You paid 8.5% tax on fireworks
13% tax on beer
7.5% sales tax on soda
80% tax on cigars
& 30% tax on gas to drive to the beach in a car that u pay multiple other taxes on
All to celebrate a defeat of a 2% tax on a breakfast beverage
This is the definition of idiocracy
The last five years of trading have had numerous "once in a lifetime" events. For example:
2020 - Covid crash market falling 34%
2021 - US Capitol Protests, $GME GameStop $AMC and other buy button removed
2022 - Ukraine Russia War, Global inflation surge, FTX Collapse
2023 - Silicon Valley Bank collapse, Signature bank Collapse, First Republic Bank Collapse, Israel-Hamas conflict
2024 - China Stock market crash falling 26%, Yen Carry Trade Unwind leading to third highest $VIX, Tokyo Stock market Crash falling 12.4% in one day
2025 - Trump tariff trade conflict, leading to the worst drop ever in the $DOW, Nasdaq $NDX down 11%, $SPY down 17% YTD
Lots of lifetimes lived.
Morning Routine (as a parent of 3 young kids):
3:30 a.m. — I’m jolted awake by the faint whimper of Kid #1 (age 4), who’s standing in the doorway dripping like a soggy sponge. “I peed the bed.” Fantastic. I stumble out of bed, strip the sheets, and throw them in the wash. Kid #1 demands to sleep in my bed now, so I’m sandwiched between a damp child and my snoring partner. Sleep is officially canceled.
4:15 a.m. — Kid #2 (age 2) decides 4:15 a.m. is the perfect time to have a night terror. I shuffle in, exhausted, grab them from their crib and try to rock them back to sleep. I fall asleep briefly in the rocking chair.
5:30 a.m. — Kid #3 (age 6) wakes up and declares they’re starving. I attempt to pour cereal, but Kid #1 spills the milk, Kid #2 throws the cereal like confetti, and Kid #3 insists they’ll only eat pancakes shaped like dinosaurs. The kitchen turns into a war zone. I’m waiting for Gordon Ramsey to walk in.
6:00 a.m. — Time to dress them. Kid #1 refuses pants because “they’re itchy,” Kid #2 runs naked screaming about freedom, and Kid #3 demands a superhero cape instead of a jacket. I’m wrestling socks onto tiny feet while someone’s wiping snot on my leg. I consider duct tape or a straight jacket as a fashion statement.
6:30 a.m. — Brushing teeth becomes a negotiation. Kid #1 gags dramatically, Kid #2 eats the toothpaste, and Kid #3 uses the toothbrush to “paint” the mirror. I’m wondering if dental hygiene is really worth this fight. It’s not.
7:00 a.m. — I realize Kid #3’s homework is missing, Kid #1 doesn’t have their lunch packed, and Kid #2 has show and tell that wasn’t planned for. I’m digging through backpacks, yelling about time management to children who don’t know what a clock is, and questioning all of my life choices.
7:15 a.m. — The Breakfast Sequel. They’re hungry again. I toss granola bars at them like a zookeeper feeding seals, but Kid #1 wants yogurt, Kid #2 spills it on the dog, and Kid #3 cries because it’s not dinosaur-shaped. I’m wiping floors and cursing the inventor of snacks.
7:30 a.m. — Car loading chaos. Getting them into the car is like herding caffeinated squirrels. Kid #1 forgets their lunch, Kid #2 cries because they car seat straps are too tight and Kid #3 screams about a lost toy that’s under their butt. I blast “Baby Shark” to drown out the madness.
8:15 a.m. — Final sprint. We’re late. Shoes are untied, hair’s unbrushed, and someone’s face is still covered in yogurt. We packed half of the house before we left. It doesn’t matter. We’re almost home free.
8:30 a.m. — Drop-off victory. I shove them into their classrooms, wave at the teacher with a fake smile, and peel out of the parking lot like I’ve escaped a hostage situation. I join a Teams call on the car ride back home, one of many consecutive inefficient meetings to ruin the rest of my day.
8:45 a.m. — Coffee, nicotine, and creatine are consumed. A copious amount of each. I don’t understand how dual working parents function in this economy.
10 signs you're doing well in life:
1. You have a roof over your head.
2. You ate today.
3. You have a good heart.
4. You care for others.
5. You have clean water.
6. Someone loves you.
7. You try to do better.
8. You have clean clothes.
9. You have dreams.
10. You’re breathing.
Income tax is wrong. You shouldn't be fined for earning a living.
Property tax is wrong. You shouldn't be forced to pay to keep living in a home that you already own.
Sales tax is wrong. You shouldn't be forced to pay someone to allow you to buy something.
Capital gains tax is wrong. You shouldn't be punished for investing in your family's financial future.
Inheritance tax is wrong. Your heirs shouldn't be robbed because you died.
All forms of taxation are wrong, because they're extortion, and extortion is always wrong.