Miscellany

Incapacity to Serve: A clear and present danger has existed for nearly the full 4 years of the trump administration. I have been reporting this for at least two years. Why has action not been taken? The  federal government has safeguards for this. They need to be taken immediately to preserve and protect both the US Constitution and the American People. Now.

Debate Value: In a divisive and uncivil mood, debates are food fights and unwatchable. Republican candidates appear to be the major contributor to this behavior. Because substantive discussion and debate of the issues is not possible under these conditions, all debates in the current election cycle should be eliminated. Period.

Timing of Aid: When COVID first struck and caused massive unemployment (remember 40 million?), Congress acted quickly and sent stimulus checks to nearly everyone. They also added $600 per week to the normal unemployment compensation. They also boosted aid to the healthcare system and provided enormous aid to small businesses. That aid was soon consumed although we later learned larger businesses received unintended assistance from this program and pushed smaller businesses out of the picture. Congress soon enacted another aid package to address small businesses again.

The Federal Reserve also enacted several actions to boost the economy just when it needed it.

All in all, $4 trillion of aid was rushed to American citizens and businesses. The crisis has not disappeared but elections loom large. Because of that alone, Congress has been unable to push forth another much needed aid package. Individuals, small businesses, and some industries need this aid. Now.

Also in need: all levels of local and regional governments. They are suffering massive revenue shortfalls plus increased costs due to COVID. Without federal aid these government units will institute massive employee furloughs and job eliminations.

Still, Congress fiddles while the nation burns.

October 10, 2020