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July 21, 2023

National: Unrequited Love: Labor Unions Don’t Love Biden Back

Biden has credited organized labor with his victory in 2020, bragged about how often he says the word “union” compared to his predecessors, and repeatedly promised to be “the most pro-union president leading the most pro-union administration” in American history.?

Now the labor unions don’t want his help amid strikes in Hollywood and a potential strike with UPS. The White House response on Monday was essentially: We heard you. “The Teamsters have asked us to not get involved, not to intervene,” Jean-Pierre told reporters.

President Biden can’t claim to be the “most pro-union president” if the unions don’t want his help. They argue he can’t support subsidies and incentives for EVs without also calling for higher wages. The President has a tough needle to thread and he needs to be mindful that his messaging is aligned with his values.

State: Win the Decade: Wes Moore’s Plan for Maryland

Six months into his first term and Gov. Wes Moore is already looking ahead to the next 10 years. Moore is balancing his long-term vision and the immediate threat of gun violence in which children are increasingly both the victims and the perpetrators.?

There is a lot coming at it him and while it seems that he has found the balance, it’s not an easy feat. In a recent interview, Moore said that Maryland relies on the “eds, feds, and meds” for economic strength. I believe Maryland’s economic engine is bigger than that. I would not discount the small businesses like coffee shops and coffee roasters that are vital to their local economy.?

Local: Keeping the Green in Greenbury?

Greenbury Point is owned by the US Navy. It’s more than 200 acres that sits on the Chesapeake Bay and is also home to the US Naval Academy golf course. However, when Naval Academy Athletic Director wrote to the Secretary of the Navy about expanding the golf course, the public took issue and started the Save Greenbury Point effort.

This issue has caught the attention of the Maryland Congressional delegation and the Governor. However, it looks like much ado about nothing. There are no plans for a golf course and the letter was merely just an inquiry. I am reminded of the definition given for post hoc, ergo propter hoc.

?It went: “Why are you whistling?”

“To keep the elephants away.”

“But there aren’t any elephants around here.”

“See? It works.”

There are no elephants around here but the Save Greenbury Point crowd will argue that’s because they’re keeping them away.

By the Numbers: Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt

More Americans are over the age of 65 (22%) than ever before and Americans carry more debt.