Good Friends And Neighbors

A FEW FACTS

Eh, What ?

beer prices to climb?

ALUMINUM SHOULD BE RECYCLED

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..We've always felt that America and Americans had a few really good friends both near and far.

STEEL PRODUCTION - USA

.. There is not a border wall between Canada and the United States. There is no wall between The USA and Mexico, (yet.)
.. Our immigrant population has close and mostly friendly ties with their homelands in Europe: Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, England, France, etc.
.. So too our recent immigrants from Korea, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, India, etc.
.. And now we are imposing an interesting tariff on some essential raw materials from these places. Of course we voted for it.

THE FACTS:

>> The European Union is the number one supplier of steel imported into the United States. Canada is number two. South Korea is number three. Mexico is number four. China is number nine. [LINK-S1,][LINK S2.]
>> The United States does not have the capacity to produce the steel needed for it's demand, [LINK S3.]
>> Canada is the number one supplier of aluminum imported into the United States. Russia is number two. The UAE is number three. China is not in the top ten.  Production and output in the United States has declined in the last decade, [LINK A1,]

ALUMINUM PRODUCTION - USA

.. We are called to wonder why it is necessary to add a tariff to these metals while our economy is growing and has solid fundamentals.
.. We do wonder how long it will take to increase domestic production of these necessary raw products to meet our domestic demand and create jobs for Americans.
.. Happily we have elected our leaders and they know these things and act in the best interests of our friends and neighbors and American citizens. This will be a boon to the economy?
.. Friends and neighbors do squabble. We wonder if picking a fight is the way to Make America Great - at all?
.. Is reciprocity on the menu for America's friends and neighbors? Will our domestic products made of steel and aluminum cost more? Is this a sneaky tax on the American public? We'll see.

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.. It's bright overcast and nearly too white to bear. Even the best sunglasses cannot keep us from squinting.

MINION FOR THE MOMENT

.. Got another 4 inches of the white stuff and it is still coming down by the flake.
.. It's 35°F and the slushy slop is starting to build on top of the packed and icy snow in the village streets.
.. It's brunch time and there is a pile of chores awaiting.
.. We could call it a "snow day" and take a nap but then the tasks at hand will become tomorrow's dalliances. Don't need that.
.. Best thaw some steaks and sweep off the grill.

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WALLPAPER:  FAJITAS SENCILLO