THE UPSIDE +
According to the numbers, foreign visitors to the US just FELL by 18.3% in March.
Places which rely on foreign visitors will see a loss in revenue, of course.
However, there is an incredible upside to this.
In the last few years our National (and state) Park systems have been overwhelmed by the number of visitors. I know that our closest National Park tour reservations have been filled days ahead. Last year campgrounds and cabins in desirable locations were swamped by requests. Sports, plays, and music venues have have enjoyed huge numbers of attendees. Las Vegas was busy, too.
This is YOUR chance to enjoy the things you have been wanting to do, now with lighter crowds. The numbers of foreign visitors who want to participate in those things has dropped by as much as 20%. You may even save some money. Hotel rooms in select locations will be available again. Rental cars, domestic flights, and tours will open up.
I’m suggesting that you should make plans and explore America this year. This may be your best opportunity to see the Grand Canyon, go skiing in Colorado, fly to Omaha (why?), or check out The Big Apple.
TOO MANY “WOE IS ME” STORIES
If you’ve read the “news” in the last month you’ve in inundated by hundreds of “pull my finger” stories. It’s really too bad that news writers can’t see anything positive to write about.
For example, one article I read yesterday decried the insensitivity of the “new” Social Security’s change in how recipients will be verified for benefits.
I see the new security feature as incredibly positive. If even one person is receiving benefits who should NOT be receiving them it harms ALL who deserve those benefits. So, this is a wonderfully positive change.
First, OK!, I see that it could make things more difficult for a few who have just reached retirement. But there is NO REQUIREMENT to wait until the day of retirement to VERIFY who you are. The Social Security Administration is willing to verify you at age 45, even if you won’t be signing up for benefits for another 25 years. My point is that people don’t have to wait until they no longer know how to use computers.
Second, you can make an appointment to do it in person at a local office. You don’t have to know how to use a computer at all. Go in and verify you are you. Simple. (Those who waited to sign in and sign up at the last minute are those who probably will have the most trouble. But isn’t that the case every time people wait until the last minute to do something?)
Third, the new requirements are not burdensome. You don’t have to stand on your left foot and state the pledge of allegiance backward. You only need one additional document (which you should already have). Wow! Easy Peasy!!!
Now! Don’t everybody rush in today…my wife has “dibs.”
MORE “WOE”
There are multiple complaints about USAID cuts. Most USAID cuts were of waste and useless programs, like funding a play in some small country. Good riddance to those.
Yesterday Associated Press had an article which on the surface appeared troubling. “The US ends lifesaving food aid for millions…” However, the deeper one digs the more ridiculous the funding appears.
For decades the US has been pushing other United Nations participants to pay their shares for the organization. Many member nations who have a say and a vote don’t contribute. The United States has been the beneficial parent who has paid their portions for them. One of the things the United States has paid for decades is funding into the UN Food Aid Fund.
Dropping out of paying the bill for this fund is how we are allowing the other nations to mature and step up. We are not the only nation which can contribute. To be honest, there have been a few other nations who have given to the fund, but most of the money has come from us. The world now is complaining that we aren’t doing our part, when in fact, we have been doing THEIR part for a long, long time.
I see this as a positive change. If the United Nations wants to provide emergency food in troubled regions, let the nations unite to supply the funding instead of expecting only a few nations to foot the bill.
Copyright 2025 Donald Whelpley
[PLEASE NOTE that Don is always open to discussing the thoughts and opinions he shares here and welcomes comments as shared in the comment section. He doesn’t use other social media platforms and won’t see whatever you’d like to share with him if you post it elsewhere.
ALSO, Don is always open to offer his thoughts on various topics. If you have a specific request, you can let him know in a comment; he reads – and replies to – them all. ~ Sherry]
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