Last night’s programme on AG Radio was both engaging and fast-paced, covering an array of topics ranging from the possibility of alien existence to Trump’s tariffs, or as I’ve coined them, “Trumriffs.” We also touched upon BRICS, USA-China trade dynamics, the ongoing Syrian conflict, and Brexit. However, the latter received only cursory attention as the discussion time seemed to slip away.
Alien Existence
With recent NASA discoveries indicating the presence of water and other promising findings, I firmly believe there is a strong possibility of life on Mars or elsewhere in the universe. Wherever water exists, the potential for life cannot be ignored. What form that life might take remains a question for modern science to explore further. My conviction stems not only from scientific advancements but also from personal experience. I once witnessed a phenomenon in broad daylight, corroborated by other eyewitnesses and documented with images shared on the BBC website.
It’s worth noting that the concept of extraterrestrial life has long been a staple of Hollywood, with decades of alien-centric films gracing our screens. However, the topic has recently gained legitimacy, as evidenced by the November 14, 2024, Congressional hearing in the U.S. on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The possibility of humans and aliens sitting down one day to exchange ideas is an exciting prospect that fills me with hope for a new era of discovery and collaboration.
Trump’s Tariffs
The topic of Trump’s tariffs, while contentious, shouldn’t even be debatable. Economic experts have consistently warned that tariffs lead to higher prices and inflation, as the added costs are inevitably passed on to consumers. Yet, for Trump, tariffs appear to be an ideological fixation. Having followed his career since the 1980s, I can attest that his stance on trade has often defied logic and expert advice. His use of tariffs as a policy tool contradicts his promises of lowering consumer prices.
Trump’s economic policies have historically been marked by irrationality, often prioritizing personal ideologies over sound financial principles. During his presidency, he added over $7 trillion to the national debt, primarily through tax cuts favoring the wealthiest 1%. This approach not only contravenes fundamental economic principles but also exacerbates inequality – a redistribution of wealth from the poor to the rich under the guise of economic growth.
The reality of his policies often reveals a stark contrast between his rhetoric and their impact. Until his supporters confront the tangible consequences of these measures, including higher costs of living, disillusionment is likely to remain elusive. Unfortunately, when regret does set in, it may once again be misdirected toward scapegoats like immigrants rather than addressing the root causes of these challenges.
Trump’s track record of failed business ventures raises the question of why anyone would trust his approach to economic management. His policies, though branded as bold and unconventional, often reflect a disregard for expert advice and a troubling pattern of prioritizing personal gain over the public good.
By Saul Jawara
