Six-Chart Sunday – Easter Follies
6 Infographics + 1 Video (Derek Thompson on "Abundance")
It’s Easter Sunday… Congress is in recess… and it’s my 29th wedding anniversary… so keeping it fast & fun (1 min read).
Global financial markets remain nervous with Trump’s tariff plans despite the 90 day pause. (Best use of this over-played meme in years).
The politics of tariffs remain complicated. In a recent poll 80% say “America would be better off if more people worked in manufacturing”, but only 25% say “I would be better off if I worked in a factory,” and 75% say they’re concerned about tariffs raising prices.
Federal Reserve Chairman Powell voiced concern that tariffs could increase prices and slow growth, potentially setting up a battle with the White House over Fed independence.
The Trump Administration faces more than 200 lawsuits filed to block its actions, with at least 90 rulings pausing White House initiatives, at least temporarily. Trump opponents say this reflects legal & Constitutional overreach by the President, while proponents claim undue judicial interference.
Businesses struggle to figure out how to assess and mitigate risks to globally-integrated supply chains.
Meanwhile Democrats remain bitterly divided over whether to push more progressive policies (and push out older incumbents) or tack back to the center, with progressive leaders Bernie Sanders & Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez barnstorming the nation to large crowds & strong fundraising.
VIDEO
In a parallel universe without massive uncertainty dominating headlines and roiling markets, everyone would be discussing the big ideas advanced by Derek Thompson & Ezra Klein in their new book, Abundance. We discussed this week:
Upcoming live event: NHL Playoffs… Let’s Go Caps!
Ever worked in a factory? I have. I also have a PhD in economics. I paid for it IN FULL. by working SUMMERS in the factory. I worked on Detroit assembly line and in a parts depot for Chrysler.
The pay was rockin' back in 1968-70.
I would choose a factory over Mc Donalds for pay
I would choose factory over McDonalds for equal pay.
Factories have a bad Rep for reasons I do not know.
and factory work has become more upscale.
Conclusion:
People are biased and stupid.
Would you like fries with that conclusion?
"Meanwhile Democrats remain bitterly divided over whether to push more progressive policies..." Their policies aren't progressive. They're destructive. Pretend you were playing aboard game and actually wanted to win. You'd NEVER execute most of their playbook. By centrist policies, do you mean protect worker and food safety? Prevent child exploitation? Limit pollution? Protect green spaces? I do miss the Democrat Party of old. The "progressive" (really, regressive) agenda has become a weirdo platform for fetishism. I like my Drag Queens in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, not in my Kindergartner's classroom, thank you very much.