Democracy

 

This essay has to do with three articles found in the June 8, 2025 edition of The New York Times.  The articles are titled "Money Problems"; "On the Right Side of a Vast Gap, It Pays to Be the Boss.";  and "Long-Term Care Questions?  Here's What to Know."  The themes of these articles are about today’s democracy.

In the first article, a fact "The central indictment of capitalism has remained remarkably consistent that it is soulless, exploitative ,inequitable, unstable and destructive, yet also all conquering and overwhelming."  That quote suggests that capitalism aside from being dominant has been a major and significant  problem for man  as well.  The article pointed out that capitalism is always in crisis and requires the state to step in and save the capitalistic system from dissent and disintegration.

Another quote by an economic anthropologist  "Free markets were such a stark utopia that they required a strong state to lay the ground rules.  They are also so disruptive that societies spontaneously try to reassert some order in response.’And,  John Maynard.  Keynes maintained that the state could get an economy out of a slump by spending money to stimulate demand. And finally, a 19th century Scottish essayist thought that democracy was hopeless and evinced utter contempt for the multitude.

Adam Smith and Jefferson  both feared democracy because of  the ability of the masses to make decisions that would be counterproductive. of the wealthy.  In essence they were afraid of majority rule affecting  WASP wealth.  I agree , in the sense that  the majority is not always right as in the 2024 presidential election.  Today’s democracy is associated with alienation,discrimination, exploitation, sadism and  ineptitude.  

Trump was right when he said the system was rigged and there's a swamp in Washington.  However, he's an  excellent example of the problem.  This second article provided an example of the compensation filings for CEOs and how they pertain to employee wages.  For example, Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir Technologies or a firm that has been in the news for helping the Trump administration collect and compile personal information on millions of Americans. The company disclosed that Karp received $6.8 billion in actual  compensation  paid in 2024.  CEO compensation actually paid is one of the two major ways of accounting for chief executive pay required under the Dodd -Frank Wall Street Reform and consumer protection act of 2010.

Government regulators required that compensation actually paid be included universally in corporate filings and that rule is likely to be slashed by the Trump administration and overturned .  Another example of overvalued compensation was paid to Peter Gassner of Veeva Systems. Peter had a total compensation of $172.4 million, nearly all from stock options and awards.  The median employee at that company earned $137,866.  In essence, it would take a worker at that company 1251 years to earn what that CEO did in 2024. Actually that CEOs salary was $475,000 but his take-home pay was in the millions ..

Of course, major  companies would like to hide the actual compensation paid to their CEOs from their employees.  Back in the 80s, Peter F.  Drucker said it felt right. when CEOs received 10 to 12 times what their workers earned.  Gassner’s  pay ratio was 1251.  CEO’s  compensation is  disgusting and it's not a surprise that so many in this country are pissed off and alienated with their stagnant compensation and desire for change . Trump’s not the remedy .

A pertinent example of  discrimination ,inequality,and exploitation is associated with the third article . It dealt with a major health and wellness problem affecting millions of  Americans currently and in the years ahead.  The demand for long-term care assistance  is rising while the worker  supply is decreasing.  On the demand-side we have an aging population, which suggests that those turning 80 have greater odds of needing care.  The US Census Bureau forecasts that the number of people 85 and older will nearly double by 2035 to 11.8 million people and nearly triple by 2062 to 19 million.

There's a shortage of workers in the field.  Those working have a median wage of about $16.72 per hour.  Also, immigrants make up 28% of the long-term care workforce.  And Trump is deporting these workers. 

The price of some long-term care services rose as much as 10% more than triple the 2.9% general rate of inflation in 2024.  Long-term care refers to help with daily living for people who are frail or disabled- bathing, dressing, using the toilet, preparing meals, shopping, walking and taking medications.  Unfortunately, 23% of all adults and 45% of those age 65 or older incorrectly believe that Medicare will cover their time in a nursing home if they have a long-term illness or disability.

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, concluded that about 1/5 of retirees will require no long-term care support; 20% are likely to experience a severe need ; 25% will have low and 37% will have moderate needs.  The monthly  median cost for assisted living communities nationally was $5900 per month; in-homemaker services cost $6292 per month and a private nursing home  annual cost  of $10,646. The cost of assisted living , nursing home care and homemaker services all jumped roughly 10% in 2024

The administration's crackdown of immigrant workers is likely to accelerate costs further and harm the quality of care.

Demand for workers is expected to be strong in the years ahead and residential care providers are expected to have 817,000 new jobs by 2032 for direct roles.  According to federal employment projections, this is the most new positions of any job category across the US economy.  It stated that we simply were not going to have enough people to take care of everyone.

Trump’s Congress is also planning funding cuts for Medicaid, which covers 61% of all long-term care.  There is also confusion over what Medicare and Medicaid cover  Medicare generally covers up to hundred days after hospitalization in the skilled nursing facility.  Medicaid covers long-term care services over a longer period of time either in an institutional or home setting, but only for people with very low income and assets.  Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care . It covers nursing home service and care in homes .  Insurance companies had been selling long-term care insurance policies since the early 1980s. 35 years ago there were more than 125 insurance companies to choose from.but now there might be a dozen options.

Insurance companies require the customers to pass a medical exam to qualify for the commercial policies.  Horrible news for older consumers who are likely to have disqualifying conditions.  Self-funding or how much money to set aside is another issue.  In essence, most people turn to informal care from family members or friends.  64% of caregiving hours are provided by children, spouses , relatives or non-relatives, but that also has financial consequences for the caregiver. 56  percent of people who provide  for someone's long-term care cut back on spending, food, clothing or other basic needs. one third have trouble paying the rent or utility bills. Time away from work translates with lower career earnings ,fewer Social Security benefits and lower levels of savings.

Are  Trump voters just stupid or happy with his support for a CEO to receive billions in one year ; collect your personal information; cut Medicaid aid and round up immigrants' that provide health care aid ? The stress  from Trump and his sycophants are toxic and are consequential to our republic’s mental and physical illness ..

PS

 Not a surprise as there is a pause in deportation  for farms, hotels and eateries but not for health . Capitalism prevails

Anxiety 2

 

Last week's essay began with Heidegger's quote that anxiety is the source of everything plus a few examples of fear and anxiety present in our civilization. This essay addresses the consequences of anxiety as it relates to hostility . Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease . Typically, it’s about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.  A similar term tension is defined as a mind that is affected by stress or tension, cannot think as clearly and is a synonym for  anxiety.  

Dealing with the ongoing presence of  anxiety affects everyone. Anxiety ,tension and/or fear acts as a motivating force.  And anxiety results in the individual enacting defenses against that  unpleasantness. Nature with its  hurricanes, floods , fire etc.  provide  conditions that give rise to fear and anxiety and it’s an external danger. Also,  individual concerns and social relationships relating to suppression, exploitation, abuse ,frustration also cause fear and anxiety. And lastly, with society, the dangers of religion, economics, politics also occur . 

A brief  description of anxiety follows  If an individual has a weapon like a gun or avoided running on the trails because of possibly interacting with a mountain lion or rattlesnake that would be an example of anxiety. And it is subjective . However, on one trail running  occasion,I encountered a lioness and her two cubs.  I immediately froze because I was fearful. I had a water bottle but no gun . In other words,  my fears were objective and "real" 

On the other hand, anxiety can be reacting to an imaginary danger , a particular person or participating in a certain activity or if undertaking that certain action becomes a strain , fatigue and/or exhaustion  interferes with performance. For instance , when an athlete chokes by not making that basket it’s anxiety related. That choking example  spoils the pleasure one would've had if he had made the basket.

Anxiety can also be hidden behind feelings of physical discomfort, rational and / or irrational fears.  Many examples are when individuals abuse alcohol, drugs, and food, essentially submerging  themselves to avoid feelings of unpleasantness.  Also, people engage  in many distractions  or social activities because of fear of being alone. And, also when people compulsively engage in work, doing mindless repetition activities, puzzles, cards, sports, etc.for a defense ,a distraction , are ways to consciously or unconsciously  cope, deny or “avoid” anxiety. 

Other defenses associated with escaping anxiety are an inordinate need for sleep, sexual activities which serve as a safety valve  attempting to cope with uneasiness,restlessness and irritability especially if there's no chance for sexual satisfaction.  Further, people also avoid situations which might arouse anxiety and/or they can procrastinate.  I recently suggested to a cousin of mine to get a medical  evaluation because of his posture.  He told me he didn't want to do it because he was afraid of the answer he would receive.  Also, people pretend not to like a certain activity which really means they want to avoid that anxiety provoking situation.

Most people have difficulty in understanding the importance of anxiety in their life. The dreaded feeling of anxiety can be tormenting ,unbearable that underlies a feeling of helplessness.  Sometimes that helplessness is countered by one exhibiting drive to overcome that helplessness through acts of power, being a master, being in control which are essentially means evoked to escape that anxiety.  In essence those who have a tendency to control are compensating for their feelings of insecurity and helplessness that was established long ago.

Individuals also often rationalize by attempting to turn their anxiety into a rational fear.  For example, one might be afraid to counter a Trump policy or executive order which is really based upon some other fear or insecurity. However, that individual uses that excuse that they can't criticize because Trump will be angry and retaliate.

Our society ,because it's composed of people, generates a great deal of anxiety.  However, despite the prevalence of experiencing anxiety.many people deny it by excluding it from consciousness.  Yet, the following often occurs, such as shivering, sweating, accelerated heartbeat, choking sensations, frequent urges to urinate, diarrhea , vomiting, and restlessness which are associated with being anxious.

In essence, anxiety is related to helplessness ,danger, feeling defenseless and not being in control.  This helplessness has been magnified by intrapsychic factors  that occurred a long time ago such as  but not limited to the birth trauma ,separation anxiety and Oedipal issues .

One motivating  component of anxiety are impulses which have the power to provoke the anxiety. That impulse could be sexual and/or aggressive which can attack or hurt another human or animal.  However,  many situations in which impulses or behavior to  hurt or harm  occur and when they are not  overtly expressed are called  repression. 

Repressing a hostile impulse means that one is pretending that everything is alright and  avoiding  the fight when ,instead,one ought to  stand up and express the displeasure .Not only that ,the person is not consciously aware of his hostility especially those of a pre oedipal nature  .Often  hostility  in effect,  becomes  expressed explosively and  the disruption occurs at various  situations with another individual but  not necessarily early on with the parent or caretaker. Those disruptions become intensified from outside sources and is one way for the person to get rid of that dangerous effect from within.

When one's  repressed  unconscious hostile impulses are directed toward another that is called projection.  Projecting that  hostile impulse to the outside world means that the other person or persons become endowed with the same ruthlessness, anger, hate, hostility, bitterness of that individual. This projection serves as a self-justification.  It is not himself who wants to cheat ,steal, exploit, humiliate, but it's the other who wants to do such things to him. 

Recently there were two Israeli murders in Washington DC and 15  Jewish peaceful demonstrators attacked in Colorado.  Incorporating man's nature of helplessness and anxiety with  hate, jealousy, paranoia, hostility,repression and projection provides an understanding of the motivation  attributed  to those two perpetrators . 

Initially, man is born helpless and dependent. Man’s helplessness is exacerbated by anxiety from a whole host of biological and society situations and events.  

A brief supposition follows. More than likely, these two individuals were reared with a heavy  ratio of negative events -anxiety producing situations affecting their development.  On the  one hand,they  repressed their anger and hostility ,as in temper tantrums ,toward the caretakers yet on the other hand, the caretakers reinforced that hostility when it was expressed toward an infidel or enemy.  This suggests , psychologically, they had an inordinate amount of anger  repression during their childhood. Their repressed  hostility is associated with feelings of low self-esteem, helplessness, insecurity, dependency, inadequacy, anger and self hatred . This dynamic  of a heavy ratio of unfulfilled needs and reinforced expression of hate and hostility toward an enemy results in the development of mistrust and permission to hate. It was also reinforced by an identification and orientation within their group membership with its primitive supernatural beliefs and superstitions.. 

During their  development, additional factors within this complex of hate contributed to developing delusions of persecution , jealousy and irrational thinking that formed their attitude and beliefs.  They believed they understood, they knew , even when they did not, but used logical reasoning to justify their irrational crazy thinking.and behavior.  Delusional beliefs persisted even though factual social reality contradicted it.  This belief did not depend upon objective evidence, but group identification and justification.

With the buildup of anxiety , hostility, rage and hate , resulted in a discharge when those impulses could no longer be repressed regardless of eventual punishment.  These individuals carried  an  emotional  hypersensitivity as related to others within an emotional  atmosphere of misunderstanding,distrust ,suspiciousness, uneasiness and resentment .

Being angry, hateful ,resentful and suspicious , they lived with the expectation that someone  would sadistically belittle or attack them just as they felt belittled and attacked while in their own childhood.  With their hateful, hostile aggression.,these individuals appear to be both angry and innocent,and all that is evil and contemptible is denied and projected. To others they seemed normal.

With that being said, those feelings were  projected onto those peaceful and innocent Jews . They believed that those Jews  harbored despicable, aggressive feelings toward them. Their horrible act was not revenge . These  Jews, in no way attacked or wished harm  on these two individuals. In reality , these Jews were innocent individuals in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were Jewish victims of hate.They were scapegoated. These despicable acts were not revenge but simply an irrational projection and acting out of  hostile paranoid and destructive impulses  Likely , these two perpetrators have an expectation of receiving some reward in the here and now, and/or their  after life.

 

Reference

Cameron, Norman .  Personality Development and Psychopathology  .  A Dynamic Approach

Horney, Karen.  The Neurotic Personality of Our Time

Anxiety 1

 

Heidegger believed that "anxiety" was at the source of everything.  Freud ,Horney and others have explored the relationship, the association and the significance of anxiety as related to mental illness. Furthermore, individual experiences, societal conditions and nature are all associated with both fear and anxiety. In other words ,fear and anxiety are constantly experienced . The following articles of the May 18, 2025 The New York Times provide few examples of anxiety and fear conditions affecting Homo sapiens.

Charles Darwin wrote about the survival of the fittest However, I suggest that Homo sapiens survival is significantly related to how  effectively man deals and addresses anxiety and fear  For starters, Freud and Rank described the trauma occurring at birth.  That fetus developed, for the most part, in the comfort and bliss within the womb, but that was severed with  an overwhelming amount of stimuli that occurred during the birth separation . The initial response of the newborn is crying, not smiling . This birth is a unique experience causing tremendous homeostasis  disruption. In fact, Freud called this event the prototype of  all anxiety.  And of course, throughout rearing that newborn has a multitude of positive and negative disruptions affecting his psychological state.  Hopefully, tranquility without anxiety or tension can occur in the safety of the caretaker while the baby is held, fed, diapered, rocked,  sang to  and during  bladder and bowel movements . In other words, the pleasure -pain ratio of well-being and comfort to anxiety and tension can be positive, neutral or negative.

During development that baby interacts with a variety of actors in a multitude of settings within the family.  Then the life space expands to school, neighborhood and so forth.  Depending upon the occurrence of congenital conditions, parental stress, socioeconomic , political issues and conflicts and/or  the ravages of nature affect bliss or anxiety in every individual.  In other words, one's body, cultural conditions and ravages of nature affect homeostasis within the body, resulting in fear which is real or anxiety which is subjective based on one’s perception and reinforcement history.

The occurrence of anxiety and fear events in society are as follows: The first article was titled War Filled Indian Media With Fevered Falsehoods.  The article exposed the preposterous attacks on Pakistan that didn't occur.  For example, news reports suggested that the Indian military  had struck a Pakistan nuclear base, downed two Pakistani fighter jets and blasted part of Pakistan's Karachi port, the country's oil and trade lifeline.  Although this information was very specific, none of it was true.  This information, falsehoods, half-truths, misleading video footage and speeches were manipulated by artificial intelligence  and were part of social media.  In fact, some of the  fearful and anxiety  producing falsehoods made their way into mainstream media as well .

These lying  news reports reported there were radiation leaks, detailed maps where the strike had been, and  the Indian Navy attacking was circulated.  However, none of this occurred.  In fact, one example of devastation had been visuals from Gaza..All this breaking news and manipulation results in fear, and anxiety within the Indian  country , Pakistan and India have nuclear weapons.  The presumption of subjective experience of anxiety is easy to manipulate which suggests that credible and reliable  news information is under attack.

The second article titled Russian Soldiers Want to Press on, Lest All  the Sacrifices Be in Vain.  In this article Russian soldiers were interviewed  from different units in various areas . They spoke with deep bitterness about their country's officials and civilians.  They accused these people of benefiting from the war while ignoring front line hardships.  In fact, one person from a paramilitary unit stated .  "A million angry killers is a pretty serious problem if they will view our rulers as men who were not on their side."  In fact, some of the soldiers accused their country's military command and businessmen of opposing a peace deal because they are benefiting from the wartime public spending boom.  We know that with  repressed emotion  like anger , anxiety and fear can be found.  A million angry, anxious individuals with guns sounds scary and terrifying.

The third article was titled Introducing Malcolm X to a New Generation.  This article was about the KKK and the Black Legion terrifying the  Malcolm X family  in Omaha  with his  pregnant mother . At that time his parents were followers of the Jamaican activist.  Marcus Garvey The family continued to be hounded by the Ku Klux Klan.  A quote … leave the bathroom light on all night  as that can deter would-be burglars.  Another example  of fear and anxiety was when  Malcolm's foster parents  spoke horribly about black people in front of  Malcolm. They used the “ N” word in his presence. In other words, these are just a few examples pertaining to anxiety and fear in one's life cycle in our society.  

The Science Friction article was related to the ideology of a technological salvation.  Elon Musk predicted that millions of earthlings will be living on Mars in 20 years. “We must preserve the light of consciousness by becoming a space faring civilization and extending life to other planets.’

Will AI save us or will it result in destruction ?  Will AI allow us to eliminate poverty and disease and  allow us to live as long as we want?  Will AI reduce the complex problems of the world by its  technology?  Will AI save humanity from a threat that doesn't exist aiming at a utopia that will never come?

A few problems related to living on the red planet and surviving are as follows: 1. Toxic dust exposure to Martian air will boil the saliva off your tongue before affixation  2  Transporting astronauts and construction materials there 3.  People living in bunkers would have to be pretty small and  require regular shipments of food and water from Earth.4.  Even the air.on Mars cost money.  How does that sound and who would benefit?

Will the AI alignment.and the prospect of these machines taking our jobs  be good?  Sam Altman, the CEO of Open I, proposed that the company capture the wealth created by AI and ameliorate the socioeconomic fallout by redistributing part of the wealth to the public.  Sounds like trickle down economics  to me.. Musk called empathy a threat to humanity.  Well we all know who's going to benefit from AI and not likely the masses . Does AI increase anxiety and fear or reduce it? 

The fourth story called Chips Ahoy relates to the CEO.  Jensen Huang of Nvidia. Huang’s company makes microchips that power AI systems like Chat GPT.  At one time ,his company was the hottest investment on Wall Street and then a competitor rose to the scene. 

This man immigrated to the United States from Thailand at the age of 10.  His management style is raging,and yelling, however his friends, from his personal life, said they  never witnessed any blowups. In any event, technical achievements by him and his gang have now  pulled ahead of the competition.  When asked about how AI will change humanity  and will AI lift us up or destroy us ?  He replied I feel like you're interviewing Elon right now and I'm just not that guy.  In other words, no one knows whether or not he's an opposite to Musk or a lesser kinder, less evil version.  However, don't forget he does have a financial interest in Ai and certainly knows personally about fear and anxiety especially when his company took a hit in the stock market.

Last article  was titled For Trump, Adulation And No Risk of Protests pertained to his Middle East trip.  There, he received standing ovations  announcing the lifting of Syrian  sanctions, while taking home, investment, pledges of billions of dollars in American goods and services as he was awarded in ,one country, their highest civilian honor.

According to Trump "The last four days have been really amazing.” and then added, looking ruefully.  "Probably going back to Washington DC tomorrow."  “  The respect shown to our country was incredible, nobody’s treated like that . Nobody’s treated well like that. “ He had escorts of fighter jets, extravagant welcoming ceremonies, red  and lavender carpets, horses, chandler's, camels, sword dancers as well as an image of the American flag- all for him.  Yet, in spite of this Trump spoke to his insecurity about receiving status- self esteem  as he added ,”Whoever becomes president after him would get credit for the deals once they reach fruition. "I will be sitting home, who the hell knows where I’ll be and  say I did that .Somebody's going to be taking credit for this.  You remember.., this guy did it."  In essence, we see Trump experience pleasure on one hand and the anxiety and tension that he carries around with him in spite of being the most powerful person on the planet."

In summary, the prevalence  of anxiety in our civilization  is inordinate and which it’s impossible to escape. Next week’s  post will follow and will address the implications of anxiety pertaining to all humans .

How Sweet It Is

 

Last Wednesday Linda and I sojourned to Southern California to meet our cousins.  Mom, the second oldest, was followed by Lillian.  Aunt Lil married uncle Harry and they had Robert, Richard and Shelly.  Richard married Judy and Shelly married Avi.

The characters. 

Aunt Lil was organized, controlling and "proper."  In fact, their residence on Northlawn Avenue had a special living room.  All the seating furniture was covered in plastic and off-limits, except on mystical occasions.  On the other hand, uncle Harry was an outgoing prankster.  I remember being in the den and on a few Friday evenings watching boxing.  Uncle Harry stood near the TV and shadow boxed during the fighting.  What a special memory !  The highlight's also  occurred at the Whittier theater located on Jefferson Avenue adjacent to Belle Isle and in walking distance to Saunders.  There's only one Saunders and  many imitators-their hot fudge sundae was supreme.

Attending the theater in those days was a treat because of the two featured films, cartoons, and the  world wide news.  Uncle Harry would provide us with a large cardboard box filled with popcorn.  I remember John Wayne,Kirk Douglas ,Errol Flynn, and of course my favorite Maureen O'Hara.  Those were the days.  Originally Belle Isle was called Hog Island because the hogs killed all the rattlesnakes that infected the island.  Belle Isle was the scene of  being at the zoo feeding the  elephants peanuts and horses pulling us around the trails in "chariots."

Richard became an attorney and worked in commercial real estate and told us Italian Mafia stories.  In fact, he is still working half-time and is the second oldest in the 150 employee  company.  Richard brings up memories of my pleasantly warm, loving mother and my intelligent father along with sword fighting in our basement with shields and swords. He said this is the last chapter 

Judy, although a Trump voter, is outgoing, pleasant and a real honest people pleaser.  She originally was a teacher with an MA in guidance and counseling ,and for the last 30 years or so, she sold residential real estate. They just celebrated their 60th anniversary. 

Judy talked about losses.  She's lost two sisters and both a son and brother in law.  Recently.  Judy's older sister Harriet was a family law attorney and a bigwig in the GOP.  Her husband Norm was a neurosurgeon.  In fact, I sent Norm my neck x-rays for a second opinion and talked with him about Linda's shunt procedure.  One highlight for Judy was her involvement in Margie's adoption.  Margie and Barry adopted a 14 month old child from Russia.  Judy accompanied Margie on the second visit and immediately bonded with Hannah on that trip some 22 years ago.

In the past 10 years we've had many cousin reunions that have been coordinated by Judy,Shelly and my sister Bev.  We would spend time at a resort on Lake Michigan and  in the Detroit area, Judy and Richard would  be the host at their residence. I have fond memories of all those reunions, especially when we attended football games at the Big House.

Shelly, another University of Michigan graduate has been involved in Israeli Arab relations for years; an excellent folk dancer and past president of the University of Michigan alumni in Orange County.  She also sold residential real estate until she retired.  On one occasion Linda and I, Shelly and Avi spent time in Cabo San Lucas.  I also took Shelly on her one and only Harley Davidson motorcycle ride when I resided in the Bay Area.

Avi is an Israeli who lived on a kibbutz.  While living in Israel,  he used to travel through Gaza for swimming.  However, that stopped when the "Palestinians" began attacking the Israelis going to the beach.   Avi received his veterinary training in Canada and then migrated to the United States.  He's very concerned about the political dysfunctioning going on in Israel today. They relocated to Irvine about 20 some years ago.

We had lively  and beautiful discussions of our families  past, and present, movies, music while dining at the following eateries: 1.  Cal Pizza Kitchen 2 Sherman Library and Gardens 3.  Pacific Catch 4.  Benji's New York deli and 5 Irvine grill.  We also visited the Bowers Museum and saw the World of the Terracotta Warriors.

 Every morning Linda and I would have breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to the exercise room.  I would spend time on the treadmill, the rowing machine and the  universal weight machine while Linda focused on the exercise bike.  On our way to and from , Linda and I cruised  and  I decided  not to go over 110 mph.  The ride  is smooth and it's difficult to know or realize that we were traveling that fast. Unfortunately, the time quickly passed on our family reunion.

Stories

 

Chapter 1 in 21 Lessons for the 21st Century written by Yuval Noah Harari is titled Disillusionment. This chapter begins with three stories.  The first is the fascist story . This story represents the world dominated by one  Aryan human group that violently subdues all others and refers to the enemy or opposition as vermin. The story reached its peak in the second world war and was based on nationalism, racism, hatred,  sadomasochism ,destruction ,control and power. The enemy is all others that do not submit or obey the rule of white supremacy ..

The second story depicted a struggle among different socio-economic classes with the idea that the world  becomes united only within a centralized social system. This system is  based on equality but not  freedom. Then ,the communist story changed  in the late 1980s. However, with Putin  the story that's taking hold again is nationalistic  fascism.  There's major resistance to immigration ;trade agreements ; undermining the independence of the judiciary system;eliminating the freedom of the press; respecting  boundaries; against LGTBQ, and  political  opposition is treason without due process 

There are different , new types of illiberal democracies and outright dictatorships.  For example, Russia is represented by a political practice in which a number of oligarchs monopolize most of the wealth and power. They  then use the control of the media to hide their activities and establish the rules . And,with government control of the media , it prevents citizens from realizing the truth.  Under Putin there is  endemic corruption, malfunctioning services, no rule of law and staggering inequality. Russia is the most unequal country in the world . 87% of wealth is  concentrated in the hands of the richest 10% of people

Then, there is the liberal story.  This story represents a struggle between a world of liberty , a world in which all humans cooperate freely ,peacefully with minimum central control but, saly with  inequality.  In this story, freedom,democracy,  educational opportunity, political rights, economic mobility, personal liberties and unrestricted movement of individuals' is permitted although freedom has taken hold, by a slow  step-by-step. Further, liberty has gained ground for  some individuals to overcome economic restrictions.  People learn to think for themselves ,being able to vote , not blindly obeying bigoted clergy ,, social media, political propaganda and lies . Moreover, establishing free markets is necessary to overcome poverty, violence and oppression. In other words, globalization  produces peace and prosperity for all.

Turning to Nationalism which is as old as the history of man. For instance, Islam attracts many that are born under that orientation and follow the one  religion  as in other regimes like India, Poland and Turkey . For instance,the Islamist’s want to recreate the system established by Mohamed in the city of Mecca 1,400 years ago. 

Fundamentalist Jews ,in Israel , think about returning 2,500 years to biblical times.  Members of the ruling coalition of government talk openly about the hope of expanding modern Israeli borders to match closely those of biblical Israel. This would reinstate biblical law and even rebuild the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem in place of the Al aqsa mosque . 

The  novel Chosen by Chaim Potok provides one example of Orthodox thinking and behavior . In the story, Reuven is supposed to follow  in the footsteps of his  Hasidic rabbi father. His father believed that the creation of Israel will and should come  only with the arrival of a  prophet . He was  against the 1948 Israelis fighting for their independence. Reuven has a friend whose father is fighting in support of the fight for Israeli independence.  At one point, Reuven's father prohibits his son from speaking to his friend because of the views of Danny's father.

Turning to “today,” Harari recognizes the disillusionment and the irrelevance facing many .  He pointed to the global financial crisis of 2008 that turned everything upside down ; the 2016 Brexit vote in Britain and the rise of Donald Trump in the United States.  He said many saw the liberal vision as either undesirable and/or unattainable.  There were others that didn’t want to give up the racial, national, and gendered privileges . They were also against  liberalization and globalization . They believed that they were huge rackets empowering only a tiny elite .In other words, the system is rigged. 

 Harari  wrote that Trump falsely warned voters in 2016 that the Mexicans and Chinese would take their jobs and they should build a wall on the Mexican border.  He stated that Trump and Brexit were supported by many people who still enjoyed political power but who feared they were losing their  socio-economic worth.  He added that Trump's main message was that it is not America's job to formulate and promote any global vision whatsoever. And,conveyed  that immigration is a no, no with a fear based threat. He added that Trump  said it was only him that could promote free markets in the US while he would undermine free trade on the global level  Also  ,Trump bragged and sounded the alarm for American isolationism with the promise to make America great again .That message goes back to 1987 when Trump spent almost $100,000 in Newspaper ads promoting how our country was being duped by other countries and we should make them pay for our protecting them which would  then reduce our deficits and result in lower taxes.  

Another theme in this chapter was the rise of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and that this technological disruption was not even a leading item in the political arena.  He also mentioned that Trump never warned voters that algorithms would take their jobs.  Harari  added that  politicians do not fully understand what's coming and that it will disrupt things in so many ways with unintended consequences . He also said that liberalism has no obvious  answers to the biggest problems which are the  ecological collapse and technological disruption . And, that economic growth will not save the global ecosystem because economic growth is the cause of the ecological crisis . In essence, economic growth will not solve technological disruption because it’s predicated on the invention of more and more disruptive technologies.

In 1995 Ted Kkaczynski, the Unabomber, wrote a  provocative treatise titled "Industrial Society and Its Future"  found in The New York Times 3/30/ 2025 . A few related quotes : 1.  Paragraph 173.  If the machines are permitted to make all their own decisions, we can't make any conjectures as to the results, because it is impossible to guess how such machines might behave.  2.  Paragraph 92.  Thus, science marches on blindly without regard to the real welfare of the human race, or to any other standard, obedient only to the psychological needs of the scientist and of the government officials and corporation executives who provide the funds for research.  3. Paragraph 1. Technological advancement since the Industrial Revolution has made life unsettling, led to widespread psychological suffering and inflicted severe damage on the natural world, and think.  4.  Paragraph 156 New technology tends to change society in such a way that it becomes difficult or impossible for any individual to function without using that technology.  5.  Paragraph 174.  Human work will no longer be necessary and the masses will be superfluous.  In essence, society was wrong; you can't get rid of the bad parts of technology, and retain only the good parts and  human existence will be ruled by a system that humans do not control

Is fundamental religion, nationalism  and facism the answer for the future ; a nihilist movement of disillusionment with anger about the future or a humanistic , democratic optimistic  one ?  Add, the reality of AI,big data algorithms and bioengineering  which will affect jobs as the tech evolution might soon push billions of humans out of the job market and create a new “useless" class.”Also, there is another important existential crisis facing the world today.,and perhaps a fourth and  related story .According to  paleontologist  Henry Gee ,we are  approaching  and headed  in the direction of the extinction of our species. Remember,  history  is repetitive ..

Economics

 

Again, my portfolio took a loss.  Perhaps an April 27, 2025 article titled Bracing for a Self Inflicted Economic Storm found  in the New York Times provides an explanation for my economic loss.  The article in question had to do with the economy , tariffs and stock markets facing disruptions from the White House with the  potentially dire consequences.

In the article, the writer wrote that a president's interest is to ensure that the economy and the stock market are strong.  Generally speaking, that has been the case.  Is this president interested in a strong economy for all or for himself , family and the billionaires ?  Since he's a narcissist and motivated for accruing power and money,  his primary tendency is  not  for the welfare of all. In fact, he despises and hates the poor .They are unworthy, lazy  and need to be exploited.

Tariffs, especially the trade war with China, attacking the Fed chair Jerome H.  Paul,  weakening important governmental agencies , defunding and attacking universities , disregarding judicial rulings all affect the US dollar and Treasury  bonds.  It's statistically clear that damage is being done to the United States as well as countries around the world because  these policies and actions are self-inflicted by Trump and his cronies.

The  negative economic  effects pertaining to tariffs are related and affect  the price of oil.  According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics “ When we have oil price disruption negatively that leads to recessions,.”Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers stated that with recessions and inflation, a shock of this magnitude is something every government, especially the United States, is trying to resist.  it's hard to imagine being something that anyone would willingly embrace."  I agree, especially when we have a rational and humanistic leader in the White House.

Stagflation, a combination of high inflation and slow growth, are related to  Trump’s inept tariff policy.  The International Monetary Fund “Trumps initiated tariffs would slow economic growth around the world as well as the United States. Tariffs are really attacks on consumers. “ In fact, these tariffs are going to increase the price for the average household and  there would be around  770,000 fewer jobs.  With fewer jobs and fewer massive container ships plummeted to about a third this past month coming into the United States ports like the Port of Los Angeles..This becomes supply chain disruptions

For example, it takes 20 to 40 days for container ships to travel across the Pacific Ocean and then another one to 10 days for Chinese goods to make their way by train or truck to various cities around the country.  Already, the purchase of heavy trucks have fallen sharply, suggesting the companies in the logistics industry expect to be moving fewer goods.  On top of that, Trump said,”Well maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30,you know?” Words from an evil felon . ...

The quid pro quo president claims that the countries around the world are engaging in negotiations and that trade talks have been satisfactory.  Initially, China reported that there had been no talks between the two countries.  However, recently the 90 day pause related to China has resulted in positive increases in the Dow Jones.

US bonds had  been steady yet the markets are in a quandary because the president is breaking with decisions and decades of tradition, economic teaching  with his uncertainty and flip-flopping.  However, tariffs with specificity to protect national security make sense.  However, imposing high tariffs indiscriminately all over the world is unwise and stupid  Furthermore, CEOs and others have warned the president that the tariff policies hurt them significantly.  They can't plan and they're worried about receiving shipments of goods and supplies .

It was pointed out that within a presidential election  cycle  and  victory, it's better to have that recession early in that first year because then there's time for recovery.  However, even if Trump were to abandon all tariffs, which  at the moment there is no sign of that happening, the economic and social problems he has already introduced will not vanish . Unfortunately, the terrible US policies and trade diplomacy add to the uncertainty and planning of businesses, investors , workers and everyday people all over the world.

Factually, Trump ,his family and a select few have benefited greatly economically during these hundred plus days of his presidency because of his self interest ,control and power motives    To illustrate, Trump has created a mechanism for Americans and foreigners to send him financial tributes.  Before his inauguration, Trump announced two new crypto coins which effectively allow investors to funnel money anonymously to Trump and his family. This has been paired with  the scheme for a pullback of crypto regulation . He also  rescinded a Biden administration policy that barred executive branch employees from accepting major gifts from lobbyists and has purged officials across the government's job  to uncover malfeasance.  Everyone knows the story of the $400 million gift from an Arab dictator. . .

  According to the Constitution, this is his last presidency, however, who knows.  He's near 80 years of age, poor health and obvious cognitive slippage , easily distracted , not coherent and has difficulty making complete sentences with any depth.  With that being said, questions regarding motivation pertaining to his economic policies are as follows:: 1.  Is this narcissistic out of control authoritarian motivated by profit, cruelty and/or stupidity ?  During  his life span he  has pursued power, money and with greed has gone  bankrupt six times, received financial  bailouts from his father for his  inept casino dealings and has exploited others in the process. 2..  Because of his character, his self interest is not going to change . We can expect more financial chaos from him with his deplorable policies ..

Realistically, his neurotic pursuit of power, possession, status has been on display for much of his adult life.  His current power of the presidency is obviously more dangerou this time  as he's insulated himself with loyal, obedient subjects and with help from the Supreme Court.,provides him being  well insulated from any terrible political or economic consequences for now.

Decisions

 

This essay incorporates three articles from the April 20, 2025 edition of the New York Times.  The articles are titled: 1.  Religion's Role , Revisited, 2.  The Lesson from a Noble Laureate's Chosen Death. 3.Cross Roads . The themes of morality, religion and decision making are paramount.

Noble Laureate Daniel Kahneman decided ,despite being relatively healthy, at age 90 ,planned his assisted suicide on March 27, 2024 in Switzerland.The Dr. stated that as a teenager he believed that the miseries and indignities of the last years of life are superfluous.  He also said that he's active, enjoying many things in life and will die a happy man .And , his kidneys are on their last legs.and the frequency of mental lapses is increasing so it's time to go.

Dr.Kahneman an Israeli-American psychologist experienced in his early life being in Nazi occupied France around  the age of seven..His father was picked up but was later released.  Daniel's family was on the run for the remainder of the war, but survived, except for his father who died of diabetes in 1944 when he was 10 years of age. He received a BA from the Hebrew University an MA and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.  His research in cognitive psychology,  prospect theory ,loss aversion , and hedonistic  psychology resulted in  receiving many awards in the fields of psychology and economics. His second wife died in 2018. 

One aspect of this research led to happiness and life satisfaction, and he believed that happiness of the experiencing self was a true measure of well-being.  He also said that in reality, humans pursue life satisfaction, which is connected to a large degree to social yardsticks-as in achieving goals and meeting expectations .Daniel addesds” Nothing in life is as important as what you think it is when you are thinking about it “.

Many countries and some US states allow voluntary assisted dying for those who are terminally ill ;assisted suicide in some jurisdictions are permitted for those who have an uncurable condition that causes them incurable suffering.  Switzerland allows competent adults with the firm wish to die legally and  receive assistance in dying regardless of whether they are residents or not ..

 Daniel downplayed his significance and said that he acknowledges other people's respect for his work, which is for the benefit of humanity.  He also stated I just like to get up in the morning because I like to work.  He believed that he's reasonably happy with what he's accomplished.  But, he said, from an objective point of view,  what I do with my day cannot be relevant in terms of the complexity of the universe. “ If I did not end my life when I was clearly mentally competent, I could lose control over the remainder of it, live and die with needless miseries and indignities.

Whether or not Daniel should have committed assisted suicide can be debated philosophically and religiously.  However, a few relevant questions remain: 1.  Was this brilliant 90-year-old the best judge of ending his life?  2.  What was the status of his  kidney disease?  3.  What was the degree of his cognitive change?  4.  How anxious was  he regarding his decision? 

From a psychosocial  point of view, Erik H.  Erikson In Childhood and Society  described eight ages of man.  In the final stage ,Erikson writes about developing a sense of ego integrity versus despair.  Briefly, according to Erikson, life has triumphs,and  disappointments. If  the individual has  accepted his lifecycle , a sense of integrity is related to when the individual is ready to face death. Daniel  meets Erikson’s characterization of integrity. .

 Erikson wrote about despair as a feeling that life was too short to start another life. Erikson ends with "healthy children will not fear life if their elders have integrity enough not to fear death. Switzerland has a humanistic approach to assisted suicide. I agree that a mature cognitively intact  individual has a right to decide when to end it all

In another article, numerous scholars have written about Jesus Christ .About a 100 years ago, a  German scholar offered a mythological  reading of the Gospels, discounting the hysterical veracity of the miracles attributed to Jesus ; but affirming their status as expressions of moral truth.

Elaine Pagels wrote about the circumstances of  the Jesus ' birth and  the doctrine that says that Jesus was born of a virgin . She stated it was seeking to overcome the inconvenient fact of his presumed illegitimacy.  Some believe that Mary was promiscuous and perhaps this young mother was one of the many victims of Roman soldiers who were ravaging the area in which she was living. Factually, the  Hebrew word in Isaiah 7 :14 :in  the original text was that she was not a  virgin but  literally a young woman(almah).  In other words, later there was an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word almah.

 In essence, there are different translations and different interpretations surrounding Christ.  Pagels suggests that the gospel story in Christian doctrine is contrived, if not , it’s conspiratorial and that Christian orthodoxy is unsupportable.  God has become human from a historical as well as a theological perspective and one tries to understand each in light of the other.

A significant error in  translation regarding Mary, the virgin or Mary the young woman  changes the narrative in this supernatural  story of Jesus Christ. The biblical miracles seem far-fetched.  On the other hand, Jesus teaching and treating others with the Golden Rule is humanistic.  However, loving your enemy is unrealistic.  And ,how does Donald treat his enemies?  What  Christian rationalization is Donald following regarding his treatment of his so-called enemies?

In the third article, Lauren ,reared as a Mormon , wrote about returning to her religion.  According to her, in the  mid 1990s , the country began a mass exodus from Christianity, and now about 30% of the population identifies as having no religion.  Lauren  claimed she left  her religion and attempted to replace it by volunteering, caring for nieces and nephews ,pursuing wellness workout classes, practicing mindfulness ,therapy ,visiting saunas, subscribing to meditation apps, joining book clubs, running clubs and reading  books on moral instruction and so forth.  And she added, it was nothing quite like her early religious experience in Arkansas.Of course not will be addressed later.

Laren criticized securitization as people are not necessarily better off , an epidemic of loneliness;and those without religious affiliation rank lower on metrics of well-being  and feel less connected to others. 

 The spirituality experience is gaining and the country seems to be revisiting the role of religion as people are no longer leaving Christianity and other major religions are growing. 92% of adults believe in some form of spirituality, belief in God ,human souls or spirits  ,an afterlife or something beyond natural means.

Lauren reported that Trump claimed God saved him from bullets so he could make America great again.  The Supreme Court has the most religious justices since the 1950s; nearly half of Americans believe the United States should be a Christian nation. According to the president of Harvard chaplains “ openness to religion and spirituality has never been higher on campus."

Lauren  interviewed hundreds of people , visited dozens of houses of worship, spiritual retreats, wellness centers, as well as hearing from more than 4000 Times readers responding to a survey.  She said that Americans simply haven't found a satisfying alternative to religion

Lauren : 1., Even though people have left religion ,more people still identify with spirituality. 2. According to  sociologists, religion provides beliefs, belonging  behaviors. 3. Religious Americans are healthier ,significantly less likely to be depressed , die by suicide or have  cancer, cardiovascular illness 4. According to a Harvard study, religious individuals have  higher levels of social support, better health behaviors and greater optimism about the future.5.  Political Scientists say that religion flourishes in times of existential insecurity and withers in times of peace and bounty. 6. In a country where most people are pessimistic about the future , people have to belong and believe in something.  7.Religion offers beliefs, belonging and behaviors all in one place. 8. Lauren ends with , I want  a God.  

According to Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, man has existential needs such as an orientation , devotion and rootedness.  An orientation is a reference point ,a picture , a philosophy so to speak within one's psychological world. It’s thinking about and  making sense of who one is within the culture and society. It encompassesones thinking, feeling and behaviors that tells the story.about one’s existence. Within orientation ,there are  aims, goals ,and barriers to overcome . In essence, one's needs could be expressed in a multitude of motivational  behavioral tendencies as in seeking success, prestige, power , status, monotheism , authoritarianism ,domination, exploitation , love , achievement, knowledge  etc..

For Lauren ,it was magical thinking to explain  her world , in order to be  protected, loved, cared for  by  God  who can reward and/or punish . This dynamic gave her answers or a frame of reference and orientation to her psychological world. This religious world  made  sense  despite  all its contradictions, absurdities, supernaturalness and irrationalities. In other words, it became a philosophy, a drive , a devotion and became just one  example of the ease of, the suggestibility  in which people like Lauren fall under the “spell “of  an irrational doctrine,like a religion . 

Lauren’s  ego's need  for fulfillment  and safety results from having to be related  and emotionally connected to others as she was escaping  self-centeredness and isolation through separation .. And ,because of that  isolation anxiety of separation, her devotion became centered in that religious world. She left ,according to her, because of inappropriate actions of church leaders not because of a loss of  faith  or belief in God.,and its teachings  .Her  existential need of devotion required fulfilment irrespective of how it was procured.  

Rootedness is another existential need.  This occurs as a result of the first trauma with the separation from the womb. Psychologically, with affiliation, it’s defined  as  a fulfillment, and escape from the  separation anxiety .In other words, it. lessened her  suffering from isolation in which church membership fulfilled that ego  need of affiliation and connection 

 In summation, Lauren reared in a Mormon family ,with its ties, never separated psychologically -orientation , devotion and rootedness from her religious indoctrination and socialization experience..  She left in protest against sexual inappropriateness and involved herself frantically ( anxiety)in  many activities.  Lauren’s return allowed her to return to security, belongingness,  being taken care of ,  loved ,  fellowship ,connected  and again  with a “father.”.Once more, her beliefs about the  complex world were  again simplified  .Pursuant to Daniel”\’s  judgment about his future - not worth living - was both  logical, rational and emotionally based .It's certainly a relationship between his thinking and the idea that suffering is uselessness .And, as Socrates said, "know thyself .”

PS.”

Mere anxiety according to Heiidegger  is the source of everything. Chestoy "The only true solution is precisely when human judgment sees no solution.  We turned toward God only to obtain the impossible.  Camus "there have always been men to defend the rights of the irrational. And being absurd means it's impossible.  It also means it's contradictory."

Reference 

Camus, Albert.  The Myth of Sisyphus

Trouble Ahead

 

A recent poll had the Democratic Party's favorable ratings below 30%.  I'm wondering what this select group of other respondents disliked ?  Yet, there was a significant Democratic victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Two Democrats did well in Florida by cutting into Trump's favorable showing in 2024.  The dems  also did well in limited elections in New York and Pennsylvania this year .Further, AOC and Bernie are drawing huge crowds in Republican districts . What gives ?

Do the Democratic unfavorable ratings pertain to an elite old power  structure in Washington,  does it pertain to a black Kamala, a Jewish senate minority leader Chuck , a black congressional minority  leader Hakim,  to Nancy , to Joe  or to  ?   Were these ratings indicative and  pertain to  Cory Booker,Josh Shapiro , Gavin Newsom and Wes Moore ?  Polls can be misleading especially with its wording.                                           This essay pertains to voters that did not vote for Kamala ,Tim and other  Democratic congressmen and senators last November . 

Personally, not being happy with the Democratic Party leadership was conveyed to me by a friend , years ago,regarding the 2016 presidential election.  This individual was extremely unhappy with the Democratic power structure when they  disqualified Bernie Sanders in favor of Hillary Clinton with the Super Ballots . He used that excuse for not voting for Hillary.

It's clear that the working and middle class has turned angrily , with revenge , away from the Democratic Party .This socio economic group can be generally characterized as follows: 1.  Limited level of educational  attainment  2. Stagnant economic growth.  3. Poor mental and physical health.  4. Enormous amount of debt. 5. Difficulty making ends meet with poor future outlook 6. What about the cultural issues like abortion, lgbtq,book banning etc.?

Factually, Democratic presidents have statistically created more jobs with a stronger economy than the Republicans. Since 2000, the Republicans have been victorious in four out of seven presidential races.  

These angry, resentful individuals did not trust the messaging with their own  reality.  They claimed  the  democratic elite perceives them as despicable while they project their hate on the  symbolically educationally and economically more  powerful elite.  They know, at some level ,they cannot compete intellectually. In fact, they hate the Democratic machine and blame them for the immigration crisis at the border. Forget the reality that both parties are responsible for the immigration mess. 

Trump’s administration spent  wasteful dollars for a  couple of miles of a  “border “wall that was not paid for by Mexico.  He said he was going to deport the criminals and other immigrants. He never claimed that abduction would be legal .  How about his attacks on social security, rule of law , medicare, medicaid etc. ? Trump's strong use of  meandering words were believable despite the fact that he’s a pathological liar . He’s perceived as being authentic.and in control even though he flip flops and is narcissistic  He's actually  an authentic sociopath ,narcissist authoritarian.  He's also perceived as being a successful businessman . He went  bankrupt 6 times  and we now ,thanks to him, are headed for a recession  . He’s a successful revengeful fraud, cheat  and felon ..And ,vote for him?..

This socioeconomic group of individuals believed Trump when he said he will go after vigilante violence and crime; will use ideological tests to decide which public schools get federal money;  will punish blue states by withholding disaster relief;  will abandon US allies; will dismantle the federal government's workforce; will order the military to strike foreign civilian targets, will end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine on day one   These troubled individuals view themselves as victims, they seek a generalized revenge irrespective of the  moral and/ or ethical consequences. Trump's rhetoric and actions and blaming others  correlate with their own victim stance ..

These individuals claimed the system was rigged.  What do they call this current display by Trump's actions and Musk’s buying of elections ?  They believe the country was headed in the wrong direction.  The country is now headed toward fascism.and recession. Do they really dislike foreign aid , veterans, DEI,NATO ,CDC ,, fluoride ,Food and Drug Administration,scientific , medical environmental research,children, seniors, national security,  universities,inspector generals, Social Security , Medicaid,free elections, rule of law , postal service, NPR, and tax cuts for the wealthy and like hate, stress,fear, tariffs,inflation Kennedy jr. Putin , El Salvador prisons, 2 dolls for  Christmas and  weaponization of the federal government   ?  Does the renaming - Gulf of America  and Musk now contribute to happiness and well being ?  With Trump we have absurd -contradictions and irrationality. And they mistrust the Democrats? Do not forget to go to Fox news to hear about how great things are-Double Think.  

I agree that the Democrats have not created paradise  nor exuberant chaos here on earth. There are significant differences between this group of Republicans  compared to the Democrats.  Bite into the apple carefully. Sometimes wishes come true ..

PS

According to a business  article in the April 20, 2025 New York Times, “ Disruption Is Here to Stay, So Prepare For It ”In the April 13, 2025, the New York Times, other articles "Stressed out? "" How To Ease Your Money Anxiety"  and "This Trade War Is Different From All Others.” "A Lot about Trump Doesn't Add Up. ""A very petty man in a very powerful job."  “Are  Embryos Property?  People?"