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Here's a statement of the obvious: The opinions expressed here are those of the participants, not those of the Mutual Fund Observer. We cannot vouch for the accuracy or appropriateness of any of it, though we do encourage civility and good humor.

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BrianW

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BrianW
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  • Thanks for the additional information msf. Living paycheque to paycheque: that sounds familiar.
  • Let's keep the discussion on-point. Alberta provides a great amount of wealth to the rest of Canada in the form of taxation and what they refer to as equalization payments. And, as far as I can tell, they don't mind doing so. Their gripe is the i…
  • And, people and businesses aren't really leaving California, New York and New Jersey because of high taxes....
  • 50 ways to leave Canada The problem is all inside your head, Justin said to me The answer is easy if you take it logically I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free There must be fifty ways to leave Canada Justin said it's really not my habi…
  • To all, this post had nothing to do with Puerto Rico. It was a serious attempt to learn more about what's going on with our neighbors to the north. However, with most things here there are others that have to make it about politics, so lets do so.…
  • https://business.financialpost.com/opinion/lawrence-solomon-if-alberta-turns-separatist-the-rest-of-canada-is-in-big-trouble
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/02/like-greece-puerto-rican-debt-is-all-about-socialism.html
  • Your previous offhanded comment staged the hypothetical natural disaster that may hit. You've now revealed that hypothetical island as being Puerto Rico. I would agree that god forbid a disaster hit either Alberta or the aforementioned Puerto Rico…
  • So, are you saying that no 'self respecting Canadian' could ever see themselves joining the USA? :-) If no, is there any logic to Diane Francis' proposal regarding what she refers to as an imperative need to merge the two?
  • Unlike that island, Albertans wouldn't be waiting for the Government to take care of them. Furthermore, this ability and willingness to stand on their own is why they may leave Canada. This is also why they would be a perfect fit, in my opinion, f…
  • The problem is it is illegal for a state to leave the US. Not so for a Canadian province (just ask Alberta).
  • I use FMIMX, FOSCX, and JSMVX.
  • I could only hope that I could get my 401k away from them....
  • Chuck Akre has been in my portfolio for decades. I've always searched for a backup fund due to his age, to no avail. I've watched his former analyst over at HFCSX but haven't been impressed. My original purchase in 2009 is up 300+ and I have sold…
  • I'm not sure of what you mean by 'common good'. To me, 'common good' would be ensuring, to the extent possible, the welfare of aging Americans. From the moment Americans begin working, they pay into a program meant to provide a benefit once they r…
  • Of course the governing body would have to be independent. Politicians couldn't be trusted.
  • Makes too much sense to actually happen.
  • I could've listed Facebook, Google, Apple as well. You get the point. :-)
  • @BenWP Thanks for the feedback. Yes MGGPX is an outstanding fund with even longer track record. Im also considering that one although I have little international expsure right now and am trying to address that gap in portfolio. One nice aspect to…
  • I believe many bright-eyed and bushy tailed politicians have gone to Washington wanting to change things, just to be faced with the fact that, in its current form, it can't be changed. And, this is why I believe term limits are necessary. If they …
  • The truth isn't very profitable or palatable.
  • Forgot one: we should embrace more naturopathic medicine to compete with the illogical medical care we're currently embracing. I'm wondering how much money that would save?
  • What we should be doing is privatizing SSN and removing it from the control of the Government. We should teach financial literacy in school. We should create a safety net for those who truly can't work. All is done within a budget to keep greedy …
  • "The defining characteristic here is that it’s spending that will enhance society’s future productivity. How should we pay for that kind of outlay? The answer is, we shouldn’t." You and I have different definitions of 'budgeting'.
  • I wouldn't call it 'common sense'. Its more of a common left delusion. Those on the Left and Right require a budget. They shouldn't be able to spend us into oblivion just to buy votes. And by 'they' I mean all of them.
  • For a very young child, couldn't one just invest in a small cap value index fund and let it grow for around 65 years? I suppose it could be diversified at some point but why bother with bonds to begin with?
  • @Mark, I have the same question. I was an ARIVX investor and was rather PO'd when he liquidated the fund. Fortunately FMIMX opened around the same time. I'm wondering why this environment is any better for them? QRSVX may be a better option in t…
  • johnN, most dramatic crashes are preceded by some form of exuberance. I'm thinking of the dotcom, housing and others. These periods were noteworthy for the seemingly mindless investments from those desperate to get into the market. I'm not seeing…
  • @rono, I used to believe Americans were steadfast Capitalist. With the rise of those on the far left, I'm not so sure anymore. Universal Health coverage, if run by the Government would never work since cost controls, innovation, etc would never ha…
  • https://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-home-socialism-destroyed-slowly-081503505.html
  • @hank, you present an interesting point of view, but I think you're a bit off base. I'm sure that in some cases we are infiltrated by those darn Canadian's, they're just harder to spot (Black or White). :-)
  • @msf, as humans, race is always an issue. However, I don't believe it is the prevailing issue, in this case. We need the ability to control our borders (I'm sure Canadian's share that view). We need to actively police those who have entered illeg…
  • @hank, I agree it is a slippery slope. And, I'm sure other Presidents will do the same. However, I don't believe it is fair to view Trump as the first to use such a tactic. The immigration issue is very sensitive and I am sympathetic to those wan…
  • To quote Cicero: “Politicians are not born; they are excreted.”
  • I also agreed with Mitch McConnell's previous stance that this whole thing is a very bad idea because it sets a precedent that future Democratic presidents may take advantage of. Of course, that's no longer operative, since Mr. McConnell has once ag…
  • I'd feel a lot better about the Supreme Court if it hadn't been the victim of politicization by both parties. I absolutely don't want a court that is predictable because of political bias. I much prefer not having any idea how or why the court will …
  • @hank, not sure if my response was misinterpreted. It was meant to be civil.
  • @hank, I didn't answer your question and I apologize for that. In my view, the first concern is the security of the country and whether it is being addressed. In my opinion, it isn't. In this instance, I can see where the President may consider t…
  • I suppose that will be an argument for the Supreme Court. And, I'll support whatever they decide.
  • And, for those who prefer links instead of arguments: https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/apr/23/mick-mulvaney/fact-check-did-top-democrats-vote-border-wall-2006/