$30 Billion to farmers but its not socialism

 As the economy continues it's downward slide and trump tariffs becoming a reality, American farmers are set to get $30 billion of taxpayer money to bail them out. Now I'm all for supporting farmers but it seems that many farmers tend to vote republican and yet it is the democrats that often approve this help for them. Between trump tariffs and trump's immigration policy, which is wiping out their workforce, one would think it is time for a change in the way farmers think. But whatever you do, don't call the bailouts socialism. More to come on this as Congress deals with the budget and the farm bill. 

Disturbing Trends

 As we close out February 2025 there has been a huge uptick in two disturbing tends. One is obviously the amount of layoffs and firings happening across the country and the other is the government stopping investigations. Whether it be the SEC or CFPB, the government is pulling back on investigations of wrongdoing and letting corporations off the hook. 

Stock market drops another 200 points.

Americans filing for unemployment hits a 3 month high as of last week however more layoffs continue to be announced. Lyondell Basell Industries laying off 86% of workforce at Houston refinery. Pepsi laying off 300 workers in a town of only 10,000 people. Southwest Airlines cutting 15%, the first time in company history they are laying off people. As previously announced META cutting 5%; Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins cutting 10%; Estee Lauder cutting 7,000 jobs, Salesforce cutting 1,000. Denny's closing more locations.

Steve Madden shoes announces plans to increase prices. This after toy company Mattel previous announced price increases on Barbie and Hot Wheels. 

Job Cuts and more

 More and more companies are cutting jobs as the U.S. economy continues in free fall. Estee Lauder announced 7,000 job cuts and even Walmart is cutting hundreds of jobs. Goodyear also announced 850 jobs being cut. Along with government employees the unemployment rate is going to skyrocket! The only thing going down these days is the stock market. 

As egg prices, gas prices, lumber prices, home prices and other goods and services soar the U.S. trade deficit hits it's second highest level EVER under trump. 

China is "secretly" building the 'world's largest underwater drone' with torpedo tubes. 

Trump continues his rebuilding of the world, now wanting the U.S. to control, develop and own Gaza. Previously his company announced new housing deals in Saudi Arabia. But what about Idaho or Nebraska? 

Headlines of the day Feb. 4th

Secretary of State Rubio and trump are excited about an offer from El Salvador to jail U.S. criminals including U.S. citizens. Trump actually said from the White House "we can leave them there" as in a United States citizen would be left in another country forever. 

So instead of building strong prisons here in America and creating American jobs, trump would rather pay a "small fee" to another country to keep Americans in prison or just leave them there homeless. 

Military housing costs are skyrocketing according to s report from NBC News.

Iran building North Korean designed missile to strike Europe. 

Musk claims to have "deleted" IRS Easy Filings which allowed Americans to file taxes online for Free! Good job Elon, the people are really going to love this. 

NFL Socialism

 It's remarkable that so many people are upset that a professional sports league tried to make a few extra bucks by putting a playoff football game on a paid streaming service. People are so used to the NFL Socialism that's been given to them on network tv they became outraged and rather unhinged to have to pay for a game, one game. Anyway here's to you Kansas City. MO for not giving up on another socialist gift! 

Anyone there?

 Are there any Americans left in the Republican party? Need 5-10 reps in Congress to stand up for America and say vote in a reasonable Republican Speaker or say hello to Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. That group would hold more power than any of these crazies that are stalling everything. Congress needs to get back to work! 

We the People

 I read on X/Twitter today a Republican person saying that the Republicans cannot govern. This is true. They do not want to govern because they do not believe in government. Trump was the epitome of this message. Regardless the Republicans belong as the minority keeping check on the Democrats. The Democrats need to be the adults in the room and work with the Republicans on key issues, whether that be taxes, the border and so on. The key is having a party in control that can keep control of the institutions and guide the country. Both parties have good ideas and if they could only work together instead of acting like enemies the whole country would be so much better off. I understand it's wishful thinking but the people can decide. The people have the power to come together and force action when there is none. It's up to We the People.

Bob

a moderate Democrat from Texas