#kai ryssdal

Latest National Brand Index Shows Slumping U.S. Reputation Brand America, the global perception of the United States, its products and its values, has taken a hit. The annual National Brands Index shows America has plunged to its lowest ranking since the inaugural Index in 2005. Brand America cratered once before when the United States invaded Iraq, but never fell below the top 10 and then…

This final note on the way out today …

… about what’s happening in …

… and to …

… this economy right now …

… an economy that I’m obliged to remind you …

… affects everyone.

A lot of what happens in American capitalism is far from perfect.

We all know that.

But the same kind of capitalism that’s so problematic …

… is also what makes the United States …

… despite its flaws …

… the economic envy of the world.

And that doesn’t just happen out of nowhere.

There’s a baseline set of conditions that foster the investment …

… the trust …

… and the confidence that make the American economy what it is.

The institutions of this economy work, in no small part …

… because the institutions of this democracy work.

The rule of law.

Regulations and processes clearly set forth.

An expectation of fairness …

… and of recourse when wronged.

And all of them are under assault right now.

There are illegal takeovers of government systems.

There are illegal shutdowns of government agencies and departments.

There are forced mass resignations in critical agencies.

And there are private operatives assuming government power and authority.

I said two weeks ago that this program’s not going to chase everything that comes out of the White House.

And we’re not.

Action absorbs anxiety.

Matthew “Matt” Minnowman, 34, died as he lived - mysteriously. He is survived by his parents, Merv and Meryl Minnowman, and 53 siblings. A celebration of Matt’s life will take place next Thursday at the HOLY MACKEREL Church at 10 AM.

We talk to former worker at Whitewhale Inc., who says there’s something FISHY about the death of his co-worker, Matt Minnowman. 

He’s on Plenty-O-Fish, because he’s  fish get it.