Latest news with #Clays
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump and Our Return to the ‘American System'
Few economic philosophies have shaped Americas prosperity as profoundly as Henry Clays American System - a blueprint for national strength and self-sufficiency. Developed in the early 19th century, Clays vision centered on protective tariffs, a strong national banking system, infrastructure development, and the responsible use of natural resources. These pillars propelled the United States into economic dominance. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, Cold War geopolitics led to a significant departure from these principles. Today, President Trumps economic policies signal a revival of the American System, aiming to restore national industry, energy independence, and economic resilience. One of the key components of Clays American System was the use of tariffs to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Clay and his contemporaries understood that fledgling American manufacturers needed time to grow without being undermined by cheaper imports. This approach helped transform the U.S. from an agrarian economy into an industrial powerhouse. President Trumps embrace of tariffs is a modern adaptation of this strategy, aimed at protecting American businesses from unfair foreign trade practices. His policies seek to revitalize domestic manufacturing, reduce dependency on foreign goods, and address trade imbalances, particularly with China. Additionally, tariff revenue contributes to lowering the national debt, reinforcing economic sovereignty. Clays American System also relied on a centralized banking institution to maintain financial stability. The Second Bank of the United States played a critical role in providing credit, regulating state banks, and preventing economic crises. Although Andrew Jackson dismantled the bank in the 1830s, its essential functions were later restored with the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. While Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Federal Reserves interest rate decisions, he has consistently championed a strong dollar and a stable financial system. His economic policies aim to foster domestic growth while ensuring that U.S. monetary policy serves the nations best interests rather than the demands of global financial elites. Another core tenet of the American System was the federal governments role in developing infrastructure. Clay understood that investing in roads, canals, and railroads was essential for national growth, linking markets and expanding economic opportunities. The Erie Canal, transcontinental railroad, and interstate highway system are all legacies of this philosophy. Trumps focus on rebuilding Americas infrastructure is a direct continuation of this principle. His administration has pushed for major investments in highways, bridges, airports, and broadband expansion, recognizing that modern infrastructure is key to long-term economic competitiveness. His "America First" vision prioritizes domestic industries and job creation through large-scale development projects. Clays economic vision also emphasized utilizing Americas vast natural resources to fuel economic growth. Throughout U.S. history, industries have thrived due to the countrys access to coal, timber, oil, and minerals. Under President Trump, the United States became the worlds leading energy producer, reversing decades of reliance on foreign oil. His administration prioritizes domestic energy production - expanding oil drilling, natural gas extraction, and coal mining - which contributes to lower energy costs and economic growth. By ensuring energy independence, Trump reinforces a key pillar of the American System - harnessing natural resources for national prosperity. For most of our history, the U.S. followed the American System to protect its industries and promote national wealth. However, after World War II, Cold War strategy took precedence over economic protectionism. In an effort to secure global alliances against communism, America lowered tariffs to encourage partnerships to contain the Soviet Union. While this strategy helped win the Cold War, it also led to the decline of American manufacturing. Today, the Cold War is long over, yet the economic policies that sacrificed American industry remain unchanged. As a result, millions of jobs have been lost to overseas markets, and American businesses have suffered from unfair competition with countries that manipulate their currencies and exploit cheap labor. Trumps economic agenda seeks to reverse these decades-old policies, prioritizing American workers and industries once again. As the United States faces increasing competition from China and other global powers, the question remains: Will Trumps economic philosophy be successful? While his policies were met with resistance from both parties, they resonate with millions of Americans who have witnessed firsthand the consequences of offshoring and deindustrialization. The debate over trade, industry, and economic nationalism is far from over. But one thing is clear: Those opposing Trumps policies are rejecting the very system that built Americas prosperity. The American System lifted the United States to economic dominance once before - can it do so again? If history is any guide, the answer may very well be yes. Tim Overton is a pastor and currently serves as chairman of the Delaware County Republican Party in Indiana.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I tried a new VR clay pigeon shooting bar experience and had a blast
FROM boozy bowling alleys to bars with elaborate and often 'junkyard' themed crazy golf courses, just sitting down with a cocktail in hand is becoming a thing of the past. Experience bars are becoming an increasingly popular attraction, with many popping up across the West Midlands in recent years, however, none quite like this. Clays Bar opened up in the Picadilly Arcade in Birmingham City Centre at the end of 2024, offering a virtual reality (VR) clay pigeon shooting experience – something I can safely say I never thought of trying before. When the opportunity arose to head down and try it out for myself, I was immediately intrigued. Clays uses real decommissioned shotguns in its games (Image: Newsquest) From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt the luxurious vibe of a sophisticated country estate. The bar area was beautifully decorated, with the countryside-esque colour palate and fake foliage that was dotted throughout really adding to the theme. The VR experience in the 'Clays Arcade' consists of five quick-fire shooting games, with players using real decommissioned shotguns to play. After getting used to the surprising heaviness of the props, I can safely say I had a blast. You get two goes at each game, meaning there's plenty of chance for redemption if you struggle to get to grips with the technique. The bar was beautifully decorated and had an equally beautiful menu to match (Image: Newsquest) Each game was fun and unique and overall was a great way to have fun with friends with some healthy competition! If I had one critique, I would say the shooting was over quite quickly, however, it is designed to be 'quick fire' fun after all. That being said, aside from the technological fun, Clays at its core is also an incredibly enjoyable bar with some delicious food offerings as well. With a menu centred around small plates designed for sharing, my group and I opted to try the dirty loaded fries, seitan sliders, the breaded lemon sole and a margarita 'pizette', all of which I can say I would order again. The bar has an extensive menu with wines, beers, spirits and an abundance of cocktails. I liked 'The Ruby' so much I simply had to have two! The food was also excellent (Image: Newsquest) Overall, Clays proved to be an incredibly enjoyable night out, unlike anything I had done before. It brings something a little bit different to Birmingham's bar scene that I did not even think was missing! Olivia was invited down to Clays Bar and was gifted the drinks, food and experience free of charge.
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bungay book printers to feature in episode of Inside the Factory
The biggest single site book production operation in the UK is set to have a starring role in an episode of the BBC series Inside the of Bungay printed more than 167 million books last year on its 14-acre (5.7-hectare) site in show, due to be broadcast 28 January, will feature presenters Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey visiting the factory to find out how staff make 20,000 hardback copies of Pride and printing general manager David Hancy hosted the visit from McGuinness and Healey who told him they were impressed by the scale and speed of operations. Clays sales director Vicky Ellis-Duveen said: "It was great to have the Inside the Factory team on site, and to see what takes place behind the scenes during the making of the show."We are honoured and thrilled to have our company featured in the programme and it was brilliant to show the size and the speed of the operation we have in Bungay."It also allows us to highlight the meticulous process behind the creation of these beautiful books, while also offering viewers a broader understanding of the intricacies involved in book manufacturing as a whole."Established more than 200 years ago, Clays said it was recognised as a market leading book production specialist, employing around 800 the episode, staff at the factory are shown making a clothbound classic hardback edition of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice being produced for the publisher Penguin.A spokesperson for the BBC said: "While Paddy helps to prepare the paper for printing, Cherry learns how the 480 pages of Pride and Prejudice are prepared for the printing press, with specialist computer software arranging the text into something called an imposition. "The next step is to transfer the imposition to a large aluminium printing plate. Cherry helps to load a blank plate into a specialist machine which uses a laser to bake the words of the book onto the metal. "Paddy is staggered by the size of the printing press: 18 metres long, 6 metres tall and weighing a hundred tonnes." A total of ten printing plates were produced which transferred the ink on to paper in the printing press, forming the 124,713 words of each copy of the in the episode, Cherry Healey visits an optician to understand how our eyes read the text of a book and historian, Ruth Goodman, discovers the tale of a young boy called Louis Braille who helped to transform the lives of people with sight episode is due to be broadcast on BBC One at 20:00 GMT 28 January. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
