Corporate Globalism
One interesting development in the push for worldwide government and regulation is the push for a minimum corporate tax rate to be adopted globally. The measure is aimed at punishing corporations for shifting business to so-called tax havens around the world, thus putting much of their revenue out of reach. The U.S. administration is pushing their Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income tax (called GILTI but possibly pronounced “guilty”) as a starting point for further international discussions. Many developed countries such as Germany, France and the UK are pushing for a rate of at least 21% while the U.S. Treasury Department’s outline has 15% as the minimum for beginning negotiations. Britain has already pledged to hit 25% by 2023. Another concern is which country receives the tax that is paid. This is particularly important to Europeans who resent American internet giants generating enormous revenues in their countries and sending the tax revenue back home.
Weird Science
When an animal sheds and regrows part of its body, like lizard tails, it is known as autonomy. One of the most radical examples of this has recently been discovered by scientists in Japan. Coming in one morning, a researcher found that one of the sea slugs she was studying had shed its entire body. The head was crawling around on its own and continued to survive. In a grizzly scene reminiscent of the French Revolution, the phenomenon was reproduced with other slugs. What makes this so remarkable it that the 6 inch slugs leave behind their heart and organs, unlike most cases of autonomy which merely involve appendages. Scientists speculate that the sea slugs are sustained by algae they have consumed, temporarily absorbing energy from photosynthesis until they can regrow their body and organs. After detaching, the head shrinks and turns green. The new body is grown in less than a month and the natural cause of such an extreme undertaking is thought to be infestation by parasites. Weirder still are the scientists’ hopes that this new discovery will help with the regeneration of human tissue.
The Natural State
Arkansas is the first state to prohibit transgender treatments for minors. Others are reportedly considering similar legislation. The ban includes surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers. Whether the law will be able to withstand legal challenges remains to be seen. The ACLU will be challenging it in court before it takes effect later this summer. Other states may be waiting on the outcome before enacting their own prohibitions. The Arkansas legislature had to override a veto by Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson to push it through in their state. Whatever the outcome, it is a bold stand for traditional values in a world ever more warped by “progressive” cultural norms.
Exploiting Aid and AIDS
The Global Fund is a coordinated international effort to combat diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV. It is funded by many high profile individuals as well as world governments. Bill Gates is quoted on their website as saying, “The Global Fund is one of the best and kindest things people have ever done for one another.” Touting their strategy of “country ownership,” the Global Fund claims, “People implementing programs on the ground know best how to respond to AIDS, TB and malaria in their local contexts. Country ownership means that people determine their own solutions to fighting these three diseases, and take full responsibility for them.” Recent events have certainly cast a shadow over these types of statements.
One of the efforts funded is the National Association for People Living with HIV. Reports have surfaced of gross misconduct among their leadership. Access to their services, including treatment, was used as collateral for sexual and monetary exploitation. The allegations cover a period of nine years. Obviously this is a huge embarrassment for the 60 plus world governments who have contributed over the years, including the top donor (the USA) which has donated over $17 billion. The Executive Director of the Global Fund described what has happened as “abhorrent.” However, an investigation into the matter has concluded that oversight of intermediary organizations is “inadequate” when it comes to preventing abuse of the ultimate recipients.
European Unity Meets Swiss Neutrality
Negotiations for a comprehensive agreement between Switzerland and the European Union have finally unraveled. The process began in 2014 and has recently been ended by the Swiss over potentially insurmountable differences. There are currently over 100 separate agreements defining the relationship between Switzerland and the EU, all of which have expiration dates. The negotiations were for a single overarching plan but some of its stipulations proved to be a bridge too far. Major areas of disagreement include free movement, one aspect of which would entitle EU citizens to settle and enroll in Swiss social programs. Others are “dynamic” regulatory alignment as well as state aid and protections for certain industries. While celebrated by some as a victory for national sovereignty, this development further threatens the EU’s unified approach.
After Brexit, the EU has been increasingly protective of its system. The idea that countries can leave or only participate in a limited way, such as Switzerland and Norway, potentially undermines the whole concept of the single market. If countries think they can have the best of both worlds, i.e. EU access and national sovereignty, then what is the benefit of full membership? The Euro-zone’s fragile economic state cannot stand many setbacks at this point.
This threat has defined Europe’s negotiations with Britain and can be seen in its attitude toward Switzerland as well. The EU is currently refusing to update their deals with Switzerland one by one as they expire, hoping to force them back to the negotiating table. The first to lapse involves medical technologies and is expected to cost the Swiss over €100 million this year. Whether this hard-line approach by the EU will work remains to be seen.
A Bas La Macronie
French President Emmanuel Macron took a tour through France to measure how the public was feeling as the country emerges from Covid-19 lockdowns. One young man in southern France showed the President exactly how he felt. As Macron began to greet the crowd he placed his hand on the arm of Damien Tarel. After shouting “A bas la Macronie,” (“Down with Macronia!”) Tarel slapped Macron solidly across the cheek. Tarel was quickly taken into custody and has since been sentenced to four months in jail.
French media BMF TV reports that Tarel is a medieval period enthusiast and practices sword fighting such as you would find at a renaissance fair. As he was hauled away he yelled the battle cry of the French monarchy. In court he claimed not to have planned to slap Macron, but admitted that he had considered bringing an egg or a pastry to throw. When asked why he had done it he replied, “If I had challenged Macron to a duel at sunrise, I doubt he would have responded.” He also said, “I think that Macron represents very neatly the decay of our country.”
