Six-Chart Sunday (#45) – Thankful

6 Infographics from the week + 1 Audio (Dana "Perino on Politics" podcast with me!)

I’m stepping back from politics & policy again (holiday weekend tradition) to look on the brighter side. Here’s six things for which I’m thankful (2 minute read).

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1. America’s National Parks. Sure we have problems, but how lucky are we to live in a country with 63 amazing national parks?! Below from Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho.

2. America’s Farmers (and their Incredible Bounty). Thanks to highly-arable land & productive agricultural technologies, food is more plentiful & affordable here than anywhere else. “American consumers spent 6.7% of their expenditures on food in 2022, including food eaten away from home or takeout, the lowest percentage in the world. For comparison, the food share of expenditures is 8.5% in the UK, 16.2% in Brazil and up to 59% in developing countries like Nigeria.” (Farm Bureau, “Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Are Down Again,” Nov. 20, 2024).

3. American Energy Independence. After decades of sending trillions of U.S. dollars to other nations to meet our energy needs (increasing economic & geopolitical vulnerability), America is today energy independent & displacing autocracies. The “U.S. emergence as the dominant oil power has coincided with a period of pronounced climate leadership” as we pursued an “all of the above” energy strategy.

4. American Pensioners More Secure. 2024’s “highest year-to-date equity gains in an election year since 1936 have contributed to the highest solvency measures in over two decades for U.S. corporate defined benefit plans” per Michael Cembalest.

5. American Voters Undaunted, Democracy Undented. Though concerns of impending violence & malfeasance ran high heading into the 2024 elections, we emerged with very few sore losers, no meaningful reports of election fraud or voter suppression and the second highest voter turnout since 1908 (tie). (UF Election Lab). N.B. when the final votes are all tallied 2024 may even exceed 1960.

6. American Election Workers. Sure our military is fearsome, our stock markets dominate & our innovators change the world. But the true arsenal of democracy is comprised of everyday heroes like Lynn Miller, 83, who worked the polls in Santa Fe, NM for 46 years to ensure all Americans got to vote & every vote counted. Miller finally retired this year after seeing 2024 through. (Santa Fe New Mexican)

AUDIO

For those who wanted more politics & policy, the Great Dana Perino had me on her awesome Perino on Politics podcast this week.

Last but not least, thanks to all of you who signed up to receive my weekly Six-Charts and quarterly bigger analyses. I am humbled & gratified by your interest & frequent positive feedback.