Semper Paratus

The Coast Guard lives by this motto . . . "Semper Paratus" is Latin for "Always Prepared".

And so it must be for us as 2008 can well be a turbulent and volatile year:

- The international arena is dicey at best what with the ongoing challenge of Iraq, the threat of a de-stabilized Pakistan, an uneasy truce with Iran, an aggressive Russia and in many locales, the madness of jihad unleashed against civilian populations. The fanaticism of a few has created a new war for the hearts and minds of people and the end objective is the subjugation of all to their will;

- Economically there is a precarious balance between ongoing growth and recession and this uncertainty will create significant volatility in the markets;

- Politically the quest for the nominations begins today and for the first time in many years there is no incumbent, president or vice president, seeking the office.

Thus we must be wary and prepared in order to navigate these treacherous waters.