Author Archives: Alan Solomon

Child hunger: A crisis of Epic proportions

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Child hunger

Child hunger is an alarming global issue that continues to worsen at an unprecedented rate, with millions of children suffering from malnutrition and starvation amidst an abundance of food and wealth. This harrowing atrocity is further exacerbated by misplaced priorities, such as the exorbitant military spending of developed countries like the United States. This essay explores the prevalence of child hunger, the paradox of food waste, and the urgent need for a shift in global priorities to address this humanitarian crisis.

The Prevalence of Child Hunger: A Startling Reality

As of 2022, approximately 811 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger, with 50 million facing emergency levels of hunger across 45 countries. This dire situation has escalated so rapidly in recent years that numerous countries are now at risk of famine. Among the most vulnerable to hunger are children, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating that 45 million children under the age of five suffer from wasting, increasing their risk of mortality by up to 12 times. Additionally, 149 million children under five experience stunting due to inadequate nutrition and lack of essential nutrients.

The Paradox of Food Waste: An Appalling Injustice

It is a distressing fact that while millions of children go hungry, around a third of the food produced globally for human consumption is wasted or lost, amounting to approximately 1.3 billion tons per year. Food waste occurs at various stages of the supply chain, from production and harvest to storage, processing, and consumption. In developed countries, a significant portion of food waste occurs at the retail and consumer levels due to stringent quality standards and over-purchasing.

Instead of destroying excess food and agricultural produce, efforts should be directed towards redistributing these resources to the hungry and impoverished. Implementing more efficient food distribution systems, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable consumption practices could help alleviate child hunger worldwide.

Misplaced Priorities and Wasted Resources: A Call for Change

The developed world, particularly the United States, has often prioritized military spending and engaging in conflicts over addressing the pressing issue of child hunger. In 2020, the US military budget amounted to a staggering $740.5 billion, which dwarfed the $9.5 billion allocated to global health programs, including those tackling hunger and malnutrition. These figures reveal a glaring disparity in resource allocation and a lack of political will to address the plight of starving children.

The Impact of Hunger on Women and Children

Hunger disproportionately affects women and children, with over 31% of women worldwide facing hunger compared to 27% of men. This gender gap has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAO estimates that 2.3 billion people, or roughly 29% of the global population, experience less extreme but still dangerous levels of food insecurity.

Volatility of the stock market: Adapt or Lose

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Volatility of the stock market
The aptitude for identifying opportunity within disorder presents a highly valuable skill that can empower individuals to prosper in tumultuous times, particularly in the mercurial stock market. Although seemingly paradoxical, historical evidence suggests that periods of turbulence often beget monumental advancements. Indeed, some of the most distinguished individuals in history have been those who perceived opportunities, where others solely observed chaos and desolation.

Exhibiting Equanimity and Adaptability in the Stock Market

A critical factor in discovering opportunity amid the capricious stock market lies in maintaining composure and clear-headedness. Amidst the widespread panic, it is prudent to remain poised and rationally assess the situation. This approach enables well-informed decisions, facilitating positive advancement even in the face of market turbulence. Additionally, embracing calculated risks and venturing beyond one’s comfort zone is essential for capitalizing on available opportunities.

Another salient consideration is adaptability in the face of stock market fluctuations. Rapid acclimatization grants a distinct advantage amidst uncertainty and perpetual change. Instead of resisting alterations, individuals should be amenable to new experiences, requiring a cognitive shift and relinquishing entrenched habits and thought patterns. This adaptability is indispensable for achieving success amidst volatility.

Transforming Adversity into Opportunity in the Stock Market

The most accomplished investors throughout history have successfully transmuted adversity into opportunity, utilizing challenges as catalysts for success. Emulating their example by remaining composed, and adaptable, and seizing opportunities in the volatile stock market is a viable strategy.

The Efficacy of the Contrarian Strategy in the Stock Market

The Contrarian Strategy, alternatively known as the Overreaction Hypothesis, posits that investors may profit by deviating from collective sentiment.


Conclusion

The Contrarian Strategy, also known as the Overreaction Hypothesis, emphasizes that investors can profit by going against the crowd, aligning with the principles of Volatility Trading Strategies. These strategies capitalize on market fluctuations and extreme sentiments to identify investment opportunities. Mastering the art of recognizing opportunities amidst market volatility and chaos is a crucial skill that enables investors to flourish during challenging times. By maintaining equanimity, exhibiting adaptability, and incorporating the Contrarian Strategy into their investment approach, investors can harness market volatility to yield higher long-term returns.

Mass Psychology plays a significant role in market volatility, with collective panic and elevated fear levels driving markets to become increasingly volatile. By combining an understanding of Mass Psychology with market volatility, investors can seize opportunities at favorable prices and capitalize on prospects that others might disregard.

Numerous successful investors have employed this approach, purchasing when others are divesting and liquidating when others are acquiring. By deviating from the consensus, these investors have consistently generated substantial returns over extended periods.

Ultimately, embracing chaos and volatility as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles is key to thriving in the capricious stock market. By fostering mental resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking, investors can transform adversity into a springboard for success, positioning themselves advantageously in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

War of Attrition

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War of Attrition

Investing in the stock market can be a game of patience and perseverance, often likened to a war of attrition. In this war, investors must have the fortitude to withstand market fluctuations, remain focused on their long-term goals, and resist the urge to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

The term “war of attrition” originates from military history, where it refers to a prolonged conflict characterised by continuous small-scale battles designed to wear down the enemy. In the world of investing, this war of attrition can be seen in the daily fluctuations of the stock market, with investors constantly fighting to maintain their positions and fend off market downturns.

To win this war, investors must be prepared to make strategic decisions and take calculated risks. They must have a clear understanding of their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and the market in which they are investing. Additionally, they must have a disciplined approach to their investment strategy and resist the temptation to deviate from it in response to market volatility.

One key strategy for winning this war is to focus on long-term investments rather than trying to time the market or make quick profits. By investing in a diversified portfolio of quality companies and holding those investments over time, investors can ride out short-term market fluctuations and benefit from the long-term growth potential of the market.

Another strategy is to remain patient and avoid making rash decisions based on short-term market movements. The market is inherently volatile, and investors who panic and sell during a downturn risk missing out on potential gains when the market eventually rebounds.

Ultimately, the war of attrition in investing is a battle between fear and greed. Fear can cause investors to sell in a panic, while greed can lead them to make impulsive decisions based on the promise of quick profits. Investors who remain focused on their long-term goals, maintain a disciplined approach, and avoid succumbing to fear and greed are the ones who are most likely to come out on top in this war.

Investing in the markets is a war of attrition that requires patience, discipline, and a long-term perspective. By understanding the market, maintaining a diversified portfolio, and staying focused on their goals, investors can successfully navigate the ups and downs of the market and emerge victorious in the end.

Why the Crowd always losses?

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Deep value investing

One of the key factors contributing to the crowd’s losses in the stock market is the influence of emotions. A growing body of research in behavioural finance has shown that emotions, such as fear and greed, can have a significant impact on investment decisions. For example, when the market drops, fear and panic can lead investors to sell their holdings and lock in their losses. Conversely, when the market rises, greed can drive investors to pour money into the market, often buying at the top and missing out on future gains. This emotional cycle can result in poor investment decisions and has been shown to be one of the key reasons why the crowd often loses in the stock market.

In addition to emotions, misinformation and groupthink also play a role in the crowd’s losses in the stock market. A recent study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that many investors rely on financial advisors who may not have their best interests at heart. This can lead to poor investment decisions and missed opportunities for growth. Furthermore, the media often sensationalizes market events, which can lead to widespread confusion and misunderstandings among investors.

The herd mentality, a common phenomenon in the stock market, is also a factor that contributes to the crowd’s losses. This refers to the tendency of investors to follow the crowd, even if it is not in their best interest. Research has shown that the herd mentality often leads to buying high and selling low, as investors follow the crowd instead of their own instincts and analysis. This is particularly problematic when it comes to “hot” stocks or market sectors, which can quickly become overcrowded and lead to a market correction.

In contrast, contrarian investors take a different approach to the stock market. They are willing to go against the crowd and invest in stocks that are out of favour or undervalued. A recent study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that contrarian investors outperformed the market by 2.5% per year over a 20-year period. This is due to their willingness to rely on a thorough analysis of a company’s financials and growth prospects, rather than being swayed by emotions or groupthink.

Furthermore, contrarian investors are patient and willing to hold onto their investments for the long term. A study by Vanguard found that a long-term investment approach can result in higher returns and lower volatility, compared to a short-term investment strategy. This long-term focus allows contrarian investors to ride out market corrections and reap the benefits of a well-diversified portfolio over time.

In conclusion, the crowd often loses in the stock market due to the influence of emotions, misinformation, and groupthink. These factors lead to poor investment decisions and missed opportunities for growth. In contrast, contrarian investors, who rely on informed analysis and a long-term focus, have been shown to outperform the market. The key to success in the stock market is to have a well-diversified portfolio, be patient, disciplined, and informed in your investment decisions, and avoid being swayed by emotions, misinformation, or groupthink.

Denmark finally passes Law banning both Burqa and Niqab

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Denmark finally passes Law banning both Burqa and Niqab

Denmark has joined several other European countries in banning garments that cover the face, including Islamic veils such as the niqab and burqa, in a move condemned by human rights campaigners as “neither necessary nor proportionate”.  In a 75-30 vote with 74 absentees on Thursday, Danish lawmakers approved the law presented by the centre-right governing coalition. The government said it is not aimed at any religions and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

But the law is popularly known as the “burqa ban” and is mostly seen as being directed at the dress worn by some Muslim women. Few Muslim women in Denmark wear full-face veils.The justice minister, Søren Pape Poulsen, said it would be up to police officers to use their common sense when they see people violating the law, which comes into force on 1 August.The legislation allows people to cover their face when there is a “recognisable purpose” such as cold weather or complying with other legal requirements, for example using motorcycle helmets under Danish traffic rules.

Those violating the law risk a fine of 1,000 kroner (£118). Repeat offenders could be fined up to 10,000 kroner or jailed for up to six months. Austria, France and Belgium have similar laws.

Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International’s Europe director, said of the Danish decision: “All women should be free to dress as they please and to wear clothing that expresses their identity or beliefs. This ban will have a particularly negative impact on Muslim women who choose to wear the niqab or burqa. “While some specific restrictions on the wearing of full-face veils for the purposes of public safety may be legitimate, this blanket ban is neither necessary nor proportionate and violates the rights to freedom of expression and religion. Full Story

Roughly two hours after commenting on the previous story, this news article surfaced.  If you have ever been to Denmark or had Danish friends, you will understand how easy going and nice these individuals (generally) are. http://studyindenmark.dk/why-denmark/quality-of-life-1/what-are-the-danes-like

 Hence, when you factor this into the equation what’s taking place now is occurring at a very fast rate.  The statement we boldfaced is very telling. On a scale of 1-10, we are between 3 and 4, so this trend has plenty of room to run before it tops out. In other words, what’s taking place will appear mild in the future?

Sweden Democrats the Anti-immigration party set to score big in Upcoming elections

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Sweden Democrats the Anti-immigration party set to score big in Upcoming elections

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden’s top three parties are running almost level four months ahead of a general election, with the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats polling a record 20 percent, according to poll in daily Dagens Nyheter. Support for the Sweden Democrats has surged since they first won seats in parliament in 2010, with the party on track to record its best ever election result after getting 13 percent in 2014. A surge in asylum numbers in 2015, when Sweden took in 160,000 refugees, has heightened worries about a creaking welfare state and that crime is increasing, boosting the party, which wants to close Sweden’s doors and crack down on gangs. The ISPOS poll put the Sweden Democrats hot on the heels of the governing Social Democrats, who got 24 percent, and the biggest opposition party, the center-right Moderates, who scored 22 percent.

At the last election the center-left Social Democrats got 31 percent and the Moderates 23.3 percent. The current government is a minority coalition of the Social Democrats and Greens. They are supported in parliament by the Left Party. Together, the parties polled 37 percent. The Moderates, Centre, Christian Democrats and Liberals cooperate and will fight the election as a group. They polled 39 percent Full Story

The Viking blood still runs strong in many of the Scandinavian nations and while time has cultured the fierce Vikings, the current state of affairs is starting to stir things up and as this trend gathers momentum we fear that these once quite people will reveal a side of them that the world has not seen for a long time. The Vikings were extremely ruthless and note that the Russians also have Viking blood.   We mention this because it takes a lot to provoke the Russian bear, but once provoked the bear will not rest until it has destroyed its enemy.  Vikings were twice as volatile; they were not afraid to fight; they actually relished a good and bloody fight.   Given the strength of this trend there is a fairly high probability that some leader will emerge in this area with strong Viking roots and start talking about days gone by; if this comes to pass, all hell could break loose.  The main target of this rage will be Muslim immigrants as they are being labelled as invaders with increasing frequency and the attacks are gradually  becoming more violent.

If someone comes to power and starts talking about how strong the Vikings were and how the Norwegians, Danes, etc. need to stand up to the invaders (this is the term that is often used today), it will be an indication that the above outlook is coming to fruition. The rhetoric at first will be rather mild, but don’t confuse this mild rhetoric for inaction.  Focus on whether the Viking factor is mentioned, if it is, then the odds of it turning violent are quite high. 

We are not rooting for the above outcome, nor do we favour such an outcome but we would be doing our subscribers a disservice if we did not talk about a potential trend that appears to be gaining momentum.

Deutsche Bank set to cut 10K Jobs to reduce costs’ about time those lazy bankers were fired

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Deutsche Bank set to cut 10K Jobs to reduce costs’ about time those lazy bankers were fired

The Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that job cuts were likely to extend into 2019.Separately, Bloomberg News reported the bank was planning to withdraw from a number of equities markets across the globe.

The Bloomberg report, which also cited unidentified people, said that Deutsche would sharply scale back its presence in the United States, and had started cutting activities in Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.Deutsche Bank, which holds its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, declined to comment. The loss-making bank said last month that it was planning to scale back its global investment bank and that equities was one of the areas it was looking at for possible cuts.A person familiar with the matter told Reuters last month Deutsche Bank was expected to cut around 1,000 jobs or 10 percent of its workforce in the United States.

It has also said that it would cut back U.S. bonds trading and the business that services hedge funds.The bank has been expected to announce further details of its reorganisation plans ahead of its AGM on Thursday. hareholders, fed up with a languishing share price and dwindling revenue, will call on the bank’s management to speed up the recovery process at the AGM.

Hans-Christoph Hirt, head of shareholder adviser Hermes EOS at Hermes Investment Management, told Reuters on Wednesday he wanted to see a “credible strategy with achievable targets.” Full story

Now they are firing to balance the books, in the near future they will be firing to get rid of the “expensive human element”. Sadly most of today’s high paid individuals get way too much for doing way too little, and AI is going to dramatically alter the landscape. Remember the equation must always balance, and the more skewed things become the stronger the blowback as the market moves back to the point of equilibrium.

Donald Trump Blames Chuck Schumer

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Donald Trump Blames Chuck Schumer

Donald Trump Blames Chuck Schumer, Plugs ‘Fox & Friends’ In Morning Tweets On NYC Terror Attack

President Donald Trump watched Fox & Friends Wednesday morning to get his early briefing on the latest about the previous night’s terror attack in lower Manhattan that left eight dead.

Then he tweeted.

Trump blamed the Senate’s top Democrat Chuck Schumer for the attack. Trump also pushed his immigration agenda. And he twice plugged his pals at Fox News Channel’s morning show.

Pointing his finger at Schumer, the president tweeted that the terrorist came into our country through what is called the  ‘Diversity Visa Lottery Program’” which he called “a Chuck Schumer beauty,” adding, “I want merit based.”

“We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter),” Trump continued.

“‘Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems’ said Col. Tony Schaffer. We will stop this craziness!” Trump concluded. Two of those tweets plugged Fox News Channel’s morning show.  Full Story

Political correctness is over; we now enter the “rage stage” where people let emotion dictate the rules. Immigrants are going to be targeted in a ruthlessness manner; systematically programs that were designed to help them will be gutted or eliminated. 

 

Austrian Vote Paves Way for Nationalist Party to Enter Government

Austrian voters paved the way for the nationalist Freedom Party to enter government, heralding a shift to the political right that’s likely to make the country a more prickly ally for its European partners.

Projections after Sunday’s election put the populists within reach of second place behind the People’s Party of Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, 31, who claimed victory after a campaign built on outflanking the Freedom Party with a hard-line stance on migration. He now has a mandate to form a coalition, replace Social Democrat Christian Kern as chancellor and become the world’s youngest government leader. Full Story

Kurz is not only the youngest leader in Europe but one that is set to give new life to the Alt-right movement.   The fact that he is a millennial illustrates that his stance resonates with the young and that this trend has a lot of staying power.

 

 

The Great Saudi Cleanse (just another word for the great Culling)

Some senior figures detained in last Saturday’s purge in Saudi Arabia were beaten and tortured so badly during their arrest or subsequent interrogations that they required hospital treatment, Middle East Eye can reveal.  People inside the royal court also told MEE that the scale of the crackdown, which has brought new arrests each day, is much bigger than Saudi authorities have admitted, with more than 500 people detained and double that number questioned Full Story

One of the most famous is Prince Bandar bin Sultan, a former Saudi ambassador to Washington and confidant of former US President George W Bush.  There is no word on his fate, but Saudi authorities said that one of the corruption cases they are looking at is the al-Yamamah arms deal, in which Bandar was involved. Full Story

We stated that we were in the midst of a culling period, we failed to mention that it would be a phenomenon that would be experienced worldwide and not localised just to the US.  Now we know why the Saudi’s went to Russia.  Prince Bandar Bin Sultan had the audacity to threaten Putin for supporting Syria. He stated he would open the floodgates for terrorists to flock into Russia. Then they supplied the rebels with weapons to fight Russia and Assad’ forces.  We stated that the Russian Bear would not rest till blood was drawn and it has drawn a lot of blood with this strike. The Saudi’s understand Russia is there to stay in the Middle East as do the Israeli’s. More and more nations will turn to Russia for help as they proved how effective they were at destroying ISIS in Syria.

Chinese convicts executed after stadium trial – McDonald’s has cold brew now

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Chinese convicts executed after stadium trial - McDonald’s has cold brew now

Chinese convicts executed after stadium trial

Beijing (AFP) – Thousands of spectators filled a stadium in China to watch 10 suspects be sentenced to death for crimes ranging from drug-dealing to homicide before they were taken away to be executed at the weekend.  An online video of the rare public trial, held in southern Guangdong province on Saturday, showed the handcuffed suspects paraded around a track by uniformed police officers as onlookers watched from the sidelines.

The convicts also stood on a podium as their sentences were read over loudspeakers, while officials sat on a stage flanked by military guards. Rights groups say China executes more people than any other country, but Beijing does not give figures on the death penalty, regarding the statistics as state secrets.

A public announcement last week from Lufeng City People’s Court had invited citizens to sit in on the “open-air stadium trial”, as it was dubbed by the state-run Global Times. Beijing News, which circulated the trial video along. Full Story

Political correctness is going away, and this trend as we stated recently is set to last at least 15 years. Violence levels, for now, will continue to soar, but the response from governments especially in Asia and Eastern Europe is going to be just as brutal. The West will eventually join the pack.   A leader is set to emerge that is going to make Trump look like a very polite gentleman.

McDonald’s has cold brew now, and what is coffee anymore?

In fairness, it was only a matter of time before the cold brew craze found its way to the massive fast-food chain. McDonald’s debuted its own cold brew beverage in two varieties: frozen coffee and frappe. This is the part where you swear you’ll never try it, and then give in four dayslater because you’re “curious.” Full Story

 

A politician is warning her fellow Russians not to do sex with foreigners during the World Cup

Tamara Pletnyova, the head of the Russian Duma’s Family, Women, and Children Committee, says to be especially careful if a potential father is “of a different race.” Her comments come as Russia is desperately trying to convince the world that it’s ready to tackle the racism that many are predicting will come along with the World Cup. Incidentally: Happy World Cup day to you! Full Story

 

There’s going to be a Fortnite World Cup with $100 million in prize money

If you’re familiar with the fandom of the video game, you might say, “Of course, this was inevitable.” For the uninitiated, Fortnite is a multiplatform game where 100 players vie for resources and compete against one another to be the last person standing. It’s also the reason you haven’t seen some of your loved ones in weeks. The Fortnite tournament will be open to all players, with qualifying tournaments starting in fall 2018. Full Story

Mexico: 113 politicians have been killed – Senate GOP moves to repeal consumer rule – Trump defended Kim Jong Un’s human rights

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Mexico: 113 politicians have been killed - Senate GOP moves to repeal consumer rule - Trump defended Kim Jong Un’s human rights

113 politicians have been killed ahead of Mexico’s election. There are still two weeks to go

“Violence is altering the profile of candidates,” one expert told us. “Who sticks around? The reckless and those who collude [with criminals].”

That’s because this electoral season has been a brutally violent one in Mexico.

More than 100 candidates, pre-candidates, and current and former politicians have been killed, according to an organization tracking this. The government’s tally — 34, which counts only candidates — still pushes the death toll to four per month.

It gets more dramatic: There are hundreds of candidates who have backed out of their races out of fear for their safety, and many others who have curbed campaign activities.

The attacks have been brazen: a politician killed on a public bus, a candidate murdered while taking a selfie. You need to read Karla Zabludovsky’s deep dive into the violence in Mexico’s election. Full Story

 

 

Senate GOP moves to repeal consumer rule

The Republican-led Senate narrowly voted Tuesday to repeal a banking rule that would let consumers band together to sue their bank or credit card company to resolve financial disputes. Vice President Mike Pence cast the final vote to break a 50-50 tie. The banking industry had been lobbying hard to roll back the regulation from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The bureau had moved to ban most types of mandatory arbitration clauses found in the fine print of agreements consumers often enter into when opening a checking account or getting a credit card.

The vote reflects the effort of the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to undo regulations that the GOP argues harms the free market. The measure now moves to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president applauded the vote. Full Story

As we stated when the Crowd is polarised it is easier to rob them, and this law is just one example of the many laws that will be passed stripping the average Joe of the last shreds of power he/she holds.  In the years to come it’s going to be easier for Companies to renege on their pension obligations and this will also apply to City, State and Federal workers.  Most pensions are extremely underfunded and are using aggressive calculations to give the impression all is well

 

 

Trump defended Kim Jong Un’s human rights abuses after the summit

Yesterday, while speaking to Fox News, President Trump praised Kim Jong Un as “tough,” “smart,” and a “great negotiator.”

When host Bret Baier asked the president if he brought up human rights with Kim at the summit, Trump said only “briefly.”

“You know, you call people, sometimes, killers. He is a killer,” responded Baier. Trump interjected that “well, he’s a tough guy,” adding that, “when you take over a country” at 27 years old, as Kim did, “that’s one in 10,000 that could do that.”

Still, Baier pressed, saying Kim has “still done some really bad things.” Trump responded, “Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things.” You should watch the whole exchange.

A further thought:

When politics gives way to theater, we lose a sense of the magnitude of what’s supposed to be surprising. Watching the exchange reminded me of Katherine Miller’s thoughtful piece on the news cycle during this presidency: “each day demands your judgment. Is this normal? Is this normal? Is this normal?” Full Story