By: @thecontraire.bsky.social / A Road Back: In Exile and Out of Exile
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Here’s a snapshot of the weekend’s key developments and a look ahead at the major events shaping the political and economic landscape.
“It is the nature of a man as he grows older, a small bridge in time, to protest against change, particularly change for the better. But it is true that we have exchanged corpulence for starvation, and either one will kill us. The lines of change are down. We, or at least I, can have no conception of human life and human thought in a hundred years or fifty years. Perhaps my greatest wisdom is the knowledge that I do not know. The sad ones are those who waste their energy in trying to hold it back, for they can only feel bitterness in loss and no joy in gain.” —John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Weekend Recap
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar …
on March 28, 2025, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and severely damaging infrastructure. The military government has declared a state of emergency and is seeking international assistance. Neighboring countries have begun dispatching aid and rescue teams to support relief efforts. The situation remains dire.
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U.S. Auto Tariffs Announced
President Trump declared the implementation of a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles starting April 3. The President stated he “couldn’t care less” about potential price increases on imported cars, claiming that higher prices would boost American car sales. Analysts predict vehicle prices may rise 11-12% to cover tariff costs.
Global Protests Against Elon Musk
Demonstrators targeted Tesla showrooms worldwide, including locations in Australia, Switzerland, and the U.S. The protests aimed to financially impact Tesla in response to Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s “department of government efficiency,” which has been associated with significant federal budget cuts and layoffs.
The Week Ahead: What to Watch
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election (April 1)
On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will head to the polls to elect a new justice to the state’s Supreme Court. This election is particularly significant as it could shift the court’s ideological balance, potentially influencing decisions on key issues such as voting rights, redistricting, and state policies. The outcome may have far-reaching implications for Wisconsin’s legal landscape.
‘Liberation Day’ and the Onset of New Tariffs (April 2)
President Trump has designated April 2 as “Liberation Day,” marking the commencement of new tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances. These include a 25% levy on imported vehicles and parts, with the administration suggesting some flexibility for negotiation if other nations offer valuable concessions. The tariffs are expected to impact various sectors and may lead to increased prices for consumers.
Economic Indicators and Market Responses
Throughout the week, investors and analysts will closely monitor economic reports, including the U.S. employment report for March, to assess the health of the economy amid the implementation of new tariffs. The tariffs’ impact on markets remains uncertain, with potential volatility as details unfold.
A Call to Digital Mindfulness
Reimagining Liberation Day
In light of the upcoming “Liberation Day,” it’s worth considering a different form of liberation—one that involves taking a step back from the pervasive influence of social media platforms like X and Facebook. The digital landscape has become increasingly dominated by algorithms designed to capture attention, often at the expense of mental well-being and authentic engagement.
As someone who has experienced the transformative effects of disconnecting from these platforms, I invite you to explore alternatives that prioritize meaningful interaction and community involvement. Platforms like Bluesky (bsky.app) offer a decentralized approach to social networking, aiming to return control to users and foster genuine connections.
Taking a hiatus from mainstream social media, even temporarily, can provide clarity and an opportunity to reassess the role these platforms play in our lives. Engaging in local community activities, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying the offline world can be liberating in its own right.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve ever felt the need to unplug, rewire, and rebuild your relationship with technology and social media, I’d love to hear your story.
What steps have you taken to find balance in the age of social media and doomscrolling—or, are you just beginning your journey?
Let’s discuss and explore ways to cultivate a healthier, more intentional online presence.
Talk to you again soon.
—Derek S., @thecontraire.bsky.social