Your post this morning has served as a great pep talk for me personally,Kareem. It is hard to keep fighting the idiocracy, but your reminder of my favorite movie of all time gives me the boost I need. I've lived with Chance's "philosophy" since I first saw the brilliant film in the 70's.
So glad you are keeping on keeping on as you celebrate another birthday. Many Happy Returns!
Yes, Katharine, we do. A few years ago, whenever I visited my grandkids, I chose to drive them to school. Was my chance to bond, but to instill the values of voting and the Civil Rights Era. Never knowing, they would see it firsthand, besides having received “The Talk”.
Just reading this on Wednesday morning, my dear. I find myself so busy keeping up with the current unraveling of everything we worked for that I have to ration myself. Your grands are lucky to have you.
Your premise is 100% correct in your analysis of cherry-picking economic statistics and political polls to make the administration look good, and I commend you for highlighting this fact!
To strengthen your argument, note that despite the administration's claim that inflation isn't an issue, the U.S. CPI indicates food prices have increased by +2.7% year-over-year, with food-away-from-home rising even more at +3.8%.
Interestingly, the administration often cites egg prices, which have dropped 57% year-over-year, averaging $2.35 per dozen compared to $5.47 a year ago. Alternatively, we could mention that the average ground beef price is now $6.70 per pound, up from $5.79 a year ago, representing a 15.7% increase.
That proves you are 100% correct. Using the big-picture framework, in which all prices are rising rather than declining, is the honest way to assess the state of inflation, but those who wish to tell an incomplete story will always cherry-pick! If any of your readers want to dig deeper into the big picture on inflation, they can read one of my previous Substack articles on the topic.
Yes, Kareem, “Network” could have been filmed this morning. That drew a chuckle from me, except that California’s governor race has me plentifully annoyed. Voiced my concerns to Swalwell and Newsom. CA is a beacon, home and abroad, and we are at a crossroad of a floundering electorate. Early voting starts May 05. This for sure, if Gavin hands CA to MAGA, his potential presidential run is nil. “Mistakes in judgment” for sure. Will Rogers said, “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment”. Seemingly, both politicians remain in the bad judgment phase.
I’m quite amused by the fact that American Christian Nazis and their Israeli brethren are expecting this war to manifest their respective Messiahs, I expect someone’s going to be disappointed.
Great analysis of the need to actually participate in democracy. Thanks for breaking down the California gubernatorial race. The fine points of jungle race has eluded the national news coverage .
Having just heard a report on the use of AI to target the school in Iran in which our country killed over 100 school girls, the robots still scare me.
Dionne Warwick , a favorite of mine since childhood ( Say a little prayer for me , especially ) was so beautiful in the video you linked. Her voice so young and pure; what a treat!
I really enjoyed our piece on the majority that shows up. It addresses the problem in this country of a large % of citizens not showing up. I've voted since I turned 18. I've always viewed it as a right and my civic duty. Thank you for stating it so clearly.
The mess with the upcoming election in California is emblematic of the problem with the DNC nationally. It's also why we have Trump instead of a Dem President: the Dems just couldn't say no to "Jill and Joe," even though EVERYONE -- including Jill and Joe -- knew Joe was so impaired he couldn't win AND Joe's ego won out over his concern for the rest of America. I fully expect to not only see a RINO (=MAGA) Governor in California but a RINO President in 2028. Hope I'm wrong!
Kareem wrote: "What I do know is that the scoreboard eventually catches up to everyone. The game tape shows exactly what’s happening on the floor" and 'The polls are just there to tell the rest of us how long it’ll take for the “prophets” to realize the show is finally over.'"
That's the truth, Ruth! However, there are three lies: white lies, damn lies and statistics (polls included). Kareem mentioned "stat padding" - the main reason I don't rely on polls or statistics. Yes, they're good analytic tools, but not the "gospel". I always look at who conducted the polls, and what their interests/affiliations lie, then take into account that most people don't answer polls questions with 100% honesty. It's kind of like the Neilsen TV ratings where people claimed to be watching PBS and other "educational" programming, but in reality were watching "The Real Housewives of (fill-in the blank). In this case the "game tape" were the "people meters" (a device that monitored who is watching what within a household). There were also paper diaries (in some instances) the household kept which almost never matched what the people meter said they were watching. So, my message is that statistics and polls are a good analytic tool, but should be used with caution and also in conjunction with other means of acquiring empirical data. The ultimate proof will be at the voting booths, and the resulting tallies. Remember, that Harris was crushing Trump in many polls, and we all know how that one ended. Don't need a scoreboard, and the game tape makes me cringe.
Dionne Warwick: my so-called mother worked at a restaurant on Long Island, and one day Dionne showed up with her posse for some dinner. One of them left a bag of weed in a knapsack at the tables where they were sitting. My alleged mother found the bag and returned it to the owner. I'm surprised she didn't try to sell it...yes, she was that bad. A veritable "Mommy Dearest" indeed.
All those basketball analogies are remarkedly apt, Kareem, and only you could write them! Your wide ranges of knowledge, and opinion, are rare and much appreciated! We hope your recent birthday was wonderful.
Dear Democrats, vitriol is not a substitute for policy. We've all seen Dems shoot yourself in the foot campaign culture. Big ego never translates into responsible public service. Spare us the self-serving drama, the spats with competitors, the negative ads, the predictable deflections.
I want to know your plans to support proven early childhood programs, expedite plans to build affordable housing throughout the state, address chronic absenteeism in public schools, bring healthy food for affordable prices to the many food deserts in our state, evaluate how to sustain public transit and transportation infrastructure, protect rural health services, grow the professional ranks of health care workers, and so on. And, educate yourselves on the politics of water. Without an agreement with our regional state government partners, the federal government will have the authority to determine what happens with the Colorado River water. Stop bickering like tween brats; start working on solutions. Otherwise, you are not electable. The field includes two plain speaking Republicans who, if elected, may take unpopular measures to execute their policies. At the end of the day, the ordinary working guy won't care about the means when he sees his life improving.
Whoa! Just found out that Dave Mason (Traffic) passed. Sad day.
The weird thing is that I've been jamming his version of "Feelin' Alright" the past month or so. The version is from the Troubadour Club in West Hollywood 1971. While there's little guitar work on this recording, the keyboards are incredible...just a simple jam, but with some funk. I've been having fun transposing the keyboards to guitar the past few weeks, so this passing is kind of spooky for me.
'Every time a moderate, thoughtful person decides they’ve had enough and hits “mute” on the civic conversation, they are effectively giving their proxy to someone who is likely less moderate and less thoughtful.'
One of the things I love about Australian democracy is that voting is compulsory - all eligible citizens must be registered to vote and all must vote in every Local, State and Federal election or risk being fined ( I have been fined once because I forgot an election was on...)
While this sometimes feels like an imposition it does mean that our democracy is not hostage to special interest groups int he ways that American democracy seems to be. Polls may show a lift in support for fringe parties like One Nation but when the entire electorate turns out they underperform.
If you Americans are ever to regain a true democracy you need to find a away to make voting compulsory.
You sparked my interest on voter turnout. The overall turnout of eligible voters in the 2024 general election was 63.7%.This was lower than the 2020 record of 66.6% but higher than every other election year since at least 2004. And there were 20 million registered voters that did not participate. “Just Do You Job” America!!
And Thanks for providing us with another gift of your talents.
Totally agree on the robot race. “Kiplimo’s record tells us what a human being can do. The machine’s time tells us what an engineer can build.”
And your comment on “if it is true” is a great reminder as we move forward into the Age of AI, we must remain/become skeptical of everything. Unless it is in front of you, question its validity. And maybe even when is in front of You!!
And your opening statement on a Government for those that participate, a good reminder to Vote and get involved on all levels where it affects Your Life.
Your post this morning has served as a great pep talk for me personally,Kareem. It is hard to keep fighting the idiocracy, but your reminder of my favorite movie of all time gives me the boost I need. I've lived with Chance's "philosophy" since I first saw the brilliant film in the 70's.
So glad you are keeping on keeping on as you celebrate another birthday. Many Happy Returns!
Thanks for the reminder re: Kareem’s birthday. You stay on track. Agree with your note above.
Lovely to hear from you, too. We old folks have some wisdom to impart, eh?
Yes, Katharine, we do. A few years ago, whenever I visited my grandkids, I chose to drive them to school. Was my chance to bond, but to instill the values of voting and the Civil Rights Era. Never knowing, they would see it firsthand, besides having received “The Talk”.
Just reading this on Wednesday morning, my dear. I find myself so busy keeping up with the current unraveling of everything we worked for that I have to ration myself. Your grands are lucky to have you.
No problem, it was a late response to your note. Out and about on yesterday. Sometimes, I just miss stuff. Keep “rationing”.😂❤️
Kareem
Your premise is 100% correct in your analysis of cherry-picking economic statistics and political polls to make the administration look good, and I commend you for highlighting this fact!
To strengthen your argument, note that despite the administration's claim that inflation isn't an issue, the U.S. CPI indicates food prices have increased by +2.7% year-over-year, with food-away-from-home rising even more at +3.8%.
Interestingly, the administration often cites egg prices, which have dropped 57% year-over-year, averaging $2.35 per dozen compared to $5.47 a year ago. Alternatively, we could mention that the average ground beef price is now $6.70 per pound, up from $5.79 a year ago, representing a 15.7% increase.
That proves you are 100% correct. Using the big-picture framework, in which all prices are rising rather than declining, is the honest way to assess the state of inflation, but those who wish to tell an incomplete story will always cherry-pick! If any of your readers want to dig deeper into the big picture on inflation, they can read one of my previous Substack articles on the topic.
https://thepeopleseconomist.substack.com/p/has-the-us-iran-war-put-upward-pressure
Yes, Kareem, “Network” could have been filmed this morning. That drew a chuckle from me, except that California’s governor race has me plentifully annoyed. Voiced my concerns to Swalwell and Newsom. CA is a beacon, home and abroad, and we are at a crossroad of a floundering electorate. Early voting starts May 05. This for sure, if Gavin hands CA to MAGA, his potential presidential run is nil. “Mistakes in judgment” for sure. Will Rogers said, “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment”. Seemingly, both politicians remain in the bad judgment phase.
HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY, KAREEM🎉🎈🎊❤️
I’m quite amused by the fact that American Christian Nazis and their Israeli brethren are expecting this war to manifest their respective Messiahs, I expect someone’s going to be disappointed.
Happy belated birthday Kareem.
Great analysis of the need to actually participate in democracy. Thanks for breaking down the California gubernatorial race. The fine points of jungle race has eluded the national news coverage .
Having just heard a report on the use of AI to target the school in Iran in which our country killed over 100 school girls, the robots still scare me.
Dionne Warwick , a favorite of mine since childhood ( Say a little prayer for me , especially ) was so beautiful in the video you linked. Her voice so young and pure; what a treat!
I really enjoyed our piece on the majority that shows up. It addresses the problem in this country of a large % of citizens not showing up. I've voted since I turned 18. I've always viewed it as a right and my civic duty. Thank you for stating it so clearly.
The mess with the upcoming election in California is emblematic of the problem with the DNC nationally. It's also why we have Trump instead of a Dem President: the Dems just couldn't say no to "Jill and Joe," even though EVERYONE -- including Jill and Joe -- knew Joe was so impaired he couldn't win AND Joe's ego won out over his concern for the rest of America. I fully expect to not only see a RINO (=MAGA) Governor in California but a RINO President in 2028. Hope I'm wrong!
Thanks for the freebie, Kareem.
Kareem wrote: "What I do know is that the scoreboard eventually catches up to everyone. The game tape shows exactly what’s happening on the floor" and 'The polls are just there to tell the rest of us how long it’ll take for the “prophets” to realize the show is finally over.'"
That's the truth, Ruth! However, there are three lies: white lies, damn lies and statistics (polls included). Kareem mentioned "stat padding" - the main reason I don't rely on polls or statistics. Yes, they're good analytic tools, but not the "gospel". I always look at who conducted the polls, and what their interests/affiliations lie, then take into account that most people don't answer polls questions with 100% honesty. It's kind of like the Neilsen TV ratings where people claimed to be watching PBS and other "educational" programming, but in reality were watching "The Real Housewives of (fill-in the blank). In this case the "game tape" were the "people meters" (a device that monitored who is watching what within a household). There were also paper diaries (in some instances) the household kept which almost never matched what the people meter said they were watching. So, my message is that statistics and polls are a good analytic tool, but should be used with caution and also in conjunction with other means of acquiring empirical data. The ultimate proof will be at the voting booths, and the resulting tallies. Remember, that Harris was crushing Trump in many polls, and we all know how that one ended. Don't need a scoreboard, and the game tape makes me cringe.
Dionne Warwick: my so-called mother worked at a restaurant on Long Island, and one day Dionne showed up with her posse for some dinner. One of them left a bag of weed in a knapsack at the tables where they were sitting. My alleged mother found the bag and returned it to the owner. I'm surprised she didn't try to sell it...yes, she was that bad. A veritable "Mommy Dearest" indeed.
All those basketball analogies are remarkedly apt, Kareem, and only you could write them! Your wide ranges of knowledge, and opinion, are rare and much appreciated! We hope your recent birthday was wonderful.
Some post debate thoughts...
Dear Democrats, vitriol is not a substitute for policy. We've all seen Dems shoot yourself in the foot campaign culture. Big ego never translates into responsible public service. Spare us the self-serving drama, the spats with competitors, the negative ads, the predictable deflections.
I want to know your plans to support proven early childhood programs, expedite plans to build affordable housing throughout the state, address chronic absenteeism in public schools, bring healthy food for affordable prices to the many food deserts in our state, evaluate how to sustain public transit and transportation infrastructure, protect rural health services, grow the professional ranks of health care workers, and so on. And, educate yourselves on the politics of water. Without an agreement with our regional state government partners, the federal government will have the authority to determine what happens with the Colorado River water. Stop bickering like tween brats; start working on solutions. Otherwise, you are not electable. The field includes two plain speaking Republicans who, if elected, may take unpopular measures to execute their policies. At the end of the day, the ordinary working guy won't care about the means when he sees his life improving.
Whoa! Just found out that Dave Mason (Traffic) passed. Sad day.
The weird thing is that I've been jamming his version of "Feelin' Alright" the past month or so. The version is from the Troubadour Club in West Hollywood 1971. While there's little guitar work on this recording, the keyboards are incredible...just a simple jam, but with some funk. I've been having fun transposing the keyboards to guitar the past few weeks, so this passing is kind of spooky for me.
Kareem! How about that one for your jukebox?
Going to stop now and grab my guitar.
"Network" tried to warn us...
'Every time a moderate, thoughtful person decides they’ve had enough and hits “mute” on the civic conversation, they are effectively giving their proxy to someone who is likely less moderate and less thoughtful.'
One of the things I love about Australian democracy is that voting is compulsory - all eligible citizens must be registered to vote and all must vote in every Local, State and Federal election or risk being fined ( I have been fined once because I forgot an election was on...)
While this sometimes feels like an imposition it does mean that our democracy is not hostage to special interest groups int he ways that American democracy seems to be. Polls may show a lift in support for fringe parties like One Nation but when the entire electorate turns out they underperform.
If you Americans are ever to regain a true democracy you need to find a away to make voting compulsory.
love the "democracy is a heavy stone" metaphor
You sparked my interest on voter turnout. The overall turnout of eligible voters in the 2024 general election was 63.7%.This was lower than the 2020 record of 66.6% but higher than every other election year since at least 2004. And there were 20 million registered voters that did not participate. “Just Do You Job” America!!
Happy Belated Birthday Kareem!! Many more Sir.
And Thanks for providing us with another gift of your talents.
Totally agree on the robot race. “Kiplimo’s record tells us what a human being can do. The machine’s time tells us what an engineer can build.”
And your comment on “if it is true” is a great reminder as we move forward into the Age of AI, we must remain/become skeptical of everything. Unless it is in front of you, question its validity. And maybe even when is in front of You!!
And your opening statement on a Government for those that participate, a good reminder to Vote and get involved on all levels where it affects Your Life.
Regards 🎂 and Appreciation, Steve