Tag: The economy

Opinion

Burning down the house?

Headlines for the last few days show a trend of increasing chaos by the current president. As Trump vetoes the bill to help Americans damaged by the pandemic; we have to realize he had months to make his desires known if he had any. Trump has not seemed even slightly interested in the well-being of the American citizenry. We may be entering a time where those who supported Trump while pretending not to notice his criminality will have to defend the Constitution. History will not be kind to the Republicans in congress if it is written by honest people. Republicans repeatedly denied accountability for a person who appears determined to do as much damage as he can to America. Trump has; pardoned men who murdered 14 people including children in Iraq, pardoned persons who likely obstructed investigations of the president, and repeatedly demolishing the appearance of a just pardon process. We will likely see more outrages coming until January 20. The question for America is who will protect the house from being burned down, and make sure that this does not happen again? Criminality is widespread in our politics and society today, if we do not control it; it will control us.

Opinion

Trump Tax Cut

The term Trump tax cut has taken on new meaning after the New York Times report on his tax records. Trump has not changed in the time he has been president and you have to wonder what is going on in the minds of his supporters. It has to be hard to support an amoral man who thinks you are stupid for believing in him. Trump’s records reveal the extreme nature of his white privilege and complete lack of character. He gave himself a tax cut every year and let the country increase its debt burden and pull the money from hardworking honest citizens. Every voter has to ask themselves is this who you want as your president at a time of heightening crisis? Research and vote in 2020!

Opinion

Millennial voters

There is a lot of reporting that millennial voters are not motivated about the upcoming elections. I hope the reporting is incorrect because no group will be impacted more than younger citizens. The continuation of our republic, civil rights, economic growth, climate policy, healthcare policy, and infrastructure development are all on the ballot. If America makes the wrong choice in 2020 there will be a series of unfortunate events accelerating the demise of decent culture and civilization. If you know a millennial or are one; make sure you share the importance of voting with someone who is struggling with priorities and choices. The choice this year is clear and stark. Vote in 2020 like your life depended on it; it does!

Opinion

Is Trump good on the economy?

The current president polls higher on the economy than his challenger Joe Biden, but what has he done to deserve support? Trump has let the COVID19 pandemic grow out of control and gross domestic product (GDP) crashed because of it. Trump gives the wealthy and business whatever they want for short-term success with no investment in infrastructure for the long-term. The deficit for US government spending is at new highs, and our debt has ballooned with nothing gained for the majority of citizens. More money to people who don’t need it, and increased anxiety for working people whose healthcare and other benefits are shrinking. The stock markets are moving up because there is more money for the wealthy to invest while companies are becoming more efficient with fewer employees. The US is coming to a point where short-term thinking and greed on the economy may lead to a market crash. The stakes of the 2020 election are massive. Everyone needs to search for the truth and plan your vote in 2020!

Opinion

Essential workers and other heroes

Many Americans are still at work putting themselves and their families at risk for COVID-19. We call them names like essential workers, but they are just people who want to do their part and make a living, The president and others are pushing for things to quickly get back to normal with as many businesses as possible open. The only problem with the complete re-opening of the economy (that everyone wants) is we have no plan to combat COVID-19 being implemented. American leadership has failed on a massive scale. We live in an America with many heroes but Republican political leaders display cowardice while pushing for others to pay the price. Teachers, store clerks, bus drivers, and others should not have everything placed at risk while being treated like canon fodder by Trump and McConnell with no health insurance. Our country is facing pandemics of privilege, greed, corruption, racism, and COVID-19. Most of these pandemics have been with us for awhile and periodically erupt threatening to consume us. Our sense of decency and fairness should push us to value and protect our fellow citizens. Nature is pushing us to adapt to challenges such as climate change and COVID-19. We must begin to build a better America before time runs out.

Opinion

Economic malpractice or malfeasance?

The Republican controlled senate has a decision to make on stimulus for our wounded economy, but they are in no hurry. They have gone on a long weekend break while leaving jobless Americans in desperation during a pandemic. Do we provide support for the millions of Americans left unemployed due to the pandemic, or allow more families to be thrown into desperation? Desperate families are bad news for our society and economy. Reports of Republicans wanting to cease unemployment benefits are increasingly widespread. Many of the same Republicans would have sent us into a 2nd Great Depression after the 2008 market crash. Thankfully President Obama and the Democrats took over and revived the economy. If the Republicans and Trump allow the economy to be further damaged it will be much harder for it to recover. Contact your representatives and let them know that we need to support those thrown out of work for reasons beyond their control. America is great because of its people and our belief in the social contract that binds us together. The best money we can spend right now (outside of a vaccine or cure for COVID19) is enhanced funding for the unemployed to pay their bills and keep the economy out of free fall. The Republicans own the COVID-19 pandemic and response; do they care what happens to Americans?

Opinion

What happens to the unemployed of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Millions of people in the United States are staring at financial ruin as their federal unemployment support runs out. Republicans believe the added $600/week was too much and discourages people from looking for work. Democrats see the funds as important to preventing the spread of COVID-19 by allowing the recipients to shelter at home, while also propping up the economy during a downturn. Many are also threatened with eviction if there is no extension of the moratorium. More desperate people looking for work during a pandemic induced economic downturn will not be good for anyone. Increased homelessness, crime, COVID-19 spread, and the economy plunging over a cliff all at the same time is a horrific possibility. Research this issue and contact your representatives to address the issue of COVID-19 unemployment. There is a lot at stake for all of us.

Opinion

How the mighty fall

The United States is believed by many people around the world to be the greatest nation in history. Considering military, cultural, economic, scientific, and political influence the US is widely considered first in all areas. Since 2016 however the view of America has changed. Rising numbers of foreign students don’t want to come to American schools. Around the world American culture is increasingly seen as divided over race and class. American troops are targeted by Russian agents with bounties and nothing happens. The US healthcare system is unable to deal with COVID19 effectively due to a lack of leadership; creating a very negative impact on the economy. Politically, the United States is isolated as Trump attacks allies while stating love and admiration for dictators. Across the globe respect for America has declined and it shows in every poll on the subject. Trump cannot be allowed to sell hatred and division to win the White House; he must lose for America to win. We have fallen, but we can get up.

Opinion

Gross failure of leadership

Americans across the country should be wearing masks in public spaces, but they are not. Many people refuse to protect their fellow citizens from the risk of infection by the simple act of masking up. All of this is taking place while infection rates are rising as predicted. Where are our leaders? A strong economy requires healthy people to work and participate in commerce without fear of death. Scientist point to countries that committed to mask wearing have sustained low infection and death rates. President 45 has no articulated plan for testing and pandemic mitigation, beyond pushing decisions to governors so he doesn’t look bad. States with republican governors often do not have campaigns to promote the wearing of masks. Many people will get infected and die because ignorance rules in one of the most advanced societies ever on earth. We are and will pay a price for this foolishness. Research, spread the word, set the example, and vote in 2020!

Books, Review

Stress Test by Timothy F. Geithner

The book Stress Test (Reflections on Financial Crisis) by Timothy F. Geithner (former Secretary of Treasury) is a great source of information about the global financial system. I can say that I learned a lot by listening to the audiobook version. Mr. Geithner refers several times to the movie “Its a Wonderful Life” when people rush to pull money out of the Bailey savings and loan. That movie moment has always resonated to me as a way to understand the financial system. The system is based on trust and as Geithner says; “when trust disappears no one is safe” and that means especially the little guy. I have heard many people say that the bankers got away with murder, and the bailouts were unfair because only poor and working people were hurt. Geithner makes it clear that what he calls “Old Testament solutions” of punishment cause panic in financial systems(with lots more pain for the little guy). I would recommend anyone wanting to learn more about the financial system, the crisis of 2007-08 to read this book and “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis.