Blackandgold.com asks all site members and readers to take time out today for personal reflection to honor and thank those who gave their lives to secure and defend the freedoms and privileges we ALL enjoy today.


Memorial Day is remembrance of all of the U.S. dead from traumatic and transformative wars like World War II and Vietnam; obscure wars like the Sumatran pirate expeditions; past wars like Gulf War I and recently...

With the tragic school shooting in Connecticut on Friday, the hot-button issue is gun control or the lack thereof, but it's an issue I could care less about. In fact, this is the last time I'm going to use the word "gun" or mention firearms in this blog.

Also, I am not pointing to a lack of moral or compassionate populace in America. There are many, many thoughtful and compassionate people in America of all ages and all demographics. We live with them, work with them, worship...

No, this is not a commentary on Erica Jong or 50 Shades of Grey. Brace yourselves: this is a commentary on the fiscal cliff. Such a surprise, right?

Anyway...I'll get to the point. Jump.

Take a running start and spread eagle into the "unknown." Our fiscal finances need to be drastically restructured (compared to now) and the only way to do it is to rip the bandaid off. So let's do it. Here's why:

#1 We have $16 Trillion in current...

I have been having a running debate with one of my investment bank friends (call him Mike) about how to stimulate the economy. His essential premise is that below-water mortgages (where the value of the home is less than the outstanding mortgage) are causing banks to freeze lendable assets in anticipation of being forced to write down potential bad loans in the inevitable event of a homeowners default. If the government “covers” the portion of the account underwater and allows the bank to remark...

Hi Everyone.

I thought it somewhat necessary for my intellectual health to write at least something on the foolishness surrounding the so-called "Debt Crisis." I hope you all remember that I have no dog in this hunt, save that I am partial to eating and sleeping safely in my home, working for a wage, and not being persecuted for my beliefs.

For all those who wonder whether it would be catastrophic to allow the US to default on its obligations, the answer is yes....