Happy Presidents Day! Grasping for Stars is the American Way!

Presidents are our leaders chosen through our democratic processes. Its the process of choosing that makes this country unique. Whether you are current like President Biden, a recent past like President Trump, or one of the first presidents like President Washington, there is a sacred oath that binds them all to a line of presidents before them. They have a responsibility to guide our nation to greater heights, further than we have ever been before. 

Good leadership is important from both parties and that requires coordination, active listening and a focus on solutions. Our leaders, whether the president or other politician must be willing to create and encourage others to grasp for a shared vision. 

Wishing all of our Presidents (Past, Present and Future) a wonderful day and good health and good tidings. You can read the history of Presidents Day

Its a little silly but very good video. 

Billerud Expected to be a Strong Buy for Stocks (ROE) Return on Equity

Pretty Much Same Place as New Mill
Early 1900's
It might be the biggest any more
but Esky is the Best!
Source: Escanaba Post Cards

If your a stock guy/gal and you have interest in traditional companies that have a long long history in communities such as ours you may want to check out Billerud. While Billerud is a new Escanaba resident, the company comes from a long line of sister background not that much different then our own. Growing up in the cold and woods probably has its environmental similarities. Snow, woods, good food, fresh air, good friends, family.....seems similar (Check it out. Grums Sweden and Escanaba Michigan.).

I'm not trying to create a Hallmark moment here. What I'm saying is that they seem to be investing for the long haul and in may ways already understand the way in which we live our unique histories as a people. They are a natural fit and I would like to see how such a large investment with State and Federal interest leads not only to an increase in stock value but also what the total economic impact will be 5 and 10 years out. (Sustainable Image 1 and Sustainable Image 2). 

Ok, sniff, sniff, I put away the box of tissues and pictures of generations of loggers. 

I really like this article and I'm going to share it with some people. Great stuff....really good! You are teaching and writing. Its the way it should be. News with a purpose! If want to be a guest author sometime....hit the "contact box". 

Is Weakness In Billerud AB (publ) (STO:BILL) Stock A Sign That The Market Could be Wrong Given Its Strong Financial Prospects?

Escanaba's Downtown: Cold, Crisp and Fresh for Investment! (Keeping the Fire Bright)

$200+ Million State Invest in Infrastructure
$1.06+ Billion Billerud
+"Incalculable" winds of fate

Its cold this morning when you walk down Escanaba's main street. I pull my color up to keep the brisk air out and take notice of the sun just starting to peak up over the building tops as a few shoppers begin populating main streets. It is a morning like many other mornings on Great Lake coastal towns that has seen better days but is now on the investment upswing. It wont look exactly this in a few years as fresh paint, flowers, people and new stores move in.

While I might miss some of the cracks in the sidewalk and chipped paint on a few old stores that haven't been updated in a while. I remember coming back and seeing it about the same, with a little more sadness, then what it looked like when I left (Back then it was too small a place for a young buck. Not a lot of opportunities for college grads so they leave to go to school, the military, or to get married.) Within a year some of the empty store fronts will likely get some new life. While some aspects of our town may change, much of the flavor and life will stay the same. 

I'm an old, new guy. My roots in this region run deeper and wider than most of the other families. I have been gone for a while; maybe 20 years. Doing something I thought was very important. Understanding the understandable of human nature and I have found what many people will never see (I could try and explain it but I'm still in the process of sort of formalizing it. I will share someday in my own special way. Promise. Shall we continue?........)

This town has that same spirit living within it. That spark that allows a town on the verge of collapse to become a new, bright, vibrant and living entity that will be around for a long time (Most have no idea how close it came to being a ghost town and ending the connections for many people and their families. I really don't think many have the experience of making difficult decisions that seem like cold numbers on an SEC filing, but yet have the power to impact people's lives on the other page in ways those numbers can't calculate. If you read the SEC filings over the years it will tell you the prospects of future investment. The trend line has changed for the better and may reach synergy at some point if it continues upward. Theoretically anyway.). This town has not only got new life, but perhaps the first of its kind and the first of the digital era (It has almost all the basics it needs.).

As the tourists start coming this spring, as the sounds of infrastructure fill the air with greater sweetness similar to what you might hear at an exquisite performance of something like Cold Song at the Opera . We will see change, we will see new things, and we will be better for it. (The vast majority of change is very valuable and positive.). We are becoming "connected".

As I ponder the history and future of this place and make my way to my favorite gym to get in some early morning cardio I cross paths with a Native American man walking toward me on the sidewalk. Tucked warm in his jacket with long flowing grey white hair reaching out from under his fur lined hood. (You know that type of long shinny hair that is hard for most men to grow. I think the fur was beaver but I was distracted.).

He was looking at me and I nod and say good morning as I fiddle to find my gym keys, "Excuse me sir" the man says just as I pass (He seemed prepared). I stop, turn around, with an inquisitive look I respond in curiosity, "Yes,"

He pauses for a moment thinking about something and watching my face intently. 

In a low voice he asks, "Where are you from?" 

Thinking my big city gym shoes, slightly smart winter jacket gave me away as a tourist! I respond sheepishly, "I'm an Escanaban".  

"No, no I can tell that!" he grumbles waving away my comment as rhetorically useless. Where precisely did you grow up?" (The term precisely sort of caught me off guard. Something said in that manner in a term that is not particularly commonly used around here. I can tell this man has seen a few things. Back when I was a kid I met people who were WWII, even relatives of mine, and I could tell some of these guys had gained some insight beyond the sanctity of our town. They know things that others didn't know, others didn't have experience in, from an angle that allowed them to see things from a higher perspective. Its not something you can explain to someone who doesn't know.)

I respond, "Well, originally I'm from Bark River and then moved into town when I was very young."

He affords me a half smile that we often see in people who have seen a world deeper than our own (For me, that is not common. When I sense it I become instant ears and quickly resort to an inquisitive student perspective made from years of socialization to institutional life. Boarding school, military, higher education, much of a person's life.).  You can recognize it because there is just a mannerism about it. Often a few short words and you can tell there is a lot going on up there then what is on the surface.

He says, "I thought so" with a drawn out ooo and a slightly upward linguistic tail. I pause expressionless not really sure I understand the meaning or what is actually being said here. I try for a second to figure out the multiple neural options and in what context they are meant but come up with a blank spot. I just can't put my finger on it! 👆

He could tell I was struggling to make sense of the comment. That is where you know your giving that "deer in headlights" look knowing you noticed something but not sure what exactly that is....you must wait to find out. Anticipation for a punch line I guess. Except I was lucky enough not to have to pay for this entertainment (Like a puzzle).

I begin to read his face as he has already read mine except I have no idea what I'm looking for while I suspect he already knows and has found what he was trying to understand. A much more trained and discerning eye than my own (I'm aware but not aware of what I'm aware.) We are looking at the world from two different stories but very similar tales I guess. I sense no ill intent so I relax and give the man the benefit of doubt.

His wrinkled hands reach into his jacket pocket and I again cringe because experience has taught me that he is about to hand me a donation envelop, a lost item, a pamphlet, give him a ride, or be forced to accept to his religious/philosophical/'world view' guidance (....or cast me out as a cultural heretic!). Having spent some time in the big city as a general rule you don't accept anything from anyone you don't know; let alone talk to them!

I'm cautious of course. Yet this isn't a big city and people here are generally polite. So things should be much more on a personable level. We have a couple knuckleheads but they seem to have grown up over the past few years through exposure to the outside world. This person is out of the ordinary and deserves a little more grace in time before I excuse myself as quickly as politicly practical.

He places a feather in my hand. Not wanting it to be overtaking by the wind I instantaneously and intuitively put my fingers tightly on around the stem to keep the feather secure from being lost.

He looks down at the feather in my hand and back into my face. (The term into is intentional)

"You dropped this" he says as he rather abruptly and quickly turns around and walks back down the street with a snow cloud swirling behind him. 

I glance at the feather for a second, its cold, crisp and fresh. I've only see a few, not even sure of the kind of bird. Looks well taken care of and important.  I protest raising the feather into the air in the direction of the man! "Its not mine, I didn't drop it!"

"Yes, you did." I hear in a faint voice with the same upward tone that confused me last time. Almost a whisper really.

Realizing the elements might try and take the feather again, I place it safely in my coat pocket and once more turn directly into the cold howl of the wind to challenge fate.  

*The articles are designed to encourage you to think and in this case honor the many Native Americans I have met in my life. Mostly, to recognize the Native Americans from the Escanaba area and the interconnect lives we all share. As with all things in life sometimes things are not spelled out so obviously and there are no statistical 100% or books of indisputable facts. Perhaps a fictitious conjurer and wizard of words? Nothing more than misaligned strokes of an amateurs pen! As a species we have always learned best from stories. Its why we keep the inner fire bright. No? 🤷 👂😏 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: Chinese Balloons and Bullets

I'm just watching this now and sort of grasping the nature of the discussions (I suspect it was tense.). Let us say that things are very frosty between the U.S. and China right now. No Valentine Day exchanges I would suspect. Let us put aside the contentious balloon incident for a moment. I understand why such balloons exist and I understand why we must protest against their use (Even thought its not likely to be the last time. Its not our birthday so please don't send any balloons next time.). 

The bigger concern is China support for Russia. It didn't take much to figure out from prior tv appearances that there was going to be some coordination between China and Russia. Remember Putin's comments on "world hegemony" or something similar and his jovial step? You can tell from his comments, and the whole tiff about taking off shirts with EU leaders (ok you either read it or you didn't), that he was sort of semi-bragging about it without saying it (You know how this backroom stuff goes. Someone pours two glasses of middle of the shelf value scotch, cigars get lite, one looking at the other, the other looking back, no one says anything but the room feels tense, etc. etc.) 

Here is where I think China is making sort of a strategic mistake. Russia is a country that doesn't exist in the communist world anymore. It has some ideological roots but those are lost on the majority of the younger generation. Most of the world is not happy with Russia right now. China might have a hard time balancing between a business oriented country or a communist oriented country (One is to connect the other is to spread an ideology.). 

If they are a communist oriented country they will sort poke their finger at Western countries and continue to carve out a new Cold War Curtain (Digital Curtain). If they are a business oriented country, they may not want to get too far into the weeds with Russia. Putin is older, his moral arguments are low, and at the end of the day its unlikely to look good for him or his supporters. 

I'm kind of curious if China will sort of tip toe with lukewarm support for Russia or jump two feet in thereby making an Cold War curtain split. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't want to create an economic shock that cuts them from many of their suppliers and customers. So I suspect its just enough hot and cold water to keep the bath sort of like Goldie Locks porridge of neither too not or too cold. 

Let us also add to that there is indication that Russian economy is losing billions and if there is a major route on the battlefield it is highly possible that Russia could collapse. If the younger generation is proWestern and not supportive of the war, then how might that look for China? They could lose an entire market depending on who rises to power after a collapse (I would suspect a pro-Western oligarch but it could be anyone.)

Balloons are in bad taste but selling bullets to Russia is an ideological statement. 

When Local Clan Laws Supersede National Laws: The Subjective Rule of Law

Local laws are important. However, when local laws are clan based and give a free pass for racial and religious cleansing behaviors that come forward, that isn't a violation of the law its a break down the order of things. It is a clear sign that not only have we looked away while laws are being violated, we also failed to step up when it was necessary to protect the integrity of the system. We have become our own worst enemy. 

This article is about thinking about better paths forward and how that encourages better decision making and more unification between different peoples. We as a nation should think about how we manage going forward and what that looks like. To me, that looks like people working together toward a shared future. There are some, who care very little about these things. Having a universalized perception of justice and fair treatment is our pro growth torch going forward (i.e. human capital development)

I have never been afraid that our nation would have a problem from the outside in so much as it would have a moral lapse and suffer from the inside. This occurs when race, religion, and good old boy networks are allowed to misuse the law to protect friends and associates from the consequences of illegal behaviors. Worse, to help them enrich, accompanied by a number of related issues members of the community brought forward at other places and times.

While I understand that the consequences for being a half citizen with Black children are very high, nevertheless one would think at some point the law would step in to do the right thing. I'm not talking about the wink and nod, identity based kind of laws we are so accustomed to implementing on people. I'm talking about the universal application of law. The one in which is fair for everyone and uses wisdom in its final resolutions.

I thought justice and fairness would be the primary way in which we want to run our nation. However, what I found is that while a local judge, sheriff, and a number of clan members may have perverted the laws, the wider systems feels compelled to provide that freedom to commit crimes then and into the future. When  you coordinate, meet with perpetrators, engage in cleansing type behaviors and walk from such actions that would normally be an issue for people with a value system. Depending on what that value system means.

(Before you get too far in your thinking. I have a great amount of respect or nearly all officers except the few that coached their friends on how to go after people. I have also met and talked to many Sheriff officers over the years and as good people I encourage them to report what they know {Follow your policies but you may want to report outside of your department to Federal and/or State entities}. Of course, being married into such groups and having close friends with such groups does sort of help in keeping things "under the table". While a judge may or may not have been part of it, I suspect he/she was well aware, he/she did not take action when it was blatantly obvious such action was needed. p.s. not the kind of action that circumvents the rights, laws, and natural protections of those we deem as less worth and less "desirable" in society.)

(Furthermore, if you knew me, my value systems, my kids, my history, my struggles, my success and my failures you would not discount every word I have to say simply because it doesn't fit your preconceived notions of the world in which you live. I earned the right to talk about things that many of these judges will never understand no matter how they appropriately or inappropriately use the laws. The difference being in their moral development and capacity to say "no" to their social groups and stand for the essential values of this nation. Clan or Country?)

Internationally it may be illegal and the moral choices may be considered horrendous; maybe not. However, at present it doesn't appear there are adequate laws when dealing with those we deem are different and/or take advantage of for money. Its just how it is! A type of truth behind the words of reelection. We are in a vortex of values where for one reason or another we don't really care about fair application of law. We are more concerned about politics, money, prestige, self flattery, political campaign funds, and all the things that broke every nation historically. 

I'm a proof in the pudding guy. One can say whatever they want but if they don't actually do the right thing at the end of the day they become worse then the perpetrators. Think about it. They know, they were part of it, became consultants of alleged crime, they committed certain actions that could be considered questionable, and they walked; maybe if this wasn't a hypothetical discussion 🤷. 

That is how we fulfill the laws sometimes. That isn't how they were intended to be fulfilled, but that is how they are often applied (Save good judges who have developed to a point they earned their spots. That is not everyone and there are almost no methods of resolving corruption. We have few options but to encourage the system to self correct because the mechanisms of correction is low and not very adequate to the task. Pudding?)

Misapplication of law is not the wisest way, but it has sometimes become our preferred way. Its a shame! Until our system serves all Americans people like me , and others, very good people (unfortunately not the self preservation minded people) accurately point out the obvious glaring issues we face....even as a half citizen (There are many others that want a healthy nation too.).  Half citizens are those in which we provide laws and protections on paper but then sort of put those aside when it isn't convenient (P.S. Yes, I recognize its not wise to speak up for your fellow Americans when the power structures are as such. However, let us take a more historical look for those who encourage more responsibility in the use of power and encourage greater moral enrichment beyond lunch.). 

When a young person comes to me and asks about what they should do when they see obvious wrongs and no one steps up for it.  I will say be your best, be polite but don't sugar coat. You will give up much, they will take much, talk about much, damage your character, laugh, and nothing will change as long as we accept a lower value system as the standard. Be prepared. You can't tell the truth very very long until someone wants to implement their version of "truth" on you. However, also recognize that our nation was built from many sacrifices. You will lose much to make your world and nation a better place. Do so in a way that helps strengthen your communities, improve people's lives, and allows you to keep your head high (...even when corruption tries to teach you something different. For "Americans", we understand why these things are and they are obvious. For Americans {I'm half American and half "American"}, they are quickly becoming aware of the need for a single conception of a nation and the laws that create the playing field for everyone; as intended by our forefathers/mothers.)

*This article is designed to get you to think. It's likely to be just a thought experiment because we know for a fact that people don't make clan based decisions anchored at times in racial, religious and social based biased. A pure statistical impossibility! So this obviously wouldn't have any bearing in any way to actual life events; unless that magical Cinderella's slipper fits. Purely a story for entertainment and general teaching purposes. Let it go in one ear and out the other as nonsensical fantasy! As an essay quiz, Do you see the moral in the story?

Escanaba City Hall Meeting February 16th, 2023 (Restaurant Week)

Nothing too exciting going on during this meeting. I must be kind of hungry because I'm thinking of food. Restaurant Week is Feb 26th to March 4th! I didn't find the flyer he was holding to repost but you might want to check regularly at Escanaba's DDA for any postings (...and downtown investment opportunities) as well as some of Escanaba's Dining Cuisine. 

May I make a dining recommendation? Check out the fine fish fry's at the Elks or the succulent beefy burgers at the Eagles. If your moving to the area, these are two clubs you might want to join (Fraternal Orders Actually.) Most people would invite you in as a honorary guest if you were considering joining. You will likely have many introductions right away. They also support good causes! 

Billerud to Bring World's Largest Carton Board Machine to Escanaba (KM7): Local People to Help Lift!

One of the greatest carton board machines in the world is coming to Escanaba and that is an amazing thing! I think this is really great and it is a time to celebrate these important partnerships. During that celebration let us not forget the local stakeholders of Escanaba. One of the reasons why people voted and made changes is to help the community (That is the way I see it anyway.). They are a people who care about the jobs that young people are going to obtain and want them to stay closer to home (Many who finish college often leave so this is a chance to get them opportunities in the paper industry. Most want to see their grandchildren grow up in the same town. Some leave and want to come back.).

There will also be some infrastructure improvements that are also very helpful to the community and that will lead to potential greater growth in other local job markets. This is why I think Escanaba should consider improving its small business market attraction to lure start-ups in a way that draws resources to the small business community downtown (Some of these may be new vendors for the mill and some new tourism/outdoor businesses for downtown.) 

While I'm a light right Republican, I will say that I like to think of these things as potential win-win for the region and for the people of Escanaba (I mean that as local in terms of 50 miles range that includes the tribal members and Gladstone, Rapid River, Bark River, Ford River, etc... If we wanted to be gracious maybe Rock.). Yes, I care more about the little people than the big people most of the time. I also believe that benefits should help the average Escanaban/Gladstone/Tribal citizens in ways that increase local revenue and improve parks, lives, libraries, health, education, and opportunities. 

The longer term opportunities related to this and other investments should really give the community a chance to reconnect to the global market. For those who know me, I can talk all day about economics, politics, life, religion, fishing, boats, cars, etc. etc. talk, talk. Philosophy is my favorite. Blah, Blah, Blah..... (I'm pretty brutally honest about most things I think. I got to work on tact.)

My philosophical side says, "Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to show how revitalization really works as potentially one of the first digital era advanced manufacturing towns? A type of rebirth in relevancy as a microcosm? (You sort of have to understand communications investments, industries served, wider stakeholders, other activities, etc. and how this money can transform us; mostly for the good. As I have seen in my life, money can bring good but also can bring the bad out of some. That is here, that is anywhere on the planet.)

While I have met many investors in my life, and I think in many/most ways they help make the world go around, I'm more worried about the people in my hometown and ensuring that the jobs that are provided will sustain the next few generations. I like economics and dabble from time-to-time in some silly economic theories (Discard them quickly please...also I didn't go to an ivy league school for very long so likely not to have much value. I also failed an economics class once so certainly not on a good track record. 😬). Most theorists believe the tools they develop should be used for broad based growth (hopefully human capital development)

Trickle down, trickle up, trickle sideways economics. Its a good article.....

‘Historic’ investment will bring largest piece of machinery in the world to Escanaba

*I'm a little person that came from a very little person background with most chips stacked against me. Money can do wonderful things in giving additional little people a chance to succeed and fulfill their dreams. It can also be just another score card for the "country club" (I like country clubs too! I'm probably going to join The Highland Club this year just because my gramps was once a member and maybe I can get my kids to become members someday as well. I have memories from that place.). The point being that we are a community of real people and while we talk about economics on a theoretical level let us not forget the little people and how opportunity impacts their dreams as well. For me, its about giving back now. Ok off my soap box......