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<p><a href="https://economicprism.com/dont-blame-trump-when-the-world-ends/"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-5239 size-full" src="https://economicprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Trump.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a>Once upon a time, clear reasoning and eloquent expression in writing were highly valued. Unfortunately, this illustrious era seems to have faded away around 1936, leading us into a convoluted age rife with incomprehensible jargon.</p>
<p>This decline can be traced back to the publication of John Maynard Keynes’ *The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money* in 1936. This book is notoriously difficult to grasp and arguably diminishes the intellect of its readers.</p>
<p>Despite its obfuscation, Keynes’ work continues to fascinate politicians and mainstream economists. It conveniently provides a theoretical basis for governments to indulge in their favored pastime: borrowing money and funneling it into ineffective initiatives. Keynes even suggested an absurd notion of burying bottles filled with cash in coal mines for people to dig up, believing it would magically eliminate unemployment and create wealth for all.</p>
<p>Over the years, this peculiar reasoning has led to numerous government interventions aimed at salvaging the economy from disaster. <a href="https://economicprism.com/dont-blame-trump-when-the-world-ends/#more-5363" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
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<p><a href="https://economicprism.com/adventures-in-currency-debasement/"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2231 size-full" title="Adventures in Currency Debasement" src="https://economicprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MexicoCityDF.jpg" width="150" height="150"/></a>The value of the U.S. dollar, as indicated by the dollar index, has generally increased since mid-2014. The dollar index rises when the U.S. dollar appreciates against a selection of currencies, such as the euro, yen, and pound. Conversely, it declines when the dollar's value diminishes.</p>
<p>From July 30, 2014, to December 28, 2016, the dollar index increased from 79.78 to 103.30, marking a 29 percent rise. However, it has since dipped to around 100. Additionally, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/01/donald-trump-dollar-dollar-ills-yall/513572/');" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/01/donald-trump-dollar-dollar-ills-yall/513572/">President Trump</a> has asserted that the dollar is "too strong," with Treasury Secretary <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-23/mnuchin-says-excessively-strong-dollar-may-have-negative-impact');" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-23/mnuchin-says-excessively-strong-dollar-may-have-negative-impact">Steven Mnuchin</a> echoing this sentiment by describing the dollar as "excessively strong."</p>
<p>Trump prefers a weaker dollar as part of his strategy to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. The reasoning is straightforward: a depreciated dollar makes U.S. exports more appealing on global markets, while simultaneously increasing the costs of foreign imports for American consumers, thereby encouraging the purchase of domestically made goods. <a href="https://economicprism.com/adventures-in-currency-debasement/#more-5353" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
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<p><a href="https://economicprism.com/the-right-stuff/"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-5078 size-full" title="The Right Stuff" src="https://economicprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Mars.png" width="150" height="150" /></a>“You boys know what makes this bird go up? Funding makes this bird go up. That’s right. No bucks, no Buck Rogers.” – Gordon Cooper and Gus Grissom, *The Right Stuff* (film)</p>
<h3><strong>Pledges for Trump</strong></h3>
<p>Indicators suggest a positive trajectory for the U.S. economy in 2017. An exhilarating wave of optimism is palpable.</p>
<p>Just recently, following a discussion with the incoming President, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-monsanto-idUSKBN1512JK');" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-monsanto-idUSKBN1512JK">Bayer and Monsanto</a> promised to allocate at least half of their agriculture research and development budget—approximately $8 billion—here in the United States over the next six years. Estimates suggest this collaboration could create 3,000 new high-tech jobs in the U.S.</p>
<p>Additionally, both Wal-Mart and General Motors made substantial job and investment <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-employment-idUSKBN1511JE');" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-employment-idUSKBN1511JE">commitments for Trump</a>. Wal-Mart announced plans to generate 10,000 new jobs this year, while General Motors revealed a $1 billion investment that will foster 1,500 new jobs.</p>
<p>In response to these pledges, Trump tweeted: <a href="https://economicprism.com/the-right-stuff/#more-5337" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
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<p><a href="https://economicprism.com/trumps-plan-to-close-the-trade-deficit-with-china/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4340 size-full" title="Trump's Plan to Close the Trade Deficit with China" src="https://economicprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ChinaCracker.png" width="125" height="125"/></a>Jack Ma is a likable person who, back in 1994, tried out the internet during his visit to the United States. In an inspired moment, he typed the word <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.businessinsider.com/the-story-of-jack-ma-founder-of-alibaba-2014-9');" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-story-of-jack-ma-founder-of-alibaba-2014-9">beer</a> into a search engine.</p>
<p>The results profoundly influenced Ma, prompting him to return to China and launch his first internet business. After several attempts, he found success with Alibaba, amassing a net worth of $27.1 billion—surpassing President-elect Trump by over 7.3 times. Quite a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a former school teacher.</p>
<p>Ma's business strategy is both astute and laid-back. In 2014, after enjoying a few drinks, he acquired China’s top soccer team from fellow billionaire Hui Ka Yan. The purchase set him back $192 million.</p>
<p>“By accident I got him drunk,” <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-06-05/evergrande-rises-on-alibaba-soccer-stake-report-hong-kong-mover');" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-06-05/evergrande-rises-on-alibaba-soccer-stake-report-hong-kong-mover">Yan recounted</a> of the deal. “I told him my Evergrande soccer team is planning to issue shares and raise money for strategic development. He agreed within 15 minutes.” <a href="https://economicprism.com/trumps-plan-to-close-the-trade-deficit-with-china/#more-5329" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
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<!-- .entry-utility -->This piece provides a critical look at economic thinking and its implications, drawing on historical events and modern-day anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of the current landscape. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on the convoluted paths of economic policies and their impacts on society.
