Politics

[Altitude sickness]

I agree Trump never intended to actually invade Greenland. As Mark said above it’s his negotiating MO. Which is wearing thin as a haggling tactic. Once everybody knows your negotiating tactics it’s not haggling anymore. It’s just prolonging the negotiation.

For the Hawks that dismiss Denmark as a speed bump and think we would just slap the Danish military around with one hand tied behind our back. I’ve worked with some of their Navy gentlemen. They remind me of the highly trained little guy that kicks the big oafs ass.

We would never want to go toe to toe with Denmark and equal numbers of men. It would leave a mark and would not be habit forming.

 

[VertigoBE]

Submitted for your review.

Winston Churchill: The Roaming Lion | Peterson Academy

In Winston Churchill: The Roaming Lion, a six-hour course, Dr. Larry Arnn examines Winston Churchill's life, philosophy, and political legacy through a comprehensive analysis of his military experiences, leadership principles, and views on governance. The lectures explore Churchill's evolution...

petersonacademy.com

Any of our US friends care to weigh in, if a degree from the Peterson Academy would carry any weight in the (US) job market?

 

[barryk]

Trump is an axxhole, and a big one at that. If fact in a room full of axxholes, he would say, " I am the biggest axxhole there ever was!" He may be correct in that.

We are all however wise enough by now to know President Trump’s modus operandi. Throw a handful of crap against the wall to see what sticks!

Does everyone remember when Trump threatened to leave NATO because the USA was paying a higher percentage of GDP than were the European countries that need the most protection? Granted, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was certainly the biggest factor in encouraging European countries to increase their military spending. That stated, Trump was correct.

We should also all know that Trump is a big axxhole! If he would lock up his ego and make some better decisions, not be so verbose such as the USA should invade Greenland and so on, and frankly, quit worrying about who gets the credit, history would remember his as great! “There is no limit to the good one can do, so long as they do not worry about who gets the credit!”

All the above stated, Trump is by far a better President than was Biden or what Harris would have been. Trump is a businessman who makes deals for the United States. It may seem that he is getting rich from being President but I doubt it. Is his family? Probably they ride on his coat tails! Trump could have a quiet life enjoying his accomplishments but his ego won’t allow him to throttle back. Lacking a Ronald Reagan or John Kennedy, or frankly one of our more accomplished AH members running for President, Trump is the best we have at present.

Becoming President is more than ability, it also has much if not more to do with their celebrity. Reagan was the Great Communicator. Cleary his ability to speak and motivate the masses, to make cleaver jokes, and smile when necessary, was a strong part of his ability.

The preceding stated, I like Rubio, Vance, and DeSantis. Of them, I think Vance is the best orator followed by Rubio. If DeSantis could speak as does Vance, DeSantis would be President. Hegseth is a communicator if nothing more. He may be the least qualified Secretary of War (Defense) but he can speak and motivate many.

For me, in my first unit as a new USMC Warrant Officer, my Commanding Officer told me that he expected loyalty from his officers. “If I can’t trust you, I will get rid of you.” That came from a very forgiving Marine Lieutenant Colonel who was also a Mormon Bishop. Trust was paramount to him as it is to me today. Trump’s executives are loyal to him. Vance is a good “Vice” President carrying out his bosses’ orders. I think they all are.

Would Vance, Rubio, Hegseth and other Cabinet executives conduct business differently if they were the President? Probably, but they are not. For the senior retired or active military officers reading this, if I were a swashbuckling Chief Warrant Officer or Limited Duty Captain under your command and didn’t follow your direction, how long would I last? Chances are I would have no longer been your Radar Maintenance or Communications and Electronics Officer, I would have had a career-ending Temporary Additional Duty (TAD/TDY) assignment as the special services (gym, stables, and so on) officer.

Most people of any wisdom find some fault with Trump, especially his personal conduct. Would we other than in our better conduct, be able to do a better job overall as President?

Excellent.....well said.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Any of our US friends care to weigh in, if a degree from the Peterson Academy would carry any weight in the (US) job market?

If the interview team values critical thinking, personal responsibility, mental health. They would put in in the positive column. As it gains more traction and gets more legitimate. I would think it will help in a complete resume combined with more formal education.

Hillsdale College, the humans they produce are more than the sum of credits they come out with. They are a rounded individual that can speak to many topics and none would include why the U.S. is founded by evil white men.

I was on an interview team for a position under my teams area of responsibility. We declined a minority, female that recently graduated from Harvard business.

She was not a good fit for our team. One dimensional. She found a spot in our company. Just not on my team.

 

[Waldo2382]

Sorry, my point was unclear. You want Alberta and BC so that you can drive to Alaska without going through Canada. You can’t drive to Alaska without going through the Yukon, so you’ll need it as well to accomplish your goal.

You can bypass Canada by taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Bellingham, Washington to Southeast, Alaska year round. Another ferry will take you from Bellingham to Whittier (50 miles south of Anchorage) during late spring to early fall if that ship is running its normal route.
https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/schedules.shtml

 

[wesheltonj]

Any of our US friends care to weigh in, if a degree from the Peterson Academy would carry any weight in the (US) job market?

None. Not accredited, not accepted.

 

[rookhawk]

Any of our US friends care to weigh in, if a degree from the Peterson Academy would carry any weight in the (US) job market?

None. Its not accredited so thats a problem. Further, HR departments are predominantly run by liberal white women that would absolutely be prejudiced against someone with that on the resume.

Peterson Academy is probably good nourishment for the mind, however.

 

[Altitude sickness]

HR roles tend to attract the kind of person with five psychology degrees. Then begrudges anybody else in the company that makes more than they do?

If I was interviewing a young person that said they studied Thomas Sowell or took online classes at the “Peterson Academy” I would find a way to work that into their score for sure.

I know a lot of business owners that those studies would weigh heavily in the decision. Being an indoctrinated drone doesn’t carry much weight in many circles.

 

[mdwest]

To be honest mdwest, I have a very, very different opinion on the current economic environment than you do.

Additionally, you are the only person all year who I've experienced having this particular opinion. I say that very seriously.

From where I'm sitting, things are only really 'good' for those who have large amounts invested in the stock market, and rely on that as their primary source of income. I'm doing ok in that environment, and I'm sure you are as well.

But I also work for a beer company, and trends there paint a different story. Same as for every FMCG company.

To put it simply, 'Joe 6 pack' can't afford a 6 pack anymore. Or at least, doesn't feel secure enough in his finances, or his job, to buy one.

Why does that matter? Well, FMCG is a pretty good measure of consumer sentiment for a couple of reasons.

1. The category is universally consumed by all socioeconomic classes.
2. It's a repeating purchase item. People need to buy groceries, what are they buying? Are they trying to economize? what discretionary items are they willing to buy?
3. Beer specifically is a good marker for 'vibes' as well. Are people going out for a beer with friends? Are they hosting a cook out? Are they watching sporting events? Do they feel comfortable spending money on 'fun'?

For beer, the industry is down about 3% this year, some companies more than others. Craft has been decimated. It's the expensive premium choice, and people can't afford it anymore. Input prices are through the roof as well, aluminium tariffs alone are a couple cents a can in additional pain, if nothing else.

https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/the-2025-year-in-beer/

The company whom I work for is doing a little better because we have a strong portfolio of economy brands, which many of our consumers who used to buy 'premium domestic' are trading into. As a result, we've only cut headcount by 8% this year...

Other FMCG companies are seeing the same thing.

Here's Q&A for KraftHeinz in Q3 25: https://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/me...5_KHC_QA_Transcript_v1.pdf?disposition=inline

Here's Coca Cola (The BofA question on page 16 is telling): https://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/me...5_KHC_QA_Transcript_v1.pdf?disposition=inline

PepsiCo (The WellsFargo question on P15 is informative): https://www.pepsico.com/docs/pepsico-5v9wci20/media/Files/investors/q3-2025-pep_transcript.pdf

Mondelez (Up in every business unit, except the US): https://ir.mondelezinternational.co...ondelez-international-reports-q3-2025-results

P&G: https://us.pg.com/blogs/pg-earnings-third-quarter-2025/


Predictably this has lead to a couple of CEO changes, and pretty much universal lay offs across the food and beverage industry. But if people don't have expendable income, and have no confidence in the economy, or job security, or the future, then what can you really do?

United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment

Consumer Confidence in the United States increased to 54 points in January from 52.90 points in December of 2025. This page provides the latest reported value for - United States Consumer Sentiment - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction...

tradingeconomics.com

Americans making more than $100,000 are quickly losing faith in the economy—and it's a red flag for the white-collar job market | Fortune

Worries over job security are fueling declining confidence among the well-off.

fortune.com

https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2025

This isn't exclusively a 'Trump' thing, 2024 wasn't a good year either. But this idea that 'things were terrible 12 months ago, and now they're great' is pure fantasy. Or at least pure political bias. Nothing has materially changed. Or at least, nothing has changed for the better.

Interest rates ARE down, no denying that, so that's one win... but debt loads are climbing.

Household Debt and Credit Report

Unique data and insight into the credit conditions and activity of U.S. households

www.newyorkfed.org

Wages aren't growing. Inflation has slowed, but it's still driving up prices for consumers who still haven't caught up from the last 5 years. Nobody has any confidence in the economy. Job security is shaky. Nobody has expendable income. Unemployment, whilst still low, is rising.

But so long as the AI bubble keeps propping up the stock market, most on this forum will continue to be increasingly comfortable. Good for us.

I'd note that's been true through 2023, 2024 as well, when you lot were all saying how terrible the economy was. If I was mean, I'd call that hypocrisy.

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But either way, the top couple of % of households doesn't make up an economy...

All valid points.. however, none of it changes the fact that unemployment is down, the markets are up, interest rates are dropping, and tax cuts to the middle class have been promised.. all of which are historic drivers in voter satisfaction related to the economy..

and again, while agreeing with most of your points, you leave some very key and important facts out..

like.. while indeed Gen Y does a whole lot of bitching about what they cant afford.. the facts clearly show that Gen Y has a very different set of priorities than older generations, and that US wages have actually increased at a greater rate over the last 15 years than inflation.. and that actually takes into account the outrageous 2 years of inflation brought on to us by uncle joe.. (and thats despite covid.. the "great resignation" saw wages increase 8-12% in 12 months across most industries in the US.. then joe's 20% inflation over 2 years negated most of those gains.. and still wages outpace inflation overall)...

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/us-wages-keeping-up-with-inflation/

So.. Gen Y actually has MORE buying power across all products and services than they had 15 years ago..

there have just been huge swings in certain markets where certain things (housing and food for example) where those specific items have increased in cost at a higher pace than wages.. theres no doubt about that.. but overall, the big picture is very different..

When speaking to priorities and whether or not Joe 6 Pack can afford a 6 pack.. its important to note than the typical Gen X'er in the US goes out to eat dinner 1x times per week.. .While the typical Gen Y guy goes out to eat 5x times per week on average.. (Gen Y prioritizes convenience and social activities at a substantially higher rate than older generations..

Among Gen Y and Gen Z more than 38% own the latest edition or second latest edition iphone (or android equivalent) while among Gen X that number is less than half... (young generations prioritize technology and electronics at a much more advanced and much more expensive rate)..

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/boston/news/average-millennial-eats-out-five-times-a-week-study-finds/

The list of things that Gen Y indulges in that Gen Z generally does not (or not to the same extent) is extensive...

For example Gen Y is the largest purchaser of "Socially responsible and sustainable brands" (much more expensive than other options)..

They invest more in online shopping and subscription services than any other generation...

They spend more on health and wellness, which includes organic and specialized foods, supplements, etc. than any other generation

They prioritize experiences more than any other generation (anyone taken a look at what a pair of Taylor Swift tickets costs these days? concerts and live music is one of the top expenses within the "experiences" category for Gen Y)..

Personal Care and Apparel is a huge priority with Gen Y. Notable shares of spending goes toward personal grooming, beauty products, etc (often influenced by social media trends), that are at a higher rate than other generations..

and then there are the other very obvious things that are clear issues like they carry the most student loan debt, generally have the largest volume of automobile related debt (although that is trending down in recent years as more and more city dwelling Gen Y are turning toward ride sharing and buying lessor vehicles or no vehicles at all...

What it amounts to is there isnt a lot of money left over to buy $12 a six pack craft beer (Gen Y is also the largest buyer of premium alcohol products, craft beers, etc.. but not the largest buyer of alcohol in general.. that title still belongs to the smaller, but wealthier Gen X).. because the priority is a new iPhone, eating out at applebees 5 days a week, shopping for make up at Ulta and Sephora rather than at CVS and Walgreens like their mothers do, a dozen subscription services, and servicing a ton of debt incurred after chasing liberal arts degrees, that dont result in high paying jobs, etc..etc..

the fact remains that wages have outpaced inflation in the US for the last 15 years.. and the job market is much more secure than it was just 18 months ago... that interest rates on major items like vehicles and homes are down.. etc..


wages just havent kept up with spending trends and consumer desires..

The median size for a "middle class" home in the US in 1980 was 1595 sq feet... today the median (2024 study) in the US for a "middle class" home is 2164 sq feet...

Millennials have moved the goal posts.. its not good enough to eat vienna sausages, live in a 1500 sq foot house, wear clothes from wal mart, etc.. and be able to afford all of the coors light you could ever want.. (lower middle class in the 80's)

Today we need organic grass fed beef, a 2164 sq foot house, shop at vineyard vines, etc.. and then bitch because we cant afford a six pack of heinikan... (lower middle class today)


It should be noted that Im not saying everyone is happy with their position in society, that they think they are economically booming, etc..

What I am saying (or was saying in the original post) is if Joe six pack looks at where he was 24 months ago.. and then looks at where he is today.. most believe they are in a better position.. they do not believe they are in a worse one.. if they couldnt afford a beer yesterday, they sure as shit couldnt afford one 2 years ago.. and if they are worried about their jobs today with 4.4% unemployment.. then they were sure as hell terrified when unemployment hit 6.3% in 2021..

While 28 year old Karen in training may lament her inability to pay the $80K in debt incurred while pursuing a BA in Gender studies.. 2024 and 2025 studies show working class and middle income workers are shifting away from the D party and into the R world at an alarming rate (alarming to the D's at least).. (The Center for Politics, Gallup).. even NPR and Rippon Society have reported (im sure reluctantly) that this is happening.. largely due to younger peoples desire for the "tangible economic impacts" that have been obtained by Trump policy and their desire for "cultural shifts"...

https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5183060/why-working-class-voters-have-been-shifting-toward-the-republican-party

Working Class Folks are the New Political Base and Republicans Have the Advantage | The Ripon Society

The GOP's new voters need relief from both government and the private sector.

riponsociety.org

 

[Altitude sickness]

To be clear. I agree the sheepskin gets you through the online digital screening of mandatory requirements.
But once you’re standing in a long line of average people with the same sheepskin. Intangibles and soft skills matter. And Someone that has read Sowell or taken online courses at Hillsdale or with Peterson would get a second look. At any place I would want my friends or relatives kids to work.

 

[Wheels]

To be honest mdwest, I have a very, very different opinion on the current economic environment than you do.

Additionally, you are the only person all year who I've experienced having this particular opinion. I say that very seriously.

From where I'm sitting, things are only really 'good' for those who have large amounts invested in the stock market, and rely on that as their primary source of income. I'm doing ok in that environment, and I'm sure you are as well.

But I also work for a beer company, and trends there paint a different story. Same as for every FMCG company.

To put it simply, 'Joe 6 pack' can't afford a 6 pack anymore. Or at least, doesn't feel secure enough in his finances, or his job, to buy one.

Why does that matter? Well, FMCG is a pretty good measure of consumer sentiment for a couple of reasons.

1. The category is universally consumed by all socioeconomic classes.
2. It's a repeating purchase item. People need to buy groceries, what are they buying? Are they trying to economize? what discretionary items are they willing to buy?
3. Beer specifically is a good marker for 'vibes' as well. Are people going out for a beer with friends? Are they hosting a cook out? Are they watching sporting events? Do they feel comfortable spending money on 'fun'?

For beer, the industry is down about 3% this year, some companies more than others. Craft has been decimated. It's the expensive premium choice, and people can't afford it anymore. Input prices are through the roof as well, aluminium tariffs alone are a couple cents a can in additional pain, if nothing else.

https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/the-2025-year-in-beer/

The company whom I work for is doing a little better because we have a strong portfolio of economy brands, which many of our consumers who used to buy 'premium domestic' are trading into. As a result, we've only cut headcount by 8% this year...

Other FMCG companies are seeing the same thing.

Here's Q&A for KraftHeinz in Q3 25: https://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/me...5_KHC_QA_Transcript_v1.pdf?disposition=inline

Here's Coca Cola (The BofA question on page 16 is telling): https://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/me...5_KHC_QA_Transcript_v1.pdf?disposition=inline

PepsiCo (The WellsFargo question on P15 is informative): https://www.pepsico.com/docs/pepsico-5v9wci20/media/Files/investors/q3-2025-pep_transcript.pdf

Mondelez (Up in every business unit, except the US): https://ir.mondelezinternational.co...ondelez-international-reports-q3-2025-results

P&G: https://us.pg.com/blogs/pg-earnings-third-quarter-2025/


Predictably this has lead to a couple of CEO changes, and pretty much universal lay offs across the food and beverage industry. But if people don't have expendable income, and have no confidence in the economy, or job security, or the future, then what can you really do?

United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment

Consumer Confidence in the United States increased to 54 points in January from 52.90 points in December of 2025. This page provides the latest reported value for - United States Consumer Sentiment - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction...

tradingeconomics.com

Americans making more than $100,000 are quickly losing faith in the economy—and it's a red flag for the white-collar job market | Fortune

Worries over job security are fueling declining confidence among the well-off.

fortune.com

https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2025

This isn't exclusively a 'Trump' thing, 2024 wasn't a good year either. But this idea that 'things were terrible 12 months ago, and now they're great' is pure fantasy. Or at least pure political bias. Nothing has materially changed. Or at least, nothing has changed for the better.

Interest rates ARE down, no denying that, so that's one win... but debt loads are climbing.

Household Debt and Credit Report

Unique data and insight into the credit conditions and activity of U.S. households

www.newyorkfed.org

Wages aren't growing. Inflation has slowed, but it's still driving up prices for consumers who still haven't caught up from the last 5 years. Nobody has any confidence in the economy. Job security is shaky. Nobody has expendable income. Unemployment, whilst still low, is rising.

But so long as the AI bubble keeps propping up the stock market, most on this forum will continue to be increasingly comfortable. Good for us.

I'd note that's been true through 2023, 2024 as well, when you lot were all saying how terrible the economy was. If I was mean, I'd call that hypocrisy.

View attachment 739440
View attachment 739441
View attachment 739442

But either way, the top couple of % of households doesn't make up an economy...

Beer/alcohol consumption has been used to judge economic health in the past. The question now is it still a good indicator since the general population is decreasing alcohol consumption. Especially since the younger generation has been turning their noses up to alcohol. 54% of adults report to drinking alcohol last year which is the lowest rate in 90 years per my AI search assistant.

The Atlanta Fed just estimated GDP for the fourth quarter at 5.3% which is pretty healthy.

https://www.reddit.com/r/EconomyCharts/comments/1qcuas6/atlanta_fed_gdpnow_puts_q4_2025_real_gdp_growth

FMCG can definitely be used as a good economic indicator. I haven’t studied it but I do wonder how much the Covid free money followed by the Biden Inflation Reduction Act (which caused inflation) added to an artificial increase in FMCG numbers that are now having to be accounted for.

I don’t know how people are feeling in Wisconsin but people in Oklahoma that I talk to are feeling pretty good about the economy. Most are getting salary percentage bumps they haven’t seen since prior to the 2008 financial crisis, other than the above said Covid/inflation bumps.

In economic moves, sometimes regions lead, sometimes industries lead while others move later or not at all. From a localized perspective people around here seem pretty positive. I have a feeling @mdwest ,200 miles away from me, is feeling the same. Thus his sentiment.

 

[LivingTheDream]

Just a funny note, I read an article discussing how Millenials (Gen Y) value going out to eat and good booze, and how Gen Z is focusing more on their mental health and alcohol free events.

The example used was how a 26 year old Gen Z male went to an komoto wearing alcohol free brunch rave to destress...and I immediately was like nope.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Don Bacon is a Congressman from Nebraska and retired Air Force General. He's not running for re-election, so he can speak his mind.

GOP congressman splits with Trump over Greenland, calls it 'buffoonery'

In an interview, GOP Rep. Don Bacon slammed the president's efforts to take over Greenland, warning it could lead to his impeachment.

www.usatoday.com

I would say in speaking his mind he's spot on.

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I know some of you thought my post on the state of Canada was offside, but, even the Premier of Ontario realizes that the Chinese EV’s are just electronic spies for the CCP.
If Canada doesn’t reject the Liberal communist government soon, Canada will be the biggest threat to Democracy not only here but the USA as well.
SkidMark Carnage got nothing for Canadians in his trip to China, but padded his portfolio by selling us out the Chinese regime.
I hope that the US will allow refugee status for us common sense Canadians fleeing a communist dictatorship.

 

[RLD]

I know some of you thought my post on the state of Canada was offside, but, even the Premier of Ontario realizes that the Chinese EV’s are just electronic spies for the CCP.
If Canada doesn’t reject the Liberal communist government soon, Canada will be the biggest threat to Democracy not only here but the USA as well.
SkidMark Carnage got nothing for Canadians in his trip to China, but padded his portfolio by selling us out the Chinese regime.
I hope that the US will allow refugee status for us common sense Canadians fleeing a communist dictatorship.

Hey Boyd, how much money are you willing to wager on Canada being a communist dictatorship in the next 20 years?

What odds will you give me? Happy to take the bet in currency of your choice.

And many of my farmer friends are very happy to see the tariffs slashed on their products going into China. But I guess they don't count.

But if you want to move to the U.S. learn some Africaans and I think that will get you to the front of the line?

 

[Wheels]

Evidently America got its top secret weapon from “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”

https://twitter.com/x/status/2011828679857299548

 

[Brent in Az]

Minnesota changes official state bird to screaming lesbian - Babylon Bee

 

[Aaron N]

I know some of you thought my post on the state of Canada was offside, but, even the Premier of Ontario realizes that the Chinese EV’s are just electronic spies for the CCP.
If Canada doesn’t reject the Liberal communist government soon, Canada will be the biggest threat to Democracy not only here but the USA as well.
SkidMark Carnage got nothing for Canadians in his trip to China, but padded his portfolio by selling us out the Chinese regime.
I hope that the US will allow refugee status for us common sense Canadians fleeing a communist dictatorship.

So we should only sell our resources to our neighbour who openly and repeatedly have threatened to invade us?

 

[LivingTheDream]

So we should only sell our resources to our neighbour who openly and repeatedly have threatened to invade us?

Yeah because if not, we will invade you. Easy Peasy.

(This was said in sarcasm please dont get upset)

 

[Boyd Brooks]

Yeah because if not, we will invade you. Easy Peasy.

(This was said in sarcasm please dont get upset)

Careful not to trigger the Liberal Canadians, they can’t comprehend sarcasm.