Economy. Last week I suggested a big part of President Trump’s popularity with half of the voters is his ability to identify and attack problems. I indicated I agreed with at least three of the major problems he is attacking, but had difficulties with how they are being attacked. The first was immigration.
Another issue President Trump has identified and is attacking is the National Debt. I strongly agree with the need to attack our debt problem. Too many knowledgeable and thoughtful people have made it clear our economy is not sustainable if it continues in the present direction.
However as with immigration, I agree with the end goal but I have serious problems with the means. The self-righteous, chainsaw approach is doing a lot of bad in the name of cutting the deficit.
In my opinion one problem is retaining tax cuts for the rich and cutting out services for the poor. We need more rich people to adopt Warren Buffett’s attitude.
“Buffett shared just how much Berkshire Hathaway contributes to the federal government, revealing an astonishing figure: “We sent in over $5 billion to the US federal government last year. If 800 other companies had done the same thing, no other person in the United States would have had to pay a dime of federal taxes—no income taxes, no Social Security taxes, no estate taxes.”
Despite acknowledging that paying billions in taxes isn’t enjoyable, Buffett emphasized he doesn’t mind writing the check, seeing it as a responsibility to a nation that helped Berkshire flourish.
“It doesn’t bother me in the least to write that check,” he said. “We always hope, at Berkshire, to pay substantial federal income taxes.”
From leaving the corners of your fields to be gleaned by the poor in the Old Testament to direct statements in the New Testament, people of faith are called to care for the poor. Jesus was very direct when he told the rich young ruler to sell all your possessions and give to the poor. Support for the poor does not get any clearer than that.
Another issue is the economic impact of firing people has a far wider range than simply saving the salaries of the people being fired. Each person losing their job effects city, state and federal tax revenues, retail revenues in numerous areas and much more. A more thoughtful strategic plan would see reductions over time and the salaries lost absorbed by the economy. Thus, the human hurt would be lessened.
In my opinion, cuts to research will greatly hinder our development. Our scientific discoveries have been major factors in our economy. China is putting resources into research and it is paying dividends. I do not want to fall farther behind.
In my opinion, taking a chainsaw to foreign aid is not in our best national interest. I know some believe we should not help other countries. I disagree. Not only are the rich called to help others, we need friendships. Russia does it with other dictatorships in Africa and China does it many places around the globe.
In addition, doing humane acts to aid others is loving our neighbors. For example, fighting HIV is a humane act. I am for humane actions for Americans and for our neighbors.
Those Windy Plains. People of Kansas heritage or those who have read The Grapes of Wrath are familiar with the term Dust Bowl. Kansas and other midwestern states have a vivid history of dust storms.
In the 1950s, I can remember a summer trip coming back from Colorado. Our family was in Western Kansa on a two-lane highway. A terrible wind storm created dust so bad you could not see very far.
I have an image ingrained in my aging mind. Dad got behind a semi being driven very slowly. He could just barely see the taillights. He followed for several miles until we reached a safe stopping place. We were blest that no one ran into us and we did not run into anyone or anything.
That experience deepened my emotions for the people in Western Kansas who were involved in a 71-vehicle incident in a blinding dust storm. I am amazed only eight people died.
https://www.kansas.com/news/state/article302141134.html#campaignName=wichita_breaking_newsletter
This and That
An important ratio. During my time without computers, one thought kept coming up in my mind: I should always be more concerned about how I am treating others than how others are treating me. It was a good reminder for me.
What do you think? Recently, on his social media, President Trump quoted Napoleon’s alleged declaration that “He who saves his country does not violate any law.” He followed the quote with a picture of Napolean.
I would be interested in hearing what readers think of the quote.
Just for fun. I do not have many regrets but I thought about three fun ones:
I wish I had stood up straight like mom told me to do.
I wish I had written my name and the source in all my books.
I wish I had written names, dates, and places on the backs of my photographs.
Good News
Courage in a Very Young Boy
‘Don’t Be Afraid’: 3 Year Old Overcomes Fear To Save Great Grandmother’s Life
Heartwarming
A Beloved Doctor Was Denied Cancer Treatment, So His Patients Came To The Rescue
‘I Believe God Made Me Go Back’: Delivery Driver Saves Woman’s Life
Peace
Jerry
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