Happy Friday! To start our issue today, Bryan N. writes: “Love the newsletter… 

“Per Baltimore schools using Evolv tech (which is very inaccurate): It has nothing to do with identifying weapons. 

“It's about conditioning the public to have every aspect of their lives investigated while ignoring the 4th Amendment. It may be a bit of a stretch, but is this not a warrantless search? They will continue to push until we give in or rebel.” 

Interesting point. 

“My goodness, what an amazing explanation of the plan to take our money!” Caryn S. says about the “asinine” idea to tax unrealized capital gains. “That covered every base and was perfectly clear. What a great job; thank you. Brilliant!”

Debbie W. adds: “Biden hasn't got much right, has he?

“The Australian Government is introducing a tax on unrealized growth on investment funds with balances over $3 million,” she says. “It's awful and flawed.

“You’ll pay taxes with money you don't actually have. If you have any losses the following year, you get a credit — not a tax refund. Losses are offset against future unrealized gains.

“A person’s decision to forgo current consumption and save for the future, should not be penalized. It will create an anti-saving mentality.

“What are the grasshoppers going to do when the ants say ‘enough’ and lose the incentive to save, innovate and pay taxes to support the grasshoppers?” 

I’m not sure who the “grasshoppers” are in your analogy. Folks who don’t work and save for the future? The powers that be? 

On second thought, those two groups are one and the same. More on that below… 

Send your opinions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

Your Rundown for Friday, May 10, 2024...

Free (Re)Education

“While information about the Houthi scholarships was informative,” Benjamin M. says, “I find your reporting extremely lacking. 

“How about covering how protestors have often turned violent, harassed minorities and destroyed school property? 

“It seems to me the protests simply stand for the subversion of law and the support of indiscriminate antisemitic rape and murder. 

“You speak of the 'protests' as if they are a civil matter. I'm pretty sure there were Nazis who contextualized their gas chambers in a similar manner. 

“While the American flag might be a complete disgrace to freedom,” he concludes, “I cannot support raising a Palestinian flag in its place.” 

Bruce P. speaks from personal experience: “Reflecting on my experience during the Vietnam War student protests, it was possible to dissent against the actions of the government without resorting to destructive measures like property damage, closing down campuses or endangering fellow students. 

“My perspective might be influenced by being at a university that allowed protests without escalating tensions through harsh police response. In hindsight, many points we raised were valid, though it took years, loss of life and government resources before Robert McNamara conceded. 

“I believe there are valid voices today that need to be heard, albeit they're often overshadowed by orchestrated violence and hate speech. We should let students express their viewpoints while preventing external agitators from sparking unrest. 

“While belated, steps taken by institutions like Harvard, which shut Harvard Yard to outsiders, and similar measures by other universities and colleges, are appropriate. Nonetheless, the external entities prompting violence warrant scrutiny.”

Next, a few quick takes… 

• “Yemeni Houthis are within their rights to offer continuing education to suspended or expelled U.S. students,” Wane Z. says. “But it is also reasonable and proper for the U.S. to label Yemeni graduates as terrorists and deny them admittance back into the country.”

• Robert J. says: “If protestors are American citizens, they have the right to protest peacefully. If said protests become violent or disruptive, they should be arrested and prosecuted. If they were not born in the U.S., they should be deported. Be gone.” 

• “I hope some of the students accept these scholarships,” Gordon F. muses. “I suspect that they might get a REAL education, especially if they expect to find a woke campus as they are accustomed to in the U.S.” 

Finally today, Jeff V. says: “Whenever I am confused about the day’s issues, I turn to Will Rogers for comfort and guidance… 

“Said he: I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.

“A scholarship in Yemen or Iran is a great offer. However, do pay close attention to the dress code as violation could result in detention.”

Thanks to all our contributors today. We still have more feedback in the mailbag… More on Monday! 

Market Rundown for Friday, May 10, 2024

The S&P 500 is up 0.40% to 5,235.

Oil is up 0.70% to $79.84 for a barrel of WTI. 

Gold is up 1.40% to $2,372.90 per ounce. 

And Bitcoin is up almost 1%, just under $63,000. 

Send your comments and questions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com