These past few weeks have been a lot. From new laws that suppress voting on a national level to people being deported and a resurgence of measles, it feels like our rights are being rolled back. As Stacy Abrams points out, this isn’t just politics as usual; it’s a slow-motion overthrow of our Constitution.

But we can’t give in to the intended terror. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what’s happening and how we can act. It starts with being aware, questioning everything, and protecting our minds. It means supporting the freedom to read and challenging those who want to control what we think. And it also means understanding the economic forces at play, like the tariffs that are causing chaos and confusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0oY-4ZI48

The State of Our Nation: More Than Just Politics

The current climate feels overwhelming, right? The House passed the SAVE Act, which legalizes voter suppression on a scale unseen since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. People are being deported or subjected to rendition in foreign prisons without due process. And the measles, a disease once near eradication, has claimed another child. The CDC is even losing its ability to monitor diseases that threaten vulnerable communities.

According to Abrams, this isn’t just politics. It’s a slow-motion dismantling of our Constitution, achieved by eroding our rights: the right to vote, free speech, and even the right to exist in a prosperous and scientifically advanced nation.

To combat this, Abrams turns to Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny, specifically chapters 9 and 17. Chapter 9 urges us to be kind to our language and to read books. Chapter 17 warns us to listen for dangerous words – words that those in power use to scare us into giving them control. Tyrants use language to create panic and fear, offering themselves as the only safe option. They ban books that could show us the path to freedom.

Recently, nearly 400 books were banned from the US Naval Academy, including Abrams’ own book, Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America. This book chronicles the erosion of voting rights, highlights conservative attacks on democracy, and provides a blueprint for ending voter suppression. The fact that a book about democracy is seen as a threat speaks volumes.

These bans extend to books about race, gender, inequality, and the cost of housing, all in response to Trump’s executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Yet, Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf remains on the shelves.

The goal is clear: to control minds, not protect them. Tyrants want obedience, not curiosity; memorization of falsehoods, not analysis of truth. They are afraid of leadership because real leadership requires understanding the whole truth of the country.

Taking Action

So, what can we do? We can insist and make noise. This abuse of power is designed to silence us, but we can’t sit on the sidelines.

One concrete step is to support the Freedom to Read Act, which is being pushed in state legislatures across the country. We need to demand that public institutions reflect all of us, especially in the written word. If your state won’t pass this act, push your city council or county commission to take up a local version. Your school board can also make a statement of principle and adopt its own version.

This act includes:

• Protections against discrimination for library collections.
• Anti-retaliation protections for teachers and librarians.
• Enshrinement of First Amendment precedents in state and local law.
• A private right of action for the tort of censorship.

It won’t work everywhere, but we are obliged to try. Advocates of ignorance and bigotry may have given themselves the power to ban books, but they cannot ban the truth.

Decoding the Economic Chaos: Trump’s Trade War

Last week, President Trump caused global chaos by launching a trade war. Sharp tariff hikes sent markets into a tailspin and raised fears of a recession. Stock prices fell, and bond yields rose. People are understandably afraid and confused.

To help us understand what’s happening, Abrams spoke with Dean Baker, an economist and co-founder of the Center for Economic Policy and Research.

What are Tariffs?

Baker explains that tariffs are simply taxes on imports. The common misconception is that tariffs are paid by the exporting country. However, it’s the people in the country that imports the goods that pay the taxes.

Who Benefits from Tariffs?

The Trump administration claimed that tariffs would re-industrialize America. However, Baker finds this implausible. He says that to re-industrialize the US the tariffs should be in stone so companies can count on them when making business decisions. With the constant shifts and changes of tariffs, it’s hard to make long term plans.

In reality, tariffs are a regressive tax that disproportionately impacts working people. Rich people don’t spend their entire income on goods subject to tariffs, while working people spend a larger portion of their income on taxed goods.

Tariffs are also “a recipe for corruption.” Baker highlights Trump’s “kiss my ass” comment and its implications.

Trade Deficits

Trade deficits with specific countries aren’t necessarily problematic. Poor countries may export goods but import less due to affordability. The US trade deficit as a share of GDP is also lower than it was two decades ago.

Trump’s Tariffs on Mexico & Canada

The current status of tariffs on goods covered by the USMCA trade agreement is complex. There are also added tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper.

Stock Market Reactions

The stock market plummeted in response to tariff announcements because “most investors… see tariffs as very bad news.”

Impact on Retirement Accounts

Those nearing retirement have real concerns. Baker suggests diversifying investments with international funds and exploring purchasing an annuity to avoid selling all stock at once.

The Bond Market & Treasury Yields

Rising treasury yields are unusual when the stock market is falling. This raises concerns that investors are losing confidence in the long-term stability of the US economy.

The Trade War with China

The trade war with China could have many potential consequences for the average person. China’s blocking of rare earth minerals and magnets is also a concern. Baker argues that Trump “doesn’t know what he’s dealing with” regarding China.

A Better Approach to Trade with China

Baker advocates for cooperation and sharing of technology. He suggests allowing China to sell electric cars in the US in exchange for technology transfer. He also emphasizes the potential benefits of cooperation on issues like healthcare and climate change.

Industrial Policy & Bringing Manufacturing Back to the US

Baker acknowledges the success of the Biden administration’s industrial policy. However, he questions whether it’s realistic or desirable to bring all manufacturing back to the US. He also points out that manufacturing jobs are no longer necessarily high-paying.

Trusted Resources

Baker recommends the following resources for staying informed on economic issues:

• The Washington Post and The New York Times
• Paul Krugman’s Substack
• Adam Tooze’s Substack
• The Center for Economic Policy and Research

The Human Cost: Tariffs Impacting Real Americans

To understand the real-world impact of these tariffs, Abrams spoke with Beth Bencki, founder of Busy Baby, and Richard Oswald, Vice President of the Missouri Farmers Union.

Beth Bencki (Busy Baby)

Busy Baby’s success story has been impressive. However, tariffs have “cut [her] legs out from underneath [her].” This could lead to running out of product, loss of revenue, job losses, and even losing her house.

Why source from China? Beth explains that there’s a lack of infrastructure and factories in the US, as well as high minimum order quantities. China is also more willing to take risks on small production runs. Her current plans involve focusing on international distribution and finding new markets.

Richard Oswald (Missouri Farmers Union)

Richard shares his lifelong farming experience and explains how farming in the US has evolved to focus on row crops (corn and soybeans). Farmers rely on export markets (especially China) to maintain profitable prices. The unpredictable nature of tariffs makes it difficult to make decisions.

Navigating Uncertainty: A Conversation on Decision-Making

Beth’s approach involves focusing on international distribution and finding new markets. Richard’s approach is to live off equity and hope for government support, while acknowledging the need to “wait for the storm to pass.”

Richard also raises concerns about electronics. Modern farm machinery relies on electronics and rare earth minerals. A potential disruption to the supply of repair parts if China restricts exports is a real threat.

The Domestic Production Intention

Are these policies actually beneficial in the long run?

Beth has explored bringing manufacturing to the US, but faces many challenges:

• Need to import specialized machinery from China.
• Lack of expertise in operating and maintaining the machinery.
• Long lead times and high costs for tooling and materials in the US.

She also points out the irony of Apple receiving tariff exemptions despite having the resources to bring manufacturing back to the US.

The Emotional Toll

Beth has received hateful comments online.

Richard expresses frustration at seeing history repeat itself and the government continuously make the same mistakes.

Both emphasize the importance of being able to work, make a living, and earn a return. They also hope that people can let others make choices and support those choices.

Toolkit for Action: Staying Informed and Making a Difference

So, what can you do to stay informed and make a difference?

• Be Curious: Visit your local library, get a library card, and check out a book from the banned books list. Fight back with curiosity. Check out Book Riot or PEN America’s guides on how to help fight book bans.
• Solve Problems: Call your representatives and senators (federal, state, and local). Find contact information at USA.gov/elected-officials. Share your personal stories and express your anger, fear, and frustration.
• Do Good: Support small businesses in your area by shopping local and spending local. Visit local farmers’ markets.

Conclusion

The challenges we face are significant, but we are not powerless. By staying informed, taking action, and supporting each other, we can weather the storm and build a better future. Remember, our time is now, and no amount of censorship or tyranny can stop us.