By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A significant portion of the U.S. economy, representing about one-third of the nation’s GDP, is facing recessionary pressures, exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown. According to Moody’s Analytics, 22 states are either in a recession or at serious risk, with states like Maine, Oregon, and Illinois already experiencing downturns. The shutdown, coupled with pre-existing economic challenges like rising food prices and tariff impacts, is intensifying economic distress, potentially leading to further job losses and reduced benefits for millions of Americans. Economists caution that a prolonged shutdown could have severe repercussions, potentially pushing the U.S. economy into a recession.
Read the original article here
GOP Ripped for ‘Holding US Economy Hostage’ as Nearly Half of States Face Recession
It’s hard not to feel a sense of unease when you hear about nearly half the states in the US facing a recession. The fact that this is happening while there’s talk of the GOP seemingly “holding the US economy hostage” is a stark reality check. The concerns here are about the use of power, or rather, the potential misuse of it. The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, yet there’s a worry that this is being sidestepped. The implication is a dangerous situation: an executive branch wielding financial power without sufficient oversight.
This backdrop creates a sense of foreboding, with comparisons to economic crises and warnings about the consequences of specific policies. The fear is that the public will face serious sticker shock, particularly in healthcare, which will smack the public in the face and make them reconsider their priorities. People are already worried about basic benefits being affected, and the potential for a “WTF” moment, even for those who might not normally pay close attention. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that some are focusing more on keeping certain information under wraps than on actually addressing the economic problems.
The question of accountability is significant. Some commentators are lamenting the absence of any meaningful criticism. The narrative feels incomplete, and the consequences of the actions by the GOP could be devastating. The possibility of another “great depression” looms large, and there’s a strong belief that some are willing to let that happen to buy up assets on the cheap. The clock is ticking, and the perception is that the GOP has limited time to avert a crisis before their constituents feel the direct impact of these policies.
It’s easy to feel let down, with warnings of what was to come being ignored. The discussion then shifts to the potential impacts of the current situation on future generations and the economic policies. There’s a sense that the current state of affairs is not just about economics; it’s about power dynamics, control, and the potential for a deeper, more systemic problem. Some suggest the situation is being exploited, and that the ultimate goal might be the manufacture of a national emergency.
This is more than just economic maneuvering; it’s being framed as a potential betrayal of the trust. A potential threat to democracy itself. The concern is that they might be seeking to undermine democratic processes to protect themselves. There’s mention of the military, federal agencies, and the potential for the creation of an environment where dissent is met with force. The situation seems dire. The argument is that the current administration is creating conditions ripe for upheaval, which could then be used as a pretext for greater control.
The overall narrative is that the economy is being purposefully damaged and is in danger. The concerns are not just limited to economic downturns and potential financial ruin. The feeling is that the current situation is pushing the country closer to a breaking point. The feeling of doom permeates the discussion, with little hope that it is coming back from these policies. There’s an undeniable fear of the consequences that come with an environment of economic instability.
A question then comes up regarding the release of certain files and the potential for the situation to get even more complicated. The underlying sentiment is one of distrust and cynicism, with the fear that certain powerful figures will escape accountability. The fear is that the situation is a lose-lose scenario, no matter what happens. The situation seems designed for them to gain even more power, and it’s unsettling to consider the implications.
The economic analysis is also worrying. The distribution of the recession risk across the country seems random. There’s a lot of focus on tariffs, which are seen as a tool for economic damage. The suggestion is that this is not an accident; it’s a deliberate strategy. There’s a worry that these policies are being pursued to enrich a select few at the expense of everyone else.
It’s no secret that the political rhetoric is as intense as the economic fears. There are accusations of attempted economic murder. The mainstream press isn’t giving it the urgency it deserves. This is a situation that could be exploited to the detriment of ordinary citizens, with the expectation that the economy will continue to fall into recession. The feeling is that the current administration doesn’t care about the consequences of its actions.
The issue of tariffs then comes up again. Huge sums of money are tied up in tariffs, which is no longer in the market. The money is being used for other purposes, as a part of a self-imposed recession. The situation is getting more intense, and it feels as though the administration has complete control to do what it wants. The conclusion is that the situation is a manufactured crisis.