Harv's Corner

Does anyone else see something wrong with this?  Let's forget about supporting our country and build a ballroom.  Everyone knows we need one!

​East Wing ‘a loss for us as a nation’
Michelle Obama speaks on Trump’s demolition.
By BRIANNA TUCKER The Washington Post

Michelle Obama

Former First Lady Michelle Obama said she felt "a loss for us as a nation" regarding President Donald Trump's demolition of the East Wing for a massive new ballroom.

Obama, who was first lady during President Barack Obama's two terms from 2009 to 2017, shared her response to the removal of the century-old annex in an episode of Jamie Kern Lima's podcast Tuesday, saying her feelings stemmed from the country and its shared traditions, rather than a personal attachment to the space.

"I felt confusion because I'm like, who are we? What do we value? And who decides that?" Obama said. "That's the thing that's going through my head a lot lately. Who are we? What are the rules? Because I'm confused by what are our norms and our mores — not the laws — but how do we live together? That's the part of it that hurts."

"I think I felt a loss for us as a nation, but personally, you know ... that's not our house. That's the people's house," she added. The East Wing has typically housed the first lady's offi ce and staff, and served as a hub for her public initiatives.

In October, Trump tore down the East Wing of the White House to make room for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom building he estimates will cost $300 million.
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The project is one of several transformations the Trump administration has pursued within the White House complex. Since returning to offi ce, he has paved the Rose Garden, erected a pair of 88-foottall flagpoles on the North and South lawns, covered the Lincoln Bathroom in marble and mused about potentially painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building — saying the 137-year-old federal property "was always considered an ugly building."

In interviews and appearances this year, Obama has grown more vocal about her concerns over Trump's second term, explaining her decision to skip Trump's second inauguration in January, and warning that his approach to governing threatens the nation's values and identity.

Harv's Corner

​MANAGING HEATING COSTS
Story by ANN CARRNS • Illustration by TILL LAUER • The New York Times

Home heating costs are expected to outpace inflation this winter. Making matters worse for people who have trouble paying their utility bills, the government shutdown delayed federal assistance to them.

"Energy prices are going up, and it's probably going to be a cold winter," said Steve Baden, executive director of the Residential Energy Services Network, a nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency.

Home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8% over last winter on average, according to a forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which assists states in securing federal funds to help low-income people pay their heating and cooling bills. The average heating bill for the season — October through March — is expected to rise to $976 from $907 last year, the association predicted.
Costs for heating with electricity, however, are expected to increase around 10%, the association's forecast said. That's mainly because of maintenance and upgrades to the energy transmission grid as well as the rising cost of natural gas, which powers much electricity generation, and the boom in large, energy-hungry data centers built to support artificial intelligence, the association said.

Some parts of the country, including the Midwest and the South, could see double-digit cost increases. The Northeast, however, where heating oil and propane are more common, may see a more muted increase — just under 3% — as costs for those fuels are expected to ease.

Higher winter utility costs are increasingly a worry for consumers, many of whom are also coping with higher food prices. The costs became an issue, for instance, in the recent governor's race in New Jersey.

The distribution of federal aid to states to help low-income people pay for heating typically occurs in late October but was delayed because of the government shutdown, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the energy assistance association. Now that the government is reopening, he said, "my expectation is that funds will be released," although the timing remains uncertain. "Winter is starting," he added.

Here are some options to consider to manage energy costs and make your home more comfortable as temperatures drop.

Can I still get federal tax credits for energy updates to my home?

Yes, though you'll have to act fast. Two federal tax credits available for improvements to a home's energy efficiency expire after Dec. 31. The Bidenera credits were originally set to continue well into the 2030s, but the Trump administration sped up their expiration via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The energy-efficient home improvement credit provides savings of 30%, up to $3,200, for eligible items, including home energy audits, added insulation, replacement doors and windows, and more efficient water heaters, furnaces and boilers. In addition to the aggregate cap, limits on individual improvements apply. For instance, doors are eligible for a maximum credit of $250 per door, up to $500 total.

Another credit, the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, provides a credit of 30% of the total cost for installing renewable energy equipment like solar panels and solar-powered water heaters.

The tax credits aren't "refundable," meaning that they can reduce your tax bill to as low as zero, but you won't get any extra back as a refund.
The updates generally have to be installed by the end of the year to qualify for a credit on your 2025 taxes, said Amanda Hatherly, CEO of the Building Performance Institute, a group that develops standards for the energy efficiency and weatherization industry.

Do states and utilities offer financial incentives for home energy improvements?

Many do, but the programs aren't always heavily promoted, Wolfe of the energy assistance association said. So check with your utility or state energy office to see what's available in your area.
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Can I shop around for cheaper energy?
Yes, Wolfe said. If you use heating oil or propane, it can pay to contact different providers and compare pricing. Some dealers may offer contracts that set a fixed price for the season, which can save money if prices rise (but you typically won't benefit if prices fall).

Many utilities let customers buy gas and electricity through an independent provider, but be careful, Wolfe said. Many offers come with "teaser" rates that rise after an introductory period and can carry high cancellation fees. But if you can stay on top of the bill, he said, you may save 5% to 10%.

What simple steps can I take to lower heating bills?
Do-it-yourself fixes that can help shave your energy costs include closing the damper on your fireplace when it's not in use. That can help save 10% to 20% on your energy bill, Wolfe said, depending on the type of fuel you use and your home's location.

Adding insulation is a step that offers a fairly rapid payoff in states offering financial incentives, Wolfe said. Depending on the rate you pay for heat, a $2,500 installation can be paid back in energy savings in less than two years, assuming a 75% rebate of the cost.

An easy step is to set your thermostat at 65 to 68 degrees when you're home and awake and lower it several degrees at night or when you're away, said Lizzie Rubado, director of innovation and development at Energy Trust of Oregon, a nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency. A "smart" or programmable thermostat can make the changes so you don't have to remember to do it. "Your heating system is the single biggest energy user in the winter," she said.

If you have an older hot water heater, drain it to remove sediment that can accumulate at its base and makes the unit use more energy to warm the water, Baden advised. Put a bucket under the tap at the unit's base, he said, and drain water out until the bucket is about half full.

If you have a forced-air heating system, clogged filters in your furnace can force it to work harder, using more energy, so replace them every few months.

To pinpoint where cold air is seeping into your house, consider a home energy audit. A technician will conduct a "blower door" test to identify leaky areas. The cost is typically less than $200, Baden said, and some utilities cover the entire cost to encourage customers to conserve energy.

Taping and insulating duct systems properly can also prevent wasted heat. Baden recalled an audit that found that a duct in the attic had become disconnected, so warm air wasn't making it into the main house. The homeowner joked that he "was heating his Christmas decorations," Baden said.

To find qualified energy auditors, you can contact your utility or search by location on the Building Performance Institute's website.
What if I can't afford my heating bill?
​
You can get help paying your heating bills from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, if your income and family size qualify. Funds are provided by the federal government and distributed by state agencies. The Energy Department offers a map showing contacts in each state.

Harv's Corner

Is everyone OK with this???   I'm not! What kind of government do we have?  What kind of ruthless person would do this?  Is this truly what America is about? I hope not! As of  this release, the government is back online and SNAP benefits are being restored. THE POINT REMAINS!

States told to stop full SNAP payments
​USDA threatens consequences if they don’t comply, including loss of federal funding.
By MARIANA ALFARO The Washington Post

​The Trump administration over the weekend ordered states to stop distributing full food assistance benefits for November to the 42 million low-income Americans at risk of food insecurity.

A memo from the Agriculture Department's Food and Nutrition Service tells states to "immediately undo any steps taken to issue" full payments to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called food stamps.

Instead, the White House is demanding that states issue only partial payments of about 65% of a usual SNAP benefit.

The memo USDA issued late Saturday warns states that if they do not comply with the order, they will face consequences, including the cancellation of federal funding that states need to cover some administrative expenses.

The federal government pays for all SNAP benefits, but states administer the program to residents.

SNAP is a vital lifeline for millions of people — mostly children, the elderly and adults with disabilities — who rely on it to afford groceries. The funding holdup caused by the government shutdown has left families across the country in agonized uncertainty as they stretch budgets while waiting for aid.

On Thursday, a Rhode Island judge directed the Trump administration to release November SNAP benefits in full by Friday.

At first, the Trump administration said it was working to release the benefits to comply with the judge's order — suggesting that the money would indeed be disbursed. At the same time, the administration appealed that decision to the Supreme Court.

Late Friday, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily blocked the Rhode Island judge's order to allow time for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit to issue its ruling on the lower court's order.

Some states, like Wisconsin and Maryland, had begun disbursing benefits Friday, after the Rhode Island ruling, leaving them scrambling to respond over the weekend.

In Wisconsin — where nearly 700,000 residents received their SNAP payments on Friday — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said his state has "legally loaded benefits to cards."

"After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would 'complete the processes necessary to make funds available.' They have failed to do so to date," Evers said in a statement Sunday.

Evers, along with several other governors and state attorneys general, are asking the appellate court to reject the administration's effort.

Soon after that letter was filed, USDA sent the states the latest memo ordering them to stop the disbursement of full SNAP payments.

"Our administration is actively in court fighting against the Trump Administration's efforts to yank food assistance away from Wisconsin's kids, families, and seniors, and we are eager for the court to resolve this issue by directing the Trump Administration to comply with court orders," Evers' statement said.

Carl Tobias, the Williams Chair in Law at the University of Richmond's law school, said it would not be "lawful" for USDA to claw back benefits that it had earlier provided without granting due process.

But Tobias acknowledged that the USDA memo could have a chilling effect on states' efforts to continue providing benefits to people in November.

In his Thursday order, the Rhode Island judge, John J. McConnell Jr., admonished the Trump administration for opting to make only partial SNAP payments, saying the administration knew this would only further delay getting aid to people. He ordered the administration to tap into a $23 billion fund for school lunch and child nutrition programs to pay for full SNAP benefits in November.

USDA, however, has repeatedly refused to tap into that money, arguing that it is separate from SNAP, and that the government does not have funds because of "congressional failure" to appropriate new money.

In court papers, the administration said it would not "raid an entirely different program" because it could lead to a shortfall in funding school meals.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, said in a statement Sunday that residents who have already received SNAP money on their cards "should continue to spend it on food." Those funds, she said, were following guidelines the administration issued after the Rhode Island court decision and before the Supreme Court order.

"If President Trump wants to penalize states for preventing Americans from going hungry, we will see him in court," Healey said.

The administration is "very carefully studying the law and trying to get as much money out the door as is legal," Kevin Hassett, Trump's longest-serving economic adviser, told CBS News' "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

"We are very glad that we found a way to get a lot of the SNAP money out, but it's really, really pushing the boundaries of the law, which is why the Supreme Court had to take that ruling from Rhode Island and put it on hold," Hassett said.
​
"The president's job, and all of our jobs, is to uphold the law."

Harv's Corner

​READ THIS FOR YOURSELVES. I AM WITHOUT WORDS!

​Hegseth purges with little explanation
Military officials say defense secretary’s moves create instability.
By GREG JAFFE, ERIC SCHMITT and HELENE COOPER The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or sidelined at least two dozen generals and admirals over the past nine months in a series of ousters that could reshape the U.S. military for years to come.

His actions, which are without precedent in recent decades, have come with little explanation.  In many cases, they have run counter to the advice of top military leaders who fought alongside the officers in combat, senior military officials said.

The utter unpredictability of Hegseth's moves, as described in interviews with 20 current and former military officials, has created an atmosphere of anxiety and mistrust that has forced senior officers to take sides and, at times, pitted them against one another.

Hegseth has delayed or canceled the promotions of at least four senior military officers because they previously worked for Gen. Mark Milley, a former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff whom President Donald Trump loathes and has repeatedly accused of disloyalty. One is Maj. Gen. James Patrick Work, who was expected to be the deputy commander at U.S. Central Command, which oversees troops in the Middle East, officials said.
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Work, one of the Army's most combat-experienced officers, played a crucial role leading U.S. and Iraqi troops to victory over the Islamic State group in Mosul, Iraq, during the first Trump administration. He also served as Milley's executive officer in 2018, which might have led Hegseth to view him with skepticism, senior Army officials said.

Despite the strong backing of top Army leaders, Work remains in limbo, his future uncertain, senior military officials said.

Other officers fell out of favor after being targeted on social media by right-wing influencers or because they had voiced support years earlier for diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
​
Rear Adm. Milton Sands, the commander of the Navy SEALs, who pushed to have female instructors in SEAL training, was fired by Hegseth in August.
​
Some leaders were ousted for offering candid military assessments.

Hegseth soured on Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, after he raised questions about deadly military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea. The Trump administration has said, without offering detailed evidence, that the boats were traffi cking drugs.

Holsey abruptly announced last month that he was stepping down, less than one year into what is typically a three-year assignment.

Another senior officer, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse, a 35-year Air Force intelligence officer who led the Defense Intelligence Agency, was forced from his position after his agency cast doubt on Trump's assertion that U.S. airstrikes in June had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program.

In his public appearances, Hegseth has stressed "unity" as a critical component of a lethal military. "Your strength is your shared purpose," he told several hundred troops recently on a trip to Asia. "Your strength is the unity of our mission."

But his actions have worked to undermine that critical asset, military officials said.

Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator and Army National Guard major, began his tenure by firing several highprofile military leaders, including Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Since then, the defense secretary has targeted an array of officers who seemed destined to ascend to four-star rank.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesperson, said in a statement that the "military has never been more unified" and cited Hegseth's work to dismantle the Biden administration's diversity, equity and inclusion agenda and restore the military's "warrior ethos."

"The department will continue to elevate those in our ranks who are committed to warfighting and meritocracy," the statement read.

A new administration has the right to choose military leaders it trusts, said Kori Schake, a defense specialist who served on the National Security Council in the administration of President George W. Bush. But she worried the Trump administration was "squandering an enormous amount of talent."

The scale of the firings also has alarmed some in Congress, like Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who previously served as a CIA officer analyzing foreign militaries.

She recently described Hegseth's moves as a "purge."
"The places where we've looked at these kinds of things are places like China," she said.  "I used to work on Iraq. They would do the same thing."

Another concern: Hegseth's moves have fed the impression that there are pro-Trump and anti-Trump generals, officials said.
In a September speech attended by hundreds of senior officers from around the world, Hegseth singled out several recently retired four-star generals for scorn.

"The new compass heading is clear," Hegseth told the officers gathered at Quantico, Va.

"Out with the Chiarellis, the McKenzies and the Milleys." He was referring to Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the former Army vice chief of staff, and Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., a former head of Central Command.
Several officers in the crowd that day had worked for the generals Hegseth disparaged and considered them mentors. So, too, had more junior officers.

"The message being sent to those younger soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines is that politics can and should be part of your military service," said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger. "It's a dangerous message."

Hegseth's personnel moves have hit several of the Army's most admired and combattested leaders. In late October, he forced Lt. Gen. J.P. McGee from his position as the director of strategy and war plans on the Joint Staff, military officials said.

The move was reported earlier by CNN.

McGee deployed 10 times to war zones, according to his military records. Work, who stepped down in August as the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, spent nearly six years in combat zones over the course of his career.

Military officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal personnel matters at a time when the Pentagon's culture has become increasingly punitive.

Until recently, Work's promotion seemed like a certainty.  All 10 of the officers who commanded the 82nd Airborne before him were promoted to three-star rank. Nine made four-stars. It is still possible that Work will fight through Hegseth's doubts and earn a third star, senior Army officials said.

Most of the officers forced out by Hegseth are likely to land on their feet, hired by defense contractors, big companies or universities.
The biggest blow may be felt by those left behind.

Speaking to students at West Point in 2018, Work shared some of the lessons he learned from two decades of war.

"Understand who you're partnered with, understand who you're fighting," Work, then a colonel, told the cadets.  He talked about his efforts to bond with an Iraqi partner during the fight against the Islamic State in 2017.  "Fourteen years ago today, I set foot in Baghdad," Work recalled telling his Iraqi counterpart.

"Fourteen years ago, I was in the hospital because I had been wounded by you all at Haditha," the Iraqi soldier replied. The exchange, Work said, demonstrated one of the Army's hard-won lessons in Iraq and Afghanistan:  In long, complex wars, allegiances can shift.  Former enemies can become trusted allies.

Many of Hegseth's dismissals have left senior military leaders and even Trump administration officials puzzled and speculating about the cause.

Such was the case with Gen. James J. Mingus, the Army's vice chief of staff. Senior Army officials assumed that Mingus would stay in his position until at least next summer. The fourstar officer has played a critical role, alongside Gen. Randy George, the Army's chief of staff, in remaking the Army for highintensity combat and drone warfare in the Pacific.

Instead, his retirement was hastily announced Oct. 21 with little input from senior Army leaders or Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, military officials said. No reason was given for Mingus' early dismissal or his replacement by Lt. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, who formerly led the 82nd Airborne Division.

In the case of Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly, the end came because of a 7-year-old story, recycled through the right-wing media. The Pentagon announced in June that Donnelly, the former commander of the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, was being nominated to be vice admiral and commander of the Navy's largest overseas force, the 7th Fleet.
But in July, Hegseth withdrew the nomination after The Daily Wire reported that Donnelly had allowed drag performances on the aircraft carrier.

Navy officials said the article belied what had actually happened: One sailor in drag performed during a talent show on the carrier. Donnelly was in Singapore at the time.

In late September, Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims II's 34-year military career came to an abrupt end at a military base near the Pentagon.  On the day of his retirement, Sims marched past columns of soldiers in their dress uniforms who were awaiting his review.

Sims had been the Army's choice to run Forces Command, a four-star job focused on making sure that commanders around the world have trainedand-ready forces available to them. The command, while important, is rarely a source of controversy, and the choice of who will lead it is usually left to the Army.

But Hegseth blocked Sims' promotion because he was seen as too close to Milley, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

Before he officially departed the Army, Sims recited the names of the five soldiers killed under his command. His last remarks in uniform focused on the values that hold an Army together through hard times — the same values many senior military officials worried were now under strain.
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"Everything we do is about people," Sims reminded the crowd. "The military doesn't have a monopoly in this regard, but the stakes of what we do are just different."
Gen. Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, listened in the packed bleachers next to Brown, his predecessor, whom Hegseth had fired in February.

Harv's Corner

Harvey Mackay, I really love this guy!  He is a true business leader with suggestions for folks who are generally independent businessmen or sales people.  I read his column religiously and occasionally find a story that applies to all of us.  This is one of them.

​Do good, and it may help you one day
OUTSWIMMING THE SHARKS
By HARVEY MACKAY For the Minnesota Star Tribune

HARVEY McCAY

One day, a small mouse surfaced from his nest to find himself between the paws of a huge sleeping lion, which immediately awoke and seized him. The mouse pleaded with the fierce beast to be set free. The lion, being very noble and wise, and in no need of such small prey, agreed to let the mouse go on its way.

Some days later, in the same part of the forest, a hunter caught the lion in a trap. The lion sat there, trussed up in a strong net, waiting for the hunter to return. But the mouse came along and saw the lion in need of help. He promptly set about gnawing through the net, which soon began to unravel, setting the great lion free.

The moral of the story is, of course, that the good you do for others often comes back to help you.

English theologian John Wesley offered this advice: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

If that sounds like a tall order, I challenge you to give it a try and see how your own life improves, even if those favors are never returned.
Doing favors for people is a common theme in political and business circles. Politicians often build networks by doing favors for others. This strategy allows them to accumulate goodwill and support, which can be invaluable when they need backing for their initiatives or during elections.

This is also a powerful tool in business .
Doing favors can be strategically advantageous for several reasons: Building a network of goodwill: This network can be invaluable in business, as it often leads to reciprocal actions . By helping others, you establish a foundation of trust and mutual respect .

Strengthening relationships:
Offering assistance or favors without expecting immediate returns can strengthen relationships.

When you help someone, they are more likely to think positively of you and your business .

Creating leverage:
In negotiations or business dealings, doing favors can give you an edge when seeking support, advice or assistance in critical situations. People are more inclined to help when they feel they are returning a favor.

Encouraging a culture of reciprocity: By fostering a culture where favors are exchanged, you encourage a collaborative and supportive environment.

Ethical considerations:
While there are strategic advantages, it's essential to approach this dynamic ethically. The goal should be to build genuine relationships and offer help sincerely, rather than manipulating others for personal gain.

Mahatma Gandhi, whose life and actions were guided by a deep commitment to doing good and living ethically, had a philosophy centered on the principles of nonviolence, truth and social justice. He believed in the power of individual actions to bring about significant change, and he consistently practiced what he preached.

Gandhi's approach to life was encapsulated in his formula for achieving balance, which involved recognizing and avoiding the seven big sins of life: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice and politics without principle.

By adhering to these principles, Gandhi not only inspired millions but also led India to independence through peaceful means.
The true measure of a person's life is not in what they achieve for themselves, but in what they do for others.

Mackay's Moral: In business, the favors you give often come back to you in unexpected and beneficial ways. Build a network of goodwill, and it will serve you well.
​v
Harvey Mackay is a Minneapolis businessman. Contact him at 612-378- 6202 or email [email protected].