OlDawg

I need to update. I lost some game history somewhere. My bad! This will actually be the 72nd meeting with La Porte leading the series 36-34-1. Not going to update the title.

Full stop. Just boil it down to what it is after 7 years, and the attitude shown in the video. Thou shall not steal. No further explanation required.

BTW, here’s the difference in answers on searches pending your personal search history and the engine used. I thought it would be interesting to see the differences since I’ve noticed quite a few using the AI search/compile features in their posts lately. This is the summary from my search on DuckDuckGo—which doesn’t keep a record of your personal searches and compiles using Chat GPT. I used the search criteria ' U.S. Government taking a stake in MP Materials'. (Again, no slam on your post from Google. Just question how the sources Google used warped conservatism/libertarianism and free market principles into an excuse and justification by defining communism into a very broad, abstract idea.) NOTE: I'm a free market, conservative libertarian as far as fiscal/economic policy regardless of administrations. Search Assist The U.S. government's acquisition of a controlling stake in MP Materials, a rare earth mining company, has drawn comparisons to state capitalism and communist practices, particularly due to its significant influence over a critical industry. Critics argue that this move resembles the government control seen in communist states, as it allows for direct intervention in the market. Government Stake in MP Materials The U.S. government's acquisition of a controlling stake in MP Materials, a rare earth mining company, has raised significant concerns and comparisons to state capitalism, particularly in relation to communist principles. Key Aspects of the Acquisition • Nature of the Deal: The Pentagon invested $400 million in preferred stock, convertible to common stock, making it the largest shareholder in MP Materials. This investment is aimed at enhancing domestic production of critical minerals. • Market Influence: By becoming a major stakeholder, the government now has substantial influence over the rare earths market, which is crucial for national security and various industries, including defense and technology. Comparisons to State Capitalism • State Control: Critics argue that this move resembles state capitalism, similar to practices in China, where the government exerts control over key industries. The arrangement allows the government to dictate terms and potentially distort market competition. • Concerns from Experts: Industry experts have expressed worries that this level of government involvement could lead to unfair advantages for MP Materials over competitors, echoing concerns about market manipulation typical of state-backed industries. Conclusion While the U.S. government’s actions are framed as necessary for national security and economic stability, the implications of such a significant stake in a private company have sparked debates about the nature of capitalism in the U.S. and its alignment with more centralized, state-controlled economic models. [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content]

That’s actually a solid schedule. Weren’t IC and FBM’s only losses to Randle? Still think y’all are going to be better than people think this year. I have y’all penciled in as third seed at worst.

This is one of those situations where a person can agree with many policies, but vehemently disagree with others—for entirely different reasons.

I haven’t read the book. So, I’m not as familiar as you. But, I don’t doubt you one iota.

I’m not slamming you. Just ridiculing the twisting to get the spin in the material posted. USPS and Amtrak were both government entities before they were private/government partnerships. You know this. That’s why I said it was comical.

This is a joke, major spin, and an excuse. Period. It’s justification for government intervention in any business they desire under the cover of National Security. Whoever wrote the excuses/examples of USPS and Amtrak should be taken out and horse whipped. How stupid do they think people are?

I don’t have an issue with incentives, subsidies, or ‘completion bonuses.’ Again, that’s not crossing the line into direct ownership. The Administration could just as easily have offered incentives to a couple major players, and let them compete. Put some bait out in front of Qualcomm, Intel, and TI. Give them a goal. See who wins. Intel hasn’t been relevant since the IPhone. To masquerade them as a great company is a joke at best. But, that’s beside the point. I think you understand where I’m coming from…

Yes. It’s directly owning private entities. Entirely different animal. It’s ’Too Big to Fail’ with a controlling purpose—on purpose.

This isn’t socialism. This is direct intervention in industrial policy. This is government ownership. The U.S. is charging Nvidia a 15% cut of revenue for any GPU shipped to China since it’s illegal under the Constitution to charge an export tariff. They’ve negotiated a golden share with veto powers over corporate decisions to allow Nippon to buy U.S. Steel. The Pentagon will be the major stakeholder in the mine discussed previously. Now this with Intel. THIS is communism. I guess Qualcomm and TI can just close up shop. Next, they’ll force Nvidia to sell tech to Intel, or they’ll tariff them to death. The mine will receive any permits required before any other competitor, and EPA regs will be lax. Even the most fervent Trump supporter—if they believe in free market capitalism at all—can’t think this is a good progression of policy.

Trump Admin doesn’t need to be talking anything about socialism or communism any more after taking a 10% stake in ownership of Intel & having the Pentagon becoming the largest shareholder in a critical mineral mining operation. I understand the needs. But, this is no different than the CCP. Spin it how you want. This is communism at its core, and it’s picking winners & losers. Totally against free market principles. From a practical standpoint, the last time the government made a move like this (GM in 2008), we wound up losing $10 Billion.

Nice interview with Coach Berneathy yesterday. Please let Tep & Pickle know we appreciate! See you here in a few weeks.

I don't trust the air if I can't see what I'm breathing. Maybe that's why I don't mind walking around the Pai Gow tables. Reminds me of a few of my less fortunate grilling episodes.

We used to say the most dangerous towns had military bases because of the businesses they attract & other activities those businesses attract. I still think that’s true in many of these cases. The towns want the revenue from the military bases. But, they don’t like the criminal elements they attract. Double-edged sword. Near every military base is typically the ‘seedier’ side of town. That’s probably why Little Rock is on the list.

Remember all those spare masks from COVID? 😁 In all seriousness, it’s a new finding. So, no one has probably even thought about it yet.

Now, don’t you go knockin’ those clean EV’s.

UCLA researchers have found that fast charging systems across CA emit dangerous levels of particulate matter. For anyone, exposure to fine particles can contribute to health issues, and for those with existing conditions or heightened sensitivity, the risks are even greater,” said Michael Jerrett, professor in UCLA Fielding’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences and a study co-author. “Because these particles are so small, they can travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream — potentially leading to serious problems like heart or lung disease.” [Hidden Content]

Not accurate. It has to go before the voters in November.

Darwin screwed up on that one.

38 or 40 states allow NIL at 17 with looser rules than Texas, and OOS transfer would allow play. Just a wild thought.

Is he 17?

A little worried Powell (a lawyer--not an economist for those that didn't know) won't cut rates in September. He seems to be relying way too much on backward looking data & some strange sense of precognition of what he thinks tariffs MIGHT do. Real data actually shows a slowing job market, and businesses beating their earnings estimates by 2x. As usual, he's gonna' be late to the game, and have to make more adjustments because of either: His personal dislike of Trump. He's forgotten the dual core mission of the Fed is to maintain the dollar at a constant value, and seek full employment. Nothing more. An ingrained belief that he can see the future even though data says otherwise. He's killing the housing market, and hurting small business' ability to borrow and hire. We'll be lucky if he doesn't run us smack dab into stagflation. (That said, if you happen to have some spare laying around right now, there are some decent bargains on the pullback of this week. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate. There's no signs of a recession on the horizon. Find a good dividend payer, and buy at a discount. Especially if you're younger, and have time on your side.) [Hidden Content] DISCLAIMER: I'm not an analyst. Simply someone who was a FIRE movement member before anyone even knew what it was, and have been living on investments for over a decade. So, I do keep a pretty close watch.

For better or worse, it's been ruled unconstitutional. They won't be displayed in public school classrooms unless appealed and overturned.