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

Moving Student Loans to the Treasury Department

While living in Michigan, I was invited to a Garden Party featuring Senator Debbie Stabenow. Being the person I am, I asked on behalf of student having such loans what she was going to do to grant relief to students who are behind, experiencing economic issues, swindled into taking loans to achieve capabilities which do […]

‘Escalation Trap’ in Iran as Trump Moves Forward

Kind of hard not to say something about the Iran situation and Trump. This is purposeful by Trump and his political supporters. He feels empowered. The reports from March 2026 suggest the US is increasingly entangled in its “tar baby” scenario with Iran. Initial and limited military goals have escalated into a difficult-to-exit conflict. Increasing […]

Hooray for “socialism!”

When I retired, my health insurance became traditional Medicare, what right-wingers call “socialism.” I’d read enough not to be seduced by the candy offered in “Medicare Advantage” plans, the free market plans that were supposed to be superior to traditional Medicare. So far, no regrets for me. Sadly, tens of thousands of Americans do regret […]

“Trump take housing:” how the Iran war is killing the housing sector’s “green shoots”

 – by New Deal democrat “Trump take egg” was a social media meme popularized by MTSW at Bluesky, highlighting prices that T—-p had promised would come down, but increased instead. The spike in egg prices was due to avian flu, but when it comes to internet memes, nevermind. Which is by way of introduction to saying that […]

“US Gone Rogue”

Thailand gets it. They understand what Trump is attempting to do globally. I am not surprised by this as I have worked with them on and off for years. “Trump goes off-script, US gone rogue,” Bangkok Post Thitinan Pongsudhirak It was not supposed to work like this. “America First” and “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) […]

New and continuing jobless claims remain near historic lows

 – by New Deal democrat Along with the weekly update of retail sals, new jobless claims continue to be the most positive economic data in the entire specturm. Last week new cliams increased 5,000 to 210,000, which is about average for the entire post-pandemic period. The only other time they were this low was 2018-19, […]

What are the Economic risks with Iran?

About a seven-minute read: Gasoline prices in AZ, (in the part where I live) as of late March 2026, are high. They average around $4.21 per gallon for regular, with some locations exceeding $4.39. Prices have surged significantly, following broader metro Phoenix trends, with options ranging from $4.159 at Circle K and QuikTrip to higher […]