Worry Wart Nation - Why Americans Can't Relax

Preface: If you're hiring, managing people, or are a serious sales professional, you have a deep interest in human psychology and what makes people tick. After all, each individual is another surprise package of traits, attitudes, skills, strengths, weaknesses, and temperaments. Although there are many things we worry about, let's explore a few major concerns.

A colorful array of characters dominates the world psychodrama stage and the Internet and hypnotizes many away from real life and responsibilities. Something once misunderstood and feared has been normalized. In the 1990s, we had online privacy concerns, but now we freely advertise our deepest thoughts, feelings, and details about our daily lives on social media. Edgar Bernays, the father of mass-brainwashing propaganda, is laughing in his grave.

The US's situation in the final quarter of 2014 is entirely unfunny in terms of overall mental health. Most people in most cultures do not trust their institutions and traditions. By putting things into perspective and providing quality links to recent articles and reports, I hope to calm some of the public's apparent confusion and discontent. After all, despite the seriousness of the crises, there’s much more good in the world in terms of community, support, growth, and repair.



Larger trend wheels are turning, producing significant societal shifts that may not seem immediately apparent to many obsessed with the current daily sensation story. These reports evaporate as quickly as they come, easily replaced by another anger or fear-inducing story with the same impact as Chicken Little announcing, "OMG, the sky is falling!" Do any of us boomers remember baby Jessica McClure?

Understanding where you stand within the context of public mood cycles may help you consider the background of others' behaviors. Yes, we're worried, and the biggest worry is uncertainty, so here are facts to help ease your fears. We will touch on only some problematic matters. Drop me a line for any issues I've missed and for which you'd like more information.

Key Safety Concern Factors

Let's start exploring why U.S. citizens seem so wound up and obsessed with their personal safety. Following are some key factors contributing to their safety concerns.

Personal Safety Worries and Fears

Seventy percent of Americans are anxious about keeping themselves or their families safe. Recent surveys indicate that this number has increased significantly compared to previous years. This heightened fear stems from various factors, including perceived economic instability, violent crime, and societal unrest.



What comes to mind is the threat to the safety and security of election workers who have previously endured attacks, threats, and doxxing, as well as their families. What is most insidious about our American violence trend is that Americans have become inured and accustomed to multiple mass shootings per week as 'normal.' In contrast, mass shootings were less frequent before the start of the millennium and were then considered by the public as an anomaly, a freak news story.

Gallup reports that 40% of Americans feel afraid to walk alone at night near their homes, marking the highest level of fear in three decades. How about you? Can you comfortably take a casual walk late at night to go stargazing? Or are you scared and carrying pepper spray or a commercial-level taser?

Perceived economic stress often translates into fears about personal safety, as financial instability can lead to increased crime rates.

Gun violence remains a pressing concern, with 67% of adults anxious about it, including 42% who are "very anxious" about this issue. This anxiety has risen sharply since 2020, reflecting ongoing societal issues related to firearms.

Specific concerns include identity theft (72%), car theft (50%), and physical assaults (37%)—all of which have seen increased worry since the pandemic began.

The American Psychological Association highlights that ongoing stress about safety can lead to broader mental health issues, indicating a cycle where fear exacerbates anxiety disorders. Many Americans report that their mental health struggles are intertwined with their concern for personal safety. In June 2022, toward the peak of lockdown fatigue, the Pharmaceutical Journal reported that U.K. sales of antidepressants jumped 35%. The good news is that people can be weaned off drugs, with substitute treatments being psychotherapy and lifestyle adaptations. Reach out and connect.

In the U.K., 45 million selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were prescribed in 2021/2022, a 35.2% increase from 2015/2016. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, accounting for about 49% of all prescriptions.

Gun violence has been declining since 2021, when it resulted in 21,068 deaths, although the number of reported suicides is increasing.

Because I want to show you the correlation between the 2004 legalization of AR-15 assault rifles and the number of U.S. mass shootings, I hand-drew a graph paper chart that reveals an alarming spike in gun violence in terms of mass shootings. Excuse the sloppiness, but note the sharp spike.



Mass Shootings

Based on numbers from gunviolencearchives.com, my graph shows the number of mass shootings per year to provide me with a visual sense of the vector curve acceleration. Mass shootings per year from 1996 to 2010 were in the single digits. From 2011 to 2014, the numbers were in the low two digits, never higher than 20. But since 2014, the numbers have grown to over 600+ per year. The human herd is culling itself, usually because of hatred. As Joni Mitchell said in her song Sex Kills, "Everyone hates everyone."

Noted this F.B.I. quote:

"The FBI's crime statistics estimates, based on reported data for 2023, show that national violent crime decreased an estimated 3.0% in 2023 compared to 2022 estimates:

• Murder and non-negligent manslaughter recorded a 2023 estimated nationwide decrease of 11.6% compared to the previous year.
• In 2023, the estimated number of offenses in the revised rape category saw an estimated 9.4% decrease.
• Aggravated assault figures decreased an estimated 2.8% in 2023.
• Robbery showed an estimated decrease of 0.3% nationally.

In 2023, 16,009 agencies participated in the hate crime collection, with a population coverage of 95.2%. Law enforcement agencies submitted incident reports involving 11,862 criminal incidents and 13,829 related offenses as being motivated by bias toward race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity."

FBI 2022 Report on Hate Crimes – Key Findings and Trends

Increase in Hate Crimes                                                                                                                                       

The data reveals that hate crime incidents increased by 794 in 2022. There were 11,634 cases, compared to 10,840 in 2021.

Race-Based Crimes                                                                                                                                             

Hate crimes rooted in race, ethnicity, or ancestry remain the most common. There were 6,557 reported incidents in 2022. Anti-Black or African American incidents —numbering 3,421 — were more than three times higher than the next highest racial or ethnic category.

Religion-Based Crimes                                                                                                                                       

There were 2,042 reported incidents based on religion. More than half of these (1,122) were driven by anti-Jewish bias. Incidents involving anti-Muslim (158) and anti-Sikh (181) sentiments remained at similar levels compared to 2021.

LGBTQI+ Targeted Crimes                                                                                                                       

Incidents targeting gay men reached 1,075, while anti-lesbian incidents numbered 622. Both categories recorded their highest totals in the past five years, increasing by more than 10% since 2021. A significant increase of nearly 40% was observed in reported anti-transgender incidents (totaling 338) compared to 2021.

Global Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is a vast and continuing problem. Underground chemists develop opioid synthetics faster than law enforcement can keep up. Unfortunately, a new additive to all illicit drugs is sweeping the nation, producing drug addict zombies. The Drug Enforcement Agency calls it the most dangerous drug because it is available to dealers on the dark web for only six to twenty dollars a kilogram. McPherson Square Library in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is recognized as the epicenter of Xylazine distribution and is an open-air drug market. The city is working to clean up the neighborhood, with some addicts entering treatment while the majority relocate. Officials often conflict with and work to expel local do-gooders who provide basic necessities, a clean needle exchange, and spiritual counseling.



Xylazine is the newest threat. Also known as ‘tranq,’ it is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been found in most Philadelphia illicit drug supplies. People often use Xylazine without knowing it. When it is added to other drugs like fentanyl, Xylazine extends or expands the experience. It slows breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerous levels. Narcan does not treat Xylazine.

Since opioids are often combined with Xylazine, experts recommend that people give opioid overdose reversal medications to those experiencing symptoms of Xylazine overdose. In addition to the risk of overdose, repeated xylazine use causes skin wounds, open sores (ulcers), and abscesses.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research explores Xylazine's effects on the body, its impact on communities, and its role in the overdose crisis. NIDA also supports broader research into changes to the drug supply and evolving patterns of drug use across the United States. This includes how and why people use drugs and are exposed to Xylazine and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

The Resurgence of Cocaine

2024 marks a record level for the cocaine industry. Colombia, the primary source of cocaine, has seen record levels of coca cultivation in recent years. This increased production leads to a larger supply of cocaine, driving down prices and making it more accessible. AI contributes hugely to the business efficiency of criminal enterprises and law enforcement.

Changing Market Dynamics

Shifting Drug Trends: While the opioid crisis has dominated headlines, cocaine has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger demographics. Improved chemical processes and technically improved equipment have made cocaine production much more efficient and cost-effective. The expansion of coca cultivation in South America has provided a steady stream of raw materials. Improved production and refining techniques have created higher-quality, more potent cocaine.

Marketing and Branding

Drug cartels have become increasingly sophisticated in marketing their products, often using social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. Criminals instinctively create their own 'inner jargon' to mask activities and provide emoji codes that may evade detection by law enforcement, algorithms, and those utterly ignorant of the latest street talk and innuendoes. Cartels use data analytics to identify locations known for crime and to target and track their best sales prospects, who are usually young people experimenting with substances. Cartels often use visually appealing videos and images on the dark web to promote products.

I recommend that you don’t go down there, friends. It's a spooky place that provides massive anonymity of individual I.S.P. locations and crypto-currency exchanges. Down there in the underbelly of the Internet, cartels operate online encrypted marketplace platforms to sell drugs directly to end-users, cutting out the middleman.

Economic Fear Factors

Economic Inequality                                                                                                                                   

Economic inequality and social disparities can drive individuals toward drug use as a coping mechanism or a means of escape.

Global Economic Trends                                                                                                                                 

Global economic fluctuations can impact drug markets, leading to increased demand for certain substances, including cocaine.

Weakened Law Enforcement Helps the Bad Guys

Corruption and Incompetence

Corruption and a lack of resources within law enforcement agencies can hinder efforts to combat drug trafficking. Check policedata.com for relevant statistics.

Cross-Border Challenges

The complex nature of international drug trafficking makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to disrupt supply chains effectively.

Ecuador and Drug Trafficking

Currently, life in Ecuador is being destroyed by drug trafficking, which has been significantly rising in recent years. In the past five years alone, Ecuador has evolved from a transit point to a logistical distribution center from which cocaine is sent to various parts of the globe, primarily to Europe and the United States. The country has become a major transit point for cocaine from Colombia and Peru, destined for markets in Europe and the United States. The recent sharp rise of drug trafficking has had a devastating impact on Ecuador, contributing to increased crime, violence, and instability. The government has supposedly addressed the problem, although it remains a significant challenge.

Factors that have contributed to this rise

Geographical location

Ecuador's strategic location between major cocaine-producing countries makes it an ideal transit point, especially for the expansion of drug distribution networks in Africa. Ships in international waters are loaded with contraband from smaller boats that meet them at specific coordinates. The offloading process works similarly when cargo ships approach the Netherlands and elsewhere.

Weak institutions

Corruption and a weak justice system have allowed drug trafficking organizations to operate with relative impunity. Ecuador's government lacks transparency at all. Ecuadoran officials engage in corruption with impunity. Many officials have been accused of corruption and have never been cleared or have undergone "unconvincing trials," at the end of which they go unpunished.

Economic challenges

Economic difficulties have made many people vulnerable to recruitment by drug trafficking organizations. With a large gap between the rich and the poor, income inequality contributes to the lure of easy money. Additionally, Ecuador has a significant national debt.

Increased violence

The influx of drugs has increased violence, gang warfare, and targeted killings. Ecuador's homicide rate has surged dramatically in recent years, particularly in 2023. According to sources including Statista, Human Rights Watch, and the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime, the homicide rate in 2023 was approximately 44.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. This represents a significant increase from previous years, placing Ecuador among the most violent countries in Latin America.

Here's a comprehensive look at U.S. drug trafficking statistics:

Drug Trafficking Offenses - Distribution of Drug Types (F.Y. 2023)

• Methamphetamine: 47.5%
• Powder Cocaine: 18.9%
• Fentanyl and Analogues: 17.7%
• Heroin: 5.3%                 
• Crack Cocaine: 4.6%                             
• Marijuana: 3.0%                       
• Oxycodone: 1.2%                   
• Other: 1.9%

According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, in 1999, approximately 1.5 million Americans were current cocaine users, representing 0.7% of the total population over 12 years old.

According to the 2023 Global Report on Cocaine by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, an estimated 21.5 million people used cocaine in 2020. While there isn't an exact figure for 2023, the report suggests that the number of cocaine users is increasing globally. Cocaine is now experiencing a resurgence, with South American cartels now expanding their markets in Africa.

Economic Anxiety

A significant portion of the population worries about inflation and a potential recession, with 78% expressing anxiety about inflation and 70% about recession risks.



CatholicAnswers.com reports this clarification on inflation and political expediency:

"According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average prices in the U.S.A. during September of 2024 were about 23 percent higher than four years earlier in September of 2020.

If you earned $100,000 in 2020, you would need $123,000 in 2024 to buy the same cart of groceries you bought four years earlier. Furthermore, any money you save is now worth less as well, as there is no credit union out there offering savings rates anywhere close to 23 percent.

Most Americans, especially those less affluent and raising families, can feel the decimation of income and savings inflicted by inflation. If this were a natural phenomenon like thunderstorms or earthquakes, we might not like it, but it would be hard to blame it morally."

Telescams

I recently hosted an elder abuse prevention panel in my research work for a webinar. I learned that in addition to all the other forms of abuse, financial abuse is rampant, primarily with elders. Fortunately, it is the easiest to prosecute because of the paper trail. In 2019, my friend Pat told me she was worried about her friend Odie, who had sent large sums of cash to some anonymous African caller (with caller I.D. blocking) who said it was for an obscure but "perfectly understandable reason" that I now forget. I warned her to warn her friend to stop, which sounded like a scam. She did not stop after an initial remittance of $3500.

Recently, I was informed that she had two more exchanges, sending significant amounts of cash before she ran out of money. Blinded by her pride and self-righteousness, self-brainwashed in a sense, she is still stubbornly awaiting a call-back from her Sector 5 Indian scammers. They socially engineered conversations to build a trust that was later broken.



You may ask, "How could people be so naive? Don't talk to strangers!" Before you judge, be aware that tele-scammers have scammed some very intelligent people because they are professional hackers. Criminals can recreate my voice from a sample audio recording that could have been grabbed from what may have sounded like an innocent survey telemarketing call. They use a voice changer in a crisis scam call that announces an urgent need to rescue the caller with a cash transfer.

Perhaps the caller will tell my friend that I was busted in Ensenada, Mexico, for an accident or a petty crime, and they need bail money now. The stories scammers use are creative, but fortunately, an army of scam-baiter agencies is confronting and trapping the criminal, providing surveillance and evidence to law enforcement. Watching some scam-baiter videos, I received a significant dopamine brain rush from witnessing justice served to those who take advantage of others. Links are provided below.

Industry experts estimate that billions of robocalls, many of which are scams, are made in the U.S. annually. The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with billions of dollars lost by Americans each year.

Identity Theft

Identity theft happened this year for several major companies. Here are some notable hacking incidents from 2024:

Ticket master Breach

Over 560 million customer records were exposed in a data breach that occurred in May 2024.

MOVE it Transfer Breach

A vulnerability in the MOVEit file transfer software led to the exposure of sensitive data from numerous organizations, including major corporations and government agencies.

Other Significant Breaches

Several other companies, including AT&T, Dell, and Bank of America, have reported data breaches in 2024, exposing millions of customer records.

Other Resources

For more detailed information and the latest updates on cyberattacks and data breaches in 2024, you can refer to the following resources:

IT Governance USA                                                                   

https://www.itgovernanceusa.com/blog/data-breaches-and-cyber-attacks-in-2024-in-the-usa

UpGuard                                                                                                 

https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-us

Bluefin Payment Systems                                                                             

https://www.bluefin.com/bluefin-news/biggest-data-breaches-year-2024/

Heroes and Villains

Here is a list of nerdy scam-baiters who collectively have created a movement toexpose and trap criminals. They are passionate superheroes eager to teach thepublic about the dark side and how to recognize the 'yellow flag' signals of ascammer. If you are an elder, you may benefit from having a protective friendwho watches over your personal finance management. Here are some tech guys whochase and help to shut down cybercrime:

Kitboga

Known for his comedic approach to scam-baiting. Kitboga often impersonates elderlyindividuals or tech support agents to waste scammers' time and expose theirtactics. In 2026, he recently confused an AI tele-bot by making itobedient to stupid commands.

Jim Browning

Amore serious scam-baiter, Jim Browning focuses on exposing tech support scamsand online fraudsters. He often collaborates with law enforcement to bringscammers to justice.

Scammer Payback

Another serious scam-baiter, Scammer Payback targets a variety of scammers, includingtech support scammers, romance scammers, and cryptocurrency scammers. Pierogi is probably the most inventive regarding network surveillance andproviding enough hard evidence to authorities to help shut down major callcenters and make arrests. He cooperates with an internetwork of similarvigilante hackers to execute some amazing stunts in the name of justice, whichmercilessly hit the criminals hard, those who thrive on perfidy and theft.

Scambaiter

This channel features various scam-baiters, including Ansar Hamed, known for hisaggressive and confrontational style. It is a Patreon-supported site.

Scammer Revolts

This channel focuses on scam-baiting tech support scammers and exposing theirtactics. You may learn some creative ways to waste scammers' time when theycall you with offers.

Avah Outreach

"AVAH Outreach Group is an all-volunteer Victim Outreach Group that providescertified assistance to Victims of Scams. We provide FREE Victim Advocacy toany victim of a Scam. Our Victim Advocates are N.A.C.P. Certified in OnlineScams. We call victims of scams and educate them on how to safeguard theirpersonal info, prevent and remove scammers' access to all devices, and provideeducation on how to recognize a Scam. Our Focus is the interruption of livescams, reporting fraudulent bank accounts, and victim advocacy. We report tolaw enforcement, the F.B.I., adult protective services, victims' families, andvarious other institutions to help protect the vulnerable. We ask for nothingin return but to share the information provided to help raise awareness."

The Pandemic Aftermath

Distribution systems have changed, some permanently or gone. Things have never returned to'normal' since the pandemic's manufacturing, employment, and overall businessdisruption. Americans are adjusting to a 'new normal,' as the pandemic significantlyimpacted the primal emotional needs of people both in a social context and asemployees. Do you remember the Great Resignation? That may be officially over;however, it spawned some interesting mini-trends, such as more boomere-commerce ventures. With time on their hands, many contemplated andreorganized their life priorities regarding what success is to them personally.What is success to you? If you had to choose, would it be an achievement orauthenticity?

Political Climate Worries

Recent polls also show that concerns related to political instability and potentialviolence surrounding elections contributed significantly to overall anxietylevels. About 77% of adults cite worries about the nation's future as amajor stressor, with fears of political violence affecting their sense ofsecurity.

Trump's unsuccessful January 6th Insurrection traumatized a nation and instilled inpeople PTSD triggers that are not merely words but words that ignite strongfeelings.

I have two hot-head male friends, both with anger problems, who discredit theother's preferred political candidate. I've listened to both and understandtheir reasoning and, to a degree, their ignorance of some points. Both welcomeme as their friend and can carry the conversation to other subjects despiteoccasional, sometimes entertaining, 'good guy/bad guy' rants.

What concerns me about both of these men is not their viewpoints but the depth oftheir sincerity. It's as if they cannot objectively observe themselves, theirtemperaments, and their patterns. So, I do not feel 'divided' from my moreexpressive friends but foster a sincere curiosity in them and how they think,how they are influenced, and brainwashed by mass marketing, which strategicallypersuaded us in the 90s to transition from fearing the iniquitousness of theoncoming "Super Information Highway" to broadcasting our lives onlineand for some, to the point of neglecting offline relationships.                                                                      

Worries about Life on Earth – Hot Climate Conversations

Having some history in the 1970s with energy conservation and phase one of passivesolar, I tread lightly here as I lean on the advice of my mentors, who includea University of Pennsylvania professor, a former NASA Climatologist, and a NOAAscientist.

To help you calm down, let me reassure you that since the 70s, we've known toexpect that the intensity and frequency of impactful, giant weather conditionswould make future climate scenarios predictable, although not comforting. Rapidchange is our new 'normal.' Climate changes such as ice ages happen. Likewise,mass migrations have been happening forever. They will continue as some areasbecome better or worse for agriculture, the foundation of any nation's economy,because of climate change and sea waters warming and rising. But don't despair.Study the advances in vertical farming.

Takeheed if you like Hollywood's Armageddon-style film plots featuring unbelievablyhuge ocean waves wiping out the East and West Coast, the YellowstoneSupervolcano popping, or killer pandemics (a fresh global PTSD event).

Mark Lynas's book Six Degrees describes what will happen as the Earth heatsup in one-degree stages. We are already in that one-degree stage of theAnthropocene era. Lynas is hopeful that we can put the brakes on our carbonfootprint. Now that renewables are cheaper than ever, we can do all the rightthings and hold the warming pace to only 2 degrees Celsius by the end of thiscentury. With continued mismanagement, it may rise to a dangerous 4% or 5%.

Here minds us that the United Nations' International Panel for Climate Control(IPCC) has said that climate change – "Rising greenhouseconcentrations caused by human activity is extremely likely, or has 95% - 100%probability. That means a one in three point five million chance that currentglobal warming is natural or a 0.0003% chance that the Republican party isright. Humanity cannot afford to ignore science's signals." Hereminds us, "We're set to hit one degree Celsius abovepre-industrial times (before 1900) and development of the steam-poweredfactories, trains, and boats."

Most global warming has gone into the heat content of the oceans. Are you ready fora numeral as interesting as 'Google?' Six zetajoules of energy are accumulatingin the upper oceans yearly. A joule is named after English physicist JamesPrescott Joule (1818–1889) and is defined as a unit of energy inthe InternationalSystem of Units (SI) equal to the amount of work donewhen a force of one newton displacesa mass through a distance of one meter inthe direction of that force. It is also the energy dissipated as heat when an electriccurrent of one ampere passesthrough a resistance ofone ohm forone second. It's a big number. A joule = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

Humans use about ½ joule every year in our consumption. A clearer, perhaps moredramatic way of explaining the degree of heat intensity is to say that animpact of six zetajoules per year is equivalent to the ocean experiencingnuclear explosions the size of three Hiroshima ‘Little Boy’ bombs, every threeseconds, 13 kilotons of force for each one. Count the seconds. One, two, three…Get the picture?

Economic Instability – Inflation and theConsumer Price Index

Rising prices and economic stability concern us. Despite consumer goods rising over23% since 2020, the good news is that wages are on a steady climb. Yes, thingscost more, but we are earning more, too, particularly lower-tier workers. Arecent Bureau of Labor Statistics Recent Wage Report stated that in October2024, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrollsrose by 13 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $35.46. Over the past 12 months, averagehourly earnings have increased by 4.0 percent. In October, average hourlyearnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 12 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $30.48.

Personal Income Rising

Although consumable costs increased by 23% from 2020 to 2024, incomes are rising,primarily for lower-income workers. 2024 spending is growing steadily, and the2024 holiday spending season is expected to be strong.

Why People Neither Save Enough or Do Not Understand Economics

Low Financial Literacy Rates                                                                                                              

Numerous studies consistently show that many Americans lack basic financial knowledge.Several recent studies consistently show that many Americans lack basicfinancial knowledge. Here are a few examples:

The P-Fin Index

This annual survey measures financial literacyin the US. The 2024 index revealed that financial literacy has hovered around50% for eight consecutive years, with a 2% drop in the past two years.

Experian Survey

This survey found that three in fiveadults feel their limited understanding of credit and personal finance has ledthem to make financial mistakes, with 60% of this group stating these mistakeshave cost them $1,000 or more.

Ramsey Solutions' Financial Literacy Crisis in America 2023 Report

This report highlights the lack of personal finance education in America and thelasting effects this lack of knowledge has on Americans, even years after theyleave high school.

These studies consistently point to a significant gap in financial knowledge amongmany Americans, which can lead to costly financial mistakes and long-termfinancial insecurity.

Many people overestimate their financial knowledge and skills, leading to poordecision-making. Several studies show that this phenomenon is often linked tothe Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals with low ability mistakenly assesstheir ability as much higher than it actually is.

Key Findings from Various Studies

Overconfidence Bias

This cognitive bias makes people overestimatetheir abilities and knowledge, including financial knowledge. Studies haveshown that individuals often believe they are better investors than theyactually are, which can lead to risky investment decisions.

It'simportant to note that this overconfidence is not limited to a specificdemographic or socioeconomic group. People from all walks of life can besusceptible to this bias. To make better financial decisions, it's crucial tobe aware of this tendency and seek reliable information and advice fromqualified professionals.

Lack of Self-Awareness

Many people need moreself-awareness to assess their financial knowledge and skills accurately. Thiscan lead to overconfidence and poor decision-making, such as taking on too muchdebt or investing in risky assets.

Illusion of Control

People often believe they have more control over financial outcomes thanthey actually do. This illusion can lead to overconfidence and risk-takingbehavior, such as trying to time the market or picking individual stocks.

Limited Financial Education -The U.S. education system often needscomprehensive financial education, leaving many individuals unprepared tomanage their finances effectively. While specific studies directly addressingthe comprehensive lack of financial education in the U.S. education system maybe limited, numerous sources and reports highlight this issue.

Council for Economic Education (CEE)

The CEE's annual Survey of the States consistently shows that while financialeducation is gaining traction in many states, there's still significant roomfor improvement.

The2024 survey revealed that 35 states now require students to take a course in personalfinance to graduate, which is a significant increase. However, the depth andbreadth of these courses can vary widely.

National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)

The NFEC advocates for comprehensive financial education in schools and has publishednumerous reports on the importance of early financial literacy.

Theyhighlight the need for age-appropriate financial education, starting fromelementary school and continuing through high school.

OtherSources:

Media Reports                                                                                                                                           

Numerous news articles and blog posts discuss the lack of financialeducation in schools and its impact on young adults.

Personal Finance Experts                                                                                                                             

Financial experts oftenadvocate for better financial education in schools, citing the challenges facedby young adults who lack basic financial knowledge.

It's important to note that while the U.S. education system is making strides infinancial education, there's still a significant gap between the knowledge andskills needed to manage finances effectively and what is currently being taughtin most US schools.

The Health of Democracy and Autocracy Fears

Recent polls suggest that around one-third of Americans support autocratic forms ofgovernment. This finding has raised global concerns about the health ofAmerican democracy. However, it's important to note that this doesn'tnecessarily mean they want a full-blown dictatorship. Some might supportspecific authoritarian policies or leaders who promise strong and decisiveaction.

It's crucial to analyze these findings in context to consider the nuances of publicopinion. Political polarization, economic anxiety, and distrust in institutionsmay contribute to these sentiments. Further research is needed to fullyunderstand the underlying reasons for this trend and its potential implicationsfor the future of American democracy. No matter what you hear, beware of fearbiasing your perceptions and feelings.

People choose autocracies when they desire the stability and order promised byautocratic leaders, even if it means losing individual freedoms. Peopledisillusioned with democracy, feeling it is basically corrupt or only the'tyranny of the 51% over the 49%,' prefer the decisiveness of an autocraticregime. Autocratic leaders often scapegoat minority groups or personal enemiesto unite people against a common perceived threat.

This can appeal to peoplewho feel anxious or insecure about their place in society, which is the vastnumber of people who do not take time to research, read, and study. They needto realize that the U.S. economy is currently doing better than ever.

However,the economy, say top economists, will crash due to the unanticipatedconsequences of tariffs designed to isolate the United States, provokecounter-tariffs, and limit trade. Unfortunately, many people believe theinformation they receive digitally represents the whole of reality. Itobviously does not.

Weare inextricably tied to China's economy because of the exports of rare earthmaterials necessary for our high-tech industry. China dominates the globalproduction and processing of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rareearths like dysprosium, gallium, and terbium, and light rare earths likeneodymium and praseodymium. This dominance gives China significant leverage inthe global market for these critical materials, essential for many high-techapplications. This should be considered as the U.S. threatens the Chinese andU.K. economies.

The U.K. predicts a loss of 22 billion dollars due to U.S. tariffs. Trump's trade2018 tariffs backfired, hurting U.S. farmers. Trump's anticipated nationaltariff/sales tax increase of 20% is predicted to disrupt American society, notjust financially massively.

Seecontent credentials

Emerging Technology Anxiety – The Robots AreHere!

Fueled by Hollywood's doomsday scenarios and the tendency for continued worry toamplify worry, some fear 'robot Armageddon' while others welcome AI with openarms. The field is split between countries that have welcomed AI and those abit more cautious, especially with A.I. demagogues like Sam Altman saying AI isstill in its infancy and is imperfect, clunky, and sometimes dishonest, as hasbeen proved by Chat GPT.

AI affects everything we manage. It has significantly impacted the success ofonline solo practitioners who now have executive digital assistants who canadapt to their style and train of thought to some degree and quickly producecontent. However, artificial content needs to be ranked better or may even bede-indexed by Google, especially now that humans review all web pages. The keyto using AI for writing content is only to generate ideas like outlines,titles, reference links, citations, and quotes. It is not a substitute forpersonal genius. AI cannot experience feeling impassioned or inspired tocompose a beautiful song or to write a touching love letter or profound poem.

Think about the shelf life of your content. Use AI wordsmithing for an advertisement,but I think you shouldn't use it for a book you are authoring. Obey the giantgorilla's E.E.A.T. mandate.

E-E-A-T is an acronym created by Google for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness,and Trustworthiness. It is not a ranking factor but a component of Google'sSearch Quality Evaluator Guidelines (SQEG). I've read them and understand thatGoogle wants excellent, engaging, original creativity reflected in honest,clear, and verifiable content. After reading the guidelines, I realized thatone could probably deduce these qualifiers if they could consider that mostpeople are NORPs, 'normal, ordinary, responsible persons' whomostly share common values like patriotism, God, family, self-fulfillment, andachievement, despite having oppositional points of view on how to manageresources. As a writer, refrain from cheating with AI Create original, dynamic,informative, engaging, and fun user content experiences that motivate a desirefor more information, involvement, and engagement, if indeed that is yourintent as a writer.

AI Changes Everything

A.I.influences everything from education to freedom and legal rights. A.I. has thepotential to both enhance and erode personal freedoms and legal rights. Hereare some key areas of concern:

Potential Benefits

EnhancedPrivacy: AI-powered tools can help individuals protect their privacy bydetecting and preventing data breaches. Do not skimp on online security.Identity theft hacking is rampant and often undetected. A.I. enablesscam-baiters to develop code in real time to crash criminal enterprises thatare stealing millions of dollars, mainly from the elderly.

ImprovedAccess to Justice

AI can assist in legal research, documentanalysis, and even decision-making, making legal services more accessible andaffordable. With AI assistance, virtual courts will alleviate caseloads byaccelerating the time it takes to move through them. AI scans voluminousevidence that can be difficult to read and absorb. It does so by searching and summarizingdocuments and by interacting with questions about findings.

IncreasedPersonalization

AI-drivencustomization can tailor services and products to individual needs andpreferences, potentially improving quality of life. This is particularly truewith e-commerce and streaming. Have you noticed the seeming serendipity of adspopping up about a product or service you recently reviewed, talked about,shopped for, or wrote about? Streaming algorithms suggest broadcasts similar toyour past online activities and choices.

Customized Healthcare

PersonalizedTreatment Plans

A.I. quickly analyzes patient data to create tailored treatment plans, improvinghealth outcomes and accelerating hospital customer flow.

EarlyDisease Detection

AI-powered tools can identify early signs ofdiseases, enabling timely intervention and prevention.

Image Analysis

AI can quickly as certain details in an X-ray thatmay not be immediately apparent.

Medical Imaging

AI algorithms can analyze medical images suchas X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to identify abnormalities that may indicateearly-stage diseases.

Pathology

A.I. can analyze microscopic images of tissue samples to detect cancerous cells orother abnormalities.

Data Analysis

Electronic Health Records (EHRs): AI can identify patterns in EHR data to predict the riskof certain diseases.

GenomicData

A.I. can analyze genetic information to identify individuals at risk for specificdiseases. Nutrigenomics, the newest science, derives studies from analyzinghuman DNA.

Potential AI Risks

Mass Surveillance

AI-powered surveillancesystems can track individuals' movements, monitor their online activities, andanalyze their personal data, potentially infringing on privacy rights. Is thisa good thing or a bad thing?

Algorithmic Bias

AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplifyexisting biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring,lending, and criminal justice.

Job Displacement.

Automation powered by AI could lead to job losses, particularly in routine and repetitivetasks, impacting economic opportunities and social well-being.

Erosion of Autonomy

Over relianceon AI decision-making could diminish individual autonomy and agency, as peoplemay increasingly rely on algorithms to make choices.

Deep fakesand Misinformation

AI can create highly realistic but false content, such as deepfakes,which can spread misinformation and undermine trust in information sources.

Robust ethical guidelines, regulations, and oversight mechanisms must be developed tomitigate these risks and maximize AI's benefits. This includes ensuringtransparency in AI systems, addressing bias, protecting privacy, and promotingaccountability. By proactively addressing these challenges, we can harness AI'spower to create a future that respects human rights and individual freedoms.

Adaptation – Our Species' Strength

A sin a Kung-fu principle, we will 'adapt to circumstances.'My geology instructor reminded me that notwithstanding surprises, ourspecies probably has another 50 million years before extinction, a shortgeologic time, but plenty of time to finish those never-time-to-get-done thingson your to-do list. We have other things to worry about besides extinction,although we contribute to it.

There is much more good in the world than bad. Still, many good things, surprises,and miracles happen every day that are not newsworthy. I remember a newsarticle in the reported that an elderly grandfather who was at a family picnicwas struck by lightning. Bad news, right? No. It restored his eyesight. See thelink below.

Closing Comments

It's important to note that the cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, whichserves both good and bad hackers. My point is that despite these offenses andthe chaotic state of American politics, the sun will rise tomorrow. Somehow, weendure and survive the things we worry about. The real, and often biggerproblem is not the problem presented but our emotional reactions to stressors.Be self-aware of your emotional body. Self-awareness can help you to approachcalmness amidst a storm of trouble. My mom said, “It’s never darker thanmidnight.”

The combination of economic fears, specific crime concerns, and broader societalissues has led to a significant rise in anxiety regarding personal safety among Americans, and has affected how they relate to each other. This trendunderscores the need for ongoing tete-a-tete dialogue and action regardingmental health support and community safety initiatives. Let's listen to andtalk less about socio-political commentaries and predictions and insteadexplore about the things that are much more important in life. What do youvalue the most?

-Frank DeDominicis

REFERENCES

FBI                                                                                                                           

https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-2023-crime-in-the-nation-statistics

Gun Violence Stats                                                                                               

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/

Mass Shootings                                                                                                 

https://everytownresearch.org/mass-shootings-in-america/

Immoral Inflation                                                                             

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/inflation-and-theft

Kit boga: Scammer Loses$5M                                               

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFEBY_9J30&t=1s

Hacked Scammers Respond toBeing Totally Destroyed  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMtRu11kyW0

Jim Browning                                                                                                                                                                       

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txUmwD4IcMw

Scam Baiter                                                                                                                                                                             

https://www.youtube.com/scambaiter

AVAH Outreach                                                                                                                   

https://avahoutreach.org/

Gallup: Concerns forPersonal Safety at an All-Time High

https://news.gallup.com/poll/544415/personal-safety-fears-three-decade-high.aspx

Anti depressantprescribing increases by 35% in six years                                           

https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/antidepressant-prescribing-increases-by-35-in-six-years

Scammer revolts: I DELETED every FILE off HER PC! SHE GOT ANGRY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-c0n4B_W3g

The Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate – Mark Lynas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXiAg61dXH8

Insurance Information Institute - Facts + Statistics: Identity Theft and Cybercrime

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-identity-theft-and-cybercrime

Cocaine Surge Fuels Violence as Opium Falls: U.N. Drug Report 2024

https://insightcrime.org/news/cocaine-surge-fuels-violence-opium-falls-un-drug-report-2024/

Dark Web Vendor Sentenced for Distributing Narcotics and Ordered to Forfeit $150M

https://bit.ly/XXylazine

Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl–Involved Overdose Deaths with Detected Xylazine — UnitedStates                            https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7226a4.htm

Ecuador declares war on terrorism                                                         

https://latinoamerica21.com/en/the-government-of-ecuador-declares-war-on-terrorism/

YouTube: Xylazine + Older Adults & Opioids                         

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Vs4-4OmuI

Cocaine Surge Fuels Violence as Opium Falls: U.N. Drug Report 2024

https://insightcrime.org/news/cocaine-surge-fuels-violence-opium-falls-un-drug-report-2024/

Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl–Involved Overdose Deaths with Detected Xylazine — UnitedStates, January 2019–June 2022                            https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7226a4.htm

F.B.I. Releases 2023 Crime in the Nation Statistics                                           

https://bit.ly/FBI2023CrimeReport

Police Data                                                                                                                                                   

PoliceData.com

FBI releases 2015 Hate Crime Statistics.                                                   

https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/hate-crime-statistics

Free, Fair, and Participatory Elections | American Academy of Arts and Sciences

https://www.amacad.org/ourcommonpurpose/elections-statement

Beyond the Surface: Understanding the Complex Reasons for Drug Use

https://www.theedgesearch.com/2023/12/understanding-complex-reasons-for-drug.html

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Science to Innovation                                         

https://photosnow.org/rise-of-artificial-intelligence-science-innovation/

Offsite SEO Strategies to Boost E-E-A-T Signals.                                               

https://keyword.com/blog/offsite-seo-strategies-boost-eeat-signals/

Canada invests $1.6 billion in minerals strategy to strengthen electric vehiclebattery supply chain                                                              https://evmagz.com/canada-to-invest-1-6-billion-in-minerals-strategy-to-strengthen-electric-vehicle-battery-supply-chain/

US employment and unemployment situation.

https://www.hrmguide.net/usa/employment_situation.htm

Preventing scams and fraud                                                               

https://thesun.my/opinion_news/preventing-scams-and-fraud-FK12094067

Above the Influence: Substance Abuse Resources and Support for College Students.

https://www.onlinecolleges.me/resources/substance-abuse-awareness-prevention/

Lightning Strike Restores Man’s Vision                                 

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/05/07/Follow-up-Man-who-had-sight-restored-by-lightning/5320420540575/

AVAH Outreach Team

https://avahoutreach.org/#:~:text=Helping%20Scam%20Victims!,NACP%20Certified%20in%20Online%20Scams

Hope on the Horizon – Frank DeDominicis                                                                                 

https://bit.ly/Hope-on-the-Horizon