1 BILLION DOLLARS!

For some reason Dr. Evil popped into my head as I was thinking, "Why can't we wrangle in the U.S. trade deficit?" And before you shake your head over the insane issues that I freak out/think of/dream about on a daily (re: hourly) basis - remember that this is what I do. I care about trade for YOU! Good, healthy trade is of benefit to most parties involved and for those that indirectly invovled. So I was a bit disheartened today when I read in the WSJ an article today showing that the sector I cared about the most (Food/Agriculture) is not doing well during these tough times in the trade world. Imports of food and feed are up by $33 million and exports [of food and feed] are down by $310 million. Uff da. Not good.

So yes, that is what I worry about on a constant basis. I know I'm not the only one. The USDA has tons of people in all different areas that devote a good portion of their time to analyzing/solving the trade issues... and the same goes for those over at Commerce and the USTR. So I know I'm not alone, though it just get's to me. *ARGH!*

But I won't fret too much. There are so many other important things out there that matter.

Like...

- Will the DC Gophers kick-butt at the CAN Softball Tournament?

- Will I be able to consume the appropriate ratio of milkshake:cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair come August 25th?

- What will my "First Day of School" outfit be this fall?

All very important issues to be concerned with. I guess trade doesn't seem as important now that I think about it. *sigh*