The Impact of Patriotism vs. Nationalism on Judicial Outcomes and Society (Patriots vs. Nationalists)

(Illustrative Only)

Patriots vs. Nationalists

We continue to examine how well-functioning courts benefit society both socially and economically. As one pillar of a three-part system, the judiciary plays a critical role in shaping public trust. While courts are generally viewed as functional, concerns about bias and declining confidence remain significant. Thus we can learn from hypothetical stories designed to delve into the problem and find solutions. It is important to strengthen all institutions around shared principles as much as possible because there are long term synergistic outcomes that benefit society as a whole economically and socially (We can cover in more detail on how justice and other factors influence growth). Politics and parties should not be a greater stakeholder than the needs of people. 

To explore these issues, consider a philosophical thought experiment—the “Story of the Clan” scenario—which illustrates how systems can fail when extremism and corruption intersect. In this scenario, wrongdoing becomes normalized: individuals are targeted regardless of status—whether veterans, the elderly, intellectuals, spiritual guides or others—and exploitation is driven by financial gain and entrenched favoritism. Whistleblowers face retaliation, vulnerable groups are put at risk, those upholding oaths put on lists and actors who were supposed to be good stewards of institutional resources misused resources to help friends and harm others. Such dynamics reinforce dysfunction and erode trust and appear to have created numerous victims over time.

Yet, the scenario also highlights a path toward correction. As awareness grows, individuals within the system begin to realign with their foundational values—honoring their oaths and reaffirming commitments to fairness, accountability, and equal protection. This shift reflects a deeper distinction between patriotism and nationalism. The muddy cloud becomes more clear as patriotism to values begins to differentiate nationalism of identity. Patriots and nationalists have different purposes and focuses of which one is strengthened when people pull together and the other fostered when people pull apart.

Patriotism, in this context, represents a commitment to shared principles: civil liberties, freedom of speech and religion, and equal access to justice. Nationalism, by contrast, can manifest as exclusionary thinking—where rights and protections are unevenly applied, and bias is tolerated or even justified. People often interchange the words but they are different. One is constructive and sustaining; the other risks becoming corrosive and divisive. We must always seek to strengthen society and not fall into the pits others have. 

The broader lesson is that institutional strength depends on continuous accountability. Courts must actively confront bias, reject partisanship, and foster critical thinking to maintain legitimacy. Trust is not self-sustaining—it is earned through consistent adherence to principles of justice. While systems can evolve and improve, those who contribute to wrongdoing must still be held accountable. Without that accountability, public confidence will continue to decline. Consider which will foster greater growth and which will limit the positive benefits of societal resources as funneled through institutions (Similar misused like corruption and that is why hate and corruption follow similar neurological pathways around self-interest and lack of empathy).

Ultimately, a system grounded in shared values and ethical responsibility can endure across generations. Even when challenged, it is the commitment to those principles—not the loudest or most extreme voices—that determines whether the system remains a force for stability and fairness. When we do the right thing and people in positions of authority act with integrity we will find shared societal growth and commitment to the health and strength of our communities and societies. Thus commitment to shared principles should increase economic and social growth while increases in nationalism should slow down economic and social growth. One encourages engagement and the other encourages disengagement. 

*This is a hypothetical, philosphical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and come to whatever conclusion you wish. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you have thought about it. If we are learning we are growing.

Getting Explicit About Implicit Bias in the Courts

• Implicit bias refers to unconscious mental associations or stereotypes that operate automatically and can influence judgment without awareness or intent.
• Judges, like most individuals, possess implicit biases (e.g., racial or gender associations), but professional norms and awareness can help them avoid acting on these biases in decision-making.
• Research shows that bias is more likely to influence decisions when cues are subtle or indirect, whereas explicit awareness of factors like race can reduce biased outcomes.
• Implicit bias can still affect judicial outcomes in areas such as sentencing and evaluations, particularly when cases involve ambiguity or rely on intuition rather than structured analysis.
• Addressing implicit bias requires deliberate strategies, including increased awareness, training, and institutional safeguards, to promote fairness and maintain public confidence in the justice system.

References (APA):
Rachlinski, J. J., Wistrich, A. J., & Donald, B. B. (2020). Getting explicit about implicit bias. Judicature, 104(3). https://judicature.duke.edu/articles/getting-explicit-about-implicit-bias/

Patriotism, Critical Thinking, and the Civil Liberties–National Security Tradeoff

*They are using what appears to be patriotism versus blind patriotism. Blind patriotism seems more akin to blind nationalism.

• The study distinguishes between constructive patriotism (reflective and questioning) and blind patriotism (unquestioning support), showing they influence political attitudes in different ways.
• Critical thinking is positively associated with constructive patriotism and negatively associated with blind patriotism, suggesting that more analytical individuals are more likely to question government actions.
• Individuals high in blind patriotism tend to prioritize national security over civil liberties, while those high in constructive patriotism are more supportive of protecting civil liberties.
• The relationships between patriotism types and political values are significant but differ in direction, with blind patriotism more strongly linked to security-focused attitudes.
• Broader factors such as militarism, political ideology, and support for war are interconnected with patriotism and help explain how individuals balance security concerns and individual freedoms.

References (APA):
Williams, R. L., Foster, L. N., & Krohn, K. R. (2008). Relationship of patriotism measures to critical thinking and emphasis on civil liberties versus national security. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 8(1), 139–156. https://www.academia.edu/26190076/Relationship_of_Patriotism_Measures_to_Critical_Thinking_and_Emphasis_on_Civil_Liberties_versus_National_Security

Technology and the Human Edge: Deloitte 2026 Global Human Capital Trends-

(Illustrative Only)

Chester the monkey
shows Chad the human
an AI video on
how to catch ants
with a stick.

Chad is a little
confused.

A touch philosophical.🙃
Vervet Monkeys
and Social Learning

Trying to tap
Chad's Inner Instincts
as he ponders
the creation of
new industries
and what that 
might look like
when the elements
are present.
Multi Clusters
and Digital
GDP

Technology is a tool—one that humans have used since the earliest days, whether inserting a stick into a hole to retrieve ants or using AI to solve complex equations and conduct advanced research. What ultimately makes the difference is the human element. The real value lies not in technology alone, but in the combination of human judgment and technological capability—together achieving far more than either could independently.

While implementing technology can drive business and economic growth, it is only part of the broader story. For this reason, there has long been discussion around the importance of human capital development as a critical co-factor in innovation and societal progress. Technology, on its own, can become noise—something that distracts or overwhelms. However, when it is intentionally designed to complement and enhance human skills, it enables outcomes that would have been unimaginable even just a few years ago.

The next stage of development is not AI and technology but the very way in which we interact with it to create and build things other companies cannot. New industries start to be formed when new lines of technology are created. AI is a platform for that but is and is not iteself the ending point of development. 

Deloitte 2026 Global Human Capital Trends: Building Competitive Advantage Through the Human Edge

• Organizations are at a critical “tipping point,” where rapid technological, economic, and workforce changes require continuous adaptation rather than traditional long-term planning.
• Competitive advantage is shifting away from technology alone toward a human-centric approach, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and decision-making alongside AI.
• Three major shifts are shaping the future of work: deeper human–machine collaboration, a move from cost efficiency to value creation, and a transition from static planning to dynamic, real-time orchestration.
• Organizations must redesign work, roles, and culture to integrate AI effectively, while also addressing trust, accountability, and data reliability concerns.
• Success increasingly depends on building a workforce capable of continuous learning, rapid adaptation, and reinvention in an AI-driven and constantly evolving environment.

Deloitte. (2026, March 4). 2026 global human capital trends: From tensions to tipping points—Choosing the human advantage. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/human-capital-trends.html

Trust as the Foundation of Organizational Performance and Economic Exchange

(Illustrative Only)

Just like when you
create a finished 
art piece you need
to add the elements
and get them to
stick together. 

Good leaders know
how to get elements
to stick together based
on trust and forming
a vision of 
what they would like
to accomplish.

Trust is fundamental to the natural, social, and economic exchanges that shape our daily lives, businesses, and organizations. For executives and CEOs, building trust is not optional—it is essential. While leadership is often associated with vision and communication, those efforts are only effective when grounded in credibility and trustworthiness. It is inherently difficult to work with, for, or alongside individuals who are perceived as untrustworthy. This is why organizations should seek the best and brightest based on merit.

At the organizational level, trust enables people to act with initiative and align themselves with a shared mission. In these environments, motivation often extends beyond financial incentives to include social meaning, collaboration, and a sense of purpose. This dynamic is critical in fostering strong, cohesive organizations.

From an economic perspective, trust plays a key role in reducing transactional friction. Transaction Cost Theory suggests that every exchange carries costs—such as negotiating, monitoring, and enforcing agreements. When trust is high, these costs decrease, enabling more frequent and efficient exchanges. As a result, increased trust supports greater participation, stronger engagement of human capital, and ultimately, higher levels of innovation and development (In Theory).

This is especially relevant in systems such as economic clusters—whether intentionally structured or organically formed—where institutions must function effectively and continuously improve. Trust strengthens these systems by encouraging interaction and collaboration. Conversely, when trust erodes, engagement declines, transactions slow, and organizational or systemic performance can stagnate or deteriorate. Over time, organizations may either adapt and renew themselves, decline, or transform through integration of new approaches.

Research and leadership frameworks reinforce this idea. Transaction Cost Theory highlights the foundational role of trust in reducing exchange costs, while leadership models emphasize that high-trust environments drive performance, engagement, and resilience.

Ultimately, leadership style plays a defining role. Leaders focused on short-term, transactional outcomes may prioritize efficiency and quick results, but even in these cases, trust and transparency are necessary to maintain engagement during periods of change. In contrast, leaders with a long-term, transformational approach tend to emphasize trust as a core asset, fostering sustainable growth, adaptability, and organizational health.

Two articles to think about,

Transaction Cost Theory (TCT)

• Definition: Transaction Cost Theory explains how economic exchanges involve additional costs—such as searching for information, negotiating, and enforcing agreements—and how organizations structure activities to minimize these costs.
• The theory treats a transaction as the basic unit of analysis and focuses on the time, effort, and resources required to complete exchanges beyond the price of goods or services.
• It helps explain why firms choose to perform activities internally or outsource them, depending on which option lowers overall transaction costs.
• Key factors influencing transaction costs include uncertainty, frequency of transactions, and asset specificity (how specialized an investment is).
• The theory assumes bounded rationality (limited decision-making ability) and opportunism (self-interested behavior), both of which can increase transaction costs.

ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Transaction cost theory. Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/transaction-costs-theory

The Power of Organizational Trust in Leadership

• Organizational trust is the shared confidence employees have in leadership, coworkers, and organizational systems, rooted in integrity, competence, and consistent actions.
• High levels of trust improve performance outcomes, including stronger employee engagement, higher productivity, greater innovation, and reduced turnover.
• Trust acts as a “performance multiplier,” enabling faster decision-making, smoother collaboration, and fewer bureaucratic barriers.
• Leadership behaviors—such as integrity, reliability, transparency, and compassion—are central to building and sustaining trust within organizations.
• A high-trust culture fosters collaboration and psychological safety, encouraging employees to contribute ideas, take risks, and align with organizational goals.
• During periods of change or disruption, trust enhances organizational resilience, agility, and the ability to adapt quickly and effectively.

FranklinCovey. (2025, December 1). The power of organizational trust in leadership. https://www.franklincovey.com/blog/organizational-trust/

When Trust in Courts Decline: A Few Ideas to Improve for Overall Societal Health (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)
Even if Lady Justice 
is blindfolded
she still must seek
true north justice least
trust declines. 
There are long tail
impact.

There should be no
such thing as a partisan
judge. It is more
important than
parties or politics.
Same can be said for
other branches.

Healthy communities and societies depend in part on a strong justice system, one of the three main pillars of government. Its role is to uphold shared rules and values—protecting rights, enforcing laws, and interpreting essential contracts like the Constitution. Such a system keeps us safe and seeks to serve others. We should always support and appreciate good officials that do the right thing. On the flip side, we also have responsibilities to correct what is wrong, dysfunctional, or misguided. 

The hypothetical Story of the Clan illustrated as a learning thought experiment how corruption and hate can weaken justice. Even in that allegory, many people tried to do the right thing, but risks remained because entitlement over institutional outcomes. The inability to correct in one place allowed for potential victimization of others in other places and times.  This highlights the need for constant attention and improvement within institutions to protect the whole.

Courts are central to maintaining public trust. Their decisions shape both social stability and economic outcomes. When trust declines, it’s important to address the causes. At a basic level, this means correcting wrongdoing—especially violations of rights such as freedom of religion,speech, safety—when it is identified. Rights being a hint of how we see each other as having inherent value; or lack thereof. Justice is Blind means that it should not differentiate by religion, race, politics, wealth, clan affiliation, etc.

(Do you get the duel meaning of justice is blind? She is impartial but also the sarcastic side such as unable to see what she is doing or doing wrong. A moral and cognitive blindness. Let us just keep with the more common idea that blind means impartial as a worthy goal of justice systems.)

Trust is strongest when decisions are grounded in law and fairness, not politics or bias. When partisanship or prejudice influences outcomes, confidence in the system declines. It is a natural consequence of choices because essentially it is the society as a collective whole that is harmed and weakened. The exploratory Story of the Clan furthers this concept that due to corruption and bias the commonly utilized answers were known much earlier than the questions leading to intentional injustices and violations of the Bill of Rights (Specifically Article 1) 

History shows that unjust practices can have long-term impact such as ruling that were once legally accepted, despite being morally wrong (i.e. slavery as a primary example in early US history or in WWII Germany where laws and hate comingled.). While laws have evolved, hopefully the moral conscious that goes with those laws, still bias can still affect decisions today, making ongoing correction essential. 

There are encouraging signs, including increased focus on fairness and accountability. Trust can be rebuilt when courts remain committed to their core role: applying the law impartially and correcting errors when they occur. Failure to correct leads to declining trust. Justice being a perfect word in an imperfect world. Yet still we should reach for it so as to create an upward trajectory. 

In the end, consistency builds trust. No system is perfect, but a sustained commitment to fairness and improvement strengthens both society and the economy. Sometimes just being thoughtful can change a persons lens and that is the purpose of a writing like this. It is meant as a type of thought experiment in which one can come to their own conclusion as long as they took the time to explore principles and think about them. It helps people define their own beliefs. 

Research suggests that trust is one factor that supports economic development. When people share a baseline level of trust, it reinforces stability, cooperation, and long-term growth. While many factors shape economic outcomes, improving trust—through accountability and effective checks and balances—can positively influence human capital, institutional strength, and long-term performance (In Theory)

Complex systems do not operate in isolation; each part influences the others. Where there is room for improvement, it should be pursued. This is why strong systems prioritize competence and integrity (i.e. best and brightest)—selecting capable, principled individuals helps institutions function more effectively and deliver better outcomes over time. Our Story of the Clan helps us understand the risks of group think, exclusionary values, confusion of purpose.

What do you think would improve trust? How about outcomes? This is where you can explore your own thoughts on the topic and consider whether there is room for improvement and how might go about improving it? Is it important to correct wrongoing or worth the effort? There are some good ideas out there but you need to come to your own conclusion. Your perspective counts as well and it is ok if it is different than others. We are all in this ship together so everyone should think for themselves. 

U.S. Trust in Courts (2005–2025)

Key point: Metrics show a decline but we can reverse that with greater commitment to doing what is right and aligned.

Period	Approx. Trust Level	Source (copyable links)
2005–2010	~55%–65%+ confidence in Supreme Court of the United States	Gallup long-term trend (historical averages referenced in 2022 report): https://news.gallup.com/poll/402044/supreme-court-trust-job-approval-historical-lows.aspx
2010–2019	~50%–60% (gradual decline)	Same Gallup trend data (multi-decade tracking): https://news.gallup.com/poll/402044/supreme-court-trust-job-approval-historical-lows.aspx
2019	~68% (recent high point referenced in trend comparisons)	Gallup trend overview page: https://news.gallup.com/topic/supreme-court.aspx
2022	47% trust in judicial branch	Gallup report: https://news.gallup.com/poll/402044/supreme-court-trust-job-approval-historical-lows.aspx
2024	35% confidence (record low)	Gallup analysis: https://news.gallup.com/poll/653897/americans-pass-judgment-courts.aspx
2024 (confirmation)	35% confidence, −24 point drop since 2020	AP/Fortune summary of Gallup: https://fortune.com/2024/12/17/americans-trust-judicial-system-courts-drops-to-record-low-gallup-poll/
2025	~40%–47% range (still near historic lows)	Gallup updates: https://news.gallup.com/topic/supreme-court.aspx
2025 (favorability context)	Favorable views near 30-year low (~50% favorable, down sharply from 70% in 2020)

Title: Public Confidence in the Supreme Court Remains Near Historic Lows

Key point: Partisanship impacts decision making. Reducing partisanship may increase decision making.

• Favorability toward the U.S. Supreme Court remains near a three-decade low, with public opinion roughly split between favorable and unfavorable views.
• About half of Americans now express an unfavorable opinion of the Court, marking a significant decline compared with earlier years when positive views were dominant.
• The drop in confidence represents a sharp shift from 2020, when a strong majority of Americans viewed the Court positively.
• Opinions of the Court are highly polarized along partisan lines, with Republicans much more likely than Democrats to hold favorable views.
• Broader trends suggest declining trust in government institutions, with the Supreme Court reflecting wider concerns about political influence and institutional legitimacy.

Pew Research Center. (2025, September 3). Favorable views of Supreme Court remain near historic low. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/09/03/favorable-views-of-supreme-court-remain-near-historic-low/

Judicial Efficiency and Its Impact on Financial System Performance

Key Point: As one of the structural legs of society it is best to improve each leg as much as possible because they have a broad tail influence.

• The study examines whether more efficient judicial systems contribute to stronger and more effective financial systems across countries.
• Findings suggest that faster, more reliable courts improve contract enforcement, which enhances investor confidence and financial market development.
• Judicial efficiency is linked to increased access to credit, as lenders are more willing to provide financing when legal enforcement mechanisms are dependable.
• Inefficient legal systems, characterized by delays and high costs, can discourage business activity and reduce overall financial system performance.
• The research highlights the broader economic importance of judicial reforms in promoting growth, investment, and financial stability.

Khan, M. A., Khan, M. A., Khan, M. A., Hussain, S., & Fenyves, V. (2024). Justice and finance: Does judicial efficiency contribute to financial system efficiency? Borsa Istanbul Review, 24(2), 248–255. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214845023001709

Survey Indicates Americans Concerned of Decline in 2026

(Illustrative Only)

There is much to teach
the next generation. 
These grandparents
joined the hypothetical
Feather Party which
is a loose party of independents
that want to tip votes, 
reduce partisanship, 
and strengthen institutions. 
Their goal is to preserve
democracy by inserting
new perspectives
and drawing decision
making closer to communities.
20 Year Dashboard Trends

The hypothetical Feather
Party is for discussion 
purposes and doesn't 
exist at this time 
in history.

The survey below suggests that Americans are increasingly concerned about the state of the economy and the potential for economic hardship. Overall pessimism has risen, though perceptions vary significantly along partisan lines. Independents are particularly useful to observe, as they tend to have fewer strong partisan affiliations and can provide a more balanced perspective when considered alongside responses from Republicans and Democrats.

The findings also indicate that geopolitical factors have an influence on sentiment. If we expanded the general concept to include other concerns (i.e. supply chain, inflation, partisanship, local wealth, etc.) we may have some comingled factors (Maybe). As pressures increase, there is often a corresponding demand for solutions. However, many economic challenges are interconnected and not confined to a single issue or location. Problems in one area can surface elsewhere, and without addressing underlying root causes, these issues may persist or reemerge over time. They often do because we haven't always addressed them fully. This highlights the importance—both in broader economic contexts and within organizations—of distinguishing between surface-level symptoms and the deeper causes driving them.

What do you think drives some of these concerns? (Every generation has concerns and that is what keeps the system changing, thriving, and growing.)

Despite these concerns, there are still indicators of optimism among some segments of the population. Positive sentiment plays an important role in shaping economic and social behavior, often encouraging greater consumer activity and innovation. Ultimately, future outcomes will depend on how these concerns are addressed and whether confidence improves in the months ahead. Sometimes trends are short-term and other times they have much longer tails.

Title: Americans Increasingly Expect Economic Decline (March 13–16, 2026 YouGov Poll)

• 59% of Americans say the economy is getting worse, the highest level recorded in this poll since October 2022.
• This represents a sharp increase from 53% the previous week, indicating rapidly worsening sentiment.
• Negative perceptions are rising across political groups, especially among Independents (66%) and Republicans (24%).
• Democrats remain overwhelmingly pessimistic, with about 86% saying the economy is worsening.
• Rising gas prices and geopolitical tensions (including the Iran conflict) are key drivers of declining economic confidence.

YouGov. (2026, March 17). Americans suddenly are more likely to see the economy getting worse (March 13–16, 2026 Economist/YouGov poll). https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/54342-americans-suddenly-more-likely-to-see-economy-getting-worse-march-13-16-2026-economist-yougov-poll

Volunteer Firefighting: Learning Pumping Operations for Water Supply Strategy

(Illustrative Only)

In the rural
Upper Peninsula
men/women/sasquaches
protect our natural resources
and communities. Join
your local department.

If you can't join
consider donating.

 Firefighting provides a critical benefit to both the community and those who serve. Across the nation, departments rely heavily on volunteer and part-time firefighters, making it essential for them to continuously update their knowledge and skills to remain effective when called upon. Because they often lack the advantage that FT firefighters have of consistent, concentrated training, their development typically involves a combination of self-directed learning, classroom and group-based practice.

Training videos like this help break down complex scenarios so firefighters can rehearse different approaches and strategies. With a solid understanding of engines, equipment, hoses, and couplings, individuals can build on that foundation by studying strategies for fire attack set up. Connecting hands-on department training with broader lessons from videos or classes creates a more adaptable and well-rounded skill set that can be refined over time.

There are also a few key formulas worth committing to memory, as they are essential for pump operations and system layout:

• Pumpers Needed = Relay Distance / Max Distance (Using 900) + 1
• Total Pressure Loss = Total Friction Loss ± Elevation Loss/Gain + 20 PSI

We also discussed strategies for relaying water at larger fires, such as using a relay pumper to supply hose lines for containment while directing excess capacity to a ladder for direct fire attack. The approach ultimately depends on how much water the attack pumper can access. In some cases, multiple pumpers can feed a ladder, allowing for a broader containment pumper line and more effective water stream from multiple sources.

Overall, this is a strong and informative video. While one department is based in California and the other in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, they apply fundamentally the same principles. If you’re interested in supporting a UP fire department with equipment, training, or other needs, feel free to reach out—we’re actively working to recruit and develop the next generation of firefighters.

February 2026 JOLTS: Hiring Slows to Lowest Rate Since 2020 Amid Labor Market Stagnation

(Illustrative Only)

Farmer Jack explains
to young executives
 what broad based
capitalism means and
the importance of starting
their own businesses to
build something for 
themselves and their 
communities. 

He takes them on a hike
down Days River Nature Trail
to expose them to how nature
must rejuvenate and
is much like
small businesses that are
similar to the seedlings of future
companies that
regenerate communities. 

Jack explains.....
A new
plant must grow 
from a seed and as it 
matures it gets big
and then it should wither
away and return to
the soil where it
gives nutrients to
the new. Business
has cycles and so
does life. They
are patterned and
deeply woven
into nature.

Small business plays
a dominant role in adding
nearly 2/3rds of net new
employment rolls over the
 past 25 years as is
more resilient from
economic downturns
(Wilmoth, 2022).

The young executives
also have knowledge
to give and
try to teach Farmer 
Jack that "an App" is
not an acronym for
"appetite" and 
byte isn't mispelled. 

Jack teaches the
essential root
of business life
while the
young executives
teach Jack
new technologies
as a proud display of
the colorful flowering 
of their time
and generation.  
So the cycle continues.
 🙃

The February 2026 Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey indicates that the hiring rate fell to 3.1%, one of the lowest levels since 2020, reflecting a labor market where workers are neither moving between jobs nor being hired or laid off at significant rates. This stagnation suggests a cautious, “wait-and-see” economic environment, making it important for individuals to update their skills to remain competitive and monitor long-term trends when making career decisions. 

At the same time, sustained economic growth depends on labor market fluidity—where new jobs replace old ones—highlighting the importance of developing human capital and encouraging job creation through startups, small businesses, and side ventures that can boost both employment opportunities and personal income.

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) — February 2026 Summary

• Job openings remained relatively stable at 6.9 million, though they declined in some sectors such as accommodation/food services and mining.
• Hiring weakened significantly, falling to 4.8 million, with the hiring rate dropping to 3.1%, the lowest since April 2020.
• Total separations (quits, layoffs, etc.) were largely unchanged at 5.0 million, indicating overall labor market stability.
• Quits held steady at about 3.0 million, suggesting workers are less willing to leave jobs and may feel less confident about new opportunities.
• Layoffs and discharges remained stable at 1.7 million, showing employers are slowing hiring more than cutting jobs.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, March 31). Job openings and labor turnover summary: February 2026. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm

Wilmoth, D. (2022, April). Small business job creation. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy. https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/Small-Business-Job-Creation-Fact-Sheet-Apr2022.pdf

(Illustrative Only)

We may want to ensure
the big trees are not
blocking the sun 
for the new trees 
so as to slow
or hinder natural
rejuvenation
and redevelopment.

"Everything flows,
and nothing abides,
everything gives way,
and nothing stays fixed."
--Heraclitus