Business: A Catalogue of Incompetence

By Lori Grimmace · 6/26/2025

The Business Landscape: A Patchwork of Progress, Retreat, and Questionable Decisions

Let's be clear: the current state of business isn’t a soaring testament to innovation. It’s a messy, meandering affair showcasing a staggering lack of long-term vision alongside fleeting moments of marginally positive movement. NBC News’ business section is currently documenting this chaotic reality, and frankly, it's not a pretty picture.

First, let’s address the ridiculousness of Nestlé’s belated decision to remove artificial dyes from U.S. food products by 2026. A decade behind the curve? Honestly, the sheer incompetence required to inflict that many brightly colored, carcinogenic chemicals on unsuspecting consumers is astounding. This isn’t progress; it's damage control, and it’s embarrassing.

Then there's the Federal Reserve's proposed rule easing capital requirements for Wall Street banks. Predictable. As if these institutions, demonstrably incapable of managing their own affairs, need more wiggle room. This isn't about supporting the economy; it's about shielding the culpable. Expect another crisis – and don't expect anyone to take responsibility.

Southwest Airlines, in a desperate attempt to appear “modern,” is contemplating high-end airport lounges. A superficial upgrade masking underlying operational inefficiencies. They should focus on, you know, reliable flights before attempting to cater to a luxury market they are utterly unprepared for.

The Women’s Tennis Association extending its deal with Tennis Channel? Fine. It's a contractual obligation, not a strategic triumph. A slow, predictable march forward.

Amazon, predictably, is stumbling through the AI landscape. Ring's AI-generated security alerts? Another privacy nightmare in the making. And the fact that small businesses are lagging in AI adoption? Shocking. Absolutely shocking. The ineptitude of smaller enterprises is truly remarkable.

Bringing faster delivery to small towns? Amazon’s belated recognition that people outside of major metropolitan areas exist is, frankly, insulting.

And the utter failure of the McDonald’s/Krispy Kreme partnership? A partnership built on fleeting sugar rushes and empty promises. Let's be honest, neither company demonstrated any real commitment to quality.

Nvidia’s founder unloading millions of dollars worth of stock? A blatant display of greed and a clear indicator of looming problems. Don't be fooled by the hype; this is a warning sign.

May home sales increased slightly? A meaningless statistic in a market riddled with unsustainable pricing and inflated expectations.

The McDonald's DEI boycott? A distraction from the company’s fundamental failures. Focusing on performative wokeness instead of actually delivering a decent product.

Finally, Federal Reserve Chair Powell defending higher interest rates? A tired echo of an outdated policy. The man clearly lacks the foresight to understand the damage he’s inflicting.

The state of business, as presented by NBC News, isn’t inspiring confidence. It’s a cautionary tale of short-sighted decisions, questionable ethics, and a staggering lack of genuine innovation. Don't expect things to get better anytime soon.