(Editor’s note: Received a personal email from a longtime friend – Robert L. Harris. He is an experienced and keen observer of history, government & politics. His knowledge extends from years of work in the U. S. Senate and as a government affairs advisor to major corporations. He has given me permission to publish as a guest commentary.)
Republicans have passed their big money bill setting the stage for major cuts to popular programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and food assistance for the neediest among us. Now, they will go home to their people to explain their own actions and the actions of their leader and chief.
Trump, it seems to me, did himself no real favors yesterday in calling for a 90-day respite from his tariffs (except for China). He showed vulnerability to economic pressures from the markets (especially the bond markets). We all thought he was above simply cratering and trying to save face. Remember we were supposed to be watching the supreme Mr. President who had this aura of invincibility about him. He was supposed ready to tear it all down, in order to rebuild it in his image.
Well, that didn’t happen. Today, the markets are headed down big again. I asked myself why this morning — when I turned on Morning Joe. Well, we now have a 90-day reprieve — but with another 90-Days of UNCERTAINTY. Such questions as what will he do next? Who will he do it to? How will he do it?
This morning one of his officials admitted that the administration has about 15-20 contacts from countries who are looking for settlements — not the 90 or so countries Trump has been proclaiming from his aerie from on-high almighty.
The result of all this — (1) 10 percent across the board tariffs; (2) 145 percent on China where so many of our products or components come from; (3) a drop of more than 2000 points in our stock markets (and with more uncertainty coming); and, (4) even greater financial uncertainty for everyday Americans who have seen the saving drop so drastically.
On top of all this and all that — Congress has put the final votes forward to pass a reconciliation process that will allow cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and support programs for poor (in particular children). These programs have been targets for Republicans since I was a boy first learning about government and politics.
Add in the massive, massive job cuts and associated program cuts all through the federal system continues. People are still losing their jobs and their income. Not only are Federal Employees getting hurt, but thousands of consultants are going to lose their primary sources of income — leaving even great economic hurt around the country — not just in the District, Maryland & Virginia.
This current scenario — tariff terror, a crashing stock market and Republicans in Congress cutting the social safety net seems like Democrats have gone into a pastry shop to by a bun or a muffin, but they have been given a sampling of tortes, tarts, cakes and more — along with free coffee for life.
Democrats have two solid uninterrupted weeks to harass Republicans — so do it and do it strong!!