2/5/2021

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I’ve been reading up on the “American Rescue Plan” Resolution that the Senate passed  at 5:30 AM EST today. I am confused about the vote-a-rama & the various amendments that were discussed. According to the WP, “Even those amendments that were adopted would not have had the force of law.” So, does that mean that they won’t actually be added to the Bill? Is the House free to toss them out?

            Of all those amendments I am conflicted about the minimum wage & the child subsidy. I think Bernie Sanders is right about waiting until after CV to deal with the minimum wage. What do you think of the argument that the cost of living varies so much around the country that a single nationwide minimum wage is questionable?

I got nervous about the child subsidies when I saw Mitt Romney (WMR) justifying his plan by saying it’s an incentive for parents to have more kids. As I mentioned on 1/27, the planet has too many people. If we need more citizens, there are plenty of folks waiting in Mexico to get in. Let’s be more creative about how we lift folks out of poverty & avoid paying people to have babies.

            I know that’s a tough message for Mormons & Catholics so you are probably cringing right now, but have you ever thought about how China’s economic ascension just might have something to do with the One-Child policy? I’m freaking myself out with this analysis, but at least let’s make sure there’s an environmental impact statement for WRM’s “Family Security Act.”

            I look forward to reading your speech at the State Department yesterday, but it has to wait for another day, because I have to go to Trader Joe’s now so I don’t have to stand in line to get in.

            BYBS,