For a reason unknown to me, each year the Fall always seems to create a surreal, self reflective type mood in my cranium.  This year appears no different.  Remember, it is sometimes very wise to step back and look at the bigger picture, whether you are investing or just dealing with life's issues, as humans have a tendency to become bogged down by minutia.  How do you develop a plan, much less implement it, if you are not crystal clear where you are or where you are striving to be. 

The inverse correlation between the US Dollar Index and other asset markets continues.  The US Dollar Index is approximately 76.94 as I write this.  Well, you guessed it; since my last article the dollar has fallen and the equity markets have risen.  While this inverse correlation may not always behave in this manner, especially in shorter time frames, it appears dollar depreciation is continually driving our recent rallies.  I will reiterate that this strategy is not a viable long term positive course of action for any country.  (Some would probably argue that our Government and Federal Reserve are not attempting to devalue the U. S. dollar)  I would vehemently disagree. 

Occupy Wall Street protests have been spreading across America.  While I sympathize with their frustration and admire their enthusiasm, they are not focusing their request for change in the appropriate direction.  While there does not appear to be a specific resounding message emanating from the protestors, they seem to agree in denigrating Capitalism.  I find that tragically ironic, because Capitalism is what provided the foundation for the growing middle class in this country.  While I can appreciate the desire to eliminate; Crony Capitalism, Lobbyists, and basically get Corporations out of Politicians Pockets, the idea of somehow creating a more socialistic type of Government is a horrifically abhorrent goal.  The individual freedom required to make capitalism thrive should be enhanced not atrophied by an overzealous Government.   The abundance of Crony Capitalism and a growing Government is the actual cause of middle class shrinkage over the last 15 or so years.  No matter what eventually happens to this movement I have no doubt that people are, (and will continue to be) extremely disillusioned.  Similar frustrations gave birth to the TEA Party movement about 18 months ago. 

I must be addicted to pain.  As much as I loathe politics and politicians, I am somewhat fascinated by studying them.  I watched the entire Republican primary debate last night and I am finding it more and more difficult to support the more established politicians.   (Although at this point I suppose they are all politicians, to varying degrees.) The presidential election in 2012 is going to be very interesting.  It appears for the first time in a long time there will be a more definitive measurable distinction between platforms and ideologies for the two eventual candidates.   I just hope the divisive partisan culture that permeates our Government does not get worse than it already is?