As we approach the 4th of July holiday this Monday, a number of different shortages pose a threat to the celebrations. There is a Siracha shortage due to an abysmal Spring crop of Mexican red jalapeños. A global mustard shortage is looming. More seriously, there is a medical contrast dye shortage, which is used to treat and diagnose stroke, aneurysm, and cardiac conditions. The global chip shortage continues, which isn’t expected to see relief until 2023. There is a shortage of nurses, which has worsened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot shortage could lead to flight delays and cancellations, which we have already seen. Predictably, the right-wing is blaming all of these shortages on Joe Biden, and while they are a significant problem, hopefully, everybody’s 4th of July will be OK nonetheless.

#davidpakmanshow condiments food shortage july 4th medical shortage