Obama removals

Obama’s border policy while he was in office. He emphasized that border security must be strengthened and stated that those who cross illegally should be held accountable. He deployed more agents and technology to the southern border. His administration focused on deporting individuals apprehended at the border, as well as those with criminal records. During his two terms he deported 3 million and turned back another two million at the border. About 75% of deportees were removed via, non-judicial removals, meaning without a judge to determine asylum status.

China or Mexico

Mexico is becoming the new China. Starting after the end of the cold war in 1990, China began its rise as the newest manufacturing model. Their big draw was low wages and companies from the West were willing to invest large sums to make products in China and sell them in the West were the consumers with money lived. The government of China, while maintaining its communist political side, recognized that the true economic growth was based on selling products to the West and in particular the US. They set up a pseudo free market and set government policies to encourage exports. It was a resounding success and the GDP of China went from $400 billion in 1990 to $11 trillion in 2015 a staggering 24% annual increase. The first signs of trouble came when US relations began to crumble. The West realized that shipping all of their production to China was a national defense problem. During this period labor cost in China tripled and by 2019 the average wage in China was $4.50 compared to Mexico at $3.95. Thus started the great process of near shoring and reshoring. During this time period the cost of the standard 40-foot shipping container from China to the US increased from $3000 to $18000 or a six-fold increase. People became concerned that important products like pharmaceuticals were no longer made in America. Trade deals with China and Mexico gave a big edge to Mexico. The US has now undertaken steps to reduce the drug traffic from Mexico and offer safety to trade routes. The trade deficit with China declined from $295 billion in 2024 to $202 billion in 2025 while the deficit with Mexico increased from $175 billion in 2024 to $197 billion in 2025. This trend is expected to continue as the US builds up its industrial base as it brings back manufacturing jobs back home. This process of America First is taking place in many industries where the US can no longer rely on foreign countries for necessary goods.

Excise tax

Washington State has no state income tax at least up till now. Washington enacted a 9.9% tax on household income over $1 million (SB 6346) in March 2026, targeting high earners. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, this tax on annual income above $1 million takes effect in 2028, with initial payments due in 2029. It affects roughly 21,000 residents and aims to fund tax credits, child care, and school meals. This is an example of what is called luxury beliefs. It is highly unlikely that this new tax will affect any of the legislators who enacted the law. Most people do not object to taxing the other guy. The Washington State constitution prohibits state income tax so this will be called an excise tax. This will be an uphill battle because: Excise taxes are indirect, consumption-based taxes levied on specific goods (gasoline, tobacco, alcohol) or activities, usually paid by businesses and passed on to consumers, making them often hidden. In contrast, income taxes are direct taxes imposed on personal or corporate earnings, generally proportional to wealth and paid directly to governments

Spending

Governments like big corporations can get too big over time. At the height of WW 2 there were 2,000 active-duty flag officers (generals and admirals) with an active-duty force of 12 million. This is one flag officer for every 6000 soldiers. Today there are 848 flag officers and 1.8 million active-duty troops or one flag office per 2122 troops. Since the end of WW 2 the average inflation rate in the US has been 3.5% while government spending has increased 7.5%. Part of this spending can be seen in the military budget and it is the same in social spending.

Bernie Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders about a decade ago represented the left in this country when he opposed President Obamas TPP. In 2015, Bernie Sanders opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), arguing that reducing tariffs through such deals hurts American workers, lowers wages, and fuels job outsourcing. He consistently advocated for fair trade over free trade, blaming previous trade deals for the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs He was for tariffs back in 2008 In 2008 and around that period, Bernie Sanders was a staunch critic of U.S. free trade policies, advocating for protectionist measures like tariffs to counteract the loss of manufacturing jobs to countries like China and Mexico In his 2016 campaign he opposed open borders. In 2015, Bernie Sanders opposed open borders, calling the concept a "Koch brothers proposal" that would depress wages for American workers. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he argued that an open-border policy would make the US poorer and argued that a nation-state requires controlled borders Today his big push is redistributing the wealth Bernie Sanders' 2026 plan to redistribute wealth, introduced as the "Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act," proposes a 5% annual tax on the net worth of Americans with over $1 billion. This tax on approximately 938 individuals aims to generate trillion over a decade, funding direct payments to families earning under $10,000.

Dream

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s immigrants poured into the US by way of Ellis Island. They came with few possessions but the dream of a better life. They were willing to work long hours for low pay with the goal of providing a better life for their children. That is still possible today. Juan and Marie both 18 arrive in America. They have the dream. They get a full-time job of stocking shelves at Walmart on the night shift for $15 per hour. They each work 20 hours per week at a fast-food restaurant. They attend night school to improve their English two hours a day, five days per week. They are earning $1,800 per week and in four years they have saved $200,000. They lived the life style of the earlier immigrants where all they did was work, learn English, eat and sleep. At age 22 they have enough for a down payment on a small home. Walmart promotes from within and 75% of managers started as hourly employees. Their attitude about work is you never complain about going to work just be glad you’re able to go and when you get there, always do more than your share. These hard-working young people would soon catch the eye of management. They asked to be moved to different departments and express interest in management and soon opportunities come up and they are on their way. Marie as a department manager and Juan enrolls in the Walmart Truck Driver program. Moving up the ladder at Walmart, where roughly 75% of management started as hourly associates, requires high performance, initiative, and building relationships. Key strategies include mastering your current role, seeking opportunities in different departments, finding mentors, expressing interest in promotion to management, and being willing to relocate By age 30 this couple is on their way to achieving the American Dream.

DFL

Of the 13 members of the Minneapolis City Council, four identify as democratic socialist and members of the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA). Ther are Robin Wonsley, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai and Soren Stevenson. These are citizens who took an active role in politics based on helping minorities to gain some power over their lives. Jason Chavez was elected in 2021 and is the first LGBTQ Latinx to serve. Aisha Chughtai was the former Campaign Manager for Congresswoman IIhan Omar. Soren Stevenson fighting for homeless and pushing for diversity, equity and inclusion. Robin Wonsley was a community organizer and one of the leaders behind the George Floyd moment. All 13 are members of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party as is the MPLS Mayor