The shooting of Steve Scalise, the majority whip and a staffer for Rep. Roger Williams, at a baseball field this morning has become the biggest news story of the day.  Rep Scalise and Rep. Williams were among several Republicans practicing for a charity game against Democrats tomorrow night when perhaps a lone gunman fired upwards of 100 shots. 

There will be lots of speculation, and of course, lots of anger in the wake of this shooting.  Even as the nation extends prayers for the victims of this shooting, our fractured political environment is such that it probably does more to divide than heal.  Of course, motives are unknown at this point, but there is word the shooter, knowing both political parties were practicing in the area, asked someone “are these Republican or Democrats?”

Admittedly, this is even more freighting in the aftermath of so many terror incidents around the world but more recently in London.  These are crazy times, desperate times, and for too many, hopeless times.  But it’s also the time to remember who we are.  This morning a guy stopped me on the street to tell me how much he loves my work on television.

He discussed how he was from Eastern Europe and grew up under the yoke of communism, so he understood its dangers first hand.  He wondered why President Trump simply doesn’t go around Congress and make his entire agenda law.  While I understand his frustration, I reminded him American was founded on checks and balances, and even as the system is being gamed, it must be honored.

This is why America surpassed the rest of the world. 

The rule of law is central to the Republic.  That being said, the reason nations in the past have embraced socialism and communism, and even ushered in dictatorships with open arms, was a sense of frustration. 

Americans are frustrated for a variety of reasons, but we must keep our wits about us.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is scheduled to be the biggest economic news today as conventional wisdom says there will be another rate hike.

The good news is the market is prepared and okay with the hike in part because most only see one more hike in 2017.  In fact, at this point, the market would welcome even more rate hikes if justified by underlying economic data and trends.

I love the resolve of this market, but this consolidation and rotation phase is also seeking fresh catalysts.

Happy 242 birthday to the United States Army

Happy 71 birthday to President Trump