Swine Flu Stabilizes (For Now); Credit Situation Does Not

Weather Report: Swine Flu Update, The Economy– U.S. Credit Card Canceled

Swine Flu Update: Per May 4, 2009, the CDC says the U.S. has 286 cases and 1 death over a total of 36 states.

• We note that authorities nationally and internationally are concerned about a “second wave” of infections as well as a morphing of current flu strains over the summer to produce a much more virulent flu this winter.
• If the current flu situation stabilizes, it might/would perhaps produce an opportunity to acquire more flu-specific preparations to add to your current family preparedness stores.
• Whatever the course of events here, prudent people should keep informed and act accordingly.

The Economy — U.S. Credit Card Canceled: “Rep. Kirk: China Has Cancelled U.S. Credit Card” says the full headline posted on 5/01/09 at Street talk over at money news.newsmax.com. Here are some of the highlights from the article:

• “China, wary of the troubled U.S. economy, has already “canceled America’s credit card” by cutting down purchases of debt, a U.S. congressman said Thursday.”
• “… Treasury Department data shows that investors in China have sharply curtailed their purchases of bonds in January and February.
• * KEY > “Kirk said he was the first member of Congress to tour the Bureau of Public Debt, which trades bonds, and was alarmed at how much debt was being bought by the U.S. Federal Reserve due to the absence of foreign investors.”
• “There will come a time where the lack of Chinese participation may have a significant impact,” Kirk said.
• ’We should track that, because up until last month they were the number one provider of currency to the United States AND NOW THEY’RE GONE.” (caps ours)

Note: People of serious intelligence and understanding have grave concerns regarding America’s ability to pay it’s obligations, continue to borrow at stratospheric levels, and maintain the value of it’s currency. We as citizens should monitor these concerns.

Next time we plan to discuss food: Their’s and ours. Until then, keep a close eye on the horizon as the weathers changing fast.