Author: Mike McCready

What is the FIRST thing you notice about someone?

Science tells us the very first thing we instinctively notice about someone isn’t their height, weight, hairstyle, or even that questionable fashion choice from the ‘90s—it’s whether they’re male or female. And when there’s ambiguity, our brains can glitch a bit, making us do a subconscious double-take. It’s not prejudice; it’s just human wiring.

Now, stick with me here. Just like you, I’m still a bit salty about Pluto losing its planet status. Science updates can mess with our heads, especially when they change how we see the world—or ourselves. But here’s the deal: science has revealed that gender isn’t a simple either/or thing. I know, right?

Think about it—within the category of men you know, some might be macho football fanatics, and some might prefer writing software or novels. Women range from the ultra-feminine to those who could probably beat me at arm-wrestling (honestly, not that high of a bar). Gender traits vary, and now science shows us that variation doesn’t neatly stop at the borders we’ve always assumed.

I understand the discomfort around this—change can feel unsettling. But refusing to acknowledge this complexity is a bit like stubbornly insisting a tomato is a vegetable. Comforting? Maybe. Accurate? Not quite.

And speaking of accuracy, did you know there’s an entire range of naturally occurring biological variations in gender anatomy? Some individuals are born intersex, with genuinely ambiguous physical characteristics due to various combinations of chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy. Science recognizes these realities, and we’ve largely learned not to ridicule people for traits they can’t control—like height, skin color, or sexual orientation. It’s time we grew up and added gender identity to that list of basic human respect.

Which brings me to sports – the big controversy of the political moment. A common objection I hear is, “But what about sports fairness?” Look, fairness matters. No one wants LeBron James competing in women’s gymnastics—although I’d honestly pay good money to see him try (and I tried for at least 15 minutes to get AI to generate an image of that for us to enjoy but apparetly it goes against something called “Standards & Practices” but I think ChatGPT’s creators have lost their sense of humor). But seriously, we already categorize athletes based on criteria like weight, age, and skill. Adding hormone levels or other scientifically sound criteria to ensure fair competition isn’t some radical move. The Olympics do it. Professional sports do it. It’s simply adjusting categories to reflect reality, something sports have always done.

The goal isn’t to erase fairness; it’s to embrace reality with compassion, reason, and a bit of humor. So yeah, Pluto might not be a planet anymore, and gender might not be strictly binary, but we’re still orbiting in the same solar system. Let’s keep adapting, laughing a bit, and relying on science to guide us forward.

May 21, 2025
Why Changing Someone’s Mind About Trump Is So Hard

Ever try to change someone’s mind about Trump? Not easy, is it? Feels impossible sometimes. But here’s the thing—it’s not just Trump supporters who struggle with this. We all do.

Changing your mind isn’t just about facts. If it were, most Trump supporters would have abandoned him the moment he promised to wipe out the national debt and then added trillions to it. Or when he swore Mexico would pay for the wall, and taxpayers ended up footing the bill. Or when he said only the “best people” would work for him, and half of them ended up indicted, testifying against him, or both.

But facts aren’t enough, because changing your mind isn’t just an intellectual process—it’s an emotional one. And the bigger the belief, the harder it is to let go.

Now, imagine that belief isn’t just about a policy or a politician, but about who you are as a person.

That’s what Trump sold. Not just an agenda, but an identity. He told people they weren’t just supporting a candidate—they were saving America. They weren’t just voters, they were patriots, warriors, the last line of defense against corruption and socialism and the deep state.

And when you believe that deeply, admitting you were wrong isn’t just humbling—it’s devastating. Because if Trump was a fraud, if he was conning them the whole time, what does that say about them?

That’s why no matter how many times he lies, fails, or even turns on his own people, they hold on. Because letting go feels like losing the fight of their lives.

But here’s the thing—changing your mind isn’t losing. It’s growth. It doesn’t mean you were stupid. It means you trusted someone who turned out to be unworthy of it. And we’ve all done that.

At some point, the evidence against Trump will be too overwhelming to ignore. And when that moment comes, I hope people remember that seeing the truth doesn’t make you weak—it makes you free.

May 21, 2025
We Are The Ones We Are Waiting For—And It Might Be You

If you’re frustrated with the Democratic Party right now, you’re not alone. I get it. Watching Chuck Schumer cave on the latest CR vote was just the latest gut punch in a long line of disappointments. We are watching democracy itself be chipped away, and far too many elected Democrats are still playing politics as usual—negotiating with fascists as if they’re just another political party instead of what they are: an existential threat to the country.

And yes, there are some fighters. Gavin Newsom, Jamie Raskin, Katie Porter, and Sheldon Whitehouse have shown real backbone. They call out corruption, they don’t back down, and they actually seem to understand the urgency of this moment. But they are outnumbered by career politicians who think we’re still living in the 1990s, where compromise was possible and bipartisanship wasn’t a bad joke.

We need brave Democrats. Democrats who won’t flinch in the face of Trump’s authoritarian takeover. Democrats who understand that what we’re dealing with isn’t just another Republican administration—it’s the unraveling of American democracy.

So here’s the real question: why not you?

If you’re reading this and thinking, I wish we had better leaders, then maybe it’s time to step up. Running for office doesn’t have to mean gunning for Congress right away. Start local.

• School Board – Right-wing activists have taken over school boards across the country to push book bans, erase history, and force their ideology on kids. This is where the fight starts.

• City Council & Mayor – Local government is where real change happens. Policies on policing, housing, and economic development all start here.

• State Legislatures – The GOP has spent decades stacking state governments with extremists, and that’s how they’ve managed to pass some of the most dangerous laws in history. We need to take those seats back.

• Congress & Senate – The Democratic Party desperately needs new blood—people who will fight for democracy without constantly looking over their shoulder for permission.

Think about it. Look up the filing deadlines in your state. Start showing up to local meetings. Build a network. And if you’re not ready to run, support someone who is.

We cannot wait for the old guard to suddenly grow a spine. If we want to save democracy, we have to do it ourselves.

May 21, 2025
My Struggle with Stupid People

Let’s get something straight right off the bat—I’m not talking about people with below-average IQs. Intelligence isn’t the issue here. Some of the smartest people I’ve met couldn’t change a tire or balance a checkbook to save their lives, and some of the most practical, insightful people I know wouldn’t do well on an IQ test.

And I don’t hold myself up as some kind of genius. Believe me, I’ve made my share—and probably some of your share—of dumb decisions. Decisions that would make the Three Stooges look like Nobel Prize winners. But here’s the thing: I am not stupid.

Because stupid isn’t about IQ—it’s about refusing to think critically.

So, let’s run a quick litmus test for critical thinking:

When was the last time you heard a better argument than the one you had and thought, ‘Damn… I might be wrong’? If you can’t think of a single time, that’s a red flag.

Do you ever get new information and just… ignore it? If your instinct is to double down instead of reconsider, congratulations—you’re human. But critical thinkers push past that reflex.

Here’s where I struggle: I have to work hard to feel empathy for people who have all the information they need to make good voting decisions but still choose to vote against their own interests.

It’s one thing to be misled. It’s another to be willfully ignorant. And when people keep making choices that actively harm themselves—and the rest of us—it’s hard not to be frustrated.

The truth is, democracy depends on people actually thinking. And if we can’t do that, we’re in real trouble.

May 21, 2025
The Great Wealth Transfer Is Finally Here, But With A Plot Twist

Remember when everyone was hyping the “Great Wealth Transfer,” where aging baby boomers were set to pass down $84 trillion to younger generations? Well, surprise! Plot twist. Instead of money trickling down from Grandma and Grandpa, we’re watching it rocket up from the pockets of the middle and working class straight into the bank accounts of the already-rich.

This is all thanks to the infinite wisdom of the American voter.

Exhibit A: Trump’s latest move, rolling back the minimum wage for federal contractors. Biden had bumped it up to $15/hour (adjusted recently to $17.75/hour), trying to give working folks a chance at affording something wild—like rent or food. But Trump swung the pendulum back down to $13.30 an hour—or potentially as low as the $7.25 federal minimum. Because apparently, “Making America Great” involves making sure the billionaire class can afford that extra yacht.

Here’s how the rich-get-richer machine works: cut wages for workers, boost corporate profits, and voila! The wealth gap grows faster than your credit card debt after a Taylor Swift concert. The rich buy more assets—real estate, stocks, private islands—and the rest of us keep renting our dreams from them.

It’s the Great Wealth Transfer, alright—but in reverse gear, accelerating uphill.

We’ve gotta stop fueling a system rigged against regular folks. Investing in working people isn’t charity—it’s smart economics. Time to shift gears and actually build a future that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. It may have sounded like buzz words but “building from the middle out” really meant something .

May 21, 2025
Here’s How to Keep America #1—or How to Blow It

America’s superpower status didn’t happen by accident. For decades, we’ve stood on two mighty pillars: unparalleled military strength and a vast network of global trade. Our Navy doesn’t just float around looking intimidating; it actively safeguards international trade routes, ensuring that goods flow smoothly for us and our allies. This protection isn’t just about economics; it’s about influence. From Hollywood movies to fast-food chains, our cultural footprint is everywhere, shaping tastes and ideas worldwide.

But power isn’t just about flexing muscles; it’s also about building relationships. Through diplomacy, aid, and cultural exchanges, we’ve cultivated goodwill that benefits us on the global stage. Countries have trusted us, aligning their security and economic strategies with ours.

Enter Trump. In just a few months back in office, he’s managed to shake this trust to its core. Our closest allies are now rethinking their ties with us:

• Canada: They’re reconsidering their purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, exploring alternatives like the Swedish Saab Gripen, partly due to the unpredictable nature of U.S. policies under Trump.

• European Union: The EU has launched the “Readiness 2030” strategy to reduce dependency on U.S. defense systems, emphasizing the purchase of European-made military equipment. This move aims to bolster European defense autonomy in response to shifting U.S. foreign policies.

• Intelligence Sharing: The suspension of U.S. intelligence-sharing with Ukraine has alarmed European allies, prompting them to reconsider their reliance on U.S. military support and explore independent defense strategies.

Now, some might say, “Well, isn’t it good that Europe is stepping up?” And yes—in theory, more self-reliant allies are a good thing. But not when they start buying their defense equipment from someone else.

We want them buying from us—because it keeps our defense sector strong, our tech cutting edge, and our alliances tight. When they buy elsewhere, they start building loyalties elsewhere. That means fewer shared systems, less interoperability, and more opportunities for geopolitical rivals to wedge their way in.

Losing our dominant position comes with a price tag that most people don’t see. If the world stops trusting the U.S., they stop trusting the dollar—and that’s where it gets real. De-dollarization means the U.S. loses its incredible financial leverage. It means more inflation at home, higher interest rates, weaker buying power, and less influence abroad. The dollar isn’t just currency; it’s part of what makes us the center of the global economy.

When America falls from that perch, it won’t just be about bruised egos—it’ll be about a seismic shift in the global order. Less stability, more regional conflict, more power in the hands of authoritarian regimes that don’t give a damn about democracy or human rights.

Building trust and dominance takes decades; destroying it can happen in weeks. Trump’s actions are pushing our allies to question their alignment with us, potentially weakening the very foundations of our global standing.

If we want to keep America #1, we need to remember that leadership isn’t just about power—it’s about partnership. Undermining our alliances doesn’t make us stronger; it paves the way for others to take our place.

May 21, 2025
I Saw You Post That You’re “Proud To Be An American”

Let’s be honest: if the only thing you did to “be American” was be born here, that’s not exactly a flex. That’s just geography. You didn’t earn it—you inherited it.

Now think about the immigrant who left everything familiar, learned a new language, studied U.S. history better than most of us ever did, passed a citizenship test, and took an oath to uphold the Constitution. That’s earning it. That’s pride rooted in effort.

And let’s not forget those who have served in the military. They’ve stepped up in a way that commands respect. Risking your life in service to your country is a contribution few make—and that sacrifice is absolutely worthy of personal pride.

So the real question isn’t, “Are you proud to be an American?” It’s, “Are you proud of America—and are you doing anything to help it live up to its values?”

Because right now? That promise is in rough shape.

Let’s talk about what used to make America great—not in slogan, but in substance:

• We stood up to dictators. Now we’ve got a president cozying up to them—inviting Orbán to the Oval, downplaying Putin’s aggression, and undermining NATO alliances we spent decades building.

• We led with compassion and influence. But now Trump has gutted USAID, turning off the lights on programs that helped lift countries out of poverty and built goodwill for generations. That’s not just cruel—it’s shortsighted. Helping others made America safer, stronger, and admired.

• We championed human rights and civil liberties. Now, they’re being eroded in real time—censorship, crackdowns, and executive overreach have become normalized under the guise of “efficiency.”

• We set the gold standard for the rule of law. Now we have a president who’s still facing criminal trials while attacking the very institutions designed to hold power accountable.

This isn’t left vs. right. It’s right vs. wrong. It’s democracy vs. decay.

So if you were born here, cool. But don’t confuse birthplace with earned patriotism. Don’t chant “Proud to be an American” without asking whether America, right now, is acting in a way that deserves your pride.

Because if we want to keep calling this the greatest country in the world, we’ve got to start acting like it again.

May 21, 2025
An Easy Way To Understand Trade Deficits (I promise)

Okay, I know “trade deficit” doesn’t exactly scream edge-of-your-seat excitement, and I don’t want to presume you don’t already know this stuff. But I’ll keep it short. This matters. You’ll see why.

Running a trade deficit just means we’re buying more from other countries than we’re selling to them. And why do we do that? Because they can make the products there and sell them to us more cheaply than we can make them here. We buy from them using our dollars, which they can’t really spend in their own countries so (for the most part) they reinvest those dollars in the US, putting them right back into our economy—buying our bonds, our real estate, funding our companies. That’s not a weakness on our part, that’s a power move. As an example, just think about how the cost of big flat screen TVs has dropped over the years.

Think of it like this: we’re the house in the global casino. Everyone wants to play at our table, and they’re more than happy to leave their chips with us. That’s what being the world’s reserve currency gets you. For other countries trade deficits might not be a good thing. but for us? Hell yeah!

Now about tariffs. Trump loves tariffs like they’re the Swiss Army knife of trade policy. But really, they’re just a tax hike dressed up as patriotism. When we slap tariffs on imported goods, prices go up—and we’re the ones paying. It’s like punching yourself in the face and calling it tough love. Trump says these tariffs willl generate $800 billion in new revenueue for the IRS, coming right out of the pockets of consumers. It’s a tax hike under another name.

That said, not all tariffs are evil. Sometimes they make sense—like when they’re used to protect critical industries or level the playing field against countries that don’t play fair. And hey, bringing some manufacturing back to the U.S.? Totally smart. Especially if tensions with China get worse. We don’t want to be stuck relying on overseas factories if shit hits the fan.

But going full throttle with broad tariffs? That’s not strategy, that’s just chaos. It invites retaliation, screws with supply chains, and freaks out investors.

Side note: CEO’s of US companies that inport foreign parts are paying between $1m for a group and $5m to have a one on one dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago; likely to have their imports exempted or to lobby to have their competitors targeted but not them. Historicallly, tariffs have been the source of massive government corruption.

So yeah, let’s have real conversations about trade and competitiveness. Let’s rebuild the parts of our economy that actually need shoring up. But let’s stop pretending a trade deficit means we’re losing. Most of the world would love to have our “problems.”

We’ve got the leverage. Let’s not fumble it because ‘someone’ doesn’t understand how the system works – or understands it all too well.

May 21, 2025
Regrets! Regrets! Regrets! And The Eternal Blooper Reel in My Head

I’ve got a blooper reel running in my head. No, it’s not the kind of reel you’d expect after a day of business or trading mishaps. This isn’t about missed opportunities or the times I could’ve done better in my career. This is the real blooper reel. The one that plays on a loop whenever I let my guard down.

It’s the awkward social moments, the times I misread the room, and the moments when I know—deep down—I’ve let people down. It’s about failing to live up to my own standards. Every time I should have been more present, more compassionate, or just plain more human… I’m there in my head, replaying it all.

What’s strange is that it’s always running. Every conversation, every social interaction, every moment where I didn’t say the right thing or dropped the ball—it loops in my mind, over and over. And I’m not sure how to turn it off. Not because I haven’t tried, but because it’s like the movie I didn’t ask to be the star of. It just keeps going.

I’m not diagnosed with OCD (though, who knows, maybe that’s in the cards for later). I’ve got ADHD—which is probably part of the reason why I sometimes struggle to focus on what’s in front of me rather than the endless mental reruns. But ADHD doesn’t explain the constant mental commentary. That’s all me, every day, reliving these moments in vivid, technicolor detail like I’m trapped in an infinite loop of social faux pas.

Maybe the “blooper reel” is universal—we just don’t admit it out loud. But I can’t help but feel like I’m watching a never-ending series of mistakes, and the worst part is, I imagine everyone who has been on the receiving end missteps is constantly watching too. So the shame and embarrassment are always turned up to 11.

I don’t want this to sound like some “woe is me” post. The reality is, I’m working through this. I’m figuring out how to let go of the things that don’t serve me and focus on what’s ahead. But it’s hard. It’s exhausting. And for someone who’s spent years building businesses, trading gold, and dealing with the stresses of life, it’s a whole new level of self-inflicted pressure.

I know I’m not the only one dealing with this. There are so many of us out there—fighting to silence the self-doubt, the moments we didn’t do or say enough. The truth is, it’s a battle. And some days, I’m winning. Other days? I’m stuck rewinding the same mistakes, trying to “fix” things that are long past fixing.

But here’s the thing: I’m learning to embrace the fact that perfection doesn’t exist. That reel may never stop playing, but maybe I don’t have to listen to it on repeat. I’m still human, and I’ll still make mistakes, but I’m trying to make peace with the fact that I don’t need to be perfect.

So if you’re out there feeling like I am—stuck in your own head, running your personal blooper reel—just know you’re not alone. We’re all trying to find a way to live with the past, move forward, and make the future just a little less complicated.

May 21, 2025
The Return of MikeMcCready.com: A New Era Begins

Well, here we are.

MikeMcCready.com is back, after a five-year hiatus. That’s right—five years. It’s like I put the site in a time capsule, buried it, and then dug it up again with a rusty shovel. Honestly, I’m a little surprised the whole thing didn’t just disintegrate into dust, but here we are, better than ever.

You may notice something right off the bat: this site looks nothing like the old one. That’s because I completely trashed the previous version. It was like a car that kept breaking down, so I decided to set it on fire and buy a new one. And by new one, I mean I built a site from scratch. That’s right—zero to hero, baby.

Now, let me address the posts that appear before today. Yes, you’ll see some content from the old site lingering around. These are the posts that I felt were worth preserving—things that are still relevant or have some value, even if they come with a bit of dust. They were brought over here, mostly because I’m a nostalgic fool and can’t let go of everything (I’m looking at you, 2017 blog posts). But from this point forward, everything you see on this site will be fresh, new, and part of this new era of MikeMcCready.com.

So, why the reboot? Honestly, I felt like the old site had run its course. It wasn’t speaking to who I am now or where I’m headed. I’ve done a lot since I last posted here: from dealing with some health challenges, to a lot of travel, to exiting Music Xray and taking on new challenges like scalping gold on XAUUSD and trying not to lose my shirt while doing it. Life, business, and politics are always evolving, and it felt like time to build something that reflects all the evolution that’s taken place in my world.

This site isn’t just a platform for old achievements, though—it’s going to be a place where I can share my thoughts, reflections, and insights into the things that matter to me: from politics and society to personal growth and the constant flux that is my life. Because let’s face it, if we’re not learning and evolving, then what are we doing? (Don’t answer that—just keep reading.)

I’ll also be writing with a little more humor than before. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career—and in life—it’s that humor makes everything more bearable. Politics, business, trading… they’re all serious, but if we can’t laugh at ourselves every once in a while, we’re probably doing it wrong.

So welcome to the new MikeMcCready.com. It’s a place for fresh ideas, occasional rants, and a bit of reflection on everything I’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re here for my thoughts on business, trading, or why authoritarianism is bad for democracy (let me count the ways), I hope you’ll find something that sparks your interest.

Thanks for coming back. It’s good to be here. I’m sticking around for a while.

May 20, 2025