National Debt and Treasuries January 2025: Long-Term Risks Remain

Your credit cards are maxed out, you have a car you can't afford, your house is too big, inflation is eating as your savings, heating costs are on the rise, and you haven't got a raise in years! Yikes! We are not talking about your personal finance but about national debt!

Running so close to the line means there are some things we will need to give up to get our budget to move from red to black. Maybe right now isn't the time for the diamond bracelet and Lamborghini (Sorry I have been watching the show Ballers and let me say it is interesting to watch young people with money but not the experience to save.)

National debt has some risks and it reduces our capacity to invest in things that create net positives and improve on our financial position (I was playing around with this idea of Perpetual Sustainable Systems and allocating some money back to national debt. It was more for theoretical discussion.)

This article indicates that in January we did ok and didn't add to foreign purchases of debt. Foreign Holdings of National Debt Steady in January.

Consider that we want people to purchase our debt at a cheaper price because they trust our ability to repay but we have a responsibility to reduce the amount of debt in total and balance our budget. What is the National Debt?

There is some good explanations on the dangers and risks of high national debt at IMF Risks of High National Debt and Slow Growth

The House Budget Committee indicates that national debt is around 122% of GDP and influences things like credit cards, inflation, mortgages, etc. that reduce spending power and contribute to crisis. House Budget Committee on National Debt

Finding ways to streamline some processes, improve effectiveness, maximize benefits of money spent, and improve economic output through manufacturing/technology will likely be helpful. As always it is a complex system with lots of different opinions and competing interest. Have any thoughts on the topic? Feel free to leave a comment.

Research on Protecting and Rewarding In-Group Hate and Corruption (Hypothetical Thought Experiment)

Over the past 5 years we have been sort of exploring a concept to help consider ways in which we can maximize the outcomes of systems and reduce waste of corruption. It has led to the discovery of 5 stages as well as deeper knowledge of how such things work and some of the best ways to improve functioning. We know that trust has been declining and that in general is not a good thing. Consider two articles Feeling Bummed? and Why Unhappy?

If you’re asking me, I generally trust the average person and I do so because they for the most part seem to treat each other well (cross race and religion as a single people). There are those outliers and there are people who do bad things. Such people do create chaos in our cohesion and cause all types of issues for justice. Generally, only when something goes out of wack or someone makes extremely poor decisions then I might raise my eyebrow (In other words we shouldn't prejudge but be aware of choices and behaviors as goal directed).

Corruption takes away from trust and pushes people into the extremes socially and politically. Pulling people back to the center is important for creating long term trust. People on the fringes or who have something to gain financially or socially can engage in all types of poor behaviors. There are times when people do not act with integrity and then we must make changes to improve functionality that leads trust and happiness. How we do that is an open discussion.

Let us continue this hypothetical philosophical discussion on hate and corruption. Hate and corruption create dividing lines where they are not needed, reward bad behaviors, warp pro-social values, and clearly show that certain people are rewarded for bad actions. It wouldn't be wise to trust where these behaviors have occurred or there is a history of such behaviors occurring (One could trust and be open to trust but if outcomes are an indication of poor beliefs and behaviors then on deeper level trust would not be warranted. One should make a differentiation between good actors and poor actors. Good actors trusted and poor actors encouraged to find a less important occupation.).

In our philosophical learning example a group of people had a history of taking advantage of the sick, spreading rumors, and using employment to enrich themselves at the expense of others. Group aggression, corruption, and the protection thereof led to a default in decision making. Improving trust means we might consider accountability for bad actors, making adjustments to improve outcomes, reversing poor decisions, and standing up for shared values (hypothetically).

This publication seems to help understand a little deeper why such in-group behaviors occur and are often protected despite the poor outcomes they create. Keep in mind there are many ways to look at the same problem and this is a theoretical discussion on how to improve systems. It is important to not be complacent in one's values least they be forgotten to the annals of history. In-Group Loyalty and Punishment

 *This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment on hate and corruption for learning (freedom of speech and religion are part of that concept). It is meant to generate discussion, and different people will view these things differently. Take with a grain of salt

Could Mining be Coming Back to the UP of Michigan?

There is greater emphasis on mining and extracting resources American Mineral Production. New mines and other activities are likely to increase domestic supply versus relying heavily on foreign producers. As the country seeks to improve domestic production it will need to think about developing its own metals and minerals. 

Nations are competing for rare and natural minerals in an effort to fund growth. Due to changes in economic conditions and global trade it appears important for the U.S. to balance its domestic production with its international imports. 

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has opportunities to capitalize on such opportunities. 

What many people might not know is that the U.P. has a lot of resources. It was a place where mining was cutting edge and world leading until its collapse. Mining Rush UP.

You can read a little about Timber, Ore and Copper Mine Museums UP. I have visited a few of them and they were informative. Take the tours! Back in the day people didn't live long (I think it was like 40 years old but things are different now) but they were paid a lot of money. Many mined for sometime and then went into lumber and farming. 

You can see some increase in mining activity and interest in Michigan Approves $50 Million Mine. It makes sense that mining companies could once again look to start operations in the U.P. Time of course will tell if this is true but a few discoveries could help. Copper-Nickle Discovery Near Marquette Michigan

In the Escanaba area there is rail, airport, connection of highways, and access to water and other resources. Potentially a good transportation and distribution hub. A good port might be something that would be feasible considering not only the need to improve mining but also the need to build ships. While mining and ship building are two different things they do interrelate in terms of supplies and infrastructure needs (Two potential clusterable industries that would likely impact a number of other local existing industries that range from paper production, metal stamping, downtown businesses and a few others.) . 

Kind of interesting.... Mine Shafts of Michigan

Remember this blog is about exploring ideas. Feasibility is a different thing and that takes time and expertise. Ideas however sometimes generate new economic opportunities.

Moral Commitment to Limit Hate and Corruption (Thought Experiment)

We are continuing to explore the concept of freedom by discussing hate and corruption and its potential impact on the environment. This learning story is a hypothetical philosophical discussion on the power of democracy to overcome even the most entrenched bad behaviors. It isn't immediate and there are many people who must make decisions based on their personal values but eventually the will of people realigns to universal values we all share. Below is the continuation of a 5-year discussion about exploring some of the bad stuff we can think related to hate and corruption. In the end we will have a very positive result that adapts and improves the whole.

In this example corrupted officials felt a sense of loyalty to their fellow clan members, ideologies, and in turn did their best to hide corruption after years of harm to victims and the community. Bad actors went out of their way and continued to go out of their way to protect misdeeds in a manner that put members of a community at future risk. Their words and behaviors out of sync. They didn't care about our laws, children, vets, elderly or their town as much as they did about themselves and the Clan. A complete disrespect for human life and blatant violations of basic concepts of freedom.

(Yikes sounds pretty bad but we can learn.....)

What the network didn't expect was the power of democracy and its ability to rally people to a greater cause to nip them where some decision makers couldn't muster the courage and integrity needed leading to a system (...some by fear of rejection, some by confusion, and some by personal choice). Good officials and local community members felt a deeper sense of loyalty and patriotism and begin to report corrupted officials while strengthening and supporting good officials who were serving their community honorably and nobly every day (Small acts of collective support that have bigger outcomes. It is a protective survival system built into our culture, species and nature. Theoretically anyway.). 

Interesting in this learning example, as more people reported, more victims came forward, community concern rose, and the network became further exposed. Denial and the dehumanizing hate-based narratives were simply not something that would work anymore as people had seen enough and became fed up. Decision makers refused to investigate perpetrators but did allow for targeting and threats to concerned citizens (...good officials reported but clan officials blocked.). Some of these behaviors could bump into a different category (...keep in mind willful coordinated aggression.).

The choices we make over our lifetimes helps determine not only our own personal values but also the social values that make-or-break futures. For example, if you socially teach that corruption is ok it will have a different long-term impact when compared to if you hold to account/reverse corruption. Strong communities ensure there are mechanisms in place to overcome corruption and lack of faithfulness to shared oaths and principles. Those who protect and reward serious misbehaviors show little loyalty the purpose of position or the sacrifices people before them made (even their own parents and grandparents). They are selling outs to society.

This is where the problems lay and have always laid....in the value systems of the decision makers and not necessarily in the people (Yes, there are good and bad people, but mostly collective society strives upward.). The very choice to protect/reward or stand for higher principles is fundamental to the soul of a person and its good or bad influence in the environment. Both good and bad can spread as ideas are shared, changed, constructed and reconstructed. If leaders and officials regularly stand for what is good, noble and essential to our collective purpose, people will know it and trust will rise. They don't, they lie, they act in aggressive ways, and through natural human psychology people won't trust. (This is why I sort of advocate for strong moral conscious and commitment to oaths around core values such as "liberty and justice for all".)

There are differences between good officials who do what is right and corrupted officials (and decision-making supporters) who do what is wrong. The study below found that moral commitment is negatively associated with corruption. Thus, those who have certain beliefs of a higher value are much less likely to engage in corruption, take bribes and by extension protect corruption. When we pick leaders, put people in positions of authority, or make decision it is important to understand that we have greater responsibility to all of our community members and not just the activities of our friends, groups, religions, races, politics, or clans.  Moral Commitment and Corruption. 

*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment for learning purpose on hate and corruption so take with a grain of salt. We will write in a positive ending where the whole gets more effective and in alignment with stated missions/oaths/values.. It has discovered 5 stages that ranged from default in justice to community resilience. Freedom of religion and speech where covered in prior writings and its importance in encouraging higher critical thinking.

Art Infusion and Its Influence on Purchasing Products

Art, business, creativity and science are interelated in the ability to make breakthroughs or see something entrepreneurs can capitalize on. Art serves another purpose and that is sparking emotions that lead to sales. 

Art is a deeply subconscious process that taps symbolism, memory and emotion. One often feels something with art and research has supported the idea that most purchases are emotional in nature. Much of our understanding and communication patterns are under our awareness.

This is my little art hobby. I used to give 50% of profits away to charity but have decided for the time being to give 100% after supplies/expenses. I like giving to orphans, organizations I belong, and to local causes in Escanaba and San Diego. I'm not talking a lot of money but the little I sometimes make off my hobbies. Consider buying this one. My art isn't perfect but I do it a few minutes here and there until I finish something. My photography better I think 🤔 

Purchase Coastal Yellow Ocean

This study discusses how emotion can play a role in pushing consumers to push a product. The concept of art infusion effect impact the perceived value of a product. 

The Value of Art in Marketing

Delta County MI Committee of the Whole Meeting (03/13/2025): Labor Allocation and Financial Performance

Watching this meeting on duties and responsibilities is an interesting one. We have people working hard and indicating they are struggling to keep up. What we also find is a potential solution. Considering the cost of hiring some help is $10K additional cost per the conversation, one might be able to create efficiencies thereby self-funding. For example, if processes improve outcomes beyond $10k then this could be money well spent. A positive return could come through allocating that time for the person to find grants, management efficiencies, attracting/encouraging businesses (tax base), process improvements, productivity and general outcomes. If you are going to hire someone then we might think about how they are going to create net positives that can be measured in a way that adds to the bottom line of the budget and overall performance. Adding people to add people will just raise costs but having a good idea of how they can add significant tangible value is another. For example, one strong grant they find or some duty they don’t need to subcontract could save that money fairly quickly. Just like in business, government can be efficient if the right amount of people with the right skills, and purpose are put in the right place. 

This is the concept of a governance and net positives. Net positives occur when money spent leads to higher returns in capital and other factors like quality of life. However, to have net positives it is necessary to think of total value provided and how efficient/effective resources are being used. This is why government in general should always seek to use taxpayer money well through being good organization stewards. While government is not a business per se it does have costs and expenses that impact long term organizational value. People often list intangible benefits but one's that make the bank account bigger at the end of the day increase the value of good governance in a fiscally sound way. Be lean, be focused, and be impactful. If they can find a way to raise value over $10K, they are adding a positive governmental influence where others are laying off and that would be a feather in cap for perceptions of sound fiscal management that could be of interest to investors who want to do business in areas with such effective governance.

In a different example, if one added a person who could attract business, help people start businesses, resettle entrepreneurs into the area, helped streamline regulations, coordinated with the various business entities, etc. something like a $60K a year could bring a few million back to the government's coffers for paying debt, infrastructure improvements that lead to further economic/quality of life benefits while improving net positives in other areas. I think you sort of get the point overall that sometimes one might eliminate a position and sometimes one might add but value should be a major consideration. You have to run the numbers for any new position otherwise you get stuck with a hefty long-term bill and liability that drags good governance.

This is an interesting concept on improving financial performance through proper staffing. Improving Financial Performance HR

Ancient Spreadsheets of an Empire and Data to Value (History and Business)

History can tell you much about the world in which we live and how organizations function. We are essentially the same species we have been for tens of thousands of years so how our ancestors did things impact how we do them now. What I found interesting about the following article is that relatively successful empire was based in part on their administrative strength, data and resource use. There is something business people can learn from here.

Spreadsheets and Red Tape of an Empire

While they used tablets and stones we may use AI and graphs/charts. Essentially someone(s) has to make a decision over data. The use of that data can impact an organizations success by reducing inefficiencies and unnecessary bottlenecks in decision making (i.e. red tape).

This study indicates a more mild connection but that data analytics can have value for firms.

Research on Big Data and Business Value

In ancient times they may have written about what resources they had while in modern times we write about what resources we have. No difference other than the accuracy and technology involved. However, new information and data does impact the quality, accurateness, and effectiveness of our decisions even though the same mechanisms exist. i.e. the man in the machine or machine in the man.

Imagine if you had to trade in your Excel Spreadsheets for a chisel (...yikes on complaining!). 😬

What one can take from this is that if one is a manager/executive over resources they will want to consider organizing their entity in a way that understands available resources and how to use them well. That means we may need to build in data inputs and analyze data to capitalizing on opportunity (i.e. basic scientific principles).

If you seek to manage a larger organization you might consider knowing your organization well, learning the basics of data management, and best ways to utilize resources. If you don't understand your organization, it is doubtful you will effectively manage it well in the long run. Thriving organizations make the small and large decisions they need to obtain certain milemarkers.

 “Make the best use of what's in your power and take the rest as it happens.” Epictetus