The Writer's Life 2/28 - Guns & Butter

Although the facts coming out about the Broward County school shooting are lessening the argument of gun control advocates, I'm surprised a populist like President Trump is not advocating for an assault weapons ban. Most of the country would approve. Of course, leftists would still find fault, but they would never vote for him or any Republican, anyway. It probably wouldn't do much to end gun violence, but it would be a smart move politically. And private citizens would still have plenty of options regarding self defense. Ironically, the NRA's stance on this - claiming it would be the start of a total ban on guns - is similar to the abortion lobby's defense of heinous partial birth abortions. Trump might lose the votes of NRA members, who would likely sit out the next presidential election, but gain others. Of course, that is assuming Trump survives to run again.

I'm very disappointed that fourth quarter GDP has been downgraded one tick to 2.5%. The fact that third quarter growth was upgraded a tick to 3.2% is good news but doesn't alleviate the overall concern about the economy. I'm no expert, but it seems a quarter that includes Christmas should have produced much better results. The economy still has a long way to go. 4% is considered good. If it slides back to the neighborhood of 2% in the first quarter of 2018, Trump will lose one of his positive talking points, at least temporarily. The tax cuts would be attacked despite the record revenue that has gone to the government since the start of the fiscal year in October 2017. With his presidency under constant attack from the mainstream media and the Washington swamp, a booming economy is vital to him.

Holy cow - I'm finally in agreement with Obama on something, although it's a minor issue. He has called on the NBA to expand its G league as an alternative to the NCAA. It's something I've advocated for decades. I believe the NFL should also have a minor league. College sports should be for student-athletes.

My thanks to the gentleman who purchased O Jerusalem! by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre and Night by Elie Weisel, the umpteenth copy I've sold of that Holocaust classic. Thanks also to Ira, who bought a book on the paranormal, and to the young woman who bought a thriller in Russian. Special thanks to the elderly woman who purchased three books in Russian, and returned 15 minutes later with a donation of about 25 hardcovers in that language.

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