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6. Business mergers will continue, and layoffs will be a fact of life.
Job security just doesn't exist in the real world. That's why you should always have a Plan B. Such as turning your hobby into a business and eventually joining the ranks of the self-employed.
Needs are going unmet and customers keep searching for better service. This scenario creates plenty of opportunities for new businesses. And one of those new businesses could be yours.
By operating your own business, you'll gain more control over your life, enjoy more tax breaks, and be rewarded directly for your efforts, instead of relying on a boss to decide how much you're worth.
And your life will be in your own hands.
7. Finally... the unceasing trend toward totalitarianism will continue.
Whoa. Where'd this come from? Weren't we talking about sure things here? What's so smackdown certain about another Mao, Hitler, or Stalin taking over?
Well, thankfully our freedoms haven't yet been folded, packed and shipped off to oblivion...
But some of the signs are ominous.
For example, tax authorities are doing everything they can to centralize power. Not only are states in this country cooperating to try to close all the exits for taxpayers. The U.S. is also using its muscle to force so-called "tax havens" to step in line with the IRS and the taxaholics.
And to catch tax evaders, authorities pull out all the stops, even if that means trampling over the privacy rights of innocent people. Just this past month, the IRS received access to thousands of MasterCard and American Express credit card accounts held by U.S. taxpayers in offshore banks.
In fact, the need to go after criminals is the FBI's excuse for coming up with its Internet snooping program, "Carnivore," which, if the authorities have their way, will soon be spying on your emails.
On and on it goes, this contempt for individual privacy.
It's a thirst for power, a hand in your wallet, and the potential to know every little thing there is to know about you.
Sounds like a recipe for tyranny.
We're not there yet. But if we're not careful, we'll be there soon. All it takes is a national emergency, and enough conscienceless would-be Napoleons in office, to bring the freedom party that George Washington started with a little help from his friends to an ignominious end.
In this event, you will not be able to choose which doctor to visit. You won't be able to purchase a house without government approval. States will decide who can live in what area.
The potential for losing control over your life is greater than it has been in the past. Our globe has shrunk.
The push to tax the Internet continues. And taxation would require disclosure of all sorts of personal information.
Medical privacy is a thing of the past.
Tax laws are growing more complex, and with this complexity comes greater discretionary power of the courts and government to interpret those laws as they see fit. This opens even more chances for abuse of power.
Perhaps worst of all, more and more people are starting to expect the government to mother them and provide them with all the necessities of life.
Is freedom an endangered species?
That's up to you.
Your privacy and freedom are your biggest assets. Guard them well.
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