Of all the sacrifices offered up during Lent, have you ever heard this conversation?
“What did you give up for Lent?”
“I gave up GPS!”
“The Global Positioning System?”
“Yeah, I chucked it to be closer to God.”
<awkward stare>
“I think you’re about to be MUCH closer to God the way you drive…”
“Look kids, Big Ben…Parliament!”
<insert laugh track>
<fade to black…end scene>
That bit of technology tells you exactly where you are, where you are going, when you will arrive, when to turn, and sometimes when to turnaround.
We rely on it. Or do you miss reading printed maps in the car at 70 mph?
Did you give GPS up? No? Just chocolate again? (so brave…)
Let’s extrapolate that out and ask a more pertinent question about GPS.
How many marital arguments have been saved due to GPS? (GPS = God Plus Siri)
Millions I would imagine.
Now, imagine if GPS went down for a day. Maybe four. How about six weeks?
Very disruptive for sure, right?
Can you imagine being in the middle of a cross country trip in a minivan with four kids under six?
“I GOTTA GO!!!”
Lent? Try Halloween - the movie.
<reaches for the Benadryl>
“Okay, kids! Cherry or grape?”
So, imagine when the global economy is suddenly up ended by changing just about every deal midstream.
The Password is
…Anesthesia
An open letter to President Trump on X.com has gotten over 2.6MM views and for good reason - it’s a “spot on match” and, frankly, constructive critique.
That means it’s well intended. Not insulting. Helpful.
CLICK HERE to read in its entirety
The Lede was the sum:
“We need a plan”
Key Points:
• The author initially supported an economic "reset" or "detox" from America's role in the global economy, recognizing problems with hollowed-out industry and unfair trade imbalances.
• He criticized the current approach as "whiplash" rather than strategic decoupling—describing it as chaotic, lacking a clear roadmap or metrics for success.
• And argues this policy creates uncertainty that discourages investment: capital is "retreating, not realigning" because businesses cannot plan with constantly changing tariffs and uncertain policies.
• He points out practical challenges to rapid re-industrialization, including insufficient domestic labor forces, permitting structures, and wage flexibility.
• The policy is criticized for indiscriminately punishing allies and poor countries alike, citing examples like Israel, Vietnam, and Lesotho facing high tariffs.
• And he suggests a more strategic alternative would have been targeting China specifically (for IP theft) while taking a more measured approach with allies like the EU.
• While arguing the current approach undermines America's competitive advantages in services where the US runs surpluses.
• The market reaction is described as responding not to economic fundamentals but to a future that "may no longer be modelable."
• The author emphasizes this critique is about strategy and execution, not partisan politics.
Yes, we need a plan.
A well-thought out and effectively articulated plan would go a long way not just to stabilize our economy, but also to get investors build what President Trump ultimately wants - a thriving, “golden age” economy.
We have a mountain of debt to pay off and running more deficits in the trillions is lunacy.
Strike that. It’s criminal.
It’s criminal to rob from our grandkids - including our first one born just 15 days ago.
Sloane Margaret Taylor entered the world two weeks ago Monday owing…
$107,293.00
Sloane needs and deserves a plan.
I fail to see the throngs of Americans pining to work in manufacturing; however, millions of folks are hoping to advance their skills, get better paying jobs, and buy a house.
Let’s ask Americans - would you rather work in manufacturing or own a business and work for yourself.
You know - get ahead. Build an asset.
That well known formula:
Work.
Make money.
Spend less than you make.
Divide your costs - live with or marry someone.
Invest in AAA - Accumulate Appreciating Assets.
Give back where you can.
That’s not nearly as sacrificial as trying to figure out just where things are heading these days.
A LOT is happening and praying ain’t gonna cut it.
WE need and deserve a plan so the next generations can have a future.
Denzel Washington breaks out living into three 30 year segments:
Learning (0-30)
Earning (30-60)
Returning (60-90)
I’m almost at the returning stage and I’m more than willing to put my back into the oars of this boat we call America.
Just need some directions.
Paid Subscribers! - check for an invitation for Thursday night’s Polling Zoom with Amanda Iovino - 2021 Pollster of the Year. We’re going to get you well ahead of the 2025 and 2026 election cycles along with the economy, Trump approvals on economy and immigration, DOGE, tariffs, and party perceptions. Join us!
Videos to help make the points above:
Modern Family - the Dunphys say good bye to their old station wagon. Talk about Spot On Match.
Are we or are we NOT free traders? Count me in the Free and Fair Trader camp but it appears to me that all of the folks now crowing about how certain countries are lowering their tariff regimens as being an example of a well thought out plan are off brand.
NOT that we will ever get an admission that the Liberation Day march to a glorious economy has not gone according to plan.
That’s fine.
There wasn’t one.
Yes, Fonzie was wrong, but was too cool to admit it.
But we know…