Ken's Comments

From the moment President Trump announced "Liberation Day" and laid out a list of tariffs he planned to impose, we've heard from economists, politicians, the media and the Federal Reserve about the impact of the tariffs on consumers.  Clothing, food, technology, cars, and toys are some of the categories of products tariffs will effect.  But there is a key point they overlook in their complaints about tariffs. From the media, we see headlines like these: CNN - "'Sneakflation': How Trump's tariffs are gradually raising costs for American consumers." Forbes - "Tariffs may have a bigger impact on consumers than some experts think." The Hill - "The misery of auto tariffs is hitting families and factories." Then there was the Federal Reserve which held off changes in the interest rate citing the "uncertainty" caused by tariffs as their reason for doing so. Democrats' criticism has been a bit awkward because progressives su...

 Zohran Mamdani, NY State Assemblyman and candidate for NYC Mayor, has suggested the idea of City run supermarkets.  Specifically, Mr. Mamdani proposes five supermarkets, one in each NY City Borough and all run by the City of New York.  The idea would be to provide low-cost food to underserved New Yorkers. It sounds like a good idea.  I think Mr. Mamdani should do it but in a slightly different way.  I suggest Mr. Mamdani create a non-profit organization.  Mr. Mamdani can then create a business plan describing how the supermarkets would work.  To show his support for the idea, Mr. Mamdani should put his money where his mouth is - pony some of his own cash and money from his family. With seed money, a business plan and the offer of tax-deductions, Mr. Mamdani can then start tapping his friends - including the ones who attended his wedding in Uganda, they are not paupers.  Mr. Mamdani can also reach out to supporters, like the billionaire hedge fund...

The headline from Democracy Now! calls it "Whitewashing of History."  The network formerly known as MSNBC had a headline saying President Trump is rewriting history.  CNN's headline says "Trump's 'chilling effect' is coming for museums..."  The Independent claims Trump is purging Smithsonian Exhibits, the sub-headline claims "White House said it would begin reviewing Smithsonian exhibitions to ensure they align with Trump's agenda." The reason for the reaction from the press is that Trump issued an Executive Order, on March 27, calling for essentially a review of the Smithsonian Institution.  The Executive Order said "Museums in our Nation's capital should be places where individuals go to learn - not be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history." Adding fuel to the fire, on August 19, President Trump posted on Truth Social a statement "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CON...

Equitable is derived from "Equity," which means "recognizing that people have different circumstances and providing them with the resources and support they need to have an equal chance of success."   Equity and Equitable are used a lot in today's political dialogue, mostly by progressives and liberals. I prefer "equality" over equity.  "Equality means providing the same resources and opportunities to everyone, regardless of differences or needs."   "Equality aims for equal opportunity, while equity aims for equal outcomes."  Achieving "equity" requires taking money from someone determined to have a better chance and giving that person's money to someone who needs more resources and support.  Some people definitely need help or a helping hand depending on their circumstances.  But building a true system of equity creates a number of questions. In the real world, who decides which person needs resources and who is the p...