The Angry Bear

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Wanna know why nobody wants to cut defense spending? It’s because defense dollars are spread all over the country. There’s a military installation in every state. Many companies have contracts with the DoD. So any discussion of cuts ends up with folks saying “don’t cut our piece, cut their piece.” No Congressman wants their piece […] The post Cutting defense spending appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Housing construction declines further into recessionary territory  – by New Deal democrat As promised, economic data resumed this morning, and with it my extended posts. First, the usual point that housing is a very important and leading sector of the economy, typically turning down more than a year before a recession begins. And with higher […] The post Declining Housing Construction appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Incidence of bird flu in humans, though still low, is rising. “Regular” seasonal flu is now being classified as the worst in 15 years with more US hospitalizations for flu than for COVID. So far this year 68 kids have died of seasonal flu, and the US is on track to exceed last year’s children’s […] The post Making America Infected Again appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]“Before President Donald Trump started mass layoffs of federal workers, he demonized them, arguing, despite evidence to the contrary, that most never went into the office. “As he moved to cut foreign aid, he and Elon Musk alleged widespread waste and abuse, although they offered little evidence to back up their claims and may simply […] The post They’re coming for Social Security appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Some thoughts. If inflation is increasing at a lower rate than previously, the higher rate for previous years have set a higher level. There by, if salary increase is based upon the new lower inflation rate it will not equal or surpass the cost level already incurred. Indeed, unless costs stagnant or decrease, salary increases […] The post Wages Have Not Caught Up with Previous Inflation appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Though you’re gentle, or you’re kind. It don’t think ’bout folks behind . . . (miriam berg’s folksong collection). Neither does Trump pay much mind if you are Democrat or Republican, poor or rich, black or white . . . You are laid off or fired regardless. I guess you have to learn the hard […] The post Cannon ball don’t pay no mind . . . appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]This has been taking shape for a while now. The either-or threat is coming soon enough. The wrong president is in place to contend with this. Otherwise, the president would be demanding Musk stop. Instead, the president is in support of Musk. Just waiting . . . Where is Congress and the Supreme Court? How […] The post Silence of the Lambs . . . Congress appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Data drought continues  – by New Deal democrat There is no new significant economic data today, and I am on the road. Meaningful reporting should resume tomorrow with housing permits, starts, and construction. In the meantime, here is a look at a high frequency series I keep track of: Redbook retail sales, for the past […] The post Economic Data appeared first on Angry Bear.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Many moderate and liberal Democrats believe the party should sideline progressive advocacy groups.  The groups sometimes make extreme and unpopular demands that damage the Democrats’ brand and prevent needed compromise.  It appears to me that some critics would be happy kicking the groups to the curb.  I largely agree with the diagnosis (see here, for […] The post Do Democrats and progressives need a marriage counselor or a...

[unable to retrieve full-text content]I would expect no less . . . The Swiss city of Geneva is planning to pay CHF10 million (One CHF (Swiss Franc) = $1.11 US Dollar) of NGO worker wages following the United States decision to freeze humanitarian aid for 90 days. I guess the Swiss are telling the US to pound sand. I […] The post Geneva plans to pay NGO wages after US foreign aid freeze appeared first on Angry Bear.