“This is the right time in global development for the world to re-group, for a new economic model, for the re-defining of political systems. We have enough resources to ensure everyone is safe, protected, warm, healthy, educated, and well fed. All this can be achieved whilst encouraging personal freedom and the right to excel financially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. We need to start with one word – care.”
It’s fascinating to re-visit our views with the benefit of hindsight, particularly with the current speed of transformation in global markets and systems. The following are extracts from an analysis drafted in 2012, which covers a number of elements relevant to the Australian and global economies. These issues are under constant review, and the introduction of multiple digital currencies in recent years is one of the key considerations in reviewing my views and the direction of our business activities.
It’s time to simplify the financial structures across the world’s economies. We are now a global community, in need of financial systems which accommodate a rapidly changing economic and social environment. The benefits of technological developments are being restricted by legacy financial systems, customs and processes.
As every nation is becoming more multi-cultural, and economic and social interaction between countries is rapidly accelerating, we need to re-think the economic interaction between all financial markets on a global basis. This means adopting and embracing a new global financial structure.
Within the current global financial market, each country or group of countries adopts a currency based primarily on history and geography. This is out-dated and dangerous to the stability of global financial markets, as is presently being witnessed particularly in Europe.
An extremely positive message which has been relayed by Europe is that currency does not define a country. A country is defined by its people, its customs, its history, its landscape, its resources, its character. A country is also defined by its political, economic, human and environmental credibility.
The last decade in Europe has proven the potential of multiple economies utilising a single currency. The last few years in particular have also clearly identified the flaw in a single currency valuation adopted across economies of different economic standing.
This dramatic case study lead us to consider solutions which were not merely short-term band-aids, but which offered a fresh and sustainable model for all the world’s economies, a model which recognised and embraced the extraordinary array of new technologies, and the potential they bring to the simplification of our daily lives.
There is a simple but dramatic adjustment required for the long term viability of financial markets, which can be applied (with some variations) to nations, local and regional governments, government departments, corporations, and organisations (collectively referred to as entities), and to individuals. This solution is a single global, but importantly multi-grade, currency. It is here that our concepts differ from both the traditional view of one currency per country (or region), and from the single global currency proposed by John Maynard Keynes and others.
A single, global, multi-grade currency, including.
The formulae we use to classify and categorise must be universal, not within a nation or within a region, but across every continent, every economy, every entity and every individual on the planet. Rankings are also multi-faceted, much as the present systems, and include:
This model re-allocates individuals and entities in regard to currency values and credit ranking, based on core financial and associated issues, not directly related to geography.
Essentially our model creates a single currency with multiple grades. There is no need to print cash, as the currency is not offered in cash form. Re-grading is monthly and automated, the transaction market remains the same. When a Vietnamese company is importing from Mexico, the exchange will take place between their respective exchange rates.
BENEFITS FOR EUROPE
The Euro would immediately be declared an economic alliance, and not a currency alliance.
The current members of the European Union would be immediately re-structured in accordance with the model, in anticipation of the ultimate currency re-alignment. The new groupings would be as follows, assuming the adoption of current ratings agency assessments (NOTE: The following are as per 2012):
Group 1: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom
Group 2: Luxembourg
Group 3: Austria, Belgium, France
Group 4: Czech Republic, Estonia
Group 5: Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia
Group 6: Ireland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Spain
Group 7: Bulgaria, Lithuania
Group 8: Cyprus, Hungary, Romania
Group 9: Portugal
Group 10: Nil
Group 11: Nil
Group 12: Nil
Group 13: Greece
Countries are re-graded on a monthly basis. Each Group operates as one block in relation to currency re-valuation or de-valuation, and the volume of currency. This will immediately enable countries such as Greece to de-value their currency and optimise the chances of survival for the European financial markets.
GLOBAL IMPACT
On a global scale, the former Euro Group 1 countries would be joined by Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, Norway, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The impact on world markets is a greater incentive towards co-operation, with economies in similar economic circumstances needing to collaborate to improve their respective and collective financial position. This structure also provides a means of insulating stronger performing economies from those in difficulty.
As an example of the global connectivity this system offers, an economic block would exist within Group 8 including Barbados, Cyprus, Hungary, India, Romania and Tunisia. This is not meant in any way to represent a political or even a social or trading alliance, merely a currency alliance, however we anticipate that the closer economic connection will cause an environment for improved economic and social interaction within each Group.
In an ideal world every economy would ultimately become a Grade 1 economy, and trading would be conducted on a level playing field globally. This should be the logical long-term objective of every nation and every government. Ultimately it is possible, as the development of poorer countries would be financed by wealthier countries until financial independence and ultimately equality was secured. Reality suggests that this will never occur, primarily because of the human condition, however the currency is structured to accommodate either scenario.
IMPACT ON THE BANKING SECTOR
Although there is a urgent need for global banking reform, the current banking sector can operate without any major changes under the new environment, the only significant variation is the introduction of the new/alternate currency regime, and the application of new exchange rates in new currency transactions. Participating countries would offer to replace the existing currency with the new global currency at the then relevant cross-rate.
IMPACT ON FOREIGN DEBT
This remains unchanged, foreign debt remains repayable in either the original currency or the converted currency based on the application of conversion parameters. The benefits to both the borrower and lender include the reduction in global financial risk given the improved financial stability under the new model.
IMPACT ON THE CASH MARKET
The cash market is removed, and the new currency is not available in cash form. Where internet access is unavailable, forms confirming transactions must be accompanied by the members card reference for both buyer and seller, a system currently deployed whenever access to the internet/server is unavailable.
A GLOBAL FINANCIAL REVOLUTION
This may be considered a revolutionary concept, despite the logic behind it and its simplicity of design. Like all successful revolutions, it must be driven by the people, one at a time, one group at a time, one community at a time, one nation at a time.
June 2012 (as amended)
© Reid Robertson Holdings Pty Ltd 2012-2019
It’s fascinating to re-visit our views with the benefit of hindsight, particularly with the current speed of transformation in global markets and systems. The following are extracts from an analysis drafted in 2012, which covers a number of elements relevant to the Australian and global economies. These issues are under constant review, and the introduction of multiple digital currencies in recent years is one of the key considerations in reviewing my views and the direction of our business activities.
It’s time to simplify the financial structures across the world’s economies. We are now a global community, in need of financial systems which accommodate a rapidly changing economic and social environment. The benefits of technological developments are being restricted by legacy financial systems, customs and processes.
As every nation is becoming more multi-cultural, and economic and social interaction between countries is rapidly accelerating, we need to re-think the economic interaction between all financial markets on a global basis. This means adopting and embracing a new global financial structure.
Within the current global financial market, each country or group of countries adopts a currency based primarily on history and geography. This is out-dated and dangerous to the stability of global financial markets, as is presently being witnessed particularly in Europe.
An extremely positive message which has been relayed by Europe is that currency does not define a country. A country is defined by its people, its customs, its history, its landscape, its resources, its character. A country is also defined by its political, economic, human and environmental credibility.
The last decade in Europe has proven the potential of multiple economies utilising a single currency. The last few years in particular have also clearly identified the flaw in a single currency valuation adopted across economies of different economic standing.
This dramatic case study lead us to consider solutions which were not merely short-term band-aids, but which offered a fresh and sustainable model for all the world’s economies, a model which recognised and embraced the extraordinary array of new technologies, and the potential they bring to the simplification of our daily lives.
There is a simple but dramatic adjustment required for the long term viability of financial markets, which can be applied (with some variations) to nations, local and regional governments, government departments, corporations, and organisations (collectively referred to as entities), and to individuals. This solution is a single global, but importantly multi-grade, currency. It is here that our concepts differ from both the traditional view of one currency per country (or region), and from the single global currency proposed by John Maynard Keynes and others.
A single, global, multi-grade currency, including.
The formulae we use to classify and categorise must be universal, not within a nation or within a region, but across every continent, every economy, every entity and every individual on the planet. Rankings are also multi-faceted, much as the present systems, and include:
This model re-allocates individuals and entities in regard to currency values and credit ranking, based on core financial and associated issues, not directly related to geography.
Essentially our model creates a single currency with multiple grades. There is no need to print cash, as the currency is not offered in cash form. Re-grading is monthly and automated, the transaction market remains the same. When a Vietnamese company is importing from Mexico, the exchange will take place between their respective exchange rates.
BENEFITS FOR EUROPE
The Euro would immediately be declared an economic alliance, and not a currency alliance.
The current members of the European Union would be immediately re-structured in accordance with the model, in anticipation of the ultimate currency re-alignment. The new groupings would be as follows, assuming the adoption of current ratings agency assessments (NOTE: The following are as per 2012):
Group 1: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom
Group 2: Luxembourg
Group 3: Austria, Belgium, France
Group 4: Czech Republic, Estonia
Group 5: Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia
Group 6: Ireland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Spain
Group 7: Bulgaria, Lithuania
Group 8: Cyprus, Hungary, Romania
Group 9: Portugal
Group 10: Nil
Group 11: Nil
Group 12: Nil
Group 13: Greece
Countries are re-graded on a monthly basis. Each Group operates as one block in relation to currency re-valuation or de-valuation, and the volume of currency. This will immediately enable countries such as Greece to de-value their currency and optimise the chances of survival for the European financial markets.
GLOBAL IMPACT
On a global scale, the former Euro Group 1 countries would be joined by Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, Norway, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The impact on world markets is a greater incentive towards co-operation, with economies in similar economic circumstances needing to collaborate to improve their respective and collective financial position. This structure also provides a means of insulating stronger performing economies from those in difficulty.
As an example of the global connectivity this system offers, an economic block would exist within Group 8 including Barbados, Cyprus, Hungary, India, Romania and Tunisia. This is not meant in any way to represent a political or even a social or trading alliance, merely a currency alliance, however we anticipate that the closer economic connection will cause an environment for improved economic and social interaction within each Group.
In an ideal world every economy would ultimately become a Grade 1 economy, and trading would be conducted on a level playing field globally. This should be the logical long-term objective of every nation and every government. Ultimately it is possible, as the development of poorer countries would be financed by wealthier countries until financial independence and ultimately equality was secured. Reality suggests that this will never occur, primarily because of the human condition, however the currency is structured to accommodate either scenario.
IMPACT ON THE BANKING SECTOR
Although there is a urgent need for global banking reform, the current banking sector can operate without any major changes under the new environment, the only significant variation is the introduction of the new/alternate currency regime, and the application of new exchange rates in new currency transactions. Participating countries would offer to replace the existing currency with the new global currency at the then relevant cross-rate.
IMPACT ON FOREIGN DEBT
This remains unchanged, foreign debt remains repayable in either the original currency or the converted currency based on the application of conversion parameters. The benefits to both the borrower and lender include the reduction in global financial risk given the improved financial stability under the new model.
IMPACT ON THE CASH MARKET
The cash market is removed, and the new currency is not available in cash form. Where internet access is unavailable, forms confirming transactions must be accompanied by the members card reference for both buyer and seller, a system currently deployed whenever access to the internet/server is unavailable.
A GLOBAL FINANCIAL REVOLUTION
This may be considered a revolutionary concept, despite the logic behind it and its simplicity of design. Like all successful revolutions, it must be driven by the people, one at a time, one group at a time, one community at a time, one nation at a time.
June 2012 (as amended)
© Reid Robertson Holdings Pty Ltd 2012-2019
It’s roaring outside now at forty-two knots
Like a thousand beasts on a rampage
We’re bunkering down in an effort to sleep
But I know that the battle is lost.
The ending of this I can’t fathom or gauge
With windows and walls being battered
While the neighbouring trees sway, scream, crack and fall
Their valorous roots yielding to rage.
Another sound beats all to test our fettle
As the wind swings the chimney cap round
The poorly-set copper is grinding its teeth
An incessant screeching of metal.
I’m thinking of creatures in fear in the wild
And hoping that none come to grief
It’s likely this onslaught will take something’s child
Before this night’s madness should cease.
8 April 2019
© Michael G Reid 2019
Elaine Iris Reid nee Walls
For you we’ve dressed these outdoor halls
The last day in your seventies
So we expect some revelry
Nay, we expect some devilry
Some of you may be unaware
But she’s run wild in her underwear
She was in Sydney in the sixties
Though Vaucluse was a bit less risky
Her beauty oft turned man to fool
So many of our mates would drool
She was The Milf at Grammar school
She’s always had a generous soul
She’d gift the shirt right off her back
But please decline the offer whole
Or that would expose her generous rack
We love Elaine she’s our mother
We’re all here except our brother
Love from Pete he was a cracker
Always in strife since a little tacker
This is Rick the younger twinny
Big of heart and not so skinny
Then there’s John the oldest brother
Once so wild but soon grandfather
My name’s Mick yes I’m the baby
Spoilt since birth, still misbehaving
We love Mum ’cause to her we’re perfect
We don’t have to try we don’t have to work it
To her we’re amazing, make no mistake
Our wives got such a lucky break
Life has thrown Mum ups and downs
She’s popped her share of medication
Yet she always showed a love profound
Family and friends her dedication
So here we are to celebrate
With sparkling wine and chocolate cake
A tribute to a spirit free
With yet another cup of tea.
Mum, we love you and we thank you
For all you’ve done and all you’ve been.
5 December 2015
© Michael G Reid 2015
The greatest of guys has just left us,
He’s taken his last boat to sea
He’s driven his last fancy vehicle,
He’s taken the life out of me.
My big brother hero just left me,
He’s saved me just so many times,
He’d counsel against rash decisions,
Then sup on the smokes and the vines.
He was all you could want at a party,
The sharpest one lines in the house,
Way too many jokes to remember,
The lion and never the mouse.
His actions defined his commitment,
To his wife and his children and me,
The rule that he taught was to give more,
And to love as the fish loves the sea.
He taught that you can be too serious,
He’s left such a strong legacy
His actions spoke louder than words,
Lived with honesty, integrity.
The strength that he showed was enormous,
When faced with his terminal fate,
He accepted the cards that were dealt him,
Then worried for those in his wake.
He doubled the time they had given,
He told us to live and not grieve,
He cared more for those left behind,
And so tripled the love he would leave.
Farewell from your mother and father,
Farewell from your family and friends,
We are all so much richer for your life,
We will bask in your gifts to the end.
The greatest of guys has just left us,
He’s taken his last boat to sea
He’s driven his last fancy vehicle,
He’s taken the life out of me.
Mick Reid April 2014
© Michael G Reid 2014
I’ll never be lonely
I’ll always be free
‘Cause you are my brother
You’re right next to me
So sleep well my brother
So rest well my brother
So take heart my brother
You’re always with me
There is a song
There is a sadness
I’ve carried so long
But I know you’re okay
Cause you know I care
There’s people who love you
Although you’re not there
You carry the hearts and the souls and the minds
Of your brothers, your family, your friends, your lovers
You’ll never be lonely
You’ll always be free
Be safe my brother
So long my best friend
But I’ll never leave you
You’re here till the end
When I am travelling
Alone on the road
I know that you’re with me
You know you’re still loved
We’ve journeyed so far together
We’ve journeyed so long
And you’ll be right with me
When I sing this song
So sleep well my brother
Sleep well my best friend
Cause I’ll never leave you
You’re here to the end.
I’ll never be lonely
I’ll always be free
‘Cause you are my brother
You’re right next to me
So sleep well my brother
So rest well my brother
So take heart my brother
You’re always with me
April 2014
© Michael G Reid 2014
Come, bid me farewell as I head out to sea
I’m off to another reunion
The horizon beyond is calling to me
The ocean my perfect seclusion.
Well here we are, it’s the time we all feared
I’m sorry I’m not up to greet you
But I realised there’s somewhere else I need to be.
Yes, it’s fitting we share a few mem’ries and tears
But I swear that my time here was plenty for two
So there’s no need to pine over me.
I built skateboards, caravans, and billy carts
And we’d steer them down Kings Road Vaucluse
We’d cycle to swim down in Alf Vockler’s baths
And we’d sail Manly Juniors there too.
We chased Mr Whippy for Gluggs and ice-cream
Got banned from St Peters and the Cubs
Not much study was done at old Grammar School
Banned from Alf’s as well, had no worries it seemed
Perisher, Palmy, and Vaucluse Yacht Club
Life flourished with very few rules.
Our home in Woollahra, where we became men
And many a party was held there
These years were defined by a new regimen
South West Rocks formed the means to repair.
As a teenager, I took to the surf
Saving lives became my summer sport
Fantastic for picking up girls I might add
So Palm Beach became my default summer turf
I relished these times, such a fabulous rort
Yet much more joy was still to be had.
From that skinny kid at the Vaucluse Yacht Club
To Cavalier and African Queen
We’ve come quite a way from the old Grammar tubs
Please take good care of What Boat? for me.
Bid me farewell as I polish my last car
And I fear for my tools with some dread
The new garage cupboards are well above par
I finally finished the pool shed.
I’ve eaten fine food and I’ve drunk fine wine
And I’ve dined dressed in suits and bow ties
Yet my treasured meals were with family and friends
On a bright sunny day, at their house or mine
With cold sausages, rum & coke, and meat pies
Cheering “here’s to good health” without end.
The greatest days of my life, what double thrill
To have watched the birth of my daughters
And all I ask so that my life is fullfilled
That they be each other’s supporter.
I hope that my actions defined the man
I wasn’t accepting of rumour
More the loving and loyal son, brother, friend,
Loving and devoted husband and Dad
Some say a wicked and sharp sense of humour
And a Billy Thorpe fan to the end.
Come, bid me farewell as I head out to sea
I’m off to another reunion
The horizon beyond is calling to me
The ocean my perfect illusion.
Push me away from the shore one last time
Cheer and laugh with me as I set course
I’m feeling the breeze and I’m trimming the sails
The forecast is clear and the weather sublime
I’m living the dream with no sense of remorse
Just a library of jokes and great tales.
Don’t pity me for the winds I was tossed
Don’t grieve for the pain of my leaving
While I agree the lost battle was tragic
There’s always a lesson to come from a cost
Your life is a tapestry ripe for weaving
And my life is part of your fabric.
So bid me farewell as I head out to sea
My bow points to an unchartered realm
The horizon beyond is calling to me
And I’m back in command of the helm.
April 2014
© Michael G Reid 2014
Tonight I watched my best man
Writhing in a hospital bed
They couldn’t get the morphine in fast enough
I wish I was here in his stead.
Watching my sweet brother die
Saying goodbye so slowly, so long
All I can say to my friends
Is cherish the time lest it’s gone.
Hold on to this minute my friend
It might be the last one you know
Hold on to this minute my friend
You might be the last one to go.
Make love to your wife while you can
Spend time with your loved ones, and grow
Hold on to this minute my friend
It might be the last one you know.
Leave nothing on the table
Leave nothing more to say
Leave nothing on the table
Leave no more cards to play
March 2014
© Michael G Reid 2014
Oh how I pity other men, their hopeless life position,
Their marriages unhappy, wives gathering ammunition,
Lives filled with useless purpose, action without meaning,
Endless options wasted in a cycle most demeaning.
And here I sit infatuated, rightfully content,
One woman giving purpose to this saturated heart,
Our happy chances strong because pure giving is her bent,
Demanding only time and love to ensure we never part.
Oh how I pity other men, and some much more than others,
I pity some who many would consider were above us,
The one I feel most solemn for is Aussie legend Hugh,
He could have had Samantha, but thank God he never knew.
8 January 2012
© Michael G Reid 2012
If God has seen all that has gone in me
And felt the mortal pain that I now feel,
With heart or conscience he must soothe my state,
Or else drive his deathly sword
Of liberty.
If I am now alone, and by such doubt
It seems it be, let Nature’s force
Reside as weighty judge
And lend the final verdict
Now upon me.
Piece together my mind, oh Lord
If this be called to you or me,
Unbind this rack of loss from all my thoughts
And leave a dullness as my cross
To shield this innocent.
October 1979 (as amended)
© Michael G Reid 1979-2011
You rose from a nightmare
You say I was the star
Then you stabbed the life into me
To see the sunrise
And all I was thinking
Was where I had been
And all I was loving
Was the lady before.
You saw my dilemma
You knew where Iʼd gone
So you punched my lies
Back into the pillow
And you opened my eyes
And I knew I might love you
The next time around.
Then you slipped into your boots
And you buttered my toast
Then you said you were leaving
And you left me a ghost
So we sit, he and I, drinking lonely white gin
With the bottle tucked patiently under our chin
And my mind wonʼt say where to begin.
Take me back lady
Take me tonight
You know that Iʼm sad
Canʼt you see Iʼm alone
And Iʼm dying
But here Iʼm okay
And when Iʼm with you
I promise Iʼll love you
The next time around.
I sat on a rainbow
I fell to the ground
Then I cried for the pay man
To sell me the sun
Till the words brought the darkness
And my dream was alone
And I heard a voice crying
Thereʼs nobody home.
I fell from a bottle
I knew I was alone
So I stumbled onto a dream
To see the sunrise
And all I was thinking
Was where I had been
And all I could see
Was the night and the nightmare
But now I was lonely
And I knew I would love
The next time round.
Then you slipped into your boots
And you buttered my toast
Then you said you were leaving
And you threw me a ghost
So we sit, he and I, drinking lonely white gin
With the bottle tucked silently under our chin
And my mind wonʼt say where to begin.
Excepting
Take me back lady
Oh hold me tonight
ʻcause you see Iʼm a ghost now
Canʼt you see Iʼm a clown
And Iʼm dying
But here Iʼm alright
And when Iʼm with you
I swear that Iʼll love you
The next time around.
June 1979 (as amended)
© Michael G Reid 1979-2011
My lady, suffer not this fool who present holds your favour,
For he is but a pleasant toy and everwhile the knaver;
You see this love as one which, given time, shall fairly blossom,
Yet you are but the apple tree and I am but your possum.
By nature’s course we have been met, and mated by our wishes,
And here at heaven’s inn we cull our grapes from golden dishes;
However words once left must now be flourished in the open,
For parted dreams in joinéd hearts need not see both hearts broken.
I have no quarrel now betimes but that which you beseech me,
Indeed I search as children might so you would further teach me –
Forgive me, mistress, such duress as I have wrought upon you,
It is my heart and not my mind which you do e’er belong to.
We have a movement to the day not common ‘twixt the people,
And this is harnessed with an arméd line taught by the steeple;
We are withal, as one may say, one nut and bolt together,
(Though such a coupling publicized would paint us in the heather).
So thus we have a space for selves kept secret from the masses,
While meantime you ignore the boys and I shall miss the lasses;
And if such miracle occurs as we retain this union,
The world will see the gods and we have plotted in collusion.
May 1979 (as amended)
© Michael G Reid 1979-2011