Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence

Pres. Trump revokes our independence And on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” […]

I am Too Afraid to Say “No, to Trump” Category, So, Do Something to Save WI Constituents!

WI Representative Derrick: And “yes” just so you know, I did vote for the bill even though I knew it might endanger Wisconsin citizens and Wisconsin rural hospitals may be forced to close. AB: Wow, what an upright guy! Republican Congressional Representative Derrick warns Democrat Governor Tony Evers he has to do something. Bur the […]

The Republican bill will cut Medicare

Yes, it cuts Medicaid explicitly. But it will result in cuts to Medicare as well: “But now Republicans have created another problem. They didn’t just cut Medicaid; they also have forced nearly half a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicare, the health program for the elderly. “Because of a statutory requirement to automatically impose budget […]

It’s starting already

“LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A clinic in southwest Nebraska announced Wednesday that it is closing due to financial challenges, including anticipated Medicaid cuts. “McCook-based Community Hospital said it is shutting down its clinic in Curtis, a town of about 900 people. “The Curtis Medical Center has been in operation for more than 30 years.” But […]

Jobless claims remain neutral

 – by New Deal democrat In addition to the jobs report, because this is Thursday we also got the latest jobless claims numbers. To wit, initial claims declined -4,000 to 233,000, and the four week moving average declined -3,750 to 241,500. With the typical one week delay, continuing claims were unchanged at 1.964 million: The more […]

June jobs report weakness: not enough for “recession watch,” but not too far away either

 – by New Deal democrat Even before the new Administration took office in Washington, my focus had been on whether the economy would have a “soft” or “hard” landing, i.e., recession. That has only intensified by the utter chaos of this Administration, particularly about tariffs. So my focus now is looking for “hard” vs.”soft” data indicating […]

Ivermectin Usage

Remember the drug Ivermectin during the Covid epidemic? The animal-deworming medication was used so avidly as an off-label COVID treatment during the pandemic that some feed stores ended up going out of stock. To prevent stockouts one store posted this: “MUST SHOW A PIC OF YOU AND YOUR HORSE.” A sign that demanded proof from would-be […]

Book Review “Basic Economics”

David Zetland doing a review of Thomas Sowell’s book, “Basic Economics.” I had written Mr. Sowell once, maybe a decade ago. I was the recipient of his book. I was a third of the way through it when I was called away for a business trip which lasted a month. I found the book and […]

JOLTS survey for May still consistent with “soft landing” scenario

– by New Deal democrat As promised, let me parse the JOLTS survey for May, which was reported yesterday.  As a quick refresher, this survey decomposes the employment market into openings, hires, quits, and layoffs. In 2024 the data were most consistent with a “soft landing,” but the actions of the new Administration, especially on trade, […]