Info in Bits & Pieces

China’s economic outlook is grim after months of on-and-off COVID-19 lockdowns disrupting industry around the country, and the Chinese Communist Party’s top leadership is on edge. This is the result of their hardline zero-COVID policy. This crusade has brought dozens of cities to an abrupt halt, shutting factories and shops, adding pressure onto the country’s shaky economy. There is no cure for China’s economy.
—— article written by Dorothy Li with contributions by Lou Ya and Reuters

396 Million
As of May 30, at least 396 million Chinese had quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its associated organizations, according to Tuidang.org, also known as the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP.

$4.619 per gallon was the price of regular unleaded gas as of May 30, the highest ever on record and more than 50% higher than a year ago, according to the AAA. Of course, it is now mid-June and prices in my area of Georgia are pushing $4.599 per gallon and continuing upward.

German Inflation Accelerates to Highest Level in Nearly 50 years per Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.

Talebearers:
Yes, we all know the type. Those folks who live to tell the latest news about their neighbor, club member, coworker, or church member. They can hardly contain themselves, rarely keeping any secrets entrusted to them. They love to gallivant around to tell the juicy secrets entrusted to them. Be aware of those people who flatter or compliment you insincerely to get you to open up about news or secrets you hold dear. Always be cautious about what you say to them or when in proximity to them. Avoid frequent conversations with such people.

A couple of quotes seem appropriate to share about this issue.
“When I utter a word, it has dominion over me, but when I utter it not, I have dominion over it.” Talmud

“The silent man has his shoulders covered with the garment of security.”
Persian saying

If you seriously cared about your duty as a leader, you would have a genuine interest in cleaning your administration of evil alliances or associations. You would separate the bad from the good by the required execution of the laws of the land. However, if you are an evil leader, you would do everything possible to put wicked-minded people around you. You would encourage a growing bureaucracy which suppresses the good people and elevates the criminals. Which leader do you want us to believe you are?

—— Proverbs 20:26, Benson