Super Bowl week

Ever wonder...

When billionaires die, who inherits their senators? Worth way more than cash, I bet.

"If you're not successful...

don't bother to come back alive." George C. Scott in the movie Patton.

Shortly after, his aide comes to him and very politely says, "Sometimes the men don't know when you're kidding or you're serious," and Patton says in response, "It's not important for them to know. It's important for me to know."

Ideological or Transactional?

Among the hundreds of orders and actions already initiated by the Trump Administration two lead the way in terms of controversy. Deportation, of course. The Dems/Red State Govs think they can score some points here.

And...Tariffs.

Many (most?) economists, even apolitical ones, regard tariffs as a massive no no. Claim they not only injure American relationships abroad, they interfere with free market capitalism and the free flow of capital to the most efficient sources of supply.

The conundrum facing Congress, economists and the Stock Market is what does Trump really think (or plan). Remember...it's not important Libs or LSM know what he's thinking. It's important that he knows what he's thinking.

The unanswered question is ideology versus leverage. Does Trump really believe tariffs are the way to do business or just the stick to get other concessions?

Trump talks up tariffs in several ways:

• Other nations, including allies, continue to treat America unfairly.

• When our goods and services are uncompetitive because poverty level wages and government subsidies create unfair advantage and we lose jobs when capital flows elsewhere.

• We suffer excessive trade and fiscal deficits because our exports are penalized abroad and cheap imports cannibalize our home markets.

Now, in theory, which is where most economists live, lower cost competition from abroad should inspire US manufacturers to become more efficient. Problem is the solution. They shift manufacturing to third world platforms.

Trump, as is well chronicled, started off by signaling that "all" countries are on the radar when he chose Mexico and Canada to go first. Both countries threatened retaliation, but within hours capitulated (see next topic). Both have offered fig leaves in return for a pause.

Trump will likely use tariffs or the threat thereof in several ways:

1. Exact concessions on unrelated key issues like border security and fentanyl.

2. Level the playing fields where real trade inequities exist. I heard Canada won't allow US banks to do business in their county? Hell, one of my two investment managers works at Royal Bank of Canada.

3. Protect key US industries like steel, energy, etc.

   
   

There's another angle to this immensely complex issue. Vacuums. If US goods are not competitively available, allies may be forced to go elsewhere to meet demand. Like China.

Regardless, Trump ain't playing. Read my lips...Trump is not an ideologue. He's a cold calculating, hard playing pragmatist - with guts to do the things that make other leaders cower.

No surprise. Mexico Melts. Canada Capitulates

Mexico agrees to deploy 10,000 troops to US border in exchange for tariff pause. Trump admin officials are working with Mexico on a wider deal.

"I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country," Trump wrote.

"We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, with high-level Representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a 'deal' between our two Countries," he added.

After I've Got Nothing to Lose Cause They're Kicking Me to the Curb Pierre Trudeau - promised Canadian retaliation, he swallowed his words 24 hours later. Canada too is sending 10,000 troops to police the border and other concessions in return for its pause.

So far Xi's lackies are holding the line and saying Fentanyl is our problem. "China firmly deplores and opposes this move (increase in tariffs) and will take necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests," the Foreign Ministry said. "China’s position is firm and consistent. Trade and tariff wars have no winners."

Wanna bet how long that last? I'm bettin' XI blinks before The Donald.

Reconciliation is Huge

The executive orders (lots anyway) are written. Most of the nominees will get through. The next hurdle is funding. To do ALL that Trump promises requires moola.

The reconciliations bill(s) are key. We have a razor thin margin in the House, and we sure can't rely on 60 votes in the Senate to secure legislation. Gonna be interesting - very interesting. In order for this all to pay off and prove the point, it needs to get implemented and stay in place long enough. That means bucks - big bucks.

Guidance from new DOD head

"Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department's warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.

Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.

Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos. We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics." Oorah!

Quote from Pete Hegseth (Oorah was from me)

By the way...Recruitment per day reached a 12-year high in December. Hegseth Effect.

Ever Wonder

How a new administration with brand new ICE director was able to martial forces and round up thousands of illegals hours after they took office? Amazing. Maybe not. It was because the US government knew exactly where these murderers, rapists, drug dealers were ALL ALONG. And yet they did little to apprehend. Instead they offered ignorance, denial, impediment and obfuscation.

Gravy Train Derailed

Funding for the USAID agency was frozen and the Director locked out. This boondoggle (US Agency for International Development: Budget $40-50 billion) was created by executive order from JFK. Its goal was to spread American influence around the world through graft. To buy other nation's fealty. In fairness, it was intended to be a bulwark against communism, not just do nice things.

Elon (via his minions) started leafing through some of the initiatives on which this agency is spending your money and he puked. Planting Trans flags in Africa. Millions to advance DEI in the Serbian workplace. A DEI musical in Ireland. A transgender opera in Columbia. A transgender comic book in Peru. Flying Gay Pride flags outside the Vatican, even sending $$$ to leftwing NGOs backed by George Soros and socialist countries like Zimbabwe. Sheet you not. One report claims USAID has sent $9.3 billion to terrorist countries that have killed 3,000 American soldiers.

USAID is just one of the many corrupt agencies (In US and abroad) Trump intends to put out of business. Agencies where unelected bureaucrats use taxpayer money to further their own ends in terms of political power and jobs down the road. Disgusting.

Dems, of course, called the USAID comeuppance a "tragedy". Good causes would surely suffer they cry. Further, they object on the basis Elon is not authorized by Congress or even a member of government. So what did Trump do, after he fired the Director of US AID? He put Marco in as Acting Director. Boom.

Dems Are Not Sitting Still

In case you think the Libs are just wringing their hands and doing nothing, you're wrong. They've already taken BOLD steps to revamp their leadership, after their latest switch out (Harris for Biden) came up a cropper.

In a moment of breathtaking inspiration they appointed Ken Martin as head of the DNC. Ken was the leader of the democratic party in Minnesota. Yup, the same Minnesota that gave you "the Coach", Timmy Waltz, who's now complaining the Harris campaign didn't use him correctly. Yeah, that's a great idea, cut ole Tim loose. So far Martin has done little except proclaim the Democratic party is "doing fine". This is the same DNC that was in a quagmire a few months ago because it couldn't find enough non-binary, non-gender candidates to fill out their executive board as mandated by their bylaws.

But here's the real stroke of genius. Guess who's Martin's #2. David Hogg, former student at Marjory Stoneman HS, who turned activist and, by virtue of his rants against guns, got into Harvard with 1270 SATs. This is the guy who advised his cohorts they should stop talking about defunding the police because, "it doesn't play well". Hogg is on record as never wanting kids because he would rather own a Porsche, a Portuguese water dog and a golden doodle. He went on to say - long term, they're cheaper and better for the environment (than having kids).

This dude also apologized for calling Abraham Lincoln a good President. Said he was wrong because he found out that Honest Abe committed atrocities against indigenous peoples.

And these clowns think this character is going to resonate well with working class, church going voters with loving families. Go figure.

Sounds Dumb

If it's true that no flights can land after 10 pm at Reagan International, why are military training flights not scheduled from 11 pm on?

Taking security away from Mike Pompeo. I though Pompeo did a damn good job. More importantly, if the Iranians put a sniper bullet in him for whacking Khomeini, Trump's gonna have hell to pay. On the other hand, taking it away from John Bolton sits fine with me.

Compassion (Rush Limbaugh)

"Liberals measure compassion by how many people are given welfare. Conservatives measure compassion by how many people no longer need it."

Similarly...

"In a country of children where the option is Santa Claus or going to work, who wins?"

Did You Know?

Going through the Canal cuts 27 days off shipping time when compared to around the Horn. Can't let the ChiComs shut that down.

Qatar donates $1 billion to US colleges. Think they have a plan?

On top of All This...

We are going to annex Greenland & the Canal, make Canada the 51st state and take over Gaza. Wow. Pays to think Big.

Even Iranians Quaking

Trump's message to the Iranians seemingly got their attention. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that "If the main issue is ensuring that Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons, this is achievable and not a difficult matter." Oh really? All of a sudden.

Maybe it was when DJT said, if you whack me, it will mean total obliteration.

Hat in Hand

Newsom comes to White House after 12,000 homes destroyed in Wildfire State.

The governor traveled east a day after California lawmakers approved $25 million in legal funding proposed by the Democratic governor to challenge actions by the Trump administration. And the legislature also allocated another $25 million for legal groups to defend undocumented immigrants facing possible deportation by new Trump administration efforts.

I know what I'd do.

Really. Two more Years?

Moscow Mitch falls again.

Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., fell on a small set of stairs on Wednesday as he was exiting the Senate chamber after a confirmation vote for Housing and Urban Development secretary nominee Scott Turner.  This is about the 5th time. And on top, he voted against Pete Hegseth. He's known for frozen moments. Too bad he didn't have one when it was his turn to vote.

The Republican Biden.