Straight Talk from Al Jacobs

WELCOME TO 1957

In jest, I recently suggested to a friend that I’m living comfortably in 1957. When questioned what I meant, I confessed to having lost all toleration for what the 21st Century has become and decided to relegate my life to a more lucid era. Specifically, I’ve embraced skepticism – which by definition decrees “Ninety-five percent of everything is nonsense” – and now choose to confine my activities, as much as practicable, to the other five percent. How is this possible? Let me explain it to you.

I’ve disconnected my television, so President Trump’s proclamation 21 million illegals are to be deported, Governor Jerry Brown’s assurance his proposed Bullet Train will soon be carrying passengers, or Elon Musk’s announcement Tesla will make a profit this year, will not be flashed onto my TV screen. Although I still subscribe to two newspapers, I systematically avoid viewing any articles relating to celebrities in the process of castigating one another, multimillionaires apologizing for their sexual misbehavior, elected officials accused of uttering defamatory statements as teenagers and lawsuit settlements awarding millions of dollars to men who claim to have been denied entry to women’s restrooms.

Things are now looking up, for the calendar on my wall dates back to a time when popular music on the radio normally included a melody, where comedy actually consisted of more than a continuous flow of profanity, and athletic events were devoid of constant reminders the United States practices rampant discrimination. For this reason, I revel in the knowledge a thoroughly likeable Dwight Eisenhower is our chief executive, students can attend universities without incurring loans they’ll eventually be making monthly payments on from their Social Security benefits, and you’re able to purchase a new home in a desirable location at a price no greater than four times your annual gross income.

  You’re now justified in asking me when, if ever, I’ll be returning to the 21st Century. It’s a fair question, and I’ll tell you. I’ll be back when our government begins to enact and enforce rules and regulations which truly make sense; when some sort of societal rationality replaces the hysteria which is now perennial; and finally, when the tax paying citizen is once again treated as more than merely a pocket to be picked. In short, I’ll return when I’m once again confident my presence is welcome.

 

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-

century, issues weekly financial articles in which he

shares his financial knowledge and experience.

You may view them on http://www.roadwaytoprosperity.com