Welcome to Gotham
November 30, 2024
Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We celebrated Sofia’s 1st. Sebastian receives weeks calls now with Elf and Santa. Full blown Holiday Mode!
Election 2024
The results of the Presidential Election are in: Donald Trump won 49.9% of the popular vote, securing approximately 77 million votes—2.5 million more than Kamala Harris. With victories in swing states, Republicans will control both the House and Senate in 2025, albeit narrowly in the House.
Political scientists will undoubtedly analyze the election to understand the factors that shaped its outcome. It’s equally important for all of us who oppose another Trump term to reflect on the outcome and plan our best path forward.
Before we dig further, let’s acknowledge reality — The election confirms who We are in 2024. At least 77 Million of Us. And while it might seem to the other 75 Million, myself included, that we are entering our Gotham City era, this is the simple reality of our Country.
How, and Why, did the American people make this choice?
Voter Choice
For Democrats, gaps in policy and messaging proved costly. Voters across Race —Whites, Latinos, Asians, Black voters, and those under 30—leaned heavily toward Trump, citing concerns about immigration, the economy, and unwavering support for Israel despite its war crimes on the Palestinian population. These issues, amplified by the influence of new media platforms, helped carry dominant narratives that Democrats failed to effectively counter.
Missed Opportunities
I invite everyone to re-read Pajama Republic (March 2020), where I wrote in-detail about the future inflation we should expect in prices of goods and services over the next decade.
In that post, I explain that while Americans were focused on Coronavirus, the greatest spending and wealth redistribution scheme was underway. $2 trillion in Bank Repurchase Agreements (Repo) and $2.2 trillion through the Cares Act reshaped the economy. Yet Democrats failed to explain to the layperson how printing money and CARES Act, including a massive $180 Billion in estimated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud contributed to inflation and exacerbated wealth inequality for future generations.
Instead, the GOP shifted focus to the $183 billion in aid provided to Ukraine to defend against Russian imperialism, while conveniently having the luxury to ignore the PPP Loan fraud. More to follow later regarding economics.
Immigration rhetoric also played a key role. Democrats missed opportunities to steer the conversation and make actionable reforms or even highlight damning data from Trump’s first term. Illegal immigration remains a divisive issue, comprehensive solutions—including penalties for corporations exploiting cheap labor—remain absent from the national dialogue. These were all missed opportunities for Democrats to hold their opponents accountable.
Foreign policy was yet another issue. Unwavering support for Israel despite continued atrocities committed on the Palestinian population, including women and babies, certainly did not help Democrats.
Debates vs Public Perception
The debates were another miss for Democrats. Many Americans were left unimpressed, citing Joe Biden’s communication struggles and Kamala Harris’s overly polite dismissals of Trump’s claims. These moments failed to deliver the decisive attacks on GOP rhetoric that undecided voters likely needed to witness.
The American public was clearly upset, frustrated, and tired of politics held in the normal Washington DC manner. So, when forced to choose between the smiling party looking to reassure them, and the angry party promising fixes, the American people choose the latter.
The Circus Returns
Winning an election is one thing; governing is another. America is about to receive the circus it voted for. Trump’s administration will face the same hurdles as his first term: fulfilling ambitious promises like a border wall, ACA repeal, and trillion-dollar infrastructure plans, all of which went unrealized. Additionally, he returns to Washington on the heels of three assassination attempts within the last few months, including one funded by Iran.
Americans might not even care when inflation and recession inevitably continues and further eviscerates the middle class. A large majority will look the other way at corruption, fraud, and conspiracy to commit crime. Again, We are entering our Gotham City era. Additional issues might include more assassination attempts, separation from our political allies, and due to isolationism - the heightened possibility of a terrorist attack on American soil.
Make no mistake, 2025–2029 will undoubtedly bring significant changes, hardships, pain and anxiety to tens of millions of Americans. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is expected to influence policy on issues including education, abortion, food stamps, healthcare, immigration and the rule of law itself. If you seek a complete rundown of how dystopian Project 2025 is, and how eerily similar it is to The Republic of Gilead from The Handmaid’s Tale, then I highly recommend listening to the breakdown provided by legal journalist Liz Dye.
Historical Lessons
History offers perspective on rhetoric versus governance:
- Richard Nixon (1969–1974): His appeal to the "Silent Majority" hoped to support the unpopular Vietnam War but was overshadowed by his Watergate scandal, which destroyed public trust. Nixon’s resignation is a stark reminder of the consequences of rhetoric disconnected from reality.
- Ronald Reagan (1981–1989): Reaganomics promised prosperity. But those policies disproportionately favored the wealthy, sparking protests from unions and farmers. Discontent was reflected in the 1982 midterm elections, where Democrats regained 26 House seats.
- George H.W. Bush (1989–1993): His infamous Read my lips: no new taxes pledge unraveled when he raised taxes to address deficits, alienating voters and paving the way for Bill Clinton’s victory in 1992.
- George W. Bush (2001–2009): The Iraq War, justified by false claims of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), led to widespread protests. Policies like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Patriot Act unleashed disastrous side effects. Public discontent culminated in Democratic victories during the 2006 midterms, ultimately leading to Barack Obama’s 2008 landslide victory.
These examples remind us that promises often falter under the weight of reality, creating opportunities for opposition parties to step forward.
The Corruption Ahead
The Trump administration should be expected to continue where it left off with the revolving door of discarded, indicted, jailed, and disbarred loyalists who commit crimes and receive pardons. The clearest example is Matt Gaetz, infamously under investigation by the Department of Justice and House Ethics Committee for child trafficking and pedophilia and drugs, for Attorney General.
Expect to see loyalists grift products aimed at the MAGA supporters at dog-whistle sale prices. Remember what became of Mike Lindell, Steve Bannon, Peter Navarro, Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, George Papadopoulos, Roger Stone, and others including Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence.
So brace for it in advance. Rather than mere distress, let's find a way to combine that with action.
United Citizens
Americans remain more united than divided. Politics through the economic lens of income inequality and the shrinking middle class drove this election. Economics help rally Americans across party lines into a unified cause. There is a reason Anthony Oliver’s anthem Rich Men North of Richmond went viral worldwide. However, expect significant efforts from powerful interests to perpetuate the divisive culture wars, distracting from these core issues. Paying for the culture wars paid off handsomely over the past decade.
Grassroots action will be essential to counter these challenges. Reconnecting with voters, supporting local candidates, building community networks, and volunteering are practical ways to make a difference.
Working Toward Positive Change
We know millions of Americans will be affected by projected changes under the Trump administration. Will the United States ever return to a pre-Trump America?
Maybe....
For the 75 Million of Us who didn’t vote for what we are about to live through, perhaps the more important question is: What are You, individually, going to do to help fix it? What will We do collectively to make a positive impact on the future of the Country?
Look, I won't claim to have all the answers. However, I do know that sitting down feeling dejected for too long will not help anybody's situation. Thus, the answer begins with realizing that the situation can change. And that change begins with committment to get involved. Through Art or Law or Education or Civics — however you can lend your time, talents, and/or dollars to improving the trajectory towards Gotham and toward a new Metropolis, I encourage everyone to get involved!
We, the People, must place a check on the incoming administration and work toward meaningful change. So, let’s pick ourselves up and get back to work!
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
A Beacon of Hope: Get Out and Vote! 🗳️
October 31, 2024
Happy Halloween! 🎃
The frightful terror today isn’t in costumes—it’s the shadows closing in on our republic in this upcoming election. Once more, We are forced to confront a figure whose desire for personal gain spits in the face of truth and exploits the disenfranchised, while foreign powers—Russia, China, Iran—eagerly claw at the cracks in our democracy, ready to rip them wider. Billionaire oligarchs within America are now new media titans who have chosen to further distort our perception of reality, by pushing forth the narratives perpetuated by the darkness that threatens our deepest American values of liberty and justice.
Yet, a beacon of hope still shines bright within the American public!
Our vote is cast for that beacon of hope, seeking a future led by those who uphold the rights and freedoms of “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses” with unwavering resolve. The beacon seeks more than personal or political gain.It reminds us that America’s strength is to stand unflinchingly against dark authoritarian forces, to shield the vulnerable, and to demonstrate yet again that our ideals cannot be shattered by those who wish to see Us fail.
Get Out and Vote!
For those who enjoy my extended commentary:
In November 2020, I wrote Every Vote, Counted.
In retrospect, I was incorrect to assume the worst era of American politics was behind us. Four years later, America finds itself back in the throes of a historically vile election; one wherein voters have to imagine a Commander In Chief with clinical signs of being a sociopathic narcissist; who despite being thrice married, 6-time bankrupt, and now 34-count felon who mismanaged the Covid pandemic so poorly that it killed over 1.2 Million Americans, wants us to believe his words rather than our eyes. Once again, Donald Trump and the GOP plan to erode voter confidence by preparing to once again perpetuate The Big Lie.
Make no mistake, the election will be close.
Our vote was cast happily for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz last week. Yet, in so many ways, too much socio-political damage has already been done. Allow me to explain.
Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, much like the Q Anon movement and the Tea Party movement from decades ago, have slowly eroded American politics, values, and culture. Regardless of who wins, these right-wing extremism movements will continue. And while such movements might have started in the U.S., foreign adversaries have caught on and joined in.
The 2020 and 2024 elections proved to be a HUGE victory for anti-democratic governments seeking to influence U.S. elections; specifically Russia, China and Iran. If you don’t trust news outlets, you can read the memo directly from the National Intelligence Council. If you don’t trust American institutions, then you are not just on my radar but Moscow’s. More on that later!
In the United States, two troubling trends continue to emerge which help confirm that such foreign efforts have succeeded: Anti-democracy and Distrust in American Institutions.
First, we see anti-democracy blueprints underway. Consider the rise of an aspiring Oligarch class. On the one hand, such an observation has been made in academic circles 10 years ago. Yet on the other, and more to my specific point, once Tycoons (i.e. leaders of industry in their specific fields of business) now seek historic amounts of unchecked political power not yet seen in American history, specifically because they are willing to compromise America’s democratic values toward authoritarianism; and specifically an aspiring dictator on day one.
Now consider two of the richest men in the World (Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk) have taken control of media outlets. They have used their outlets to control algorithms which echo foreign disinformation campaigns and make political non-endorsements which specifically benefit one political candidate.
For historical context, William Randolph Hearst owned newspaper outlets, was active in politics. Yes, the Yellow Journalism tactics employed by Heart’s firms are historically atrocious; and yet his political motives were a far cry from the anti-democracy tactics employed by Musk and, to a lesser degree, Jeff Bezos. This is worth a longer discussion, because history is not exact here but it does rhyme.
Second, the other major political trend with a disturbing effect on the 2024 U.S. Presidential election is distrust in American institutions. Make no mistake, distrust has been on the decline for decades. Yet, we have approached critical mass. The common citizen has been bombarded with, and even adopted, anti-democratic talking points about the validity of news outlets and, more troubling, mistrust in political and intelligence institutions ranging from the CIA and FBI to the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of State, to name a few.
Geopolitical adversaries deeply recognize these trends. Make no mistake about it! From Moscow to Riyadh, foreign adversaries have exploited Americans. Further, foreign adversaries have effectively purchased one aspiring presidential candidate; a bankrupt, washed up reality TV personality. They have already secured anti-U.S. policies including delayed aid to help Ukraine right against Russia. They have secured the rhetoric and talking points first heard on Russia Today (RT) then parroted by Fox News, and they continue to influence U.S. citizens into other extreme views; from misbelieving in the longstanding scientific practice of vaccines and respecting the advice of medical professionals during Covid to mistrust in NATO, the very alliance America started to maintain peace across the globe following World War II to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. Interesting how that worked out.
For the record, I want to declare both trends beyond troubling and in dire need of reversal.
One of the great letdowns of my lifetime is watching those I might admire for one aspect of life be completely clueless about the underlying politics that rule not only their life, but the lives of their wives, daughters, and future children of Our nation.
American history is full of many ugly truths. Anybody who takes the time to study it objectively, or has experienced Howard Zinn’s The People’s History of the United States will tell you. I am firmly in the camp that, at its best, American leadership peaks when it protects the unable, disabled, and unstable. During these times of peril and uncertainty, it took a true leader to care about more than one’s own finances or family but to look deeper into the horizon for the benefit of the entire pack of citizens of this nation and the globe; not for the new entitlements of the few but for the liberation of the masses to secure basic freedoms. True American leadership in those times was not about laughing at the bully’s lame jokes in 1934 or stepping down on the necks of the poor and disenfranchised Jews but rather staring the bully in the eyes and proceeding to punch them square in the face, whether metaphorically and perhaps on occasion literally. It takes a true leader in modern times to put Country over Party. For the Republicans who have done that for the 2024 Presidential election, they forever have my admiration and respect.
As Election Day approaches, remember to expect the Red Mirage and Blue Shift. I have faith that as an American public, there is more that United us than divides Us. I have faith that the American people understand enough about American History to have our shared values embedded in them.
I will trust that we desire a tangible written economic and immigration plan more than we desire to simply hate our neighbors because of the color of their skin or because of where they were or weren’t born or whether they make enough money to afford groceries out-of-pocket. If all this is true, then We are on track once again to dump Trumpism. In doing so, We have the opportunity to get back on the track of progress, while sending a clear signal to Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and Riyadh that we saw their efforts, and failed. Now, we will meet them at the center court of the political world and proceed to defeat them.
Be safe, enjoy the start of the fall season, and please please please – Get Out and Vote!
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Happy Times in a Complicated World
September 30, 2024
Hello everybody. I hope you’re all doing well out there!
We were blessed to have family come visit this month.
We celebrated our little girl’s 6 month birthday. Time does fly by.
The U.S. The Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was arguably the most lopsided victory in Presidential debate history. Harris successfully laid traps that Trump couldn’t resist falling for. Read the transcript for yourself. In fact, Trump said he does not wish to debate again. For him to resist free publicity and television cameras during primetime speaks volumes. The national polls, whatever those might be worth these days, immediately flipped in favor of Harris after the debate. In fact, FOX News immediately voiced their displeasure after the debate, similar to how CNN expressed dismay after Biden’s performance against Trump one month prior. It was so bad that the internet conspiracy theorists hoped (or coped) that Harris was wearing an earpiece and receiving the questions in advance. Turns out Harris was wearing Tiffany earrings. You can’t make this stuff up. Harris holds a 2% national lead with less than 40 days before the big election. And yet, it’s incredible to see the polls even this close. You can take that as you might.
In the Middle East, Israel dismantled its opposition in staggering fashion. Within the span of two weeks, Israeli secretly planted explosives within 5,000 Taiwan-made pagers used by Hezbollah agents then strategically detonated them in a coordinated attack. Israel then targeted and killed Hezbollah commanders in a coordinated airstrike. Days later, the Israeli military launched what it calls ‘limited, localized, and targeted raids’ against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The escalation of events in the Middle East will have ripple effects throughout the global community for years to follow. It sets into motion the potential for ‘allies’ and ‘axis powers’ line drawing and certainly an inevitable new set of warnings will soon follow for America and its citizens at home and abroad. Most Americans will be focused on other issues, like Ozempic or what Donald Trump says about Taylor Swift. However, let us keep an eye on the potential for terrorist attacks and a shift from proxy battles to nation-state warfare.
We find solace & happiness in our little Ohio bubble for another month. All around us, we are very aware of a complicated and dark world. We remain hopeful of a bright future and happy days up ahead.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
A Bit of Everything
August 31, 2024
Hello everybody. I hope you find this post in good health.
The weather in Ohio was gorgeous in August. Although, We did experience extreme weather including a tornado. Now, we eagerly await the cool fall season. Sebastian is excited for Halloween. He discovered excavators and firefighters. We take long drives & walks daily and discuss his future career plans helping others. We were delighted to host our family from California for a week. Sebastian & Sofia are overdue to travel west later this year.
In August, we released two memorable trading episodes of The Trader’s Journey with two amazing traders. Extremely proud of them both. I animated a static mango avatar via AI and recorded an episode with a mentor from afar who sits among my trading Mt. Rushmore.
This is a fair place to end for most. My longer piece on the historical implications on law & society for August 2024 is available here.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
41 & 2
July 31, 2024
Hello everybody, I hope you’re all doing well.
July was a special month. Sebastian turned two years old. His aunts and cousins flew-in to visit him. He was so excited to experience a Curious George themed birthday party. We spent lots of time at the zoo, including a late night asian lantern festival trip. It was fun that we celebrated our birthdays a few days apart in the same week. I am blessed for this tradition each year.
In other news, July was a truly historic month for politics.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Podcast, Book, and Task List
June 30, 2024
Summer has arrived! The weather has been gorgeous! We are preparing to celebrate Sebastian’s 2nd birthday with a Curious George and Godzilla theme. No complaints here, he has good taste, thankfully!
When it comes to trading-related discussions, silence is usually my preference. However, I recently recorded a podcast for the Trading Takes podcast with a few trading pals on the topic of networking. The episode inspired me to publicly share Year One: A Trader's Journey through the month of July.
I am sharing a tool I have been coding for over a year now: Task List — a free productivity tool meant to keep myself organized. It’s a fairly standard to-do list and scheduler with an alarm. It uses local storage, so by design no information can be collected and list items are saved in the browser and unique to each connected device. No personal information, no cookies, no problem. It is one of a few active coding projects built for me to practice my coding and creativity.
It would be remiss to ignore Joe Biden’s gentle, frail, and very bad debate. One must suppose the political party might explore the possibility of placing a new candidate into the top ranks. California Governor Gavin Newsome, who pulled no punches in a live debate against Florida Governor Marco Rubio and/or New York’s Alexandria Ocasio Cortez might be pushed into the spotlight in the months to come. Franky, the two together could be a helpful reset for both the party and corresponding ideology, strategy, and public perception.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
The Narcissist's Prayer
May 31, 2024
Hello everybody! I hope you're all doing well out there. In light of today's historic legal ruling, here is a piece.
The Narcissist's Prayer
Lord, you will grant Me the serenity to avoid all accountability and consequences for events which may involve Me.
You will grant Me the strengths:
To remain sufficiently liquid in all My trust funds.
To avoid tax audits following multiple bankruptcies.
To not be prosecuted after I brag about sexual assault.
To not be questioned about My spontaneous bone spurs.
To avoid federal charges after I orchestrate a spectacular insurrection.
To exceed all sales estimates of My holy bibles, alcohol and golden sneakers.
To convince My followers that all merit-based losses were simply malicious acts orchestrated by my adversaries seeking to conspire against Me.
To believe that I am always both victim and martyr.
To receive lucrative sums for sharing this country’s top secret classified documents.
Lord, should I ever be found guilty and forced to face consequences for the aforementioned actions, and those I plan to commit, for which I would be totally innocent, you will need to help Me appeal to a Supreme Court of whom I have anointed.
I will accept the role of President wherein I may once again seek my rightful place above the rule of law. Amen.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Love In A Bubble
April 30, 2024
Hello everybody, I hope you’re all doing well out there! Today, I'll share both short update and rumination.
We celebrated Sofia’s 1st month and Sebastian’s 21st month of life. Each day, we take a moment to step outside ourselves and appreciate what we have. We tell our little guy why we are proud of him. He soaks up the positivity. His remarkable behavior compounds. We are neither perfect nor omniscient. I make mistakes. We make mistakes...and We consider the possibility of fun days not always lasting forever; we soak them up now to cherish.
Outside our suburban bubble, grown-ups watch a former President on trial in three separate States for three separate crimes. A hush money case in New York, an election fraud case in Arizona, and in the nation’s capital seeking Presidential Immunity from the Supreme Court.
In a world where the richest man still defies a legal agreement for 6+ years, the rule of law itself comes into question. It should never be a conversation, yet here we are.
Outside our bubble, a world in conflict continues in Ukraine and Gaza. The public continues to ask existential questions about the importance of nationalism, isolationism, and the importance of alliances in times of deep division.
Parents make difficult choices from day 0. In many ways, we prepare our whole lives to be parents. As a species, procreation is arguably our only job. As members of a complex societal order, the lessons we teach start immediately and last a lifetime.
There is so much love in a bubble.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Baby Sofia
March 31, 2024
Hello everybody. Happy Easter. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility. I hope this message finds you well.
Lots happening in the world, but this post is dedicated to our new baby.
The moments alone in hospital waiting rooms are often among my clearest. Waiting to be called into the delivery room, 45 minutes to ruminate on one question: What do I want for our little girl about to enter this world?
While it's nobody's business except my own, I will share my answer.
Happiness, Health and Wisdom. Self-awareness and empathy. Education and Passions & Challenges she will overcome; and a few she perhaps cannot. Surrounded by those who will stand up for her and, occasionally if/when necessary, stand up to her.
Cheers in advance to all the memories our family will create together.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Leap Year 2024
February 29, 2024
Hello everybody. I hope you’re all doing well. In the spirit of today’s leap year, I will keep this one short but relevant until the next leap year in February 2028.
America is the best Country for me. Yet, America is not perfect. Politicians on all sides of the political spectrum work non-stop to achieve their own agendas. Some work to strengthen America while others work to line their own pockets. Those who erode America’s sacred institutions or partner with foreign adversaries who have promised to weaken America in order to achieve their political ends perhaps should take a moment to reflect on their commitment to America.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony
Hello 2024
January 31, 2024
Happy New Year! I hope you are doing well.
My personal goal for 2024 is to expand through balance & zen; to embody a carefully crafted haiku.
My body is strong enough to run once again. We'll pursue a half marathon. My mind & spirit itch to publish a few choice pieces of art, so we'll accomplish that too. I will shsare those details throughout the year.
2024 is also an election year in the United States. I wrote at length on the topic here.
I wish everybody the best fortune this upcoming year.
Peace & Love, Worldwide ✌🏼❤️🌍
-anthony