Comey Indirectly Admits His Lack of Professionalism

Former FBI Director Jim Comey put his foot in his mouth again. After his day-long session with a congressional subcommittee, Mr. Comey immediately entertained a swarm of reporters that were eagerly awaiting him (and he them). To the question of what Mr. Comey thinks about the Mueller investigation, Mr. Comey replied that the investigation is proceeding “rapidly” and “extremely professionally.” Mr. Comey noted that an indication of his assessment is the fact that you (the reporters) do not know anything about the investigation except for what you can gleam from court papers filed by the investigation team.

Great insight from Mr. Comey. The investigation is “extremely professional” because it does not leak. Now, how did Mueller's investigation get started in the first place? Oh, that’s right, it was triggered by Mr. Comey’s willful and self-serving leak of notes he made regarding his impressions of meetings he had with the President. Notes that are government property and prohibited by law from being leaked. Notes that are also protected by the President’s executive privilege. At least Mr. Comey realizes what professionalism look like, even if he does not practice it himself.

President Trump Has Already Won the Trade War

China’s economy is suffering from the tariffs imposed by President Trump. That is why China’s President Xi Jinping agreed to a tariff truce last night. He knows that he has already lost the war.

In its last quarterly earnings report (September 20, 2018), Micron Technologies noted that the China trade tariffs would impact its upcoming fiscal year earnings a bit. Micron also reported that they were making changes to its supply chain to minimize the tariffs’ impact. It was noted that those changes would take two or three quarters to complete. Last week, only two months after Micron’s earnings report and supply chain statement, the CEO of Micron made a statement that his company has already completed most of the supply chain changes needed to mitigate the impact of the China trade tariffs.

American businesses have very complex supply chains with operations around the globe. It may take a few months, but most American businesses are going to minimize their footprint in China. China is now too risky. Businesses do not like risk. Furthermore, there are many more options available to American businesses today than there were when China was the place to go for manufacturing facilities with state-sponsored, sweetheart financing deals. India, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia are a few example of China alternatives. But, made in America is the best alternative.

There may be a temporary truce on tariffs, but China already shot itself in the foot. American businesses will continue to minimize their exposure to trade wars. Thus, in three months, China will be more disadvantaged than they are right now in negotiating trade terms.

This is a win for America and a win for the world. China has been practicing predatory trade policies and a line has now been drawn in the sand. Expect that line to be pushed back even further. Expect an increase in fair trade between good-willed member states of the world community.