03.24.24 Navigating Collaboration with Cooperation

Both Democrats and the GOP (Republicans) occasionally find common ground on certain issues, despite their often divergent stances. Here are some key areas where they share goals or face similar challenges:

1. Government Funding and Budget: Both parties must grapple with funding the government, ensuring essential services, and avoiding shutdowns. While they may differ on specific allocations, the overall goal is to maintain stable governance and meet citizens’ needs.

2. National Defense: Democrats and Republicans generally agree on the importance of a strong national defense. They both aim to protect the country’s security and maintain its status as a military superpower.

3. Race Relations: Surprisingly, both parties recognize the need to address racial inequities. While they may differ on the approach, there’s a shared goal of promoting fairness and equality.

4. Economic Prosperity: Both Democrats and Republicans want a thriving economy. Their strategies may vary, but the ultimate objective is to create jobs, boost growth, and enhance prosperity for all Americans.

5. Infrastructure Investment: The recent passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill demonstrates bipartisan support for improving the nation’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

6. Climate Change: Although they may differ in their approaches, both parties recognize the urgency of addressing climate change. Finding common ground on effective policies remains a challeng4.

7. Healthcare: While Democrats and Republicans have contrasting views on healthcare, they both aim to improve access, affordability, and quality of care. The challenge lies in finding a balanced solution.

8. Education: Both parties value education and seek to enhance educational opportunities for all Americans. However, debates arise over funding, curriculum, and school choice.

How do we navigate these central issues to all humans, all residents of the United States, while we sit each in our own glass houses? There are so many nuances, so many individuals, the renewal of the social contract of respect and dignity for all will be paramount.

03.19.24 Crime Rates in Immigrants or US Citizens

Oy! Now is the time we will start hearing SO MUCH RHETORIC on immigration! I sincerely wish that people would stop getting their news off FB or Fox, and start seeing the information and facts.

Several studies have examined the criminality rates of immigrants compared to native-born individuals in the United States. Here are some key findings from reputable research:

1. Texas Department of Public Safety Study (2020):

   • This study analyzed comprehensive arrest data from Texas between 2012 and 2018.

   • Undocumented immigrants had substantially lower crime rates than both native-born citizens and legal immigrants.

   • Relative to undocumented immigrants:

     • U.S.-born citizens were over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes.

     • U.S.-born citizens were 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes.

     • U.S.-born citizens were over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes.

2. The Sentencing Project Study (2017):

   • This research found that foreign-born residents of the United States commit crime less often than native-born citizens.

   • Immigrants, including both documented and undocumented, have lower crime rates compared to their native-born counterparts.

3. American Immigration Council Report:

   • Various studies using different methodologies consistently show that immigrants are less likely than native-born individuals to engage in violent or nonviolent criminal behaviors.

   • Immigrant youth who attended U.S. middle and high schools in the mid-1990s and are now young adults have among the lowest delinquency rates.

In summary, the evidence suggests that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, generally have lower crime rates than native-born U.S. citizens. It’s essential to base our understanding on empirical research rather than stereotypes or misinformation.

03.17.24 Evolving Beverage Landscapes

Things are changing! This is the time of year when I see a LOT of my old friends from the beer world attend the conferences, and festival season starts going strong. Let’s dive into the world of craft beer and explore the latest trends and market dynamics.

Craft Beer Market Trends:

1. Market Decline and Maturation:

   • The craft beer industry in the United States has matured, and its growth is slowing down. Beer, as a whole, is losing popularity, and craft beer is not immune to this trend.

   • Consumers are increasingly turning their attention to spirits and flavored alcoholic beverages. Younger generations are also showing interest in non-alcoholic options.

   • Craft beer, being a higher-priced beverage, is affected by consumer belt-tightening due to rising inflation.

   • Despite challenges, independent brewers still account for more than one out of eight beers sold in the U.S., and beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four beer dollars on small and independent brews.

2. Craft Beer Statistics:

   • Retail dollar sales of craft beer in the U.S. reached $28.4 billion.

   • Craft beer’s share of the retail beer market has been declining, currently standing at 12.3% by volume.

   • The number of craft breweries in the U.S. continues to grow, but for the first time, brewery closings nearly matched openings.

3. Brewery Trends for 2024 and Beyond:

   • Taproom Evolution:

     • Taprooms must innovate to provide more than just beer. Consumers seek experiences beyond new releases.

     • Increased community engagement, events, and food offerings are essential for taproom success.

   • Balanced Portfolios:

     • Breweries are diversifying their beer offerings. The pendulum is swinging back from hazy IPAs to include other hoppy varieties and styles like dark lagers.

   • Zero-Carbonation Alcoholic Beverages:

     • Expect to see more non-carbonated alcoholic drinks, influenced by the rise of hard tea.

   • Increased Brewery Consolidation:

     • Smaller breweries may collaborate or consolidate to share resources and reduce costs.

   • Brand Values Matter:

     • Consumers increasingly consider a brewery’s values and ethos when choosing beer. Authenticity and community involvement are selling points.

4. Different Sized Breweries:

   • Macro Breweries:

     • Produce over 6,000,000 barrels annually.

     • Examples: Budweiser, large-scale domestic breweries.

   • Microbreweries:

     • Produce between 15,000 and 6,000,000 barrels per year.

   • Nano Breweries:

     • Produce less than 500 barrels annually.

     • Offer unique, small-batch beers and often focus on taproom experiences.

This is the kind of stuff I used to nerd out about and also fret about from 2013 to 2018. Now, I don’t worry about it at all, but I do find it interesting that so many people are cutting back on drinking or stopping altogether.

While the craft beer landscape is evolving, it remains a vibrant industry with room for creativity and adaptation. Cheers to the future of brewing! 🍻