The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
The Revamped Food for Peace Program Bypasses Countries Closest to Famine
English Summary
The Food for Peace program, transferred from USAID to USDA following the 2025 DOGE dismantling, now prioritizes U.S. agricultural interests over humanitarian needs, bypassing countries facing famine including Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan in favor of seven selected recipients. New procurement rules require 100-percent U.S. commodities and expensive U.S.-flag shipping, consuming resources needed for operational costs like inland transport and distribution. The underlying "trade over aid" agenda treats hunger assistance as a means to create markets for U.S. farmers through tariff reductions, repeating the failed Haiti model of deepening dependency rather than reducing it. Without expanding recipient countries, revising procurement rules, and returning coordination to the State Department, the program risks undermining both humanitarian outcomes and agricultural support goals.
中文摘要
「糧食和平計畫」（Food for Peace）自從2025年DOGE機構解體後，已從美國國際開發署（USAID）轉移至美國農業部（USDA）。該計畫現階段將美國農業利益置於人道需求之上，繞過了包括蘇丹、索馬利亞和南蘇丹在內、面臨飢荒的國家，轉而只惠及七個被選定的接收國。新的採購規定要求使用百分之百美國商品，並需支付昂貴的美國國旗運輸費用，這消耗了本應用於內陸運輸和分配等營運成本的資源。其潛在的「貿易優先於援助」議程，將糧食援助視為透過關稅減免為美國農民創造市場的手段，重蹈了海地模式的覆轍，加深了依賴性而非減少依賴性。若不擴大接收國家範圍、修訂採購規定，並將協調權交回國務院，該計畫就有可能同時損害人道成果和農業支持目標。
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