Wednesday, November 27, 2024

My Two Cents Worth…The Thanksgiving Edition

 

It’s been almost two months since my last “Two Cents Worth” ramble.  I’ve written posts related to health, hurricanes, the wisdom of Thomas Sowell and, of course, THE election…you know the one to end all elections.  But now it’s once again time for a little stream-of-consciousness.

 

_The economy was already improving, albeit slowly, before the election.  With the election over, it’s accelerated.  Some of it perhaps resulting from the outcome.  But as much or more from just being done with the whole mess; definitely something for which we should all be thankful.

 

_Add Wal-Mart to the growing list of corporations scaling back on DEI initiatives.  The move away from DEI was well underway before the election.  But the results of the election amplified the message to companies that many of us, perhaps most of us, are just interested in buying their products and services… without the far-left gift wrapping.  So, I am thankful that companies have come to their senses and are stepping back from identity politics.  But at the same time, I sincerely hope they will continue to offer meaningful job opportunities and career advancement without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age or any of the stuff that does not nor should not matter.

 

_The Yellowstone saga has returned and frankly seems a bit worn and past its due date.  I’ll watch it, but with regret that it didn’t end sooner with the original cast still intact (spoiler alert).  On the other hand, Landman is a winner.  Billy Bob Thornton is great, but the real star of the show is Texas, more specifically West and North Texas.  I am thankful that I was born and raised here; and had the chance to see a little bit of it before it got paved over.  God Bless Texas.

 

_Our hot and dry Fall weather is predicted to continue through the Winter.  That being the case we are in for an ugly wildfire season which could well begin before the end of this year.  I am thankful that we got a little rain a couple of weeks ago and I am even more thankful that we have some pretty good firefighters around these parts.

 

_I think, I hope, that Trump’s tariff threats are just deal-making moves.  I expect he will impose some tariffs just to make a point, or where the trade being conducted is clearly unfair and not in our best interest.  But he realizes that the tariff actions he took during his first term had a negative impact on our economy.  And right now, with low unemployment and inflation still a concern, the last thing we need are tariffs that would increase consumer prices. We’re simply not in position to meet consumer demand with domestic production.  Rebuilding our manufacturing base will take years.  In the meantime, we need global supply to meet U.S. demand.  And we should all be thankful that Malcolm McLean invented modern intermodal containerized shipping back in the day.

 

_Most important, I am thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness… and sacrifice.  In this Thanksgiving season I will leave you with this from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica:

 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18



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