Time to get back with it!

“What the hell is going on in this frigged up country, world!”

Good morning folks. Long time no writing. But, my quietus has come to an end. It’s time to get cranking, get writing, and get back to expressing my opinion on “what the hell is going on in this frigged up country, world!”

First, I want to start on a personal note. I have had a tremendous amount of medical issues these past 7 or 8 months. It’s been tough. I’m currently lying in a hospital bed in Phoebe Hospital in Albany, undergoing treatment fur chest pains, shortness of breath, headaches, and all around feeling like crap. My caregiver, Amy Daniels, tried to get me to come to the emergency room a couple weeks ago when all thus started. I told her I had a doctor’s appointment coming up and would wait. I waited. My doctor did an EKG in her office and immediately called an ambulance to come get me and bring me to the hospital. After about 12 hours in a treatment room in the emergency room, all kinds of tests, everything else, the doctor advised me they were keeping me. Which is where I am now.

Moral of that story, don’t wait! Get to feeling bad, get seen about.

Now, let’s get down to the political side of this, shall we.

What the hell has Frumpy, and his merry band of misfits been up to???

USDA Announces Major Reorganization to Refocus on Core Agricultural Mission

Secretary Rollins outlines plan to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and relocate staff to regional hubs

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), aimed at restoring the agency’s core mission: serving American farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The move follows a comprehensive review of USDA operations and comes amid calls from President Trump for greater efficiency and accountability across the federal government.

“American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world,” said Secretary Rollins. “It is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support.”

Why USDA Is Restructuring

Over the past four years, USDA’s workforce grew by 8%, and employee salaries increased by 14.5%—despite no clear improvement in services to agricultural stakeholders. Thousands were hired without long-term funding in place, while office space in Washington, D.C. has remained underused and burdened by costly deferred maintenance.

A key goal of the reorganization is to reduce USDA’s bloated footprint in the National Capital Region (NCR) and shift resources closer to rural communities and agricultural producers.

Four Pillars of the Reorganization

The reorganization strategy is built around four central goals:

• Align the workforce with available resources and priorities

• Bring USDA closer to its customers

• Eliminate management layers and unnecessary bureaucracy

• Consolidate redundant support services

Regional Hubs to Replace Washington-Centric Model

To better serve the public and improve quality of life for employees, USDA will relocate many of its headquarters and NCR personnel to five new regional hubs:

1. Raleigh, North Carolina (Locality rate: 22.24%)

2. Kansas City, Missouri (18.97%)

3. Indianapolis, Indiana (18.15%)

4. Fort Collins, Colorado (30.52%)

5. Salt Lake City, Utah (17.06%)

Washington, D.C. will retain some USDA functions in each mission area, but staffing in the region will be cut by more than half—from 4,600 to approximately 2,000 employees.

Closing and Repurposing USDA Buildings

The Department will vacate or reconsider the use of several NCR properties:

• To be vacated: South Building, Braddock Place, and Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

• To be reassessed: Whitten Building, Yates Building, and the National Agricultural Library

• To be temporarily used: George Washington Carver Center (pending space optimization)

These properties are plagued by high operating costs and deferred maintenance. The South Building alone has $1.3 billion in maintenance backlog and daily occupancy far below capacity.

Protecting Critical Services and Jobs

All essential USDA services—including those related to fire season, public safety, food supply inspection, and national forest management—will continue without interruption. A Secretarial Memorandum has exempted 52 critical position classifications from the federal hiring freeze, ensuring USDA’s capacity to respond to emergencies remains intact.

Employees in those roles may be subject to relocation, but not elimination.

Voluntary Workforce Reductions Underway

To manage costs, USDA has already seen 15,364 employees voluntarily opt into the Deferred Retirement Program (DRP), a key tool in right-sizing the workforce. Most workforce reductions are being achieved through voluntary retirements and resignations.

What’s Next?

This reorganization marks the beginning of a multi-month process. Over the next several weeks, USDA senior leadership will begin notifying offices and staff about relocation plans and timelines.

According to Secretary Rollins, “We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country.”

Now, let us check in on Robert Kennedy, Jr. and his HHS.

HHS, FDA, and USDA Launch Unified Effort to Define Ultra-Processed Foods

Kennedy, Rollins, and FDA lead charge to combat chronic disease through nutrition reform

In a bold move to combat the nation’s rising tide of chronic illness, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are joining forces to address the health risks posed by ultra-processed foods. The agencies, under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, announced a new Request for Information (RFI) to develop a federal definition for ultra-processed foods—a foundational step in reshaping America’s food system.

Tackling the Root of Chronic Disease

"Ultra-processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic," stated Secretary Kennedy. "We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply. Defining ultra-processed foods with a clear, uniform standard will empower us even more to Make America Healthy Again."

This new effort arrives shortly after the release of the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which identified the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods as a major contributor to childhood chronic disease.

Why a Definition Matters

Currently, the U.S. lacks a single, authoritative definition for ultra-processed foods. This gap hinders researchers, policymakers, and consumers from making informed choices. Creating a standardized, science-based definition will enable more accurate labeling, smarter policymaking, and greater public awareness.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasized, “The threats posed to our health by foods often considered ultra-processed are clear and convincing. We must work in lockstep to develop, for the first time ever, a uniform definition.”

What the RFI Seeks

The joint Request for Information, published in the Federal Register on July 24, invites public input on key factors that should be considered in defining ultra-processed foods. This includes:

• Criteria to distinguish ultra-processed foods from minimally processed ones

• Consideration of ingredients, additives, and processing methods

• Data on consumption trends and related health outcomes

Sobering Statistics

• 70% of packaged foods in the U.S. are considered ultra-processed

• 60%+ of children’s daily caloric intake comes from such foods

• Consumption linked to:

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Obesity

  • Neurological disorders

These numbers underscore the urgency of the effort. The agencies aim to use the definition to drive transparency and reduce chronic disease through smarter regulation and public awareness.

USDA’s Role in the Food Chain

USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins stressed the need to include agricultural stakeholders in the conversation.

“President Trump has made it a priority to improve health outcomes for American families and communities. This Request for Information is a commonsense way to foster more informed consumer choice,” said Rollins. “I will make certain the great men and women of the agriculture value chain are part of the conversation.”

Beyond Definitions: A Broader Strategy

In parallel with this RFI, the FDA and National Institutes of Health are investing in high-quality nutrition science through the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, which will further explore the health effects of ultra-processed foods.

This initiative is one part of a broader federal push to reduce chronic disease, promote informed dietary choices, and build a healthier future for all Americans.

The final thing I want to look into today is the tariffs.

President Trump Expands Reciprocal Tariff Program to Target Trade Imbalances

New Executive Order introduces updated ad valorem duties, reinforces national security through trade policy

On July 31, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Executive Order further modifying the United States’ reciprocal tariff regime, continuing efforts to address what the administration calls an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the national economy and security. This directive expands on Executive Order 14257 by updating ad valorem duties across a wide range of trading partners and restructuring tariff enforcement through the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Background: Trade Deficits Declared a National Emergency

Executive Order 14257, signed in April 2025, declared that persistent U.S. goods trade deficits were undermining national security. In response, the President imposed reciprocal tariffs targeting countries with significantly lower tariffs or non-tariff barriers.

The July 31 order builds on that foundation, incorporating new recommendations from senior officials regarding ongoing trade negotiations, retaliatory measures, and national security alignment.

Key Provisions of the Order

1. Revised Tariff Rates

Annex I of the Executive Order outlines updated ad valorem duties on imports from dozens of countries. Highlights include:

• European Union:

  • Goods with existing U.S. duty rates under 15% will have tariffs raised to 15% total.

  • Goods already facing 15% or higher duties remain unchanged.

• India: 25%

• Brazil & U.K.: 10%

• Myanmar (Burma) & Laos: 40%

• Syria: 41%

• Switzerland: 39%

• Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia: 19%

(Full country list appears in Annex I of the order.)

2. HTSUS Modifications

Annex II of the order initiates a sweeping restructuring of tariff designations in the HTSUS, including:

• Termination of outdated tariff headings.

• Insertion of new country-specific headings.

• Inclusion of provisions for calculating ad valorem equivalents for goods assessed under specific or compound duty structures.

3. Tariff Evasion and Transshipment Penalties

To combat circumvention, any goods found to be transshipped to evade duties will now face:

• 40% additional duty

• No mitigation or remission

• Inclusion in semiannual circumvention reports used for national security and procurement decisions

4. Trade Negotiation Incentives

Countries actively pursuing meaningful trade and security agreements with the U.S. will continue to be subject to elevated tariffs until agreements are finalized. Upon conclusion, the President may issue new orders adjusting their rates.

5. Implementation Timeline

The new tariffs take effect 7 days after the signing date—August 7, 2025. However, shipments already in transit before that date and entered by October 5, 2025, will remain under the old tariff rates.

Enforcement & Monitoring

The Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security, along with the U.S. Trade Representative and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are tasked with implementing the changes. They are also authorized to make HTSUS modifications and monitor compliance. Additional presidential actions may follow if foreign partners retaliate or fail to align with U.S. trade policy.

What It Means for Trade and Industry

This order further intensifies the Trump administration’s push for reciprocity in global trade. U.S. exporters and importers alike should closely review the updated tariff schedules and monitor for further rule changes as negotiations continue. The Executive Order reinforces the administration’s broader theme of tying trade to national security and resilience of critical supply chains.

Now, let us discuss these tariffs, and their ACTUAL impact on U.S., our economy, and pocketbooks.

Frumpy started these tariffs back up when he returned to office. I don’t know about you, but my grocery bill has gone through the roof, income hasn’t changed one damn bit, and I’m buying less and less so I’m able to pay my other bills. You can’t stretch social security but just do damn far!

That’s the grocery side of them. Now look at the other side. Automotive, homes, other things we buy day to day for living, comfort, and survival.

Automobiles have almost doubled in price, and that’s before these tariffs went into effect this morning! A pickup truck, plain simple work pickup truck, no frills, used to cost about $28-30,000. Now, today, that very same truck can’t be touched for less than $45-60,000. Add the ‘bells and whistles’ as they call them you could be looking at a truck costing more than the home you live in. Upwards of almost $100,000!!!

This is ludicrous, folks. I’m sorry, but where’s this extra money going? Who’s actually benefiting from this extra money we are having to fork out for all these goods?

It’s not the business owners, it’s not Walmart, Target, Winn Dixie, Publix, Kroger’s, or any of these other stores or business conglomerates. It’s not Ford, General Motors, Chrysler/Dodge, GMC Trucks. None of them are benefiting.

So, as the old saying goes, “Where’s the money, honey?”

My thoughts, it’s in Frumpy’s pocket. You can bet your sweet ass that bastard had his hands in the ‘cookie jar’! He does nothing, NOTHING, unless it benefits him. Not one damn thing.

I’ll get more into Robert Kennedy, Jr. later, after I get a chance to do a ‘deep dive’ into everything he DOESN’T KNOW about the very department he supposedly is running. Actually the department he is running into the ground. But, what’s new with that bunch of misfits the Senate and House approved to run these various departments of Trump’s administration.

Kennedy sat there and told them he knew absolutely nothing about the HHS, or anything medical, yet, they approved him to head the biggest department of the administration, other than USDA, which is run by another total baffoon, Brooke Rollins. That, too, is another study.

Till then, folks. And, I promise, I’m try my damndest not to be fine so long next time. I also do not, nor will I ever, charge any fees further anyone to read my “Thoughts & “Opinions”!

Do write your thoughts on these topics. I’d love to hear from everyone what they are actually thinking, experiences, and future expectations of this administration.