THE LITTLE PICTURE AND THE REALLY BIG ONE February 15, 2024February 15, 2024 But first . . . In case you missed yesterday’s post, here’s what was in the bi-partisan immigration bill Trump killed to keep the crisis alive for another year so he’d have it to campaign on. The bill was endorsed by the Border Patrol Union, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Shame on Congressional Republicans for bowing to his will. And now . . . THE LITTLE PICTURE 30 Things Joe Biden Has Done You Might Have Missed I almost didn’t post this because most of them are small or haven’t come to fruition — which is why you might have missed them. I was afraid they could distract from the HUGE things he’s done . . . . . . like launching the decades-overdue revitalization of our national infrastructure (complete with rural broadband!) that most Republicans voted against but now eagerly take credit for when a project is announced in their district (“vote no, take the dough”); . . . like making the largest investment ever in confronting climate change; . . . and like reassuming America’s role as leader of the free world, embracing democratic allies while calling out murderous dictators for who they are rather than embracing them. That’s the BIG picture. But it’s still fun to read through the 30. THE REALLY BIG PICTURE . . . . . . is outlined here by Robert Reich. You may not agree with it all; and the video of the good professor on his ladder, Magic Marking, is a little frantic. But in broad strokes, 1946-1979 was about building an incredibly strong, prosperous middle class; 1980-2008 did see the shift toward the wealthy away from everyone else; 2008-2010 was the collapse he describes; 2010-2016 was the resulting anger; and 2016-2050 — well (and this is his point): you decide. VALENTINE’S DAY BONUS It was yesterday, as you read this. But it’s today as I write it, and love should be in the air all year long, so please indulge me. In the first grade, I had a bunch of precocious classmates. One went on to co-found Bain & Company. Maybe I’ll write about him another day. Another, now professor emerita at Mt. Holyoke, has published 37 books, most recently The Road Towards Home. The paperback is so cheap I read it with my eyes, for a change. It’s a wonderful love story. Not steamy (they’re 72! met in school and 60 years later find themselves in the same retirement community) but “beautifully observed.” I also love Cape Cod. And fell in love with Melville. (The dog.) Cory has been my Valentine for 70 years (albeit not THAT way, for obvious reasons), so I hope you enjoy it! It’s about parents and children and relationships and love.