It’s been nearly 30 years since Ford last aired its widely praised “Quality is Job 1” campaign—but a growing wave of safety recalls and lawsuits has turned the once-proud slogan into a punchline.
Business
Texas AG Ken Paxton’s Privacy War on Big Tech
While Washington dithers on privacy protections, Texas AG Ken Paxton is rewriting the rules on corporate data abuse—one billion-dollar lawsuit at a time. From Google to GM, his legal warpath is putting Big Tech and Big Auto on notice: mess with consumer privacy in Texas, and you’ll pay.
Kohl’s Dishonest Directors Do Pinocchio Proud
Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, once said that “moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, and treating people with respect.”
With all due respect to the late Mr. Covey, the leaders of Kohl’s, GM, and Ford appear to disagree.
BEWARE: Private Equity is Harming America’s Pets
It’s National Pet Week—a time to celebrate the pets who enrich our lives and to promote responsible pet care. But rising costs, driven by private equity ownership, are making pet ownership increasingly unaffordable for many Americans. This has contributed to a disturbing trend known as “economic euthanasia”—where pets are put down not for health reasons, but because their owners can’t afford treatment.
Our furry companions, whom many of us consider family, deserve far better.
Starbucks’ Brian Niccol Triggers My Career PTSD
Some thoughts on why I find myself vicariously identifying with Bloomberg restaurant reporter Daniela Sirtori.
In Praise of Brian Riley’s Patriotic Bicycle Dreams
If President Trump is genuinely committed to restoring U.S. manufacturing, he would be wise to demand that GM return the $500 million the Biden administration donated to retool a Michigan factory—and instead redirect the money to the determined bicycle industry entrepreneurs who want to build their products in the U.S. using American-made components.
More rewarding and sustainable jobs would likely result.
California’s Waning Embrace of Electric Vehicles
California’s love affair with electric vehicles has stalled, and one has a better chance of getting hit by lightning than the state meeting its aggressive EV mandates, which begin taking effect this fall.
Speaking of lightning, Tesla’s much-maligned Cybertruck outsold Ford’s electric F-150 Lightning pickup in California during the first quarter. The Cybertruck also handily outperformed all of GM’s electric vehicle offerings—except for two.
Karma Serves Evil Pepsi Parent its Just Desserts
Karma has come back with a vengeance to bite the maker of Pepsi and other harmful sugary products. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving company.
The Friendly China-Maintained Skies of United
Warning: If flying on a U.S. commercial aircraft maintained by Chinese and Salvadoran nationals working for a private equity firm raises concerns for you, it’s best to avoid the linked commentary. Reader discretion is advised.
Warren Buffett Branded Me an ‘Economic Illiterate’
It’s unnerving to have one’s deeply held views on stocks ridiculed by the world’s greatest investor, but I remain steadfast in questioning most corporate stock repurchase programs.