What happens when warmongering meets a crumbling financial system? The answer might be found in an ancient parable about King Croesus, who was told by an oracle that "a great empire would fall" if he attacked Persia. Interpreting this as his enemy's downfall, Croesus attacked—only to see his own empire destroyed.Today, we stand at a similar crossroads. Despite polling showing only 16% of Americans supporting military intervention against Iran, powerful forces push for exactly that. Drawing from firsthand experience as a combat veteran in Iraq, I explore the brutal reality behind the sanitized media narratives about war and intervention. The human cost—destroyed ancient churches, obliterated families, and generational trauma—never makes it to the evening news or the talking points of those calling for more conflict.Meanwhile, something profound is happening in the global financial system. Central banks worldwide are abandoning the dollar and stockpiling gold at unprecedented rates. The World Gold Council reports 95% of central bankers expect gold reserves to increase in the next 12 months—a powerful vote of no confidence in the current monetary regime. Since 2001, America's national debt has exploded from $5 trillion to $36 trillion, creating a mathematical certainty that change is coming.These twin currents—perpetual war and monetary collapse—aren't separate phenomena but deeply interconnected aspects of empire in decline. Every military adventure accelerates de-dollarization as countries seek alternatives to a system weaponized against them. The neoconservative establishment, with roots tracing back to Trotskyite ideology rather than traditional conservatism, seems determined to sacrifice American prosperity and security for ideological projects serving interests beyond our borders.How can you navigate this dangerous convergence? Start by understanding what's happening beneath the headlines. Consider how to position yourself outside a failing system, whether through precious metals, sound money alternatives, or simply by refusing to be emotionally manipulated into supporting policies that harm your own future. The world is changing rapidly—will you be prepared when a great empire falls