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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 11h

yes absolutely the most inflationary impact of tariffs is when they throttle supply. But that's my definition of inflation: too much money chasing too few goods.

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 11h

I agree with the first sentence, basically. But I've not seen many people argue that tariffs are in fact disinflationary. My main point was in reference the quoted post: the notion that "prices going up" is not "inflation" because it's a tax. It's just silly nonsense.

Now, to your point...

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

it's the coast starlight, california zephyr etc that were meant to be exempted (which is itself silly but it is what it is)

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

San Joaquins do not count as long distance I believe because they are state-supported

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

there's not some separable "actual inflation" from the price level.

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

if the price level goes down, then it is not inflation

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

higher prices = inflation. It's the definition.

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

higher prices is what inflation is. It doesn't matter what the cause is.

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 12h

more absurdist protest please. it absolutely makes these goons look like idiots.

Robby Roadsteamer @roadsteamer.bsky.social · 15h

🚨 *Breaking News* Robby Roadsteamer has been detained by ICE Portland after singing Rod Stewart with the Portland Frog! We need your help!

Please support Robby's campaign and lawyer fees at robbyroadsteamer.com link on bio 💙🦒🦒🦒

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 13h

so many constitutional rights being violated by these buffoons

David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 19h

“A clarinet player was arrested after playing her instrument to the tune of the ‘Ghostbusters’ theme song outside of a Portland ICE facility…”

Musician playing ‘Ghostbusters’ outside ICE facility is arrested by agents

‘Taking us citizens out of state to detain them without charge is a new action from the Feds and should be opposed,’ her band said

www.independent.co.uk

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

Does anyone really think this is on the verge of generating a blockbuster movie or something? Yet Hollywood kind of seems to be acting like it is.

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

they look so dumb

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

can't build a spreadsheet to save its life though

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

I mean it works really well at generating slop to break the internet.

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

I listen to finance bros talk breathlessly about AI on Odd Lots and I just literally can't think of seeing a convincing argument that this will increase human happiness in any way.

It also doesn't really work.

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

It's not like I follow Maine Dem politics but I also had heard Maine already had a pretty solid Dem challenger

🇬🇾🗽Sydette The Dreaded Gorgon🗽🇬🇾 @blackamazon.bsky.social · 1d

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE

HE IS A WHITE WORKING CLASS MILITARY VET

with a stunningly sharp media package

They can’t update their website with a plan but they can kick the knees out fo somebody whose making waves form someone older than my momma !

Leah McElrath @leahmcelrath.bsky.social · 1d

The Dem establishment appears to be putting its thumb hard on the scales against Graham Platner:

The DSCC (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) has formed a joint fundraising committee with the campaign of Janet Mills.

It’s called “Maine Senate Victory 2026”:

docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

The internet is finished

dankcello-ween @danielketter.com · 1d

“enshittification” in a graph

Ruo Shui @ruoshuiresearch.bsky.social · 1d

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

looking pretty bleak for those wishing to stop the Dodgers

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

The US military's payroll is like $17 billion a month. Nobody has that kind of money.

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Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 1d

because it's the tax deadline (for LA county), it's time. for my yearly statement that the $600 dependent child care tax credit is an absolute joke

Ben Phelps @thisisbenphelps.bsky.social · 2d

Don't worry, Metro LA will continue to do voluntary EIRs on its projects

Jeffrey Tumlin 🏳️‍🌈 🌁 @jeffreytumlin.bsky.social · 2d

Gov signed SB 71, making permanent @scottwiener.bsky.social's CEQA exemptions. For much of our transit priority, protected bikeway, Slow Street, etc work, CEQA process would have taken longer and cost more than project itself, and done nothing for environment.🙏
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/01/24/w...