the sake of doing rather than for future reward).
Web Address: https://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/
-------------------------------
Other Miscellaneous Details about the Tribe
Since it is to run on consensus, all ideas here may be subject to change, depending on what our group wants.
I envision us networking with intentional communities, organic farms, churches, ashrams, monasteries, towns and cities, etc., that welcome us, allowing us the gift of providing our free services (in whatever field).
Migrating to intentional communities can provide a kind of bloodline connecting communities across the land, instilling gift economy, keeping us open-minded to different ways of living, and also provide the option of scoping out communities for settling down to members who find they're no longer up for the migratory life.
As we gain momentum, I envision more and more churches and regular house-holders in cities and towns offering us places to stay in churches, in private yards, in houses, in community centers, in support of us providing services in their communities.
In the pay-it-forward system, others can donate food or items they already have on hand (not going out and buying things for us), as well as us collecting excess food at closing time of stores, restaurants, schools, etc., food that would otherwise be thrown out.
Any services and items we provide are to be freely given, and all services and items we receive are to be freely given, already at hand, not bought or sold.
Beware of Pie-in-the-Sky Dewy Eyes
To anybody thinking about joining, a walking tribe will be very vigorous and unpredictable (though we can accept rides as an exception). It's not for everybody.
Group dynamics are difficult in modern culture not accustomed to community. Modern human community muscles are atrophied, needing to be exercised and developed. Conflicts and heavy disagreements are bound to arise among us.
When circumstances get physically difficult and uncomfortable, which is guaranteed, we often find undesirable behaviors arise in ourselves we weren't aware of, and this can give rise to conflict with each other. If we face this, not running away, with a spirit of patience, tolerance, open mindedness, and utter respect for each other, this will be our opportunity for self development, opportunities to become shining lights and sources of great power.
But if we find our disagreements become too great, and we feel we must depart, we must also forgive ourselves. There may be divisions, meaning our organism is then ready to divide into two new communities, each with differing, valid viewpoints. All life divides and reproduces. This is natural.
Activism
As I've mentioned in previous posts, something in the fore-front of my mind has been our culture's abuse of indigenous peoples, and our need to bring restitution and healing.
Previously I spoke of one of the missions of our tribe being a walk of repentance, to call for our culture and our nation as a whole to repent and make restitution for what it has done to indigenous peoples, not only in the US, but all over the world.
I'm envisioning us starting with the Lakotas, going to lands, such as the Black Hills, legally belonging to the Lakota tribe by US treaty (Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868), as well as by Supreme Court decision in 1980 (United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians). More details on that later.
But our primary mission is to live by example (the best activism), and in so doing, challenge our culture's ideas of private property and commerce, also reminding our churches of their ancient values (from the very beginning) of living simply, basic sharing ("holding all things in common"), and doing for the sake of doing, not for the sake of profit. Only then can we understand abundant life. These are the principles of all the world's religions I've looked into. Few are challenging our religions to hold to their own most basic principles. But this isn't going to happen without huge opposition and risk.
This is about more than returning stolen lands to the Lakota people, but this is a great place to start, a very tangible, concrete object lesson.
Final Warning
This could all be very crazy ideas. Life is a big crap game, especially in this lifestyle. Nobody knows the future. But the miracle of life came about in this great crap game, which I call the mind of God. And the roll of the dice is what makes it fun, and magical.
Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with your might;
for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
I returned and saw under the sun
That the race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to people of understanding,
Nor favor to people of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10-11)
To them all!
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