Europe

While the world’s attention is focusing on Trump’s anti-migration spectacle, the European Union is quietly carrying out its own crackdown. Its policies are far less visible, yet they are just as ruthless. Polls show that Europeans back harsher migration policies and the policies are not as visible as Turmp’s but they are just as effective. Some EU Ministers propose detention, sanctions and stripping of rights based on migration status. In the past ten years Europe went from welcoming migrants to deporting them. The rise in crime and gangs, along with stress on public services and the inability to assimilate has cause the change in attitude of the natives.

Economy

The democratic domestic plan for the economy is heavy on benefits and light on job formation Protecting ACA, Medicare and Medicaid Building more homes Childcare Wind and solar Increase child tax credit and EITC Second earner tax credit Job training programs Increase taxes on rich and corporations These are laudable goals but the emphasis is on public assistance not on growing the economy. This tends to make people more dependent on government programs. Trump’s goals are energy independence, job creation using private and foreign investments, reduced regulations and lower taxes.

Sponsor rules

Most money transfers in the US are done electronically and thus leave a paper trail. In the case of the scandal involving Feeding Our Future (FOF) the money was sent from the US Department of Agriculture and was sent to the Minnesota Department of Education where it was distributed to various sponsored organizations. Here is the procedure to be sponsored group. It now appears that these rules were not followed 1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization is a non-profit with good management, financial stability, and relevant community experience (e.g., food service, youth programs). 2. Contact Your State Agency: Reach out to your state's Department of Education (MDE in Minnesota) or equivalent agency managing federal nutrition programs. 3. Attend Training: Complete mandated online trainings for new sponsors, covering SFSP rules, civil rights, and application processes. 4. Submit Application: Apply through the state's online system (e.g., MDE's CLiCS in Minnesota) by deadlines, providing a detailed budget, management plan, and site information. 5. Develop Sites: Identify and recruit eligible feeding sites (like schools, community centers) in low-income areas. 6. Manage Operations: Hire staff, arrange for meals (prepare or deliver), and ensure sites are supervised and compliant. 7. Monitor & Report: Supervise sites, collect data, and submit claims for reimbursement, adhering to strict federal guidelines.

Work

There is something called the “Great Resignation” going on around the world. It started in China with something called 996 meaning you work 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week and it spread to the West and is pushed by Gen Zers, people born between 1997 and 2012. They have discovered that their college degree left them $35,000 in debt and a pay scale which will keep them from getting out of debt. They have discovered that housing cost have pushed them away from the American Dream. They found the pension plans of old were replaced by 401K’s. They found that loyalty by the company was replaced by the stock price. They start with quiet quitting, which means do the least possible required to keep your job or just dropping out of the work force. Gen Z individuals who have dropped out of the traditional workforce primarily live on alternative income streams (such as the gig economy, freelancing, and content creation), family support, and, in some cases, government assistance programs. Many are unaware that learning a trade can provide them with the kind of life they dreamed of but they must be willing to do that kind of work. There is also a need for people to work in the healthcare field and people willing to be trained to work in manufacturing plants.

SS tax

During the 2024 campaign, Trump promised to eliminate all income tax on Social Security so when the $6,000 deduction for seniors was passed the press reported it as removing tax on SS. The $6,000 deduction has nothing to do with SS but is available for everyone over 65 whether they collect SS or not. It does mean that 88% of people who collect SS will benefit from the deduction. A single person over age 65 has a standard deduction of $15,750 plus an additional $2,000 (for being over 65) and a $6,000 bonus deduction. The $6,000 is phased out for incomes between $75,000 and $175,000 and thus only 88% qualify. This is expected to save seniors $34 billion per year.

Car tax

The new interest deduction on the purchase of a car can help people with poor credits scores the most. The average interest rate for those with poor credit scores is 15% and the loan period is 5.5 year so in a $50,000 car the interest will be $23,000. The law allows the buyer to deduct $20,000 in interest. The savings under the new law depends on the tax bracket. A single man making $50,000 would own $10,000 in tax so he could deduct $10,000 of his interest which would save him $2,000 in taxes. If he got a 7% loan the total interest paid would be $10,000 and he could deduct it all. About half the people who buy cars would not owe any income tax so there would be no savings for them. In most cases tax deductions and/or credits are no help to those who do not pay tax. The exception is the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit which is refundable even if you own no tax.

Musk

Elon Musk, ever the Avant-garde businessman, is slowly moving his EV plants to building robots. While other auto companies are writing down loses from their adventures in the EV business, he is transferring assets. It is more complicated than a direct transfer but existing production lines are being optimized by using humanoid robots which will become new consumer products to transform society by handling labor. As EV sales decline, robot sales will grow.