Merry Christmas to you and your family. If you don’t do Christmas, then happy holidays or just whatever. Don’t get hung up over the small stuff. If you are a regular reader of this blog, thanks very much. I really appreciate it. The reason I started this blog is that I was so ticked off about the way things were going that I thought I might write them down and try and make a difference. No idea if it has made a difference, but occasionally you start to see things that you have written bubble up into normal conversation. I value each and every one of you, even the trolls. Of course, I hope the trolls got a lump of carbon polluting coal in their stockings…!
If you are a first time visitor here that came because of an email, weblink, stumbleupon, twitter link or just because you came here by mistake, welcome to you too. Kick your shoes off, fix yourself a cocktail and sit down by the fire. Have a look around. Don’t be a stranger next year. Tell your friends.
It was nice to be out and meeting new people this year. I put a gazillion miles on my car. Great to see you in New York, at Tweet Ups, in Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin and all points in between. Let’s try and get together more often next year because while the engagement made possible by internet interaction is fun, it doesn’t beat actually talking to each other. This Stocktwits/Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn/Google+ community is great and growing.
Other bloggers that have linked to me. I really appreciate that too. Bloggers who I have linked to, thanks to you I have great content for my Breakfast Links that I try to put out every morning. Keep up the great work you do.
2012 is going to be a monster year in more ways than one. It’s an election year, and no matter which side of the aisle you are on it’s going to be bloody. Unfortunately for me, there aren’t a lot of folks that speak my language in high office anymore. It’s tough to find anyone that knows truly what fiscal conservative or classical economics means, let alone have one run and win office. Let’s hope we have a lot more of like minded thinkers in the House and Senate. If we get a Republican President, the Prez won’t be setting the agenda, simply responding to it. Being fiscally conservative is what it’s all about. Every other issue should take a back seat to it. If we don’t, we will find ourselves with a financial burden that is so great the only outcome will be far less freedom. That’s not what we are all about in the US. Serfdom is for other countries.
2012 is going to be a pivotal year in the markets. Many businesses think they are smarter than the market and have buybacks planned. In rare cases, I like a buyback but in general, I am not a fan. There are also some acquaintances of mine that are terribly bearish. As the year turns, Europe is still unresolved, China seems to be on the brink of something, and the US steadily marches toward a financial guillotine.
Our market system is broken. Clearly, it’s not a failure of capitalism, but a failure of regulation and managed capitalism. You cannot direct prosperity without some underlying economic effects slapping you in the face. Instead of figuring out what it took for individuals to become successful, many are trying to whip them into submission.
Next year is going to be a great year for entrepreneurs. Many firms that have been building momentum either went public recently, or will be coming out next year. To many, they seem like fluffy businesses but they fit with how the web is moving. Blanketed and broad one size fits all doesn’t work anymore. Hyper local, targeted and getting what you want when you want it is what the new internet companies can bring. There is a big movement to try and build ecosystems for entrepreneurs nationwide. That momentum gets stronger in 2012.
The Incas might have been right about one thing with regard to 2012. It won’t be the end of mankind, but it’s pivotal. The US is a beacon of economic freedom for the rest of the world, and we need to return to our roots.
So, I raise a glass of champagne to you, the reader. Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate all you have done for me. Hope you share this with your friends. Make it a great 2012.
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