Why Aren’t Markets Freaking Out? August 28, 2025 Paul Krugman explains. (None too reassuring — but worth reading.) WE’RE SUCH A CHRISTIAN NATION Trump administration moves to bar aid groups from helping undocumented immigrants after disasters. What could be more Christ-like? The headline says it all. INDIVISIBLE Did you miss yesterday’s weekly call? Watch the recording. Better still, join the movement! FREE TAX FILING From the Patriotic Millionaires: Last year, the IRS launched Direct File, a popular government tool that would let Americans file their taxes for free. IRS data from the 2025 filing season found that “94% of taxpayers rated their experience with the tool as ‘excellent’ or ‘above average.’ ” NOW, Trump’s IRS has announced that it’s ending this efficient and popular program. Tell Congress: Save Taxpayers Billions. Codify Direct File. From Americans for Tax Fairness: The IRS is soliciting anonymous feedback on tax preparation and filing options through Labor Day weekend. This survey was mandated by Congress, but the IRS is only giving us a few days to respond. Let’s counteract an astroturf campaign by the tax prep industry and flood the IRS with real feedback from real people. Click here to take an official survey and encourage the IRS and Congress to bring back free tax filing! I did. Quick and easy. YOUR LOVED ONES’ HEALTH The Resignation Letter Of Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis [abridged]: Dear Dr. Houry, I am writing to formally resign from my position as Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This decision has not come easily, as I deeply value the work that the CDC does in safeguarding public health and am proud of my contributions to that critical mission. However, enough is enough. I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality. The recent term of reference for the COVID vaccine work group created by this ACIP puts people of dubious intent and more dubious scientific rigor in charge of recommending vaccine policy to a director hamstrung and sidelined by an authoritarian leader. Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults. I am not sure who the Secretary is listening to, but it is quite certainly not to us. Unvetted and conflicted outside organizations seem to be his sources. I believe in nutrition and exercise. I believe in making our food supply healthier, and I also believe in using vaccines to prevent death and disability. The nation’s health security is at risk and is in the hands of people focusing on ideological self-interest. If they continue the current path, they risk our personal well-being and the security of the United States. Sincerely, Demetre C. Daskalakis MD MPH LABOR Republicans have held the federal minimum wage to $7.25 for 16 years now. At that rate, someone working 12 hours a day six days a week with no holidays, sick days, or vacation will earn $27,144 before deductions. Happy Labor Day Weekend.