Lipstick on a Pig!!

I recently read an article on a widely read news website that stated a 8.5%+ increase in Social Security was in the offing for 2023. It cited a certain "non-partisan" research firm. 

Whoa... "non-partisan" is quite a tube of lipstick. Overlooking the shady history of this organization, it was clearly a political hit piece, intended to plant an idea in the public's thought process in an election year. 

While it might be possible, there is nothing in the tea leaves to suggest such an increase. The current suggestions indicate a range of 5.9%~6.2%. No doubt the beneficiaries of this increase will harken back to the 8.5%+ number and claim they have been cheated by the politicians in power. 

For that 8.5%+ to continue until the July ~ September time frame, would require something above 0.7% monthly increases through September. Supply v Demand is already indicating a drop off in demand for Gasoline, although Crude supplies are short. Food demand will not drop off, with supplies tightening. Almost all other items are beginning to stabilize. 

Let's face it... such an inflation rate necessary to hit the 8.5%+ YOY increase for 3rd Qtr. would likely send us into some type of recession.

I, also, have been reading about how NATO is so much stronger now, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If anything, the weaknesses are more visible. If someone were to attack a NATO country, the NATO council would require “consensus” for official involvement. Not likely and would end up with something akin to a “coalition of the willing.”

Such an action would likely result in the halting of energy supplies to Europe, which would result in widespread economic consequences. THAT would be blamed on the good old USA… not Putin.

Of course, it would be a false premise, but the USA should be used to being blamed for everything wrong in the world. Of course, the USA has made more than a few mistakes, but not 100% of everything. But being the leader of anything comes with intense scrutiny and blame… every time something goes wrong. Which overshadows any accomplishments.

Which brings me to the subject of Germany, the leader of the EU. A seismic shift has taken place inside the country’s political objectives regarding Russia. Early on the dialogue was about his 180° turn and the self-reflection of previous policies.

Now it seems the criticism of Germany is causing the politicos to sound alarms about the “unfairness” of such criticisms. Some is deserved and some… maybe not. When times get tough, it is not uncommon to blame the leaders and Germany is a leader. It comes with the territory.

German policies have created the potential for a huge mess, but most of the EU followed along and reaped the benefits. Faced with adversity… a scapegoat is needed. But they shouldn’t worry too much, as eventually this will all be blamed on U.S. policies, whether due to inaction, over-reaction, meddling, etc. After all, most of the world blames the U.S. for Russia being forced to invade Ukraine.