SC, Thanks. Rickards is definitely a self promoter and is cashing in via his books, etc, but he's well connected to the Deep State and I think has their tacit approval to raise awareness of things like the coming SDR regime.
From the Deep State's perspective it's a form of 'predictive programming', where they float ideas into the public's consciousness to get people acclimated to what's coming, so people have already accepted it when it arrives. This is done via the news and even plot elements in TV shows and movies. The Deep State has been neck deep in trying to mold public perceptions and behavior.
Rickards knows not to cross the line into conspiracy related areas. He gets to make millions and the Deep State gets to acclimate the public to what's coming.