Stephan:   Today's edition is focused on the national and international financial structure because I believe a major change has occurred. The national geographical states, most of which came into being only since the 1840s, and which have dominated the geopolitical stage are now being subordinated to vassal status, in service to the emergent Virtual Corporate States, that are controlled by a small group of individuals, through the corporations that are the expressions of their power. Along with climate change and the rise of the soft police state, this triumvirate are largely shaping the world we live in. There is a small window of opportunity in which ordinary people can shape this, without great bloodshed. Much will depend on the election in November. -- Stephan