Grandpa 's Journey

  A Retiree’s Reflection on Today’s U.S. Stock Market. When the Dow hits 50,000, it should feel like good news—but it doesn’t for everyone. A retiree shares an honest look at why today’s booming stock market feels disconnected from everyday reality. Today I learned that the Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed 50,000 points , a historic record. On the surface, this sounds like good news—something to celebrate. But honestly, instead of excitement, I felt confused . As a retiree who has watched the economy for decades, I can’t help asking: How can the stock market be so strong when so many things seem so wrong? The Questions That Won’t Go Away Here’s what keeps running through my mind: The U.S. national debt is now over $37 trillion Annual interest on that debt is approaching $1 trillion Military spending remains enormous Many cities struggle with homelessness, crime, and social disorder The world feels unstable—wars, conflicts, and rising geopolitical tension ...