The San Francisco Experience

The World Balance of Power emerging in the 2020s is dividing into two blocs : the Authoritarians (China and Russia) and the Democratic West (US, EU, Nato, UK, Japan, Australia).  China's increasing economic clout is prompting it to challenge the existing international order starting with the global reserve currency the US Dollar. At the same time, Xi Jin Ping's 7 No's represent a repudiation of fundamental Western values. Are we facing a Super Power Struggle and a new Cold War ? The Thucydides Trap. 

Ruth Paine is one of the last surviving Warren Commission witnesses. She was a key witness in helping the Commission establish Oswald's whereabouts in the October and November weekends leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. She secured the job for him at the Texas School Book Depository and he spent his last night of freedom at her home on November 21, 1963. His rifle was stored in her garage, unbeknownst to her. She was interviewed by Jim Garrison the New Orleans DA and testified at the Clay Shaw trial. She shares her recollections of Oswald in this podcast interview.

Michael takes on the conventional wisdom of both liberals and conservatives looking at the reasons for poverty while offering a detailed agenda for increasing wealth, income and opportunity. Criminal justice reform,  education innovation, housing equity and access to financial products are all elements of his reform agenda.

While major market indices for 2022 ended the year on a down note, 2023 offers more challenges. Rising interest rates, the prospect of a recession and inflation at a 40 year high make managing your 401k and investments more complex. Joe Gilbert of Integrity Asset Management shares his firm's strategies for 2023 to help navigate your choices.

Part of the Holiday tradition for many of us is to watch classic Christmas movies that take us back to our childhood celebrating with loved ones. Shaun Chang picks his three most favorite films to enjoy over the Holidays.

2022 has been a year of global turmoil starting with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, roiled energy markets and realignment of global powers. NATO has experienced a renaissance and regional powers like Turkey are playing a bigger role on the world stage. Democracies versus authoritarian regimes are increasingly reliant on tradecraft to understand what their adversaries next moves might be.

     Black athletes have used their influence to force social change for over 100 years. Today's Sport Justice Movement is the next iteration of this tradition.