Introduction
"What we do in life echos in eternity." ~ Marcus Aurelius
By Catherine Austin Fitts
This week, it is my great pleasure to announce a new quarterly series, Via Europa, from Vanessa Biard-Shaeffer. Via Europa will cover European politics and culture and connect trends in Europe to what is happening in the United States.
Vanessa wears many hats. A successful real estate broker in Paris, some of you know her from her political analysis and commentary on French TV and Internet. As a result of her leadership role in the Institute of General Semantics, she has significant cross-cultural experience with Americans and the United States. Some of you may also know her as the person who translated my online book Dillon Read & the Aristocracy of Stock Profits into French—a formidable task given the financial and legal complexities discussed.
Vanessa has a nose for the "trim tabs" that drive events, which others often do not notice. On a large ship, the trim tab is the rudder's rudder. Turn the trim tab and you turn the rudder, which turns the ship. I am always interested in hearing Vanessa's take on events—it invariably brings a fresh perspective. I also love watching her occasional TV panel—a group of commentators will be in the grip of the latest "spin" and then Vanessa shifts them back into the authentic in an unexpected way.
Vanessa chose the name Via Europa inspired by the ancient Roman road system that made a lasting contribution to Europe. The Romans built 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers) of roads "extending from Britain to the Tigris-Euphrates river system and from the Danube River to Spain and northern Africa" (Encyclopedia Britannica). Built initially for military purposes, the Roman road network eventually allowed trade, communication, culture, and connection to flow and flourish.
In her introductory video, Vanessa addresses the recent municipal elections in France. In a second video, she offers a charming cultural tidbit to refresh our spirits.
I am delighted that Vanessa has agreed to offer Via Europa on The Solari Report. To live a free and inspired life, it is invaluable to build actionable intelligence globally.
You can post questions or comments for Vanessa below. I would encourage you to offer your insights regarding what you would like her to cover in Via Europa.
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