Beachcombing

Recently I learned about a city in California that has $4 billion in annual revenues and $6 billion in expenses. Even worse, this has been going on for years and the debt has grown to $36 billion, meaning that it is paying interest just under $1 billion annually.

How would you go about solving this problem? I’d start by firing the mayor and city council, then look for ways to cut expenses and maybe sell some unneeded assets.

This is really not about a California city. It is the U.S. Government and the billions are actually trillions of dollars.

The mayor (read that president) was fired. His successor has wisely selected the richest citizen on earth to repair the damage as a “senior advisor.”

Trump and Musk are taking necessary, positive steps toward reducing the expenses and waste, as would most intelligent managers running a large institution.

The liberal “tax and spend” elected officials are outraged, but those of us being saddled with the debt are pleased that the problem is finally being addressed.

Some of Trump’s actions are very unpopular, such as pardoning those who assaulted police in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021 and ending birthright citizenship for babies born to illegal immigrants.

On the other hand, he is being praised for common sense actions like closing the borders, deporting those here illegally, restoring the death penalty, recognizing only two sexes, restoring history, banning transgender males in women’s sports and much more.

Trump is a showman. I call his latest TV show “Beat the Press,” wherein favorable media coverage rewards participants by attending pop-up press conferences in the Oval Office. He loves dropping news bombs that get media and public attention. Much of it (Panama Canal and Greenland acquisition or Canada statehood) is designed to test reaction.

Banning paper straws was a good idea. Perhaps he’ll follow up by requiring that misbehaving school children get spanked or even expelled. It’s time for the United States to stop spending more on education per child while running last academically, compared to 40 other countries.

In stark contrast to the last four years, the next four should be marvelous with the return of common sense.

Donna shared a heartwarming lawyer story:

One afternoon a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.

He asked one man, “Why are you eating grass?” “We don’t have any money for food,” the poor man replied. “We have to eat grass.”

“Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I’ll feed you,” the lawyer said. “But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there eating grass under that tree.” “Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.

Turning to the second poor man he stated, “You may come with us, also.” The other man, in a pitiful voice, then said, “But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!” “Bring them all as well,” the lawyer answered.

They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine. Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said “Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.”

The lawyer replied, “Glad to do it. You’ll really love my place. The grass is almost a foot high.”

Come on, did you really think there was such a thing as a heartwarming lawyer story? Look at Congress – over 300 lawyers!

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