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Jack Wells's avatar

And I presume the pronunciation of “Xitter” would follow the Chinese pattern?

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Keith Wheelock's avatar

I prefer not to write about Thread and Twitter. I have never engaged in ‘social media.’ As a kid, I was thrilled with two tin cans and a connecting string. I also used Morse code.

I relish reading—books and well-written articles. I e-mail, but don’t text. I don’t give a twit about Thread and What”s Up? Would make me throw up.

Regarding the economy, once I was considered knowledgeable in finance. What I first learned in the early 1970s was that consensus thinking about economic trends was almost invariably wrong. By pursuing my contrarian views, I was considered (in retrospect) quite wise.

These days in social media bad news sells, good news does not. I am reminded of economists who had predicted 9 of the past 5 recessions.In recent years these Chicken Littles have been even more rambunctious.

I was surprised at how well President Biden has managed the Covid economy, the sharp short-term spike in inflation, the aftermath of Putin’’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, and much more.

I am delighted that The Economist considers the American economy ‘resilient’ and the best in the post-industrial world. Though I genuflect before Paul Krugman (who, unlike most economists, acknowledges when he is mistaken), I haven’t a clue about the shape of the American economy or the inflation rate six months hence. Thus I intend to remain quiet while Larry Summers and others pontificate..

I am surprised at the rapidity of Governor DeSantis’s self-destruction. I remain astonished that our increasingly indicted former president has re-enforced his popularity in what once was the Republican Party. I can’t imagine anyone of Trumpist dimensions doing a better job of leading America than President Biden.

I have just reread MIRACLE AT PHILADELPHIA (the story of the constitutional convention). I shall hope that we remain a constitutional republic and that justice will prevail.

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