Host - Kathleen Winn: 9:00-9:30 Guest Host - David Smith: 9:30-11:00

Market Volatility and Tariff Talk: Finding Stability in Turbulent Times

Market Correction and American Manufacturing

The markets are showing significant volatility today, with the Dow currently down 1.92%. However, this correction shouldn't cause panic. As experienced market watchers know, corrections are normal and even necessary parts of the economic cycle. People have been anticipating a correction for nearly two years, and now that it's happening, there's no reason for hysteria.

This market fluctuation coincides with President Trump's recent tariff actions, which are being implemented as diplomatic tools rather than simple taxes. Historically, tariffs have been used as negotiating instruments in international relations. The United States has been at a disadvantage for years, with other countries applying significant tariffs to American goods while America failed to respond in kind.

As Trump highlighted, we've essentially been fighting with both arms tied behind our backs. Now, the administration is taking a more balanced approach, ensuring that if tariffs work for other nations, they'll work for America too. Trump's focus is on a future vision that includes revitalizing American manufacturing.

Over the past four years, good manufacturing jobs were systematically moved out of the country while illegal immigrants were brought in to fill construction and other positions, hurting the American economy. The current administration aims to restore order by bringing back manufacturing jobs and ensuring middle-class Americans who want to do honest work for good wages have those opportunities. As illegal immigrants are deported and manufacturing returns, we can expect an economic rebound.

The Importance of American Manufacturing

America didn't lose its manufacturing base in a revolution, but through a gradual evolution. Trade agreements like NAFTA facilitated the transfer of wealth production out of the country. Detroit, once a manufacturing powerhouse, became nearly a ghost town as production moved to Canada, Mexico, and elsewhere.

The human cost of these changes has been significant. American workers in manufacturing jobs were laid off with little concern for their welfare, while government bureaucrats remained employed despite being less productive and often mismanaging taxpayer money. The economic consequences of this manufacturing exodus are only now being fully appreciated.

Proxy Voting Deal in Congress

In breaking news, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Anna Paulina Luna have reached a deal to end her effort to ensure new parents can vote by proxy. Last week, Luna and Representative Brittany Peterson (D-Colorado) had succeeded in their bipartisan efforts to sink a measure designed to prevent new parents from voting remotely.

Johnson had been working to kill the legislation, arguing it was unconstitutional. Under the new agreement, Luna will end her push for proxy voting in exchange for formalizing vote pairing. This arrangement allows an absent member to coordinate with a present member from the opposite side of an issue to announce that they're forming a pair. The present member can then record how the absent representative would have voted had they been present.

This compromise recognizes the legitimate needs of the small fraction of Congress members who are young parents while maintaining the obligation of elected officials to attend sessions. The People's House requires representatives to be physically present whenever possible, but this narrow accommodation helps ensure all districts maintain representation.

Helping America's Heroes

Today marks a special occasion as Kathleen Winn joins the 100 Homes Challenge to change a life forever. This initiative, supported by Bass Pro Shop and Lennar Homes, has built a home for Sergeant Tanner House, who lost the use of his legs while serving his country.

Before this intervention, Tanner had fallen on hard times and was a homeless veteran. This project represents a victory on multiple levels, with many subcontractors and community members coming together to take care of one of our own.

America has traditionally been a compassionate nation, with citizens donating more to causes than perhaps all other countries combined. True compassion and charity come from people, not governments. The plight of homeless veterans has been a longstanding issue, with many suffering from PTSD and other service-related conditions.

This reflects broader concerns about homelessness in our communities. When encountering homeless individuals in public spaces, it's important to recognize both the legal issues and the human dimension. Teaching compassion to younger generations while also addressing the underlying systemic problems must be balanced priorities.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

The current state of law enforcement in Tucson and Pima County presents significant challenges. Police and sheriff's departments are undermanned, though not necessarily defunded—rather, they've been underfunded. The city of Tucson is now conducting a survey seeking public support for the police department, which Chief Kazmar recognizes as essential.

The city's proximity to the border creates unique public safety concerns, including gang activity, fentanyl trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Effective law enforcement is critical to addressing these issues.

The concept of "broken windows theory" suggests that ignoring minor infractions leads to more serious crime. When ordinances regarding issues like standing in medians are not enforced, it creates a culture of disregard for laws in general. This contributes to increasing violence, as seen in incidents like the Tesla vandalism and fire bombings at political offices.

Political Violence and Social Division

There's a disturbing trend of increasing political violence in America. According to a recent survey, 55% of self-identified leftists indicated that violence against political opponents could be justified—a concerning departure from American traditions of peaceful resolution of differences.

Society becomes unhealthy when a group denounces the "warrior class"—those who protect and serve—as morally wrong. Political violence is never acceptable, and all politicians should consistently and forcefully condemn it. Unfortunately, some political figures make only weak statements against such violence.

The polarization in American society has reached concerning levels. After elections, citizens need to have faith in the voting process and accept results, even when disappointed. The constant questioning of election legitimacy—by different sides at different times—undermines this essential trust. Violence as a response to political outcomes threatens the foundation of our constitutional republic.

The American Dream and Civic Engagement

Despite numerous claims that the American Dream is dead or never existed, this cultural belief remains vital. The concept that children and grandchildren should have better lives than their parents and grandparents comes from a positive attitude and realistic optimism. Though life isn't always easy, belief in the ability to shape tomorrow is essential.

America is fundamentally a land of hope, despite those who promote helplessness. Citizens have agency to choose their beliefs and direct their lives. This contrasts sharply with cult-like thinking, which restricts language, shuts down opposing ideas, and ostracizes those who don't conform.

For those feeling frustrated by current events, channeling that energy into positive action is crucial. Rather than sitting with anger, get involved in elections, donate to candidates who share your values, display yard signs, and fly the flag. These small acts make significant differences in communities and demonstrate pride in shared values.

Economic Stability and Tariffs

As the stock market experiences volatility, it's important to remember that losses only occur when stocks are sold. Holding through market fluctuations is often the wisest course of action. Many financial experts are viewing current dips as buying opportunities rather than reasons for panic.

The European Union has offered a zero-for-zero tariff arrangement on industrial goods, demonstrating that they recognize the imbalance in current trade relationships. Tariffs, historically called "imposts," were the primary revenue source for the United States government before income taxes.

Tariffs serve as both financial and diplomatic tools, forcing countries to negotiate fair trade practices. The current administration is using them to bring manufacturing back to America and ensure trading partners play by the same rules. Though they may cause short-term market disruption, they aim to create long-term economic strength by restoring American manufacturing capabilities.

Staying Positive in Challenging Times

Despite market volatility and political tensions, maintaining perspective is essential. America remains the greatest economy on earth, and periods of adjustment are normal. Using technology resources like AI tools can help research and understand complex topics, while staying informed without becoming overwhelmed by negative headlines.

In a world where 57% of women report feeling consistently depressed, finding ways to maintain mental well-being is crucial. Taking control of your life—what psychologists call "locus of control"—helps combat feelings of helplessness. Continuing to learn new things, supporting causes you believe in, and helping others in need all contribute to personal well-being and social progress.

Remember that as American citizens, we have the freedom to shape our futures. Despite periods of economic uncertainty or political division, the foundational values of liberty, opportunity, and compassion remain strong when citizens actively embrace and express them.