Just want to catch up a bit, taking a brief, respectful look at the current events of the week that was. Let\u2019s face it; it\u2019s hard to watch the news these days; there\u2019s too much bias, too much sensationalism and too much disrespect. Hence, we\u2019ll take a look, tee it up and keep it brief\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tariffs\u2026<\/strong> For decades, Donald Trump has supported tariffs as a means of boosting the U.S. economy. Now that he\u2019s President, this week he announced their widespread implementation. It\u2019s a risky economic strategy \u2014 including a 10% universal tariff across all imports in addition to targeted, retaliatory tariffs \u2014 but risky in that other countries have a say in what happens next. Do they respond with higher tariffs making all goods more expensive? Or do the tariffs create increased leverage for the U.S. in trade negotiations going forward?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s more to this than trade deficits. As Forbes <\/em>headlined, \u201cThere\u2019s more to it than most understand.\u201d Forbes <\/em>acknowledges that the national debt has expanded \u201cas the trade deficit expands to a near-record level.\u201d Also relevant is that in the year ahead, the U.S. will face a significant challenge with our debt, with approximately $9.2 trillion in debt maturing. While the Intramuralist concedes to being a part of Forbes\u2019<\/em> \u201cmost,\u201d there is thought that the leverage may be helpful in negotiating the refinancing necessary in early 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will this work? Respected economists disagree; it matters how other countries respond and how long the tariffs are in place. It\u2019s too simplistic to craft either a pro\/anti perspective based on how we feel about Trump. If the strategy sets off a trade war, that will hurt everyone. The reality is that we will have to wait until after the immediate to assess the long term impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The track meet\u2026 <\/strong>Memorial High School junior Austin Metcalf and Centennial High School junior Karmelo Anthony were competing in a morning track meet in Frisco, Texas. It was raining, and Anthony had thus taken cover under the other team\u2019s canopy. A witness told police that Metcalf told Anthony to move. They argued. Anthony reportedly said, \u201cTouch me and see what happens.\u201d Metcalf touched him. The argument rapidly escalated. Metcalf touched him again, presumably more aggressively, and Anthony pulled a knife out of his bag, fatally stabbing Metcalf in the chest. Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder, with bond set at $1 million. According to an arrest report, he said, \u201cI was protecting myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the days since, there has been much conversation, noting too, that they were students of varied race \u2026 How does this happen? \u2026 Can it be self-defense? \u2026 Can we please not politicize it? \u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We politicize way too many things. The bottom line is this is sad. Two young men have had their lives forever altered in awful ways. God be with them and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And lastly today\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who are talking now\u2026 <\/strong>Promotions began for three soon-to-be-released books by journalists, detailing the Biden presidency. As Politico\u2019s Playbook<\/em> opined, \u201cThe race to shape Joe Biden\u2019s legacy is on.\u201d The books include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insights and excerpts were released last week, with Biden\u2019s mental decline a paramount part of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key, though, is when these journalists knew what\u2026 Have they held this perspective before now? \u2026 Were they transparent about it on air, in their interviews and editorials? \u2026 Did they withhold information from us previously because it didn\u2019t fit a desired narrative or outcome?\u2026 <\/em>We want our reporters to be credible; we want to be able to believe what they say. No matter the station. No matter the circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All for now. Just being brief. And respectful always, too, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Just want to catch up a bit, taking a brief, respectful look at the current events of the week that was. Let\u2019s face it; it\u2019s hard to watch the news these days; there\u2019s too much bias, too much sensationalism and too much disrespect. Hence, we\u2019ll take a look, tee it up and keep it brief\u2026 … <\/p>\n\n
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