COVID-19 Turned One Year Old
Happy Birthday You Crazy Girl
Happy birthday you crazy girl, you so wild. Our dear friend COVID-19 turned one year old. They grow up so fast. In this one year, COVID-19 has shown us that the government does not care about us (wow shocker I know right), other countries know what they are doing (wait so we're not the best country in the world?), and that money has no meaning.
Oh, and the rich are more delusional than we ever thought.
The American people received one stimulus check, which had a monetary amount that made most people mad because rent in some places is more than $1200 a month. 12 months, 1 check, some people did not even get it. Bills still need to be paid, some people got evicted, some people declared bankruptcy, some people were laid off and never returned to their normal careers and now have settled for entry leveled jobs. Some have transitioned to remote positions that have altered numerous aspects of their life and are still trying to adjust to their new way of life. Before remote work my friend worked 40 hour weeks but now works between 60 and 70 hours because her job basically does not have office hours and loves how "productive" everyone is from home now. This is the same friend that mixed her coffee with her wine, yea her. Sometimes I facetime her around 10pm and she will still be finalizing something for work, which makes me be afraid of actually getting a real corporate job one day.
Did you hear that some countries have gotten rid of the virus and have treated the people who have been affected and everything is back to normal? Apparently there are currently 11 countries that have no new cases, crazy. I think the United States just broke 2 million (or something like that who pays attention to the news). Some people are anxious because the President-elect Joey Biden wants the country to shut down again, and people are mad they are not going to be able to get their haircuts again. Some countries set up a grocery delivery service for their citizens so the spread of the virus can be limited because people won't go to their grocery stores (wow so smart), other countries completely forgave rent and mortgages for months on end (wow so caring), some countries simply have universal healthcare which does not spread the fear of a hospital bill which makes people avoid treatment and continue to live their life while spreading the virus (wow so understanding).
When rent and bills were frozen, how did the economy not crash? Why are people worried about the economy crashing next year? If inflation happens why would it happen? Aren't these made-up numbers to put on products and services and who decides to raise them? Why was a full-time employee in the 50's able to financially support a spouse and one or two kids? Why are young couples struggling to pay bills while not even having kids? Why does Wal-Mart have the worst carts? So many unanswered questions.
COVID-19 is like a sorority girl that got wasted, vomited on the sofa, yelled at her best friend, and lost her shoe and purse and blamed everyone else for it. She kinda ruined the party, some people left because she was being messy, and now someone has to explain why their landlord's sofa is ruined. You don't want her at your party and yet she still finds out about it and usually ruins everyone's time. That is COVID-19. And she's probably a Sag, ugh.
By the way, the way the United States' citizens pay taxes for situations like this, and yet the people got left behind by Congress which really shows that money goes to their salaries instead. Shots fired. Come at me American government.
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Germany News: Merz Issues Business SOS in Letter to Allies
Germany, long regarded as the economic engine of Europe, is facing mounting pressures that have prompted an unusually direct appeal from one of its most influential political figures. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has reportedly issued what many are calling a “business SOS” in a letter addressed to Germany’s allies. The message is clear: Germany’s economic model is under strain, and without coordinated action and strategic support, the country risks losing its competitive edge in an increasingly fragmented global economy. A Warning From the Heart of Europe Merz’s letter comes at a critical moment. Germany is grappling with sluggish growth, high energy costs, declining industrial output, and growing concerns among businesses about long-term stability. For decades, German prosperity has rested on strong exports, reliable energy supplies, and deep integration into global supply chains. Recent shocks—ranging from geopolitical conflicts and energy disruptions to trade tensions and technological competition—have exposed vulnerabilities in that model. By reaching out directly to allies, Merz signals that Germany’s challenges are no longer purely domestic. Instead, they have broader implications for Europe and the transatlantic partnership. A weakened German economy could ripple across the European Union, affecting everything from employment and investment to political stability. The Core Concerns of German Business At the heart of Merz’s message is the growing alarm among German businesses. Industrial leaders have repeatedly warned that energy prices remain uncompetitive compared to those in the United States and parts of Asia. The transition away from Russian gas, while necessary from a security standpoint, has imposed significant costs on manufacturers—particularly energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals, steel, and automotive production. In addition, companies are struggling with bureaucratic hurdles, labor shortages, and slow digitalization. Many firms report that investment decisions are being delayed or redirected abroad, raising fears of deindustrialization. Merz’s letter reflects these anxieties, emphasizing that Germany cannot afford to lose its status as a manufacturing powerhouse. A Call for Allied Cooperation Rather than framing the situation as a purely national failure, Merz stresses the importance of allied cooperation. He reportedly urges Germany’s partners to recognize the interconnected nature of modern economies. Coordinated energy strategies, fair trade policies, and aligned industrial frameworks are presented as essential tools to stabilize Europe’s economic core. This appeal also carries a strategic undertone. As the United States invests heavily in domestic industry through subsidies and incentives, European businesses worry about being left behind. Merz’s message implicitly calls for closer coordination to ensure that global competition does not undermine European unity or distort markets in ways that disadvantage German and EU firms. Political Implications at Home Domestically, the letter strengthens Merz’s position as a champion of business interests and economic realism. As Germany debates its future economic direction, the CDU leader is positioning himself as a voice of urgency and pragmatism. His intervention contrasts with what critics describe as slower, more cautious approaches from the current governing coalition. By publicly raising the alarm, Merz also puts pressure on policymakers to accelerate reforms. Issues such as tax competitiveness, infrastructure investment, and regulatory simplification are likely to gain renewed attention. The “business SOS” framing suggests that incremental changes may no longer be sufficient. Europe’s Broader Economic Crossroads Germany’s struggles reflect a wider European dilemma. The continent is navigating a complex transition toward greener energy, digital transformation, and strategic autonomy—all while competing with major powers that are willing to deploy aggressive industrial policies. Merz’s letter highlights the risk that Europe could fall behind if coordination falters. For many observers, the appeal underscores the need for a more coherent European economic strategy. If Germany weakens, the EU’s ability to act as a global economic and political force could diminish. In that sense, the letter is not just about Germany’s businesses, but about Europe’s place in a rapidly changing world. What Comes Next? The immediate impact of Merz’s letter will depend on how allies respond. Whether it leads to concrete policy shifts or remains a symbolic gesture is yet to be seen. However, it has already succeeded in drawing attention to the severity of Germany’s economic challenges. For German businesses, the hope is that this public warning accelerates action—both at home and abroad. For Europe, the message is sobering: the stability of its largest economy cannot be taken for granted. Conclusion Friedrich Merz’s business SOS letter marks a significant moment in Germany’s economic debate. It reflects deep concern within the business community and signals that Germany’s challenges have become a shared international issue. As economic uncertainty grows, the call for allied cooperation may prove crucial in determining whether Germany—and Europe—can adapt and thrive in the face of global competition.
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