Author Archives: Joe Benning

Article One, Section 8 of the US Constitution. 

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Joe Benning

“The Congress shall have Power …To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures…”. It seems pretty clear to me that Article 1 Section 8 of the US Constitution (quoted … Continue reading →

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Socialism with an (R)

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Joe Benning

Republicans have a very slim majority in Congress. They are trying to maintain said majority by, among other things, gerrymandering. That effort may be successful in the short run by allowing them to pick up a few more Republican leaning … Continue reading →

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A Day in the Life

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Joe Benning

Where to begin. Perhaps a partial review of what His Majesty Donald J Trump stirred up recently would be a good start. On Tuesday August 12, 2025, His Majesty President Donald Trump said Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon should either … Continue reading →

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The Pyrrhic US Tariff Victory

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Joe Benning

President Donald J Trump and his minions are celebrating the great win they achieved in the trade war they set off.  The win is that, by statute, they raised the average tariff rate the US charges for the importation of … Continue reading →

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Here We Go Again

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Joe Benning

Back a couple of years ago we were treated to the spectacle of CNN (among others) referring to the “mostly peaceful protests”that followed in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis police … Continue reading →

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The Problem with Modern Politics

Posted on May 24, 2025 by Joe Benning

There is a problem with politics (as it is practiced) in virtually all the Western democracies, including the United States. The problem is not that Donald J Trump, the US president, is an idiot—although he is. Nor is the problem … Continue reading →

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The Biggest Lie. Ever.

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Joe Benning

It is by now beyond dispute that Joe Biden’s mental and physical health were in serious decline from the earliest days of his presidency. It was obvious, or should have been, to even the most casual observer. And there were … Continue reading →

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Trouble to Come?

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Joe Benning

Yesterday, the Fed announced a 25 basis point reduction in the Federal Funds rate target. In the event,  the S&P 500 sold off about 3%, while market interest rates spiked upward. Two-year Treasury notes ratcheted up about 12 basis points … Continue reading →

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Violence in America etc

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Joe Benning

Back from Australia where we have been on tour with Road Scholar since November 4, 2024. And a lot has happened since then. A real lot. Some examples:  Donald Trump was unambiguously elected president on November 5. In addition to … Continue reading →

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Fascism etc.

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Joe Benning

It is a time honored quadrennial. In the weeks leading up to the vote for the US Presidency, there is the traditional rending of garments over the mere possibility that a Republican will win the race. At which point Democratic  … Continue reading →

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