Before 1913 the Federal Government was limited and revenue was from tariffs. After 1913 Government expanded, progressive income tax (16th Amendment) was passed, and the Federal Reserve was established. From 1860 to 1913 The US economy grew from 1/3rd to 180% of the British economy. Both were on the gold standard. In 1907 there was a banking crisis which led to the Federal Reserve passage. In 1930 the Brits went off the gold standard and pushed the US recession into a depression. After 6,000 banks closed, President FDR forced private gold to be sold to the government for $21 and later raised the price of gold to $35 where it staid until 1971. As the result of the banking crisis of 2008, TARP was passed and the Fred started QE1,QE2,and QE3 ( expanding the US $’s by 400%).

Lasse’s company, Flagship, is a partner with Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection Agency, filing cargo inventory control and release notification for sea, air, and rail carriers. He said profiling would be much more effective than screening all visa entries the same. Lasse’s biggest concern is the “invisible border” threat from ISIS Internet recruitment of US terrorists. ISIS appeals to the youth with professional propaganda videos: “kill the enemy”, “God’s on our side”, “death is honorable”, “cut off heads and use as soccer balls”.

Bob Fangmeyer said that for students that don’t get trade certifications or career internships before completing high school, community college, or 4 year college, there is little chance of getting a good first job. The ATF program is a half day class for high school juniors and seniors offered in 4 technical schools (Thomas Edison, Damascus, Gaithersburg,and Senaca Valley). It is a used car dealership that reconditions cars for public sale. Students must decide on the ATF option in the 8th and 9th grades. Students may enter the automotive field after HS graduation or choose to take advantage of articulation agreements with MC or Community college of Baltimore County Catonsville, both with automotive degrees. There is a dealership internship/MC study program (4/1 days per week).