Hy and Christopher kick off talking about President Biden‘s visit to Tulane as part of the $150 million cancer "moonshot" initiative that aims to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047. Of course, we mention that it helps that the Bidens' daughter, Ashley, graduated from Tulane in 2004 with a Bachelor's in anthropology. (Joe and Jill Biden timed their visit to coincide with the university’s move-in weekend, something that the Bidens themselves experienced as they tried to move their daughter’s possessions in her dorm-room in 2000.)

From there, we move on to speak about the vice presidential candidates, and criticisms from the left and the right of their military records. Both Hy and Christopher agree that JD Vance, the current Republican vice presidential nominee, not only volunteered to join the Marine Corps and served for four years in Iraq, but as a military journalist was actually involved in combat situations.  Hy reflects on his experience with several military journalists in Afghanistan— and their valor under fire.

Not surprisingly, the two of us disagree on Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz.  Walz served in the Nebraska and Minnesota National Guards for 24 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2005.  Christopher claims Walz is being “swift-boated” in his decision to retire from the National Guard to run for Congress, as he did not want to have a conflict of interest in remaining in the military, but Hy says that Walz abandoned his men by not finishing the command master sergeant course— and staying in the Guard. We both agree, though, that the critiques of Tim Walz for not being rich enough to run for office are absurd.  (See Christopher’s Louisiana Weekly editorial below on that very topic.)

We then start talking about the future of New Orleans’ participation in the space program. Problems with Boeing's Artemis rocket program raise fears that the Michoud facility in New Orleans East could be shuttered. That would be a terrible blow for both the economy of the Crescent City as well as America’s future in space.

A critical report issued by NASA's Office of Inspector General regarding the 10-year Space Launch System Block 1B development for future Artemis astronaut missions to the Moon and Mars, pointed at least some fingers toward the "lack of a sufficient number of trained and experienced aerospace workers" at Boeing's Michoud Assembly Facility.  The report found that Boeing’s quality management system at Michoud does not adhere to these standards or NASA requirements. NASA states a lack of quality control has led to 71 issues on the project that range from minor to potentially serious.  With the Starliner capsule unable to return to earth, and astronauts waiting on the international space station, some have speculated that Boeing might actually get out of the space business. Hy and Christopher lament how detrimental that would be for both New Orleans and for NASA..

Taking Stock of the Real Investment in America
by Christopher Tidmore
God Forbid if Americans elect a middle-class Vice President, who can understand the trials and tribulations of living paycheck to paycheck.  Imagine the terrible fate of our nation if the electorate decides, for once, to send to Washington a candidate unable to boast of a bank account of millions upon taking office?

The worst criticism levied against Tim Walz—at present—is that he lacks a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and securities. Fox pundit Jesse Watters went so far to contend that not owning a stock certificate means that Governor Walz “has never invested in America!”

Or should Watters have referred to him as Coach Walz? After all, he spent decades guiding young people both as a teacher in the classroom and trainer on the gridiron.  No, perhaps Watters should call him Command Sergeant Major Walz, a title he earned after 24 years serving in the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards— despite pundits retroactively seeking to rob him of his rank.

In fact, he could have kept that last military title and bolstered up his pension even further (perhaps to buy some stocks), but Walz thought it constituted a conflict of interest to serve in a military role and run for Congress at the same time.

Ultimately, Representative Walz spent his entire life in public service work so unremunerative that it took every dime earned by he and his wife just to buy a house and raise a family.  They only sold their home, their only asset, when the newly elected Governor Walz moved into the Governor’s Mansion in Saint Paul.

In other words, the worst criticism made of the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate is that he resembles most of us.  The majority of Americans lack the luxury and financial means to own stocks and bonds, but many invest in America in other ways. They serve in the military; they teach children; or they commit to a life of public service in some capacity.  Tim Walz literally did all of these.

What a slap in the face to Americans Jesse Watters rendered when he took the day-to-day commitments to America, which so many regular people embrace, and implied that the financial cost that they endure in return does not constitute an investment in this nation. Many pay a price in the pocketbook to be patriots, and to imply those painful choices somehow constitute lack of investment compared to calling a broker and buying a stock certificate borders on delusion.

In a speech last week, Tim Walz observed to members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, “The people in this room built the middle class. When unions are strong, America is strong.”  It was a room populated, in large part, by first responders, many of whom do not earn enough even to purchase a house much less buy a stock, yet these public servants put their lives on the line every day to save lives and protect this nation.  Perhaps Mr. Watters wishes to imply lack of investment in America on their parts. After all, all they put on the line is their most precious blood.