Published

3 years ago

January 21, 2024

Alice Rush

Re: the meme here, a reader opines: Brandon has nothing to do with it. No politician had anything to do with it.

I agree that, generally, U.S. presidents tend to get too much credit when things go right, and too much blame when they head south.

Yet in this case it’s unclear, to me at least, how much credit Biden actually deserves for what appears an extremely robust economy, as measured by job growth, stock market valuations, inflation control, etc.

One can identify a great number of public sector investments that are aimed at rebuilding/expanding infrastructure, bringing manufacturing jobs (especially cleantech) back from overseas, expanding energy security, and post-COVID recovery. One can add, of top of that, that these investments are simply paying off precisely as they were intended.

Many economists are surprised that so much growth was possible without, for instance, huge rates of inflation causing rising interest rates that in turn sent us into recession. It wasn’t that long ago that the idea of a “soft landing” was something of a pipe dream.

Granted, all this is not an easy pill to swallow if you’re a Republican, praying for a meltdown going into election season, but it does seem to be the case.

How Much Credit Biden Merits for the Economy

Renewable Energy

Money and its Effect on the Human Personality

Published

9 hours ago

August 23, 2026

Alice Rush

Today, I met a professional driver for the film-making industry whose principal focus is stunt-work.

Somehow, we got to talking about the many movie stars for whom he’s worked over the years, and how pleasant most of them are to be around.

He started by mentioning Kevin Costner.

“I really like him,” I said. Please tell me he’s not an asshole.”

“Oh no; he’s a prince,” my new friend replied. “I also do the driving for Jay Leno’s show about his massive garage full of vintage cars. He’s even kinder. When we’re having lunch between shootings, he’ll often come up our table and ask if we need another Coke or two. Maybe desserts?”

We eventually got around to the stars who are, in fact, assholes.

“I drive in Lethal Weapon 4,” he began.

“Let me make a stab. Mel Gibson?”

Yes. One of the most hateful, most miserable people you could meet in 100 lifetimes.”

“That’s the rumor everyone’s heard,” I responded. “It’s weird how people who have more money that God feel the need to be such terrible people.”

“Well, my theory is that money doesn’t change people; it only amplifies them.”

I remind him of Henry Ford’s observation above.

Great conversation.