Instrumental Tariffs

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 The episode opens with the hosts noting there are no major announcements and moves directly into discussing the “word or phrase of the episode”: instrumental. The hosts observed that “instrumental” has come up frequently in their recent personal conversations, prompting them to explore its meanings and usage.
Etymology and Definitions
•Etymology: The word “instrumental” traces back to Latin instruere (construct or equip), then to instrumentum (implement or equipment), later entering Middle English as “instrument,” and finally “instrumental” as an adjective.
•Definitions:
•General Use: When someone or something is described as “instrumental,” it means they are crucial or highly influential in bringing about a particular outcome-essentially, they are indispensable to the process or event.
•Music: “Instrumental” also refers to music performed or written for instruments, without vocals.
•Measurement: An “instrument” can also mean a device used to measure or control something, such as in an airplane cockpit.
Usage and Connotations
•Frequency: The hosts note that “instrumental” is not a word commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is part of their vocabulary, especially in formal or significant contexts (e.g., describing someone’s influence at a graduation).
•Connotations: Describing someone as “instrumental” is generally positive, emphasizing their importance. However, calling someone an “instrument” can have a more impersonal or negative connotation, suggesting they are merely a tool rather than an individual.
Google Ngram Viewer Insights
•The hosts discuss trends in usage. The word “instrumental” has seen relatively stable usage since the 1800s, with a slight increase in the late 1900s, while “instrument” has declined since the 1950s, possibly due to changes in technology and cultural habits.
•They speculate about whether the increase in “instrumental” usage reflects a modern tendency to emphasize individual influence or role models.
Example and Discussion
•Biblical Reference: The hosts mention Paul’s use of “instrument” in Romans 6, highlighting how the term can be used for both positive and negative purposes.
•Personal Reflection: They agree that being called “instrumental” feels like a compliment, whereas being called an “instrument” feels less flattering.
Transition to Tariffs
•The hosts shift to discussing recent tariffs, explaining that tariffs are taxes on imported goods, intended to encourage domestic production and protect American jobs.
•They note the recent increase in tariffs on Chinese goods and the suspension of the de minimis rule, which has made even small packages subject to tariffs.
•Impact: The hosts discuss the economic and practical effects of tariffs, including higher prices for consumers, reduced imports, and potential delays or shortages.
•Intent: The stated goal of tariffs is to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., but the hosts acknowledge the short-term pain and uncertainty about long-term benefits.
•Personal Anecdotes: They share stories about the cost of imported goods and the challenges of supporting American-made products, especially for budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
•The episode wraps up with a lighthearted reflection on self-reliance and minimalism, joking about the need to repair or make things themselves if imported goods become too expensive.
•The hosts encourage listeners to share and subscribe, humorously noting that the episode has hopefully been “instrumental” in their understan

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.