My theme for this year's A to Z is democracy. This is your trigger warning. If you are going to be bothered by my descriptions of what I believe America should look and feel like, please stop reading and come back next year when my topic may go back to music or scrapbooking or interesting tidbits. Please respect my space and DO NOT leave disinformation or inflammatory statements in the comments. It's my blog and I will delete them. Thanks for your cooperation.
E is for Economic Opportunity Over Extremism
Economic Opportunity | Extremism |
Education Employment Financial Resources Health Federal Assistance | Uncompromising Outside the mainstream attitudes of society Zealous Out of control |
I don't have to do much research on this one. A simple look at the stock market lately will show you that Economic Opportunity is rapidly diminishing in our country. Opportunity Economy was one of the cornerstones of Kamala Harris' platform when she was running for president. Her vision of assisting new businesses to get started, a tax break for first time homebuyers and cancelling out of control student debt would certainly lead to a better future for most people.
I have been very fortunate to be able to work from home for the last 28 years and being able to claim a home office deduction on my taxes has been a huge help. The sale of the stock we had through my husband's employer allowed us to get the downpayment for our home. Because he was subsequently disabled, the loans we had to take for our daughter to go to college were forgiven by the Department of Education. All of those things have really made a difference in our lives.
And now look at the extreme plunge the stock market has taken in the last week, the overzealous use of tariffs with no actual planning or foresight, the uncompromising situation in the Republican controlled congress that is allowing the unqualified cabinet members to be appointed and the insistence that the tax breaks for the extremely wealthy are necessary.
Our retirement is in question, general prices are continuing to rise and #47 is off playing golf saying that he "doesn't care" about the situation. Great.
Today is a day where there are going to be protests all over the country. Will that make a difference? Let's hope so.
As always, thanks to Speaker Hakeem Jeffries for giving me the basis for this year's challenge.
Tomorrow is a day off. I am grateful for that. These posts are heavy. See you next week.
Hi, Janet!
ReplyDeleteAs his relentless shock-and-awe/slash-and-burn rampage continues to unfold week by week, POTUS #47 is actually making #45 look good by comparison. #45, as you recall, was ranked dead last - the worst president in American history - on a list compiled by a group of politically neutral historians and scholars. Not to be outdone, even by himself, #47 has now secured that spot at rock bottom, elevating #45 to second worse.
I've been listening to Brian Tyler Cohen's channel (highly recommended) and various other panel discussions delving into the real reason behind the crippling blanket tariffs "Mr. T" saw fit to impose. The measures amount to a staggering tax on the American people. They will result in higher inflation, price increases across the board on a multitude of items everyday people use and need, supply chain interruptions, factory slowdowns, layoffs and a crisis of confidence in America among our global allies and trading partners. Those "everyday people" I mentioned include the tens of millions of unsuspecting souls who believed the plethora of lies that came out of his mouth during the campaign and placed their trust in a reality TV star who passed himself off as a shrewd, savvy business tycoon who would be great for the economy. The most credible explanation for the wave of tariffs is as follows. He actually doesn't believe in tariffs at all. He is only using them as a cudgel to flex his muscles and demonstrate his power and might. Immature and insecure, he craves the rush that comes from getting people to kowtow and grovel at his feet. He wants to see world leaders, members of congress, governors, CEOs - anyone and everyone who is adversely impacted, deeply troubled and downright terrified by the disastrous economic downturn that is already underway - request a meeting with him and beg for some kind of special deal that will exempt their country, state, district, corporation, etc. from the devastating consequences of the tariff tsunami. Such a scenario strokes "Mr. T's" ego by making him seem like a merciful and benevolent king as he forces them to give him something he wants in return for rolling back the tariffs. Speaking of strokes, what kind of president leaves town in the midst of an economic crisis, flies home to Florida and spends the day riding around on his golf cart? Answer: one who couldn't care less about the people who were foolish enough to elect him.
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In today's post, you mentioned Kamala Harris and the plan she outlined for an "Opportunity Economy." Throughout the campaign, you and I and millions of others watched and listened to someone with genuine leadership skills and a caring and compassionate heart, a candidate with a proven track record of public service, someone who vowed to be a president for all Americans - blue state, red state, purple state - whether they voted for her or not, whether they agreed with her or not. It is possibly the most consequential tragedy in our country's history that her sincere, inspiring words fell upon so many deaf ears or weren't heard at all, drowned out by the ugly, hateful din coming from the other side. I'm sure you agree that it burns something awful to think of what might have been, how great our America could and would have been under Kamala's experienced, steady leadership, how excited and happy we and so many others would be by now, and how proud we would feel to call ourselves Americans. Instead, tens of millions of people chose to roll the dice and vote MAGA man back into office. Many of those people are starting to realize, too late, that the con man they placed their faith in can't be bothered with their trivial lives and problems. He has much more important things to do with his time, like figuring out ways to cheat at golf without getting caught again. Funny, when the stock market was rising, he always took credit for it, credit that rightfully belonged to Joe Biden. He used it as his own personal poll and considered the robust market a barometer of his popularity. Now that it's crashing in reaction to his reckless economic policy decisions and the chronic uncertainty over what he will do next, he's downplaying the historic plunge and saying it's no big deal.
ReplyDeleteI recently heard his press secretary crowing about the current administration's "transparency." It's transparent alright. The American people are starting to see right through this charlatan.
Congratulations on a great first week, dear friend Janet. Have a safe and happy weekend!
Thanks my dear Shady! I listen to Brian Tyler Cohen as well! He is fantastic. Heather Cox Richardson is another one of my sanity boosters. I think it is folks like them that we need to continue to promote since it is clear that mainstream media is not to be as trusted as they were when the Fairness Doctrine was alive.
DeleteWhen Kamala was talking about all the wonderful things that she was envisioning for our country I just could not imagine that anyone would vote the other way. I just hope we haven't lost our chance to come back from the brink. Appreciate you, my friend. As you can see, your comments are a boost of strength to my little musings.
I can't help wondering where will it all end. It's certainly not a pretty picture right now. I hope you're enjoying your day off.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy. I was encouraged by all the protests yesterday. But I fear we have a long way to go.
DeleteI love your theme and right there with you. My sign yesterday in Manhattan was "Hands Off Our Democracy." Democracy: Use It or Lose It. Thanks for visiting Buttercupland.
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