Monday Musings - March 16, 2020

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March. Today marks 30 days until it is time to reckon with the tax man. This is not my favorite countdown of the year. Oh well, render unto Caesar, I just wish Caesar was a bit more responsive and less oppressive about his tax bill. 

2. Welcome to Coronavirus forced social distancing. Will this become the new normal for American society. 

George Gipp

3. I was reminded of this famous quote as a source of inspiration for each of us during the coronavirus crisis: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." - George Gipp

4. I watched a movie about a WW2 situation over the weekend and I believe there are parallels between the mobilization of the American populace to fuel the Industrial Complex during the 1940's and the mobilization of the American populace to control coronavirus today. We can do this. There will be sacrifice--but if we believe, we will persevere.

5. The Mall in Columbia is closing in response to coronavirus. 

6. I attended a very nice wine event over the weekend during which I was able to sample a wine which is not going to be released until April 11th.

7. Words of advice. Do not allow yourself to become isolated and solitary. Continue and even increase your communication through phone and other means as you wrap yourself into the cocoon of social distancing.

8. Here is an interesting item--the Fed cut interest rates over the weekend and stock futures are down, again, this morning. Oh wait, I've seen this headline before.

9. Today in History, 1792. The United States Military Academy–the first military school in the United States–is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point. Located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack. In 1780, Patriot General Benedict Arnold, the commander of the fort, agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 6,000 pounds. However, the plot was uncovered before it fell into British hands, and Arnold fled to the British for protection.




Headlines

Does Coronavirus Mean the End of Sports as We Know Them? - The New York Times

Calm and compassion: Ministers preach stirring sermons about the coronavirus — in empty cathedrals. - The New York Times

American Airlines cutting international flights by 75% amid demand collapse - OANN

From Eiffel Tower to Moulin Rouge, Paris landmarks close in virus clampdown - OANN

Gasoline becomes more affordable, just when Americans don't need it - Reuters

UK government evokes wartime Blitz spirit for fight against coronavirus - Reuters

Dow futures plunge 1,000 points after Fed cuts interest rate to zero - CNN Business

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

This week, President Reagan on taxes:

“Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.” 

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” 

“The American people are not undertaxed, the government in Washington is overfed.” 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD