Validating My Predictions with Data and Evidence

By Cliff Potts

Baybay City, Philippines — To support my predictions concerning considerable socio-economic and political transformations, I have utilized a range of data sources and studies that underscore the trends I have identified over the years. This analysis precedes the emergence of Artificial Intelligence.

1. The Great Recession of 2007:

• A critical factor behind my prediction of the Great Recession was the alarming rise in subprime mortgages. According to the Federal Reserve, the percentage of subprime loans in mortgage lending jumped from approximately 8% in 2001 to nearly 20% in 2006.
• I documented my insights in my book “Wealth, Women, and War,” published in 2007, where I covered the early warning signs of the economic downturn and the societal implications surrounding it.
• The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) later declared the recession began in December 2007, emphasizing that excessive risk-taking in the banking sector, coupled with the housing bubble, were pivotal factors. This aligns with my observations of unsustainable lending practices.

2. The Rise of the New Protest Culture:

• The Occupy Wall Street movement, which began in 2011, was rooted in widespread dissatisfaction about economic inequality. According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in October 2011, around 67% of respondents expressed that they believed the economic system favored the wealthy. This statistic reflected a growing discontent I had noted through various grassroots protests and forums.
• In my earlier work, I also explored these themes, outlining the societal shifts and the potential for protest movements in the context of economic hardship.
• Furthermore, social media’s role in mobilization is evident; a Harvard Study highlighted that nearly 60% of participants in the movement were motivated to join through social media platforms, underscoring the transformative power of technology in activism.

3. The Rise of the Rabbid Right and Christian Nationalism:

• My book “Conspirators, Confederates and Cronies” (about the Religious Right) written in 2006, examined the emergence and influence of the Religious Right long before it became a dominant force in contemporary politics.
• The ideological shift toward right-wing populism in the U.S. became clear with the rise of Donald Trump in 2016. A Gallup poll revealed that 30% of Americans identified as conservative by 2018, marking a significant shift toward conservative ideologies in contrast to previous years.
• In addition, a report by the Public Religion Research Institute in 2020 indicated that 52% of white Evangelicals support the idea of America as a Christian nation, showcasing the increasing influence of Christian nationalism on American politics. My observations about this cultural trend were validated by these data points, emphasizing the growing alignment between religion and right-wing ideologies.

Conclusion

By integrating these data-driven insights into my narrative, I aim to bolster my claims and demonstrate that my predictions are not just based on anecdotal evidence but also grounded in substantial research and analysis. My works, published prior to many of these events, underscore my ability to foresee and interpret pivotal societal changes. As I continue to share my perspectives on social media, I hope to foster informed discussions that encourage a deeper understanding of these significant societal trends.