Trade Deficit in Nov., Dec. and 2025: The Theoretical Possibilities of Economic Development (Jeff reads books and plays with a puzzle)

(Illustrative Only)

There are opportunities
to rethink performance
and create a turnaround/renaissance
with modern tech and 
adaptive development
based in human nature.
(In theory). 

One way to do that is through
thinking broadly of the economy
and social development as
an interactive system. 
(In theory again)
Each factor impacts other 
factors. Growth
would require a holistic
perspective where 
elements enhance each
other. Maybe maybe not?
Not sure.🤔

Jeff thinks of a couple
of things might help but can't 
quite put his finger on the 
total solution even though
it seems to be there. He
has a woodworking job 
as well so he gets busy
and can't spend his time reading
books all day. Solving
puzzles takes a lot of time. 

He is reading about,
Hub Interactivity
Cross Structure Synergy
R&D, Taxes and Invest
Startups and Funding
Global Supply Chain
Economic Systems Thinking

Recent import and export numbers show that both November and December had trade deficits. Goods continued to drive most of the gap, while services provided a smaller surplus. The 2025 deficit was slightly smaller than in 2024, but not enough to indicate significant progress. To strengthen long-term growth, we need to create more value at home—not just in services, but also in high-value manufacturing.

Tariffs can help when used wisely. They can support new industries and counter unfair trade practices, but they should be applied carefully, and companies need time to adjust (supply chaing adjustments). Trade agreements also matter; they should give the U.S. a fair playing field while keeping partnerships stable and mutually beneficial.

Energy expansion is another key area. We should  develop diversity and consider natural gas, solar, geothermal, nuclear, and any other sources we can scale responsibly while protecting the environment. Energy diversity can help in hedging changes in the energy market.

Human capital is essential as well. Reducing discrimination, improving access to education and job training, and helping people connect to good jobs strengthens competitiveness. Better governance also matters—less partisanship and more cooperation would speed up decision-making and improve economic outcomes.

Infrastructure ties everything together. Strong data networks, AI capacity, energy systems, transportation, and logistics help reduce business costs and attract investment. And while large companies are important, small and medium-sized businesses drive much of the innovation. To keep pace globally, we should consider building economic clusters that support fast experimentation and new ideas (This is more theory).

Just a few thoughts to consider:

• Adjust tariffs
• Adjust treaties going forward 
• Mimicking emerging economies with clusters
• Improve human capital
• Bi partisan focus and more access to government decision making.
• Maximize infrastructure synergy
• Adjust policy to improve small and medium innovative business

BEA Imports and Exports Nov. 2025

• The U.S. trade deficit widened to $56.8 billion in November 2025, up about 94.6% from October.

• Exports fell to $292.1 billion, a decrease of 3.6% from October.

• Imports rose to $348.9 billion, an increase of 5.0% from October.

• The overall change reflected a larger goods deficit and a slightly larger services surplus.

• Year-to-date through November, both exports (+6.3%) and imports (+5.8%) were higher than the same period in 2024, with the trade deficit up 4.1%.

• Goods exports declined in several categories, while many goods import categories—such as consumer and capital goods—saw increases.

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, December and Annual 2025

• In December 2025, the U.S. trade deficit was about $70.3 billion, larger than November’s $53.0 billion because exports fell and imports rose.

• December exports were about $287.3 billion, and imports were about $357.6 billion.

• The December change reflected a bigger goods deficit and a smaller services surplus.

• For the full year 2025, the overall trade deficit was about $901.5 billion, slightly smaller than in 2024.

• In 2025, exports increased by a little over $199 billion and imports increased by about $198 billion compared with 2024.

• Both goods and services exports and imports rose over the year.

The Anatomy of a Failing Principle in Justice: The Story of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

When the unwritten rules
are a little different
then the written rules.

This illustrative book
might be pulled out
by partisans, bigots,
 foreign loyalists,
and good old boy networks.

 For Philosophy buffs
Niccolo Machiavelli

The story of the clan is a way to explore how hate and corruption can slip into systems thorugh a philosophical learning story. It doesn’t happen everywhere, and it isn’t common—but it happens often enough that people have raised concerns before. The problem is that complaints get ignored, scattered, or never connected into a bigger pattern. Sometimes that’s accidental; sometimes it’s intentional. People have different agendas, beliefs, and ways of projecting those beliefs onto others.

Because of that, in this learning story we rarely have an honest discussion about these issues. When people fear retaliation—especially from those who think they serve a "higher ideological purpose"—free expression becomes fragile. The foundations begin to dissipate as leaders and decision makers are caught in a cognitive loop. i.e. not being able to see the impact of choices or take in new information because they filtered out important criticims that could be used for improvement.

The clan story is a thought experiment. It’s meant to ask “What if…?” and explore what happens when justice fails. Interpretation will always vary based on someone’s political, racial, or religious background. Some people will see small differences; others will see something completely different.

In this version of the story, the clan targets minorities. They undermine constitutional values. They do it quietly for years, and complaints about them are never put together. The judge doesn’t defend the victims. In the end, the perpetrators are rewarded. The point isn’t punishment—it’s correcting wrongdoing.

Some members of the clan spread lies and hate. They kept lists, issued threats, hinted at violence, and tried to destroy reputations. They targeted intellectuals. They didn’t care if the victims were veterans, children, or women already struggling with abuse. They ignored crimes committed by their own allies. Their worldview was simple: people like them were always right, and people unlike them were always wrong. That’s not reality, but people in authority sometimes operate that way, and when they do, the damage runs deep. Equal application of the law breaks down, replaced by ideology.

Ironically, in the story, the victims believed in the Constitution more than the perpetrators, the judges, or the decision-makers. They tried to live according to those principles while others simply looked out for themselves. Hate narratives don’t survive long when confronted by essential truths of root universal principles victims sacrificed to defend. If such principles are lost, all else soon follows. But truth has a cost—it forces people to face parts of themselves they’d rather avoid. The mirror can sometimes reflect back the worst parts of a soul and the manifestation of such darkness within systems.

Rights don’t depend on race, religion, politics, or majority status. Most people accept that. Some don’t. Either way, we need solutions. We can’t allow people to be targeted, harmed, and silenced while everyone else looks away. Once a society crosses that line—once people are dehumanized—you can’t undo the damage. No appology will feel genuine. And it has nothing to do with merit; if merit mattered, the roles in the story might have been reversed.

Moving forward means electing leaders who honor their oaths, strengthening checks and balances, educating the public, and appealing to moral conscience instead of ideology. No religion was created to justify hate, yet people have twisted religion for centuries. Pretending it can’t happen today, in new ways, to new victims, is irresponsible.

We have to stay alert to anyone undermining constitutional principles. Without that foundation, everything else becomes a façade. What makes a country strong is its ability to confront challenges and uphold shared values. Our history is imperfect, but it has always involved striving. Some people choose not to strive with us—they reject those values and work against them.

That’s why the clan story exists: not to condemn a specific group of which most are just regular folks like you and me, but to show how corruption and hate can grow when no one is paying attention. Take the lesson in whatever form fits you. Rearrange it, rethink it, draw your own conclusions. If it made you think—without telling you what to think—that’s the purpose. Freedom of thought and speech comes with freedom of life and pursuit of happiness. Keep the striving alive and the torch of liberty bright for the next generation. Be free!

*This is a thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and come to your own conclusion. It is meant for debate and discussion.

The Psychological and Physical Advantages of Fitness Routines

Stress, fitness, and overall health are tightly connected. We often treat them as separate ideas, but they work together. Your physical, mental, and social health all influence one another.

If you want to manage stress, build resilience, or feel more energized, regular physical activity is one of the most effective tools you can use. Exercise reduces stress, relaxes the body, improves circulation, and helps steady the nervous system.

Feeling strong and healthy also changes how you move through the world. When your body feels capable, your confidence rises. When you’re sick, injured, or low on strength, everything feels harder. Because we evolved to survive in challenging environments, physical capability naturally boosts our readiness to face stress and obstacles.

For beginners, three workouts a week is a great starting point. Aim for about 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training each session. As you get stronger, you can switch to split routines that focus on different muscle groups. Some people eventually enjoy going four or five days a week, but three solid sessions are plenty for most.

I’m a certified fitness trainer and yoga instructor. If you want help building a personalized plan, feel free to reach out and we can create a routine tailored to your goals. Send me a message to the right in the contact form.

Read this study as it is interesting, 

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower anger and anxiety and higher emotional resilience

Summary: Regular participation in aerobic exercise is connected to both increased resilience in the face of stress and reduced anxiety levels. This study uniquely examined these relationships by using emotional images to assess how individuals with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness responded emotionally.

The hypothetical Feather Party: A Framework for Cognitive Flexibility

(Illustrative Only)

Mack joined the hypothetical
Feather Party because 
he wanted to take his 
knowledge and help solve
local and national problems. 
He is writing notes from
Democrats and Republican ideas
and trying to find solutions
based in science, logic
and the needs of the 
next generation. He knows
that there are good ideas out 
there and wants to enhance
them and vote his conscious.

He can work with both parties
because he owes no 
loyalty to any of them
except the
people and the Constitution/social
contracts.

*The hypothetical Feather Party
is a philosophical concept.

Partisanship is growing, and with it, the country may be beginning to develop two very different cognitive and social systems. To create more flexibility between them, one could imagine for philosophical discussion a small third party—the hypothetical Feather Party—made up of independents who rely not on rigid ideology but on a shared decision-making matrix (To be defined later but generally agree on by vote through the party).

In theory the goal of this hypothetical Feather Party would be to give independents enough structure to influence outcomes, propose legislation, and act as a tipping point when needed. Its purpose would be to foster independent thought, understand both major parties, and stay closely connected to local communities, including the needs of younger generations.

Some people feel the political system has become distant from everyday citizens (You make your own conclusion on that). A neutral, idea-driven party could offer a path for intellectuals, scientists, and ordinary people who have strong ideas but no venue to advance them. Ideas would be vetted through community and party committees, moving forward only those that are practical and valuable—much like how organizations filter and refine promising proposals.

Party members would elect committee members, avoid party-line voting entirely, and operate without special-interest influence. Donations would be capped to limit outside pressure (especially foreign pressure). Rather than relying on heavy advertising, the party would focus on generating meaningful ideas that gain attention organically through public interest and media coverage. Support would grow naturally if ideas are rooted in science, logic, ethics, and philosophy—and if they create strategic advantages for the nation and its people.

Members would be encouraged to engage with both major parties, learn from their strengths, and combine useful elements when crafting proposals. There is no expectation of loyalty to any side—only independence. The aim is cognitive flexibility: recognizing that good ideas can come from anywhere and that hybrid solutions can be uniquely effective. Members support ideas, not parties, and are free to share and debate them.

Ultimately, this is only a thought experiment. A party like this does not exist today. Whether such a group would offer real benefits or simply face the same challenges that past independent movements have encountered is open to debate. It is simply an idea—one that can be accepted, rejected, or used to help rethink the political landscape.

You may be interested in the following study,

Listen for a change? A longitudinal field experiment on listening’s potential to enhance persuasion

Unchanging Roots and Changing Sky Painting

In this painting, I tried something different. Instead of leaning into chaos or filling the canvas with too many elements, I pulled everything back to simplicity. The goal was to do more with less. Sometimes, when you focus only on the essential pieces, the painting ends up expressing far more.

This time, I also sketched the composition beforehand. Each element carries meaning, and sketching helped me work out proportions and adjust them before ever touching the canvas with paint.

I pulled out of history a few symbols that have meaning and this is why we like to look at them,

The flowers Freesia symbolize freedom and friendship.

The loon represents raw, untouched nature and tranquility.

And the moon reflects the constant change of the seasons—reminding us that everything shifts. What we think today may not be what we think tomorrow, and the day after may shift again. Nothing stays stuck forever, even if we remain rooted in our nature.

Of course, you may find your own meaning in the work, and that’s part of the beauty of it.

This piece is on 11x14 canvas. If you’re interested in buying it, send me a message and make an offer—I don’t have a set price. You can also check out my growing art page.

Unchanging Roots and Changing Sky

Reading Between the Lines of the Latest Jobs Report (Samuel Shows Investors Around Places Like Escanaba)

 

(Illustrative Only)

Samuel knows that companies
want to invest in beautiful 
little towns like this
that have a sense of community and
opportunities for start-ups
and expansion. He thinks
Escanaba would be a great
place for them. 

If he can attract a company
or two he can improve
wages, improve exports,
and improve a forming cluster.

Multinational Firms and Delta
County

We want strong job growth and enough wage pressure for people to enjoy a better quality of life. The latest jobs report, especially after the downward revision, is a bit disappointing. Ideally, we’d see more growth in manufacturing and other high-value industries.

Right now, a lot of workers seem to be staying put. They’re not being hired or fired, which means there isn’t much movement. That lack of churn can signal deeper issues because healthy job markets usually have some natural flow as industries shift.

Industries that create real value — especially those producing exportable goods — need new employees to grow. While gains in services and healthcare help, they’re not necessarily the kind of expansion that drives long-term economic strength.

Only time will tell what this revision really means. This year’s numbers look okay so far, but we’ll have to wait and see. 

BLS January 2026 Employment Situation

• The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January.

• Unemployment rate stayed at 4.3 percent.

• Biggest job gains were in health care, social assistance, and construction.

• Job losses occurred in the federal government and financial activities.

• Wages rose 0.4 percent for the month.

• The average workweek increased slightly.

• Previous months’ job numbers were revised downward.

The Fragility of Justice as a Warning for Democracy (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

Wisdom-Strength for Collective Good

A collective unconscious

Archetype. The sage, the ruler,

the explorer, the magician, the caregiver, 

the hero, etc.

We are strongest

when we work together

on our shared values

and support those

who understand their

service to society.

The following are

for philosophical consideration.

Are they associated or separate?

The Paradigms of Economic-Social Problems

The Necessity of Civility

Bayesian Forecast

The Social Projection

Critique of Pure Reason

Wired for Culture

Ethics and Moral Courage

Does earlier acceptance of wrongdoing

indicate a pattern of thinking

and a long-term consequences for

society? How might metrics highlight

patterns that manifest in other places?

We are deep into philosophy now.

The nation was built on 

a philosophical concept.

Discussion on American Values

As a society we must avoid any downward direction, that could under the wrong circumstances erode the foundations. It is not up to one generation to decide if democracy, freedom, liberty, and life has value. We have responsibilities beyond their self-interest, parties, and political ballyhoo as generations of divese people sacraficed to get us here. We then explore an allegory of value and institutional alignment.

In this thought experiment, we start with the social contract expressed in the Constitution’s Preamble:

 "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity(future generations), do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America".

Notice that the Constitution does not single out the rich or the powerful, make distinctions based on race, require a particular religion, or demand loyalty to any political party. In many ways it is the opposite in that our only loyalty is to the principles of the nation and we can do that best by serving each other. Yet when people want something badly enough, they may try to place themselves above the guarantees of the Constitution and create unwritten rules that serve their own interests. Do not be so ignorant to think this is only a problem for other people or other nations.

Now imagine a philosophical learning scenario where a small group—driven by self-interest and bigotry—targets others to enrich themselves and impose their preferred social order. Their actions involve manipulation, repeated wrongdoing, and a pattern of victims chosen for harassment and violent threats. Many people were aware of what was happening—including a court and officials—yet the goal became to be as cruel, dishonest, and destructive as possible toward the victims, all while using taxpayer resources for self and ideological gain (Not representing the majority of good officials but the destructive power of extremism of the few who create narratives and violate rights openly.).

If corruption and partisan interests within the justice system quietly enable this behavior, isolated misconduct can grow into a coordinated form of domestic extremism—weaponizing institutions for retribution and undermining constitutional principles. Under certain lenses, this becomes something much more serious. Words that cannot be so easily thrown around as some have done for deflection and political purposes. It is our nation. No one is safe if there are not backstops in such a system: not intellectuals, not children, not sexual-assault victims, not the general public, not veterans, not officials, nor the public's resources. Anyone who disagrees eventually makes their way on a list.

What are some of the risks?

When checks and balances fail, the burden falls entirely on the victims but reverberates through society. A small group of corrupt actors, supported by like-minded allies in official roles, can spread hate narratives and violate rights with alarming speed. Even if most officials are honorable, it only takes a handful to push institutions off track. In this learning philosophic scenario, the system engaged in open, sanctioned hate. These type of courts dehumanized openly certain religions and races while rewarding the people who are closest in likeness to them. Years of known mistreatment and they fixed nothing in intentional rejection of American values. But that depends on who is doing what to whom. The word justice sounds like an abomination out of a corrupt judges mouth much like truth is out of a liar. So people learn that justice is not possible without reform and certain members of society are part of a second class system and will unlikely ever receive justice from broken souls (That doesn't not apply to those who uphold our Constitution and the will of the poeple. World Justice Project). Remember their values and how they can compromise on people's lives they can compromise with all of our lives. From the lowest to the highest court they have responsibilities to correct injustices. In peace one may encourage less partisanship and greater focus on their important roles and the needs of the people above the partisans and politicians. Another list....

Why isn’t it acceptable to misuse the justice system for self, party, or in-group gain?

Justice belongs to no political party, race, or religion. When hatred and ideological extremism take root—especially in the absence of strong safeguards—power is easily abused to serve insiders rather than the public. This is why wise leadership and renewed civic responsibility are essential. If those who do not have moral conscious work in important roles in which they are not qualified the entire structural glue begins to dissipate. Don't believe it? Stick around a few more years if things don't change. The hourglass is running low as the courts protect the wrong for those who are right and kiss the rings of power versus bend a humble knee to wash the feet of the "lowest' members of society. No one can have two masters.

Are there consequences if we fail to build safeguards and fail to correct wrongdoing?

Institutions are neutral; they reflect the integrity of those who run them. When misconduct goes unaddressed, trust erodes and democracy weakens. Harmful actors advance inch by inch, then faster, until core democratic pillars are placed at risk. The poor actors and shortsighted thinkers risk much for their my way or highway perspective. The opposite can also be true that thoughtful and moral actors can improve the systems performance.

How could they go so far?

They dehumanized their targets, fabricated stories, and spread them widely. Checks and balances did not function and they have shielded corruption for years thereby normalizing it. Courts incentivized the hate. Others who learned of the wrongdoing failed to correct it, compounding the harms to victims, creating new victims through retaliation, and showing little respect for the institution’s purpose or the concerns of the public. The system began operating for itself at the expense of everyone, including its own officials. But, a silver lining...

What might be a path forward?

Even in such a scenario, renewal is possible. Accountability, reflection, and recommitment to the oaths we swear can restore public trust. Patriotism should be earned through service, not used as a misused word to shield abuse.  Vote for the best and brightest and not the most connected or those who are special interest vetted (whether foreign or domestic). Meaningful reform—guided by integrity—can move us toward a healthier system and a stronger democracy. Reward those who do well with increased support and continuance of positions. Our future is a choice and in this example without help from those who were entrusted to do the right thing that vote becomes increasingly more important. Vote your conscious and vote for the best people qualified to be in charge regardless of party. If you do not know who to vote in all the self selling puffery then vote independent so as to insert a new element. We the People are in Charge! At least in theory....

How is this a Learning Thought Experiment?

Everyone will learn and it will eventually be corrected. The victims will learn how to overcome hate and corruption and teach others, the perpetrators will learn why they shouldn't spread rumors and target people, the corrupted souls will learn there are consequences to misusing institutions for self gain, the extremists will learn they can't intimidate everyone with violence and underming of rights, officials will learn the importance of their oaths and complacent silence when they are undermined, the courts will learn they have responsibility to all members of society and not just the in-group, politicians will learn not to sell out their country for their parties ( or for the rich or foreign), and society will learn that diversity of life is an enhancement to our collective performance and The People have an active role in perserving our futures. Or maybe not? 🤷 What are your thoughts (That is the key point...your thoughts)?

*This is a philosophical, theoretical, hypothetical thought experiment on a justice default. Take with a grain of salt. Change around the elements and come to your own conclusion.