As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time for reflection, family gatherings, and—if you’re like us—a lot of catching up. This week, we found ourselves diving into a whirlwind of topics that have been simmering over the past few weeks. From local scandals to national political moves, we covered everything from holiday vibes to policy critiques.
The Thanksgiving Mood
Thanksgiving is a special time when families come together, often with light schedules and plans to relax. It’s also a moment for nostalgia. In our pre-holiday chat, there was a fun detour about The Godfather—a timeless classic that evokes Italian-American family traditions, even if our own families look a little different. From iconic quotes like "Leave the gun, take the cannoli," to critiques of the series' third installment, it’s clear that The Godfather holds a special place in cultural conversations, especially around this time of year.
Local Scandals: The Case of Former Councilman Basheer Jones
The week also brought serious discussions about local politics. Basheer Jones, a former city council member and mayoral candidate, has been charged with bribery and fraud. Allegations suggest Jones may have funneled nonprofit funds to personal associates, raising questions about ethics in local governance.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen issues like this. From campaign consultants doubling as family members to nonprofits being used as lobbying tools, these practices are more common than many realize. While Jones was described as personable and respectful during campaigns, the charges serve as a reminder of how paper trails can paint a different picture.
It’s a sad situation that underscores the need for accountability—not just for Jones, but for the systems that enable these alleged abuses.
National Headlines: Trump's Cabinet Picks and Their Implications
Former President Donald Trump’s cabinet selections are making waves, particularly for their unconventional choices and polarizing figures. Some highlights include:
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: A hedge fund manager and blockchain advocate, Bessent represents a departure from Janet Yellen’s policies. His crypto-friendly stance could signal a shift in federal attitudes toward digital assets.
Marco Rubio as Secretary of Defense: Rubio’s hawkish reputation and neoconservative leanings make him a controversial pick, especially for a role requiring diplomatic nuance.
Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence: A former Democrat turned independent, Gabbard’s anti-war rhetoric and outsider status make her an intriguing choice, though her critics question her alignment with GOP values.
These picks reflect Trump’s strategy of mixing establishment figures with outsiders. However, the challenge lies in whether such an ideologically diverse team can work cohesively—or if it will implode under conflicting priorities.
Economic Policies: Tariffs and Their Consequences
One of the most debated announcements is Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. While tariffs can protect domestic industries, they’re essentially taxes on consumers, raising the price of goods.
China’s strategic use of tariffs has shown how such measures can be leveraged effectively, but the U.S. faces unique challenges, including higher labor costs and the need for immigration reform to sustain manufacturing growth. Whether these tariffs are a genuine policy direction or a bargaining tactic remains to be seen, but they’ve certainly sparked conversations about economic sovereignty and trade relationships.
The Rise of Bitcoin and the Trump Bump
Bitcoin recently surged to $96,000, fueled by optimism surrounding a potential Trump administration that’s more favorable to cryptocurrency. Trump’s outreach to crypto leaders signals a pivot toward regulatory clarity—something the Biden administration has struggled to provide.
While crypto advocates are optimistic about a pro-business environment, questions remain about whether Trump’s promises will materialize into meaningful action or remain campaign rhetoric.
Ukraine War: Escalation and Mixed Messages
The Biden administration recently approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, a decision that marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Critics argue this move risks provoking Russia further, while supporters claim it’s necessary for Ukraine to defend its sovereignty.
What’s clear is the inconsistency in U.S. policy. Initial promises of “defensive weapons only” have slowly expanded to include offensive capabilities, raising concerns about transparency and long-term strategy.
Blue Sky and the Social Media Exodus
Amid rising dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s Twitter, platforms like Blue Sky are gaining traction. Founded by Twitter co-creator Jack Dorsey, Blue Sky offers decentralized control and user-customizable algorithms. While it’s gaining users rapidly, it remains to be seen if it can sustain momentum or if it will fade like Meta’s Threads.
Final Thoughts
From the holiday cheer of Thanksgiving to the weighty issues of politics and policy, this week’s discussions were a mix of levity and depth. Whether it’s reminiscing about classic movies or debating the implications of tariffs, it’s clear that every topic—from the local to the global—ultimately impacts us all.
