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Showing posts from February, 2025

Is Zelenski a Dictator? It's time for Ukraine to elect a new leader.

February 28, 2025 Is Zelenski a Dictator? It's time for free elections in Ukraine. The Case for Elections in Ukraine: Upholding Democratic Principles Ukraine has long positioned itself as a beacon of democracy in Eastern Europe, distinguishing itself from the authoritarian tendencies of its Russian neighbor. However, a core principle of democracy is regular and free elections, ensuring that leaders remain accountable to the people. With President Volodymyr Zelensky’s term having extended beyond its original mandate due to the ongoing war, the question arises: Should Ukraine now hold elections to reaffirm its democratic legitimacy and allow the people to choose their leader? The answer is a resounding yes. 1. Democracy Requires Regular Elections One of the defining characteristics of a democracy is the ability of the people to select and replace their leaders through regular, free, and fair elections. Zelensky was elected in 2019 with a strong mandate, but his term was scheduled to ...

Want cheaper eggs? Eat Less. Don't expect the Government to solve everything.

February 28, 2025 Want cheaper eggs? Eat less processed foods.   1. The Irony As Americans, we glorify the private sector and the billionaires. We vilify the public sector and the public sector. Not surprisingly, about 80% favor Elon Musk's downsizing of the federal government. However, when the private sector increases prices following the economic laws of supply and demand, we quickly run to the government to be saved from the private sector. The latest example? Trump's eggconomy.  As the average price of a dozen eggs in the US surpassed $5 this month, most Americans--especially the scammed poor Trump supporters--are screaming and asking President Trump to "make eggs affordable again". On one hand, we say that we want less government and reduce government spending. On the other hand, we want the government to solve every little problem in our lives including the price of eggs as in socialist or communist countries.  President Trump is not a magician and does not ha...

Let Boys Be Boys: We Can't Afford Another Gender-Lost Generation

February 27, 2025 Let Boys Be Boys: We Can't Afford Another Gender-Lost Generation In the late 1990s and early 2000s, progressive social movements sought to reshape traditional gender norms, often with the goal of leveling the playing field between boys and girls. While these efforts empowered young girls, they also inadvertently stifled the natural instincts of boys, discouraging behaviors that had historically been part of male development. Many boys were raised as if they were girls, encouraged to sit still, suppress their natural competitiveness, and abandon traditionally "masculine" activities. The result? A generation of young men struggling with identity, mental health issues, and a sense of purposelessness. While girls have thrived under this new system, boys have fallen behind in education, social engagement, and emotional resilience. We must course-correct. We must find a safe and balanced approach that respects the biological and psychological needs of both sex...

How much lower can Musk's Tesla and Trump's stocks go? How much will racism cost us in the end?

February 27, 2026 How much lower can Tesla and Trump's DJT stocks go? The maximum a stock can go down is 100% of its current valuation. Both Tesla and DJT have been hammered recently, down about 40% and 50% respectively from recent highs. While neither one is expected to bottom out to zero, both stocks can be expected to continue going down for a while before settling at about 40% of their respective all time highs.  On December 18, 2024, Tesla Inc. (TSLA) reached an all-time intraday high of $488.54. As of February 27, 2025, Tesla's trading price is $281.95 per share. This represents a decrease of 42.3% ($206.59 per share and about $423 billion in market value) in a little over two months or 71 days to be precise.  On October 30, 2024, the Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) reached an intraday high of $47.53 on October 30, 2024. As of February 27, 2025, DJT's stock closed at $23.80 per share. This represents a decrease of about 50% ($23.73 per share and ...

Should Trump cut two thirds of the federal workforce?

February 27, 2025 Should Trump cut two thirds of the federal workforce? By some estimates, about 2/3 of federal workers are either non-essential or occupy positions that could be replaced with automation, machines, and AI. Should Trump and Musk fire all of them? Probably, but not all at once. Laying off two-thirds of the federal workforce would have profound implications for both unemployment rates and the broader U.S. economy. The federal government employs approximately 3 million civilian workers, constituting about 2% of all U.S. payrolls. A reduction of two-thirds equates to 2 million job losses. Impact on Unemployment: Immediate Increase: The sudden displacement of 2 million workers would directly elevate the unemployment rate. While the private sector might eventually absorb some of these individuals, the immediate surge in job seekers would outpace the availability of positions, leading to a significant short-term spike in unemployment. Historical Context: Between 2011 an...

New world map in the 2030s?

February 27, 2025 In a hypothetical scenario where Russia annexes Ukraine and former Soviet republics, China incorporates Taiwan and asserts control over South China Sea territories, and the United States acquires Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, other nations might also pursue territorial expansions to enhance their strategic positions, access resources, or address historical claims. Potential actions and territorial outcomes either before, during, or after a third world war (WWIII) could include: 1. Turkey: Aspirations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Northern Cyprus: Turkey has maintained a military presence in Northern Cyprus since 1974, recognizing it as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—a status not acknowledged internationally. In a global environment where territorial expansions become more prevalent, Turkey might seek full annexation of Northern Cyprus. Influence in Syria and Iraq: Turkey has conducted military operations in northern Syria and ...

Bitcoin is down 22.5%. Time to buy? Not yet

February 26, 2025 Bitcoin is down 22.5%. Time to buy? Not yet. Be patient. Wait until Bitcoin drops another 20% - 30% from its current price before considering buying the cryptocurrency and so-called "digital gold".  As of February 26, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $84,584, reflecting a decline of about 22.5% from its all-time high of $109,114 reached on January 20, 2025. In less than 40 days, Bitcoin lost over 20%. In about 40 days, Bitcoin should shed another 20%.  The recent downturn in Bitcoin's fortune is attributed to various factors, including negative impacts from a recent meme coin scandal promoted by Argentina's president, a $1.4 billion hack of crypto exchange Bybit, and concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies, leading to a pullback in the stock market. There will always be something adverse going on about Bitcoin. The asset class seems poised to attract scandal and be subject to extreme, or at least significant, volatil...

Trump is doing a great job. What's the risk? The Venezuela Effect

February 26, 2025 Is Trump doing a great job so far? Yes, he is. The risk is that populist success may lead to failure once the populist leader is gone (dies or gets ill).  Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll Findings: Approval Rating: A survey conducted on February 19–20, 2025, indicates that President Trump holds a 52% approval rating, with 33% of respondents strongly approving and 19% somewhat approving of his performance. Conversely, 43% disapprove, and 5% remain undecided.  Policy Support: The poll reveals substantial backing for specific policies: 81% support the deportation of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. 76% favor efforts to identify and eliminate fraud and waste in government. 69% endorse policies preventing individuals born male from competing in women's sports.  Partisan Perspectives: Republican Support: Approximately 90% of Republican respondents approve of President Trump's performance. Democratic Opposition: Nearly 80% of Democrats d...

Trump is right. Freedom is Not Free. Ukraine Must Cede Mineral Rights.

February 25, 2025 Freedom is Not Free: Ukraine Must Cede Mineral Rights to the U.S. in Exchange for Military Aid As Ukraine continues its defense against Russia’s invasion, the country faces a critical choice regarding its future security and economic sustainability. With the United States reconsidering its level of military aid, there is growing debate over how Ukraine can secure the financial and military backing necessary to continue resisting Russian aggression. One potential solution is ceding mineral rights to the U.S. in exchange for sustained military assistance. Given Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical minerals like lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements, such an agreement would not only provide Ukraine with immediate battlefield support but also create a long-term strategic partnership with the United States. Ceding mineral rights to the U.S. is a better alternative than losing American military aid altogether, as it ensures Ukraine’s defense, strengthens its economy, an...

Did Trump kill Zoom? Is Zoom doomed?

February 25, 2025 Did Trump kill Zoom? Is Zoom doomed? We believe so. Zoom was almost dead already. Trump's return to office mandate for federal workers, which can be expected to be copied by most state and local government in red states and in most large and medium corporations, seem to be an insurmountable obstacle and killer blow to Zoom. The Challenges Ahead for Zoom (ZM) as Return-to-Office Mandates Intensify Zoom Video Communications (NASDAQ: ZM) became one of the most recognizable names in the business world during the COVID-19 pandemic. As remote work became the norm, the company's video conferencing software enabled businesses, schools, and social groups to maintain connectivity. Zoom's stock soared, reflecting its massive growth and newfound necessity. However, in 2025, as return-to-office (RTO) policies continue gaining momentum, Zoom faces mounting headwinds that could spell serious trouble for its business model and stock price. Zoom’s Meteoric Rise During the ...

Did RFK Jr. just called Elon Musk a "malign foreign actor"?

February 24, 2025 Did RFK Jr. just called Elon Musk a "malign foreign actor"? Yes, sort of.  As of February 24, 2025, there is no public record of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressly or explicitly referring to Elon Musk as a "malign foreign actor." However, recent events have highlighted tensions between their respective agencies and imply the possibility of RFK Jr. tagging Elon as a "malign foreign actor". Brief Background Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), issued a directive requiring federal employees to submit a weekly accomplishment reports consisting of 5 bullets explaining what they had done in their federal jobs the preceding week. The responses were to the "HR" @ OPM email account set up and control by Elon's DOGE. The email and Elon's coverage on X about it implied that non-compliance could lead to removal of the employee. In response to Elon's or DOGE...

Palantir and Tesla are down 30%. Time to buy?

February 24, 2025 Palantir and Tesla are down 30%. Time to buy? Not no, but hell no. The two companies are significantly overpriced and should continue coming down significantly in price in the next 12 months. Be patient and wait for them to fall 50% and 40%, respectively, before considering adding them to your portfolio. Palantir Technologies As of February 24, 2025, Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) has experienced a notable decline from its all-time intraday high, which was on just six days ago, on February 18, 2025 when PLTR shares rose intraday to $125.41 and the company registered a market capitalization of approximately $271.45 billion. In just six days, Palantir has lost about 28% from its AI bubblicious valuation, with shares trading at $90.68 with a market cap of approximately $212.68 billion. Although PLTR has lost almost $60 billion in value in just 6 days, it is still trading at a price to earnings ratio of 481.  PLTR's downturn is primarily attributed to concerns...

Will Europe surrender to Putin and Trump in Ukraine?

February 24, 2025 Will Europe surrender to Putin and Trump in Ukraine? Probably. European nations are at a critical juncture regarding their support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Trump administration has initiated direct negotiations with Russia, excluding both European allies and Ukraine from these discussions. Trump's loyalty to Putin--likely in return of assistance in an upcoming coup--and his surrendering to Russia have raised concerns about the future of European involvement in Ukraine's defense and the broader security architecture of the continent. European Commitment to Ukraine: Despite the shifting U.S. stance, European leaders are currently stating that they will continue supporting Ukraine. Increased Defense Spending: The European Union (EU) has convened an extraordinary summit scheduled for March 6, 2025, to address enhanced support for Ukraine and to discuss bolstering European defense capabilities. The European Commission estimates th...

Why are eggs unaffordable for most Trump supporters?

February 23, 2025 As of February 2025, egg prices in the United States have reached unprecedented levels, with the national average for a dozen large Grade A eggs hitting $4.95 in January 2025, nearly doubling from $2.67 in May 2023. Restaurants like Waffle House have implemented surcharges on egg dishes to offset increased costs.  Factors Contributing to Rising Egg Prices: 1. Avian Influenza Outbreak: A severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens to contain the virus, significantly reducing the egg supply.  2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Trump's deportations are beginning to cause labor shortages and logistical challenges, further impacting egg production and distribution.  3. Inflation: Trump's economic policies are beginning to increase production costs, including feed, transportation, and packaging, contributing to higher retail egg prices.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that...

Bitcoin is down 12% from its peak. Time to buy?

February 23, 2025 Is it time to buy Bitcoin? No. Not yet. We would wait for Bitcoin to fall under $70,000 to consider buying again. Bitcoin is trading at $95,635. Bitcoin is down 12% from its peak of $109,026 on January 20, 2025. Our prediction is that Bitcoin will continue losing value in the upcoming months. Our recommendation is to wait until Bitcoin loses another 25% - 30% in value before adding some (not too much) to your portfolio.  In our opinion, your Bitcoin allocation should be about 5%. Bitcoin has been volatile, but has not disappointed. Over time, and in the long run, Bitcoin promises to continue rewarding investors and speculators in the "digital gold".  If you cannot resist the fear of missing out, buying Bitcoin this week at 12% off from its peak price, would not be a horrible idea provided that you are willing to be very patient and don't panic when Bitcoin continues dropping in the coming months.  In sum, we would wait for Bitcoin to drop below $70,000 t...

Is Elon Musk a closeted neo-nazi?

February 23, 2025 Is Elon Musk a neo-nazi? No. At least not publicly. If Elon Musk is a neo-nazi, he is the closet about it. South African entrepreneur and U.S. Government official, Elon Musk, has been accused of being a neo-nazi. As of February 2025, Elon Musk has not explicitly endorsed neo-Nazi ideologies. However, several of his actions and statements have raised significant concerns and have been interpreted by some as aligning with far-right and extremist views. In late 2024, Musk publicly endorsed Germany's far-right party, AfD, urging Germans to move beyond their historical guilt associated with Nazi crimes. This endorsement was controversial, as the AfD has been linked to extremist rhetoric and has been monitored by German intelligence agencies for potential extremist activities. During President Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025, Musk made a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute. The gesture involved thumping his right hand over his heart and...