US Europe

Many articles are written about the change of heart that Europe has toward the US. Europe is generally less friendly toward the U.S. now than in 2015, driven by a sharp decline in favorability following the return of Donald Trump and a preference for European autonomy. Trump himself and his VP and Secretary of State have told Europe they must make changes to survive. They must spend more on their own national defense and stop relying on the US. They should place more emphasis on fossil fuels and less on wind and solar. They should deport illegal migrants. While no country likes getting advice from another, there have been significant changes made by the US that have a monetary effect on Europe. In 2015 Europe spent 1.45% of GDP on defense and today it is 2.16% headed for 5%. In 2015 the US covered 73% of total NATO cost and today it is 67%. In 2015 Europe collected $16,500 in import taxes and fees on a $50,000 car from the US and today they collect $10,500. In the early years of the war the US sent arms to Europe for free to send to Ukraine but today they sell those same arms to Europe. Perhaps the change of heart has something to do with the change in financial arrangements.

Errors

Since the end of the cold war the US has made a series of unforced policy errors. Permitting China to use unfair trade tactics. Moving away from nuclear power Believing that EV’s are the future Thinking that wind and solar could replace fossil fuels Giving too much power to government agencies Allowing supply chains to move outside the country Letting unvetted migrants in Moving manufacturing overseas The country is now in the process of trying to right these wrongs. Demand free and fair trade and forcing the issue using tariffs. Ratcheting up nuclear investments. Pointing out that the country is not ready for EV’s because the grid can’t handle them. The mining, processing and disposal of materials needed for wind and solar is too dangerous. Reducing regulations. Bringing supply chains back home. Deporting illegal migrants. Bringing manufacturing jobs back home.

War plans

In 1994 during 100-day period, Hutu militias in Rwandan systematically slaughtered 600,000 Tutsis using mostly machetes. The rivers overflowed with body parts. The genocide was marked by extreme violence, with victims often murdered by neighbours, and widespread sexual violence, with between 250,000 and 500,000 women raped. The international community largely failed to intervene in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with many nations actively withdrawing personnel as the killing began. The UN reduced its peacekeeping force (UNAMIR) following the murder of Belgian soldiers, and Western nations prioritized evacuating their citizens, leaving Tutsi civilians unprotected By a miracle we now have a chance to go back in time to intervene in this disaster but we have to use today’s rules. First off, the president goes before congress to lay out his plan. They want to know, how many planes, ships and troops will be needed. How many US casualties can be expected? How much will it cost and how long will it last. What will be done with the country after the fighting stops. In 100 days, the president and congress are still deciding on a plan and the genocide is over.

Team work

The best ways to grow the economy is using the private sector helped by government. This means lowering taxes on individuals to increase consumption and lower taxes on corporations to encourage investment. The government can reduce spending to keep inflation under control and lower interest rates to promote business expansion. The government can keep regulations at a minimum to allow for new business developments. The government can set trade policies that encourage foreign investments. The government investment in new military equipment can lead to new products for industry to develop. Many innovations in NASA have led to new private industries. Government investment in the National Institute of Health (NIA) can provide aid to private medical firms in the development of new products and treatments. In other words, the government can be an effective junior partner to business. The government can take the lead in developing long range infrastructure programs and private companies can do the construction. This team approach with the help of AI will provide new high paying jobs for all groups.

Spending

Can the government bring down the high cost of living by spending money? According to Chat GPT the government can do this by subsidizing things like food, fuel, electricity, public transportation and healthcare. Here is a quote from democratic house leader Jeffries: This administration somehow found the resources, has found billions of dollars for bombs but can't find any money to actually bring down the high cost of living here in the United States of America," Jeffries said. Economist say that too much government spending is one of the main causes of inflation. Putting subsidies in the hands of consumers, increases the demand for goods and that drives up prices. The key is too much. Many politicians think they can increase spending just the right amount, so as to not increase inflation. During the Biden years the spending was too much too fast and inflation spiked to nine percent. As far as Jeffries remarks go, so far, the government spending on the war has been part of the Pentagon budget and will not cause inflation. If that is surpassed and the government starts to borrow to cover the war cost, then inflation will rise. One way to accomplish what Jeffries is suggesting is to move money from defense spending to social spending, what is called in Econ 101, spending on butter rather than guns. This can be done in next years budget but not in this year’s, which has already been set.

Promise grants

The is an organization called Minnesota Promise Grants that has $100 million dollars to award to small businesses with assets under $750,000. The awards can be up to $50,000. The funds are allocated by the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development. Among the recipients are about 100 sole proprietors. The names of these people have raised some questions. There are 12 with the first name Abdi, another dozen with the name Ahmed and another dozen of Ali’s. About 90% of the sole proprietors have Somali names. With the recent discoveries of fraud within the MN programs these names raise suspicions.

Gays

Are there certain groups in the US who might consider celebrating but are silent, for example LGBTQ. Here is a quote from Google AI. Homosexuals are not treated fairly in Iran and face severe discrimination, persecution, and legal punishment. Under Iran's penal code, same-sex sexual acts are illegal and can be punished with imprisonment, corporal punishment, and even the death penalty. The government is considered one of the most discriminatory in the world against LGBTQ individuals What about Christians. Here from Google AI. Christianity is permitted in Iran only for recognized ethnic minorities (Armenians, Assyrians) but is heavily restricted, with conversion from Islam strictly forbidden. While historic churches can operate, they face surveillance and are banned from using Persian. Converts to Christianity and house churches face imprisonment and persecution. How about Blacks. Google AI. Black individuals in Iran, including Afro-Iranians, often face discrimination, marginalization, and a lack of dignity, with reports of constant scrutiny regarding their race.