https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keSxkTL-p9o

When the Judicial system needs an enforcement support staff because court orders are ignored, and demands for impeachment result whenever a decision that opposes the choices being made by the President, the country is in deep trouble.

This is NOT a political problem anymore. This clearly goes far beyond what our long established democracy was established to be.

This is clearly a total lack of respect for the Constitution and everything that occurred to establish it. We are in uncharted waters now.

With NO one except ourselves to blame.

If you voted for him because of what you thought would be a “conservative” approach, it should be pretty clear now that it is far more radical than anything ever attempted before.

Frankly, this is exactly how Civil Wars are created.

When a group of citizens are so opposed to the form of government that is being forced upon them, that they completely lose faith in the process, the foundational beliefs, the leadership (or lack there of ) and a balance between those in power and those being over powered that no other course of action will suffice.

Wake up.

if you don’t think this could happen, you are as wrong as everyone that thought the 3 equal branches of government would actually work.

It is no big secret that the United States federal debt is at an all-time high.  It has been going up exponentially for years and years. The US paid off all of its debt once, in 1835. When the Civil War happened, the government debt skyrocketed and since then has never looked back. Financing 2 World Wars, a number of recessions, and a pandemic created a very large and growing debt. 

The biggest problem though, is that the US government has taken in less revenue than it spends, year after year. The largest single contributor to revenue is taxes. Federal income taxes and corporate taxes have not kept up. Spending with no limits has occurred on a frequent basis, regardless of which party controlled Congress or the Presidency. Some did better than others, but the situation continues on with no real end in sight.

Nothing being proposed today will change this either. The ideas being brought forth fail to recognize the negative impact that they will have on the debt.  They think by cutting federal spending and raising tariffs, they will somehow reduce the federal debt.

They fail to realize the world has changed and we now live in a very global and intertwined economy. The US debt is financed by the very countries that finance our debt. Tariff wars will not significantly reduce the debt. Tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations will not impact the debt, they will cause it to increase as those breaks only create lost revenue.

The US finances its debt by issuing Treasury Bonds.

Treasury Bonds are sold and promise to pay a higher amount than was paid for them. The interest paid has never failed to be met, making this investment a super stable one. The amount paid varies with a number of factors, but generally it is tied to the value of the US dollar and the strength of the US economy.

Treasury Bonds are bought by a wide variety of purchasers. Twenty percent is currently held by Intragovernmental buyers, while 80% are sold to the public.

About 40% of the public purchasers of US Treasury Bonds is foreign countries. Foreign counties enjoy the stability of a guaranteed return, even if it is lower than riskier investments.

Some countries use the purchase of Treasury Bonds to manipulate the value of their own currency. If the value of the US dollar increases, it has an opposite impact on their own currency. A higher US dollar reduces their currency, thus making the goods that they make less expensive to buyers of those goods. The lower valuation of their currency also allows their economy to thrive as their manufacturing improves and the employment of their people increases, and their economy improves.  So, it makes sense to them to invest in buying US Treasury Bonds and finance our increasing debt.

Of the 80% public owned Treasury Bonds

Japan holds 12.75%

China holds 9%

United Kingdom holds 9%

Luxembourg holds 5%

Cayman Islands holds 4.5%

Switzerland holds 4%

Ireland holds 4%

Canada holds 3.8%

Brazil holds 3%

By some estimates, the US dollar has been “overvalued” for quite a long time.  It has been blamed for a lack of US manufacturing growth in certain areas.

The balance between financing US debt and controlling the strength of the US currency is not a simple one. We need to continue to find buyers of Treasury Bonds, while keeping the value of our currency from rising higher versus other countries’ currency.

In fact, if the currency of countries that compete with our manufacturing continue to be far lower than the value of the dollar, it would make no economic sense for an company to bring manufacturing back to the United States, unless the cost of labor is substantially reduced from todays cost, and the cost of materials (including transportation and logistics) is reduced also.

The current administration has decided to attack the currency imbalance concern by issuing tariffs against countries on certain material and products.  For tariffs to work the US has to hold the US dollar stable against the foreign currency that they are imposing the tariffs on.

A major problem related to this approach is the retribution of tariffs on the goods and material we export to them. That often mitigates the impact of tariffs on their exports to the US.

The impact of a tariff war on the US is that the consumers in the country will end up paying of the tariffs in the form of higher prices. Higher prices drives inflation up, making everything cost more and more.

Meanwhile, companies will avoid increasing manufacturing in the US, as they wait out the fallout from the rising inflation by laying off the workforce in the US. Jobs will be lost rather than increased. That revenue in the form of income taxes and corporate taxes will be lost too. The administration will continue to lower tax rates for the corporations and the wealthy, while increasing the tax rates on what is left of a quickly disappearing middle class.

The US debt will increase even more, and the US currency will eventually begin to fall as a recession (if not a depression) envelopes the global economy.  The idea that isolationism will somehow save the US from financial ruin, will prove wrong once again.

Tariffs wars are only going to make things worse for everyone. Unless countries want to eliminate currency manipulation and really move to a global free trade economy, where everyone wins and loses together, instead of the current necessity to control currency in order for one country to succeed while others don’t.

The bottom line is that trying to reduce the value of US currency, in order to entice companies to invest in additional manufacturing domestically, is short sighted. The currency valuation is minor in the larger economic picture. The US losing the ability to compete in manufacturing is far more related to the cost of increasing labor. Corporations have for decades sought out the lowest labor costs, shutting down manufacturing in spite of higher logistics and transportation costs. Tariffs are not a deterrent to them, as the cost is simply passed on to the consumer.

What might be a bigger concern is what happens if China simply decides to double down and buys even more US debt (US Treasury Bonds). The Chinese yaun will continue to be deflated in value, and the US dollar will increase in its own valuation.  

The United States dollar is the currency that all other countries are valued against. A strong US economy keeps the dollar value high. It puts the US at a disadvantage for competing against other countries while importing their items, and exporting our items.

When the US dollar too strong, we can buy more – but sell less. If the amount we bought and sold were equal, there would be no difference. But, we currently import more than we export.

Rather than trying to level the playing field using tariffs (that don’t work and only hurt the consumer), why don’t they try creating incentives to corporations that increase exports, and decrease importing goods and material.

Decreasing corporate income taxes should be coupled with the incentives needed to create jobs here, while increasing exports and reducing imports.  Invest here, purchase items made from here, increase capacity and jobs here. Then, enjoy a substantial corporate tax advantage here.

Beware that the mighty US dollar could be replaced by a different monetary standard. Once enough countries have enough of the bullying tactics being used to try and strongarm them into ending the currency manipulation in their favor, they might just walk away or convince others to us their currency as the monetary standard.

China, for instance could find it advantageous to become the new “gold” standard for currency.  If that occurs, the US economy would be on very unstable ground.

The US economy is strong when the US dollar is strong. Unfortunately, when the US dollar is strong it doesn’t make sense for companies to invest in work here and employ more Americans in great paying jobs.

More Americans in great paying jobs helps the incoming revenue needed to offset the spending and keep the debt somewhat under control.

Keep going down the road they are on, and the result might just be – fewer jobs, more inflation, less revenue, and more federal debt – even if they are able to reduce the federal spending by what ends up being just a little bit.

Captains log, Stardate 2272025 –

The ship is battling massive attacks from within.

A madman has convinced some of the crew that he, and he alone, can make the Enterprise great again.

This is the 2nd attempt at overthrowing the officers in charge. The 1st time failed, after enough crew members realized he was incapable of actually handling command and control responsibilities.

This time he has enlisted one of the more affluent technologists and his small army of young geekoids.

They have attempted to take control of the onboard communication and computer systems. We are fighting back as best we can, but time is of the essence.

Please send reinforcements, and people that will stand up to his tyranny.

Enterprise…out.

History was often recorded on Captains logs. The captain’s log was a form of record keeping that was used since the 1st captains sailed the seas in ancient times. The log was used to inform the captains superiors of what was happening on a mission, and to records historical facts for future generations.

Today, our logs are in the form of media and journalism. This is both a blessing and a curse.

Most people may not realize that freedom comes with limitations. We have the freedom of speech protected by the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. We can report and say almost anything we want to, even if it isn’t the truth. There are limitations when it comes to certain areas, but not if the statement is simply mis-leading or different.

Mis-information and the enormous amount of media applications in service today, is unprecedented. At no other time in history has a person been bombarded with news, data, and information. Even those that try to dis-connect might still be impacted, unless they travel to a remote location where satellite and radio waves cannot reach.

With all the choices of information feeds being transmitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – it is no big surprise that so many people believe things that they hear, even if unsubstantiated.

Many people just don’t know how to research or work at trying to discover alternative viewpoints, or actual facts. To many that is too difficult to do, or they are so enamored with the folks providing the mis-information that they simply choice to believe them without question.

I am thankful to my Mom, because whenever she grew tired of me constantly asking Why? She pointed me to the den/library/dining room where hundreds of books lined the shelves. Where the new monthly encyclopedia, and annual updates resided. Mom told me,”the answers are in those books”, and so – “I should, go find out”.

I spent a lot of time searching for the answer to Why? Sometimes I was successful, but often not to my total satisfaction. I was taught an invaluable lesson. The answer often requires patience and time.

And quite often, along the way – I found that there were multiple answers to the questions. I found out that not everyone had the same opinion, and even when presented the same facts or inconclusive evidence outcomes might be different.

There is a big difference between scientific facts. and opinions. Philosophical, Religious, or Political – opinions are beliefs. Not everyone feels the same way about things.

Scientific facts are proven over time, by experimental results. Physically measured or observed action/reaction based experiments. Supported by the sciences of math, physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, geology, and a myriad of other sciences.

The founding fathers of the United States referred to our independence as one of the greatest social experiments know to mankind. Where as, after decades and centuries of people being governed by tyranny, they would attempt to create a “more perfect union, one that was by the people, and for the people”.

The democratic republic that was created so long ago, is now under attack from within. The rich want not economic superiority, but also political power over the majority of normal middle and lower income citizens.

Captains log…Stardate tomorrow

I pray democracy survives. Please send help!

So, Elon Musk shows up at the very 1st Cabinet meeting of the Trump administration and when introduced he says to the Cabinet members – Okay, 1st things 1st – Everyone, take out a piece of paper and write down 5 things that you did last week, and if you don’t, we will take that as your resignation.

Don looks at him and laughs, until Elon says – that means you too, dummy.

I think the future T.V. mini-series is going to be riveting.

Why do I feel that somehow I fell into an alternate reality?

This is exactly why, you do not try to run the government like it is a business. It just doesn’t and cannot work the same way. Different goals and objectives that are not based on Business principles.

The American people are stupid, or at least approximately half of the voting population was. The rest of the world laughs and we look like the idiots that we are.

Every morning I wake up and read about a new moronic idea that is being touted to save money and be more efficient, with little to no actual proof that the dumb assed idea will save more than it will cost. When I say cost, I include all the social upheaval, and non-monetary impact of disenfranchising civil servants, and benefactors alike.

I only hope that in just under 2 years, enough folks that bought his lies wake up and help eliminate any politician that didn’t have the balls to stand up for what is right for fear of being “primaried” out of office. Those folks that bent the knee and kissed the ring need to go, one way or another.

We do not need a king, or a tyrant to run this country. We need a person that really believes the Constitutional meaning of “by the people, and for the people”.

The 5 things I suggest everyone do is

1. Read the Bill of Rights
2. Make sure your spouse has everything she will need to re-register to vote
3. Write to your Congress person and demand that they protect your rights, and hold the Executive branch accountable, and Stand by the Separation of Powers.
4. Speak up, share ways to make people understand that their voices need to be heard
5. Stop supporting the Companies and Corporations that do not believe in Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, especially any owned by Elon Musk.

I know that I shouldn’t compare the way different groups of people are treated, but sometimes I just cannot help myself.

For instance, I have often heard that the law is the same for everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, financial status…but, is it?  Really, is it?

If this were true, then why do the influential seem to get more breaks than the less fortunate?

If you or I are accused of breaking the law, we are read our rights and put in jail. Granted, sometimes the wealthy are treated the same way, but how many times have we all witnessed “special” treatment given to certain individuals.

The ultra-rich employ lawyers that act as buffers from the law. Even if accused, they simply spend enough money and twist the courts around to extend and delay any decision or trial, as long as they possibly can.

The average citizen cannot afford to play that card.

Let alone any other shenanigans like jury tampering, or jury intimidation.

The average Joe, files his taxes every year and hopes that he doesn’t have to pay more than whatever amount his employer has taken out.

The wealthy, employ CPA’s and Tax attorneys to use every loop hole possible to shelter their riches, often paying less than the average Joe.  Seems kind of unfair, doesn’t it?

Then, there is the middle class that complain about anyone in need of assistance living off the government, as though they were jealous that they too weren’t provided what they believe to be their fair share.

The rich don’t really much care, until they need to use that as rationale why the government is so much in debt. Eliminating social services and anything that helps those lower than themselves, is considered wasted government money. You know, the money that they avoided paying into the system in the first place.

The law say’s it is equal for all, but it really isn’t – now, and never has been.

Those that dreamed up the idea, may have had the best intentions in mind, but reality doesn’t support that dream.

Women are not treated equally, if they were an entire Amendment wouldn’t have been needed.

Non-white people are not treated equally, if they were Civil Rights wouldn’t have been necessary.

Many people that cannot fathom the idea that their race, their religion, or their gender is NOT superior to others. They  DO NOT, now or ever, desire EQUALITY. It isn’t in them to believe that they are not above others, and it is shown in their teachings, their philosophical positions, and their political affiliations.  They hate anything that is different from them, because that is what they have been taught and told to do.

Which is really unsettling is that those very same people worship to the same God. They are taught the same basic golden rule for treating others as you would want to be treated. They sing praises to a God and Savior that preached the opposite from how these folks behave when outside of their chosen religious gathering.

Regardless of if it is God’s law, or a Government enacted law – everyone is NOT treated the same, or provided the same opportunities.

All men are created equal, in the eyes of God.

It is your deeds, not words, by which you will be judged.

And…we all will be judged.

I’m a romantic optimist, and a believer in freedom and equality for all.

I am also a realist, which often makes it difficult being the romantic optimist believer.

Napoleon decided that he should rule France. So, after his coup de’ état he became the self crowned Emperor. His ruling philosophy included the idea that if anything was good for the state, it wasn’t illegal. He justified everything he did while he was Emperor, using this as rationale.

Now, doesn’t that sound familiar?

Trump just stated the exact same thing, to justify everything that he wants to do.

Some people have voiced concerns of the country becoming another Nazi Germany, but I would be weary of it becoming like France under the rule of Napoleon.

In both cases, the United States of America would no longer be a democratic republic.

The Constitution would be nothing more than an old piece of paper holding no meaning, what so ever. The 3 equal, but separate, branches of government would cease to exist.

The government by the people, and for the people would really be by the rich white people, and for the rich white people.

The only hope is that Trump endures the same fate that Napoleon saw. Emperors and Empires don’t live forever.

The greatest lie ever told.

The reality is that those on top and in power, have one objective. Take more than they give. 

The reason that Reagans Trickledown economics doesn’t work, is that the flow is controlled by the wealthy. 

That flow is just a trickle, AFTER they take what they believe is their share. They rationalize the unequal sharing by stating “if it wasn’t for them, the lower 98% wouldn’t even have jobs, or a life of any kind.

That trickle becomes just a drip, once it is distributed to the many.

The whole truth behind MAGA is that as long as they don’t have to say Great for the wealthy 2 %, the idiots that THINK it is meant for them, will follow along.  That part of the 2% are delusional and can only wish that a drip or 2 might make its way to them.

Everything that is now going on, is intentionally set up to improve the lives of the 2%.

This time, there will not even be a drip. 

Wake up America!

If you voted for Trump in this last election, and somehow may still have me included on your “friends” list, please “unfriend” me.  

If you “follow” me, you should unfollow me.  If I unfollow you, it will be the result of you posting something that shows support for those that I cannot philosophically support.  

I respect that you are entitled to have your own opinions and beliefs, but voting for him clearly shows that we do not share the same philosophies and moral values. 

Friends care about each other. 

Friends treat each other with compassion, trust, and respect.

It has been said that politics shouldn’t tear families or friendship apart, but it will because at some point a line has to be established. Consequences for actions must be felt, or what’s the point of having beliefs and values? 

In this “free” society, everyone chooses and then, consequences occur based on the decisions they make.  

I can no longer pretend that your ignoring his past behavior, his lies and antics – is somehow okay.

I can no longer pretend that your ignoring his basic beliefs about almost everything, is somehow okay.

You may not think that by voting for him, you support that which I wrote of, but in you do.  You just don’t see that or acknowledge it. 

With a clear conscience, I cannot recognize you as a friend if you voted for Trump.

Clearly our fundamental norms for acceptable behavior, cannot bridge the vastness of our  differences. 

This goes far beyond, agreeing to disagree. 

If you cannot see that, it only supports how different we are. 

For some, this request may shock you, for that I am sorry.

Maybe, one day you will understand, if you care to even try.

I am far too old to worry about ruining a “friendship” that was not based on a shared agreement of common decency. 

With what little time I have left in this lifetime, I choose to spend it with those that I respect and love. 

Meanwhile, I will pray for blessings upon you.

Goodbye