Fannie Mae (FNMA)

[Travel5]

While recently in the Caribbean (for work) I was speaking with a very interesting older British man. It was clear he was well traveled, experienced, educated and wealthy... he wanted to share his opinion on the current state of the US as it compared to all former world powers. He said it's clear the US reign was coming to an end... all great powers eventually back themselves into a corner and he believes America is just that... cornered. He said, when a nation reaches a level where it's citizens no longer want the modest jobs and immigrants have been working them only to decide they no longer want those roles as well, you are transitioning into a "welfare state", like all those previous world powers who came before you. Your citizens begin realizing you actually have a corrupt government (W/Fannie and Freddie we have seen a dark side), non-reported unemployment out of control & immigration issues... you then begin to have a growing population of socialists.... ugh! It was an interesting and yet an unsettling conversation... good thing the boat ride to St. John was only 20 minutes... I don't think I could have handled more !