Karl, just want to say thanks for all you have done here. My wife and I will miss your frequent insightful analysis and colorful opinions. The time and energy you have devoted to the issues at large truly makes you a great American hero. We hope that your voice remains audible and influential. It's an important voice. I have read virtually every Ticker since the beginning and will be suffering Acute Ticker Withdrawal. Wish that I could have contributed more over the years, but just couldn't for personal reasons... We moved overseas 4 years ago - not as a political statement - but the decision was cemented by a desire to remove our family from, and stop participating in, the developing tyranny of the U.S. system. Reading the Ticker was 100% responsible for our initial "enlightenment" in this regard. It doesn't sound like you're completely retiring but this seems like a good juncture to express our heartfelt appreciation. Cheers, Chip
I'll add my voice to the list: thanks so much for what you have done Karl, and for what you will continue to do. As others have said you are a model of true integrity that the rest of us can only try our best to emulate.
I've learned a lot from reading your posts and I sincerely hope you continue to write in the future, even if the quantity is reduced.
I've been moving into a more simplified life for a while, but still have a ways to go, and you have inspired me to consider more radical options to starve the beast.
Many thanks for everything that you have done to shine the bright light of truth on what is really happening in this country and world today. I have not posted much here in the forums but have read your daily Tickers for years. Your understanding and analysis of a wide array of complex issues and topics has always amazed me and at the same time helped broaden my own understanding of these complex issues. I will certainly miss your daily commentaries but I understand all of your reasons too.
Your book was an excellent read and I donated a copy to my local library in memory of my Dad who held many of the same beliefs and ideals as you in hopes others would learn the truth.
May you find a path that allows you the freedom to be the outstanding and independent person you wish to be while living life on your own terms and free of the constraints that others wish to impose upon you. Your works will forever be remembered as being based on concrete facts and mathematics not squishy feelings or wants.
I'm proud to have known you and admire your integrity and honesty in all these matters.
Thank you, Karl, for opening my eyes to so many issues. I can't tell you how many times I reference your material every day in conversations. I came here every day knowing I could count on you to explain the issues in a comprehensive, yet clear and easily understood, manner. You truly have a gift.
Thank you, also, to all the great posters who also helped to open my eyes and explain the issues.
My best wishes to you and your family as you begin this next season!
Karl, I am one of hopefully thousands that read your ticker regularly but have not posted. It's way past time for me to say thanks so I want to say it now. I suspect there are legions of us out there. Do not underestimate the size of the silent minority that you have cultivated in the last several years. These are secular changes and they take a long time to develop. Godspeed
Karl, thank you for all you have done to educate a lot of people, including me. I was never able to contribute $$ to the forum--been out of work for a couple of years--but I got a lot out of it. May all reading this make it through what's coming.
Karl, thanks for the great site, and for standing by your convictions. Yes, it is time to stop feeding the beast.
I pulled the plug a few years back myself. I was a "big science" guy that landed juicy government contracts, only to have the upper brass push the losers onto my projects (since they had to dump them somewhere). When I complained once about dumping two people into a task that could easily be done *better* by one person, the response I got was "But this way the government pays for two". I knew right then and there that I was going to quit.
While the government has no problems with defrauding the people, I have a conscience, and felt guilty about defrauding the government... shortly thereafter I cashed in all the chips and left the casino. This fraud BS is taking place in both government and business.
Now everyday is a weekend day, and I love it.
And the government that decides to reward nothing gets exactly that in return. Oh the irony!
Karl, you are right! I have always believed that a general strike is in order here; no I'm not a communist nor do I advocate communism. I simply think that to deprive any illegitimate government of revenues is a sane, non-violent form of protest.
I am an expert in my field and have unique ability to may a special product but I have refused to consult to set some one else up to make this product and will not do it because I don't want the income or pay the taxes to a corrupt government. I am retired as you know and pay no income taxes to support this corrupt administration.
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IT'S THE SPENDING STUPID The US must become less a government of men, and more a government of LAW.When people lose everything and have nothing left to lose they lose it -Gerald Celente
I am sorry Karl for not having ever contributed to your site. I, like many others have learned far more from you than I ever learned in college. I went Galt in 1973. I have lived in a ghetto like condo complex for 34 years. Now, because of my significant other we are upgrading to a place in Fla.. $ will become of question after 2 years in my opinion, and I pray for our future. You are like a wise old friend (even though you are younger) and I love you for what you have accomplished here. Much man love is required and given!
First, thanks for five+ years of shouting "stop the madness" in your own unique manner. You've been remarkably consistent from the beginning. I don't know how you do it, getting up every day and posting new thoughts. Plus dealing with the trolls and sock-puppets. It has been a pleasure to participate and contribute here.
Second, no need to explain yourself, as far as your reasons for "shutting it down" so to speak. As the lies, fraud and outright criminal behavior of those in positions of power have gotten worse and worse, a version of Gresham's law seems to be playing out. In a still semi-free society, where people like you still and I have some choice on the directions of our lives, bad government and bad citizens drive out the good ones.
Finally I would add that you should not underestimate the good you have done here. Something that is very hard to do is to take the long view when it seems that truth and rationality are losing. But throughout history the math wins out in the end. It just takes longer and more pain than anyone expects.
My only request would be to not delete anything in terms of older posts. Part of the frustration of the times that we live in is that we have a mainstream press that act like bootlicking lackeys rather than the watchdogs they are supposed to be. Your blog along with a few select others (Mish, Naked Capitalism IMO) are the only antidotes. I might have lost my own sanity if it wasn't for the last vestiges of a free press out here in the Internet.
You along with Mish, Yves and a few remaining bloggers have created a public record exposing the lies and fraud. By standing up against the poseurs, the shrieking partisans and war-mongers in the press, you provide a valuable dissent.
History has a funny way of vindicating folks like you, and making fools of cretins the likes of Geithner and Krugman. Those old posts from 2008 may someday be seen as a beacon of truth in an age of lies. Who knows, 100 years from now they could be in the history books as an example of true journalism.
My own selfishness would like to see this community continue until the wheels eventually fall off, which we know they will. But whatever path you take, you have already done a lot of good and deserve some rest and time to pursue whatever gives you contentment.
I've learned more here than in any school I've attended. You are truly a scholar a gentlemen and a complete bad-ass. I salute you and thank you for everything you've given to ALL of us.
You have influenced me and thus my decisions and I have been a happier man as a result.
Thanks for the education you've given us, Karl. ( I for one, sorely needed it). Others have listed the many ways you've helped us all, I can't state it better or expound upon it more.
You have my greatest respect, but damn I'll miss your wisdom.
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Father forgive me for the times I craved a place at a table that you would have flipped.
I hope, pray for and encourage others to also peacefully withdraw their consent.
Godspeed.
"[R]eason and morality are the only weapons that determine the course of history. The collectivists dropped them, because they had no right to carry them. Pick them up; you have."
Well, I've been Gold 100 % since the beginning, and wish that others would have done so as well. It's not fair to take someone's work for free and not contribute to the running of the site. If those who find benefit from his work don't support him, can anyone wonder why he has to step back?
"Thank you" will never reflect how indebted I feel for the contribution you, your forum, and it's many contributors. I joined in 2007, right in the thick of it, and shortly after taking my first job after college. The understanding I have of the markets and my world around me is in no small part thanks to (almost) everyone here at TF - especially you, Karl.
I haven't been able to donate, nor have I contributed much to the conversations. I wish I could do more. But to you Karl, and all who have contributed thus far, I can never express how thankful I am. This has been nothing short of a second college education.
I'll continue to preach the good word and starve the beast in all the ways I can. And good luck to all of you in TF land, wherever you are, it's a rough road ahead. I hope to find all of you in good spirits one day when this is all sorted out. :)
I vacationed with you and I've shared a steak dinner in my home with you. Meeting you was a highlight. I admire who you are and what you stand for. May you be blessed with tranquility but remain steadfast in your mission.
Thank You for the great times here Karl! Just awesome really fucking awesome!
Karl, you have been a great teacher for me. If you're ever in the Houston area you will always be welcome to stay at my home and have a meal with my family. I am forever in your debt.
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