The Yellow Metal Shines — Will it Last?

“When I read in all the papers of the extravagant rejoices every 4^th of July, the day on which we signed the Declaration of Independence, thereby hazarding our lives and fortunes, I am convinced of the universal satisfaction of the people with the revolution and its grand principles.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Happy July 4^th!

One of the reasons I chose July to produce FreedomFest is because our big show in Las Vegas is set to take place in between the anniversary of American independence (July 4^th) and Pioneer Day of the American West (July 24^th).

FreedomFest is the focal point where we call all freedom lovers from around the world to gather in Las Vegas to learn, network and celebrate liberty — or what’s left of it!

Manifest Destiny: Is America Destined for Greatness?

This year’s theme is the “Wild West,” certainly appropriate for today’s political climate.

One of our sessions will be on “Progressive or Oppressive? Balancing the History of Manifest Destiny,” with historian John Prevas, philosopher Stephen R. C. Hicks and bestselling author Tom Clavin. Financial writer and historian Gary Alexander will be the moderator of this fascinating topic.

These experts will discuss the impact, both pro and con, of the pioneers settling in the West, the devastating fights with the native Americans, and the discovery of gold and other natural resources.

The Incredible Discovery of Gold

In preparation for our big show in Las Vegas, I’ve been reading the incredible story of the global gold rushes, starting with the discovery of gold in California during 1848.

I was surprised to learn that only a few days after the United States and Mexico signed a treaty making California and the Southwest part of the United States, it was announced that gold had been discovered at Sutter’s sawmill in northern California.

Suddenly, California was the richest piece of land in the world.

Talk about Manifest Destiny!

Over the next 10 years, California produced more gold than the entire gold output since 1492.

Doug Casey, the maverick speculator who has lived and breathed gold and gold mining for 50 years in all parts of the world, will speak on this topic at FreedomFest on Saturday, July 20: “Gold Fever, Catch it! The Incredible Story of the Gold Rushes of California, Alaska and South Africa.” He’s been to them all!

Also, on Saturday afternoon, I’ll be speaking on “Call of the Wild West: Jack London, Rugged Individualist or Socialist?” London is considered the greatest novelist of the American West. His stories of the Klondike are classics. I’ll tell you why!

We have sessions you can’t find anywhere at other conferences: Check out over 250 sessions, panels and debates at freedomfest2019.sched.com. You are really missing out if you don’t come to FreedomFest. It will change your life.

Gold is Making a Comeback!

I’m now bullish on gold for the first time since 2011. Why? Because (a) interest rates are still very low and the Fed has decided not to raise rates, and may even lower them this year; (b) the Fed is determined to stimulate inflation, which is on the rise; (c) the gold price seems relatively cheap compared to the high price of stocks; and (d) increasing turmoil in the Middle East.

The Country’s Fourth-Largest Bank Is Coming to FreedomFest!

I’m sure many of you know that the name Wells Fargo is forever linked with the image of a six-horse stagecoach thundering across the American West, loaded with gold.

It took me months to arrange it: The historic Wells Fargo Stagecoach is comin’ to the FreedomFest “Wild West” exhibit hall all four days, and the Saturday night banquet. Bring your camera — this is will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As past FreedomFest attendees know, we always end the closing panel with a photo of everyone who has a silver dollar to hold in their hands. The photo includes our keynote speakers (this time I expect it will feature Senator Mike Lee, John Fund and yours truly). This year we are taking the photo in front of the Wells Fargo Stagecoach! This photo will be historic.

Kevin O’Leary sent this colorful two-minute video to his 2 million followers on social media (filmed in front of the “Shark Tank” studio). Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/344196186.

We’re now at more than 1,300 attendees and growing fast!

“The greatest libertarian show on earth” is about to begin in two weeks! Where will you be on July 17-20? Make it memorable! If you use code Eagle100, you can get $100 off the “Full Rate” price. With the Eagle 100 discount, you pay only $595 per person/$895 per couple. Click here to get your discounted ticket now, or call toll-free 1-855-850-3773, ext. 202, and mention the Eagle 100 code.

One-Day Special!

If you only can come for one day, do it! I recommend Thursday, July 18, when you will hear and meet Kevin O’Leary, who will debate Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey on “Conscious Capitalism vs Pure Greed.” I also encourage you to sign up for O’Leary’s luncheon “The Inside Story of Shark Tank.”

Plus, in the afternoon, you will meet and hear Vince Foster, the chairman and founder of Main Street Capital, the best-performing private equity fund since 2007, even better than Warren Buffett! Find out how he did it and how Main Street Capital will continue to outperform. This talk will alone pay for your time there.

The price is only $195 for a one-day ticket. Details about buying a one-day ticket are available at www.freedomfest.com, or by calling toll free 1-855-850-3733, ext. 202.

And our room block at Paris has been extended — pay only $129 plus tax. But hurry, it could end anytime.

Good investing, AEIOU,

Mark Skousen

You Blew It!

Why Not Sing the Fourth Verse of the National Anthem?

By Mark Skousen

Editor, Forecasts & Strategies

Today on July 4, the “Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, will be sung around the country. It is sung regularly at sporting and patriotic events.

But why does every singer only sing the first verse? I think most Americans are unaware that there are four verses to the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

I prefer the fourth verse, because it has several memorable lines, such as “then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,” and the only reference to Providence: “And this be our motto, “In God is our Trust.”

Here’s the entire fourth verse:

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

For years, I’ve been trying to get someone to sing the fourth verse at a sporting event. The late Rich DeVos, owner of the Orlando Magic, agreed to the idea and arranged for a young woman to sing it, but he canceled at the last minute.

When somebody does choose the fourth verse to sing, it undoubtedly will create a sensation and lots of imitators. I can’t wait!