Special Bulletin: July 1, 2024

The Declaration of Independence

Question: Do they have the 4th of July in England? Answer: Yes, it comes between the 3rd and the 5th. Now what if the question asked, “Do they celebrate…?” What a difference one word makes!

The same is true when discussing the Declaration of Independence. Several years ago, our Triumphant team made a declaration of independence when we transitioned from the brokerage industry into the realm of independence as a fee-only, discretionary portfolio manager serving as a fiduciary. Our move wasn’t nearly as exciting (or life threatening!) as THE Declaration of Independence proved to be.

Benjamin Franklin stated, “We must indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall hang separately.” The threat upon the lives of our Founding Fathers and their families were real and significant! These men along with many others had tried for years to settle the grievances of the 13 colonies against the abuse of power from the tyrant King George III. They sought peace and appealed to the King but to no avail. This led to the establishment of the “causes which impel them to separation,” a list of 27 grievances that constituted the proof of their right to rebellion and the establishment of a new government. They risked everything: their wealth, their families, and their very own lives, for the good of their fellow countrymen.

Today, we enjoy the freest and most prosperous nation in the history of the world because of the foundation set by fifty-six courageous men who came together fully aware of the consequences of their “Declaration of Independence.”

Maybe the most important point, the real central issue, was the faith of these men in a Higher Power than their own, which gave them the necessary courage to declare and persevere. If you are like many of us, you may have been wrongly influenced by the false teachings of atheistic (even marxist) teachers/professors during your life. The facts are overwhelmingly clear on our Founding Fathers dependence on God for their Declaration of Independence. Here’s just one example taken straight out of the Declaration for your consideration: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor” (emphasis added). Listen folks, this is what all 56 of them signed. (**FYI: While there were a total of 86 edits made to the original text, the references to a “Creator,” “Nature’s God” and “divine Providence” remained. Why? Probably because they believed and not so that they could be mocked! They were brilliant, firm and resolute men.)

So now it’s our turn. What will you do? Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, offers an answer, “Today, too many Americans have taken for granted the bravery and heroism of our Founding Fathers’ actions – falsely maligning them in an attempt to delegitimize both them and our nation’s founding principles. At Turning Point USA, we are proud to lead the fight to restore a love of country, a respect for history, and an admiration for the brave men and women who paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today.” Well said, Mr. Kirk! And we at Triumphant stand alongside in this effort.

Now you may be wondering what the Declaration has to do with the markets and your money: EVERYTHING! Don’t you see that the God given prosperity of our nation came as a result of the original sacrifices and strident actions of the people who framed our constitution and started this marvelous nation! Our very form of self-government, that is under attack today – even from within, is what has brought the freedoms and financial blessings that the whole world has benefited from and enjoyed. But remember: Freedom is not free.

  Photo credit: Pixabay

There are forces working against America trying to remake it, trying to mute it, even push us towards socialism and create a “Europe on the west coast of the Atlantic.” Do you realize that thousands of the best companies (more than anywhere else in the world***) hail from America? Why? Because we are exceptional as a nation (and we don’t need to apologize for that)! But we are generous, too, towards others around the world. I for one am not interested in allowing the United States of America to become a lazy, pleasure seeking, debt-laden shadow of a country. (Oh no! I hope it’s not too late!) It’s time for each of us to step up and do our part because (like our Founding Fathers) now our fortunes, families and lives (financial, anyway) do in fact depend on it.

Happy 248th birthday, America! May God continue to bless you and others through you.

Investor sentiment remains at near extreme high levels. Our Current Market Outlook remains “Uptrend Under Pressure” with a yellow light (the last signal change was at 10:30am on 05/29/24 with the SPX @ 5,277.66). Our Core Four has 2 green and 2 red lights.

July starts a new quarter and the sprint to the November elections. Q2 earnings releases will begin to roll out soon. For some reason short-term rates have begun to jump again – maybe foreseeing a Trump win and a stronger future economy? We will keep an eye on this.

One comment on the debate. How is it that half of the country was “caught off guard,” “surprised” by our President’s performance, while many of the other half have been pointing this out for 2-3 years? This is not a new development! As awful as it was to see (and we are grieved for President Biden as a fellow citizen), it did not develop “overnight.” The leadership of his party has shown their true colors by either being totally clueless and out of touch about their Commander in Chief, or intentionally hiding it (deceitful to the American people) to spring a “new way forward” due to his “performance.” It certainly appears as if many of the media elites have intentionally betrayed the electorate. Oh, where are the heroic leaders of our day? If only we had the integrity, patriotism, courage and wisdom of our Founding Fathers. *

Pray. What a difference one word makes.

“…and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 NASB 1995

Game plan: Celebrate America! Enjoy the holiday and your family but stay engaged. Investors remain very optimistic. Review your levels of risk and employ/raise stops. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-7). May they prosper who love her.

* The words “integrity” and “courage” were added to the post on July 2, 2024.

** This statement was added on July 3, 2024.

*** Text corrections were made to this paragraph, and a photo was inserted on July 4, 2024.

Note: You can learn more about The Triumphant Core Four risk management system by clicking here.

Have a Triumphant day! ®