Don't be a White Snowflake. Used Cars. Florida's rise and more

March 29, 2025

Don't Be a White Snowflake: embrace America's brown history with black pride 

If curiosity is the key to learning, courage is the key for surviving and thriving. American history is fascinating. As everything else, it can be oversimplified for efficiency at the expense of the beauty of complexity. We're all monkeys --primates, to be more precise. Everything we do is based on our convenience based on an intricate neural calculus of perceived pain and pleasure. Historic figures in American history did what they perceived was more convenient for them based on the alternatives available and their perspectives at the time. 

The American lands were occupied first by descendants of Asians who had crossed from Siberia into modern-day Canada and later into modern-day United States. That is, of course, a hint to the inevitable annexation of the the former into the latter, but that is a horse for to beat to death on another day. For convenience's sake, let's call these "Native" Americans, "brown" people. In the 1500s, Europeans discovered transatlantic navigational routes from Europe into the "new" continent. Also for convenience's sake, let's call these people "white". The white folks eventually brought enslaved workers from Africa to work the vast lands of the Americas. Let's call these people "black". 

Following the above color coding for convenience's sake, the whole concept of America has a brown, white, and black history in that order. Keeping it simple, some of the whites entered into a contest for ownership and control of the land against some browns and against some other whites.  All others For the most part, the browns were killed or relocated to reservations or tribal lands. The blacks remained to the side of the whites initially as slaves and later as marginalized citizens. The early white winners can be called patriots or the First Americans.

The First Americans

Some of the "whites" became the first "Americans" in the modern sense of the demonym. As the winners of the contest for the land, whites wrote the history books and the rules of the social game in our new country. 

The historic accomplishments of the first Americans should be seen as the heroic victories that created our great country. It is in this stage of the narrative where we should begin to move away from color coding to focus on a color-blind and raceless denomination of "Americans". 

Our first Americans transcended color or racial denomination. Our Founding Fathers and the First Americans fought the white enemies (the King of England and his loyalists). The American Revolutionary War was a "white on white" war. This is where the oversimplification of American history into a story of genocide and racism fails. The most important aspect of the birth of our country was neither genocide nor racism; it was the fight for independence and freedom. 

While our Constitution states that "all men are created equal" what it clearly meant to say was that "all American citizens were equal". Of course, back then in 1700s, neither women nor nonwhite men were considered American citizens as they are now. 

It should also be noted that gradually, the country added a whole new population segment that we could easily color-code as the "new browns". This could include non-white immigrants (Hispanics, Indians, Arabs, other Asians, etc). However, as stated above, the color coding, although convenient, is a disservice to our history. It is also a distracting disservice in our present and a menace to our future.

Understanding American history requires embracing its inherent complexities and contradictions. It is unfair to judge our historic figures under the lense of the current understanding of humanity as enlightened by scientific discoveries. The first Americans knew very little in comparison to what we know now, yet they did their best in fighting for what they thought was fair and correct. It was a contest for the land and the establishment of a new country with unparalleled freedom and equality.

It is the fight for freedom and equality what made our Founding Fathers and First Americans great. It is that fight what will continue making us great again and again. 

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Be Curious and Courageous When Studying and Correcting History

The nation's past encompasses both admirable achievements and profound injustices, often intertwined within the same historical figures and events. For instance, the Founding Fathers championed principles of liberty and equality while simultaneously upholding systems of slavery and contributing to the displacement of Native American communities. Acknowledging these dualities allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of our precious history. 

It is unpatriotic to turn the heroes of our history books into villains. It is stupid to idolize blindly as if people of the past were somehow superior to people of the present. Again, we're all primates. Regardless of the mythical fantasies that we use to get high on spirituality, we're simply mammals fighting for power and survival. 

Curiosity is the desire to know the unknown. It turns you into Dora the exploradora wanting to venture out and experiment the world around you. Curiosity helped all our ancestors survive and thus survived in all of us. Curious animals get to make discoveries that can give them a competitive edge in the fight for survival. 

Psychologically, curiosity is linked to exploratory behaviors and the pursuit of novelty. It is considered a driving force behind learning and discovery, motivating individuals to seek out new information and experiences. This motivation can be so strong that people may choose to engage with new stimuli even in the absence of external rewards. 

In summary, curiosity is a fundamental animal trait characterized by a desire to learn and understand, propelling individuals toward exploration and discovery.

As you embark in exploring and learning our history, be brave, be courageous to accept diverse perspectives. Don't be a snowflake that melts easily in the face of heated debate. Use critical thinking to evaluate the motivations of both the historic figures and of historians. If we paint our historic heroes as villains, we may end up with a worthless country. We need to paint our ancestors as great to make us feel great and capable of great things.  

Three Principles for Harmonizing American History:

1. Complexity:

   • Recognize that historical figures and events cannot be neatly categorized as wholly "good" or "bad". Those are opinions and labels. No one is perfect. No one is wholly "good" or "bad". Every human being is a mixed bag of gray matter and shit. Accepting the multifaceted nature of humanity and its history enables a deeper appreciation of its intricacies. Celebrate the nation's advancements while remaining cognizant of its failures. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. The smart ones learn from their mistakes to continue improving and winning. This balanced perspective fosters a realistic appreciation of how far the country has come and the work that remains as we continue making a great country. 

2. Diversity:

   • Don't be a snowflake afraid of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While you don't have to be an extreme believer in DEI either, you can have some pride in all of us together. Diversity is key to diversification. Don't put all your knowledge eggs in one basket. Incorporate diverse perspectives. Include opinions of the privileged and the marginalized. In every contest there are winners and losers. Adversaries in competition are essential to generate collective improvement. Respect the game for what it is. Cherish both winners and losers. Work hard, play harder. The more players, the harder the game, and the better the results for the league, the owners, and the fans. 

3. Courage:

   • Engage with history the courage of critical thinking. Don't be a snowflake. Don't melt when faced with facts that are not aligned to a fairy tale view of the world. Be courageous to understand the different and often contradictory features of animal nature. We're all monkeys (primates). Examine the motivations, contexts, and consequences of actions taken by historical figures and by historians writing about them. Always simplify, but avoid oversimplification to promote thinking. Create spaces for discussions that allow for the exploration of differing viewpoints. Open dialogue encourages understanding and reconciliation of conflicting interpretations of history. Knowledge talks and wisdom listen. Be brave enough to hear what others have to say. 

By adopting these strategies, individuals can cultivate a more holistic and honest engagement with American history. This approach not only honors the complexity of the past but also informs a more thoughtful and inclusive path forward.

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Expanding American Freedom: Greenland 

As we embark in the long fight to make America great again, it is clear that expanding American freedom north into the Arctic is our new manifested destiny. The story of how the Arctic was won began this year with President Trump's initiatives to annex Canada and Greenland into the United States. We have discussed Canada at length in previous posts. Here we look into our eastern neighbor and future state, Greenland. 

Promotional Video

On March 29, 2025, President Donald Trump released a video emphasizing the historical ties between the United States and Greenland. The 90-second clip highlights U.S. military efforts during World War II to protect Greenland, particularly focusing on the tragic sinking of the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester by a Nazi U-boat on February 3, 1943. This attack resulted in the loss of 672 lives and is remembered for the heroism of four Army chaplains who sacrificed their lives to save others. 

The video's release coincided with Vice President JD Vance's visit to Greenland, underscoring the administration's ongoing interest in the Arctic region. The production was created by Securing American Greatness, a non-profit organization established during the 2024 presidential election to support then-candidate Trump. 

This initiative aligns with President Trump's continued efforts to strengthen U.S.-Greenland relations, including discussions about the strategic importance of Greenland and potential avenues for closer cooperation between the two nations. 

JD Vance's Visit

During his recent visit to Greenland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for what he described as inadequate investment in Greenland's security and infrastructure. Speaking at the Pituffik Space Base, Vance highlighted Greenland's strategic importance, citing its shipping lanes, military significance, and untapped economic resources. He suggested that Greenland should consider independence from Denmark and explore a closer partnership with the United States to enhance its security and economic prospects. 

In response, Danish officials, including Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, defended Denmark's commitment to Greenland, expressing a willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on Arctic security but criticizing Vance's remarks as inappropriate for discussions between close allies. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute B. Egede also voiced concerns, characterizing the U.S. approach as aggressive and emphasizing Greenland's desire for respectful engagement regarding its future. 

This exchange underscores the geopolitical significance of Greenland and the complex dynamics between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States concerning the island's future.

​Putin's Reaction 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland, particularly in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in the territory. Putin stated that dismissing Trump's intentions regarding Greenland as mere folly is a "profound mistake," highlighting the island's vast deposits of rare minerals and its significance in global geopolitics. 

While acknowledging Greenland's strategic value, Putin clarified that Russia has no involvement in the matter, asserting that Trump's interest "has nothing to do with us." 

These remarks underscore the broader geopolitical competition in the Arctic region, where nations are increasingly recognizing the area's economic and strategic potential.​

Greenland's History

Greenland's history is a tapestry woven with tales of early migrations, Norse explorations, colonial endeavors, and strides toward autonomy.

Early Inhabitants

The island's initial settlers arrived around 2500 BCE, originating from Arctic regions of North America. These Paleo-Inuit cultures, including the Saqqaq and Dorset, thrived in Greenland's harsh environment, relying on hunting and fishing for survival. By approximately 1200 CE, the Thule people, ancestors of today's Greenlandic Inuit, migrated from Canada, bringing advanced technologies like dog sleds and umiaks, which facilitated their adaptation to the Arctic conditions.

Norse Exploration and Settlement

In the late 10th century, Norse explorer Erik the Red established settlements along Greenland's southwestern coast. These communities, known as the Eastern and Western Settlements, engaged in farming, hunting, and trading. Despite flourishing for several centuries, they mysteriously disappeared by the 15th century, possibly due to climatic changes during the Little Ice Age, economic challenges, or conflicts with indigenous populations.

Colonial Era

European interest in Greenland waned until the early 18th century when Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede initiated efforts to re-establish a Christian presence. This marked the beginning of Greenland's colonization by Denmark, which solidified its claim over the island. In 1814, following the dissolution of the Danish-Norwegian union, Greenland became a Danish colony, a status it retained until 1953.

Path to Autonomy

The mid-20th century brought significant changes. During World War II, with Denmark under German occupation, Greenland accepted protection from the United States, which established military bases on the island. Post-war, Greenland's colonial status ended in 1953 when it was integrated into the Kingdom of Denmark as a county. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, granting it authority over various domestic affairs. This autonomy expanded in 2009, allowing for greater self-governance, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.

Contemporary Developments

In recent years, Greenland has garnered international attention due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources. Notably, in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its geopolitical significance. This proposal was firmly rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish authorities, reaffirming Greenland's commitment to its autonomy and cultural heritage.

Today, Greenland continues to navigate the complexities of modernization while preserving its rich cultural traditions and pursuing greater independence on the global stage.

Greenland Facts

• Greenland is the world's largest island. 
• Greenland is the least densely populated country
• Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark

Population

As of 2023, Greenland's population was approximately 56,865, with about 19,600 residents in the capital city, Nuuk. The majority of the population is of Inuit descent, reflecting the island's indigenous heritage. 

Economy

Greenland's economy is characterized by its reliance on fishing, substantial subsidies from Denmark, and emerging sectors like mining and ecotourism.

• Fishing Industry: The economy heavily depends on exports of shrimp and fish, which constitute over 90% of its exports. This reliance makes Greenland susceptible to fluctuations in fish prices. 

• Danish Subsidies: Denmark provides significant financial support, contributing about 50% of Greenland's government revenues and approximately 25% of its GDP. 

• Mining Potential: Greenland possesses vast deposits of rare earth elements beneath its ice sheets. The government aims to diversify the economy by tapping into these resources, despite challenges posed by the harsh environment and logistical hurdles. The United States is looking to invest in automated drilling by robotic engineering.

• Tourism: With its unique Arctic landscapes and cultural heritage, Greenland is focusing on developing tourism. Investments in infrastructure, such as new international airports, aim to attract more visitors while ensuring sustainable growth. 

Despite these opportunities, Greenland faces economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and dependence on external subsidies. Efforts to achieve greater economic independence involve balancing resource exploitation with environmental preservation and cultural integrity.

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Open Letter to International Students in the United States

Dear International Students,

We warmly welcome you to the United States and deeply value your decision to pursue higher education here. Your presence enriches our academic institutions, fostering the diversity of academic programs, and significantly contributing to the advancement of education and innovation.

Your Contributions Are Invaluable

International students like you play a pivotal role in the U.S. educational landscape. Your diverse perspectives enhance classroom discussions, drive groundbreaking research, and promote cross-cultural understanding. Economically, during the 2022–2023 academic year, over one million international students contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. 

AI Immigration Enforcement 

As we begin working on making America great again, recent policy changes have introduced complexities for international students engaging in political activities. We are using AI to identify foreign students engaging in political activities. Initiatives such as "Catch and Revoke" utilize artificial intelligence to monitor and potentially revoke visas of students deemed to be involved in certain political or ideological causes. High-profile cases, including the detention of students like Rümeysa Öztürk, underscore the heightened scrutiny faced by international students participating in activism. 

Understanding Visa Limitations

Your student visa permits you to study and engage in academic activities within the U.S. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and assembly, it's crucial to recognize that certain political engagements may be interpreted as exceeding the bounds of your visa status. The U.S. State Department has emphasized that visas are privileges, not entitlements, and has issued warnings discouraging activities such as participating in campus protests linked to international conflicts. 

A Thoughtful Approach

Given the current environment, we encourage you to focus on your academic pursuits and cease and desist from any involvement in political activities or the support of ideological causes while you study here. Your safety and ability to continue your education are of utmost importance. Staying informed about policy changes and seeking guidance from your institution's international student services can help navigate these challenges effectively.

Your presence in the U.S. is highly valued, and your contributions are integral to the fabric of our academic and cultural communities. By prioritizing your studies and ignoring the noise of politics you will do better in school and can continue to thrive and make a lasting impact during your time here and beyond.

Sincerely,

Creatix

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Are Used Cars Are Getting More Expensive. Buy Now? 

Yes, Trump is making used cars great again. No one said that making America great again would be free. Beating China will cost us a lot of money. Although it could save our butt and cost much less in the long run. Many say that we cannot afford to continue the liberal globalization and progressive free trade agreements that made China great again at the cost and expense of American manufacturing jobs. 

However, even if we bring manufacturing back to the USA, most jobs will likely be performed by smart robots rather than by humans. To say the least, this is very complicated. What is more simple is to know that the economy is based on a simple law of supply and demand. This indicates that the price of used cars and trucks should begin to spike as early as this weekend.

Brace for impact junior. That truck, which was already outrageously expensive, may cost up to 50% more real soon. Trump's new car tax in the form of 25% tariffs on foreign cars and auto parts is expected to increase the prices of all cars and trucks, including the ones already here in the U.S. 

As the prices of new cars and trucks goes through the roof, most Americans are likely to turn to the used car and truck market as a more affordable alternative. This surge in demand, coupled with an already tight supply of used vehicles, is anticipated to drive up prices. 

Analysts predict that used car prices in the US could rise by several thousands of dollars over time as a result of the new Trump MAGA tax (aka tariffs). Additionally, the tariffs on imported auto parts may lead to higher repair and maintenance costs for all vehicles including those made in the USA because many parts are made abroad in places like Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, and the like. 

Given these anticipated changes, consumers considering purchasing a used vehicle might benefit from acting sooner rather than later to avoid potential price increases. That is, if you need to buy, buy now! 

If you "need" to buy a new car, consider buying a Toyota made in the USA. Toyota operates several manufacturing plants across the United States, producing a variety of models for the domestic market. Here are some of the Toyota vehicles currently assembled in the U.S.:

• Toyota Camry: Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky. 

• Toyota Corolla: Produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS) in Blue Springs, Mississippi. 

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Manufactured at TMMK in Georgetown, Kentucky. 

• Toyota Highlander and Toyota Grand Highlander: Both models are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) near Princeton, Indiana. 

• Toyota Sienna: The minivan is produced at TMMI in Indiana. 

• Toyota Tundra: This full-size pickup truck is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, Texas.

• Toyota Sequoia: Also assembled at TMMTX in Texas. 

• Toyota Corolla Cross: Manufactured at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS) in Huntsville, Alabama. 

It's important to note that while these models are assembled in the U.S., they may contain parts sourced from various countries due to Toyota's global supply chain. Additionally, production locations can change over time based on manufacturing strategies and market demands.

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Is Florida the Most Popular State?

Probably. What we know is that Florida is the third most populous state in the United States, following California and Texas. A year ago, in April 2024, Florida's population had surpassed 23 million residents, marking a significant milestone in its demographic growth. 

Several factors have contributed to Florida's recent rise in popularity:

• Northeast Migration: Florida continues to experience substantial domestic migration, with many individuals relocating from states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In 2023 alone, Florida gained a net total of 126,000 residents from other states. 

• Retirement Destination: The state's warm climate, extensive coastline, and favorable tax policies have long made it an attractive destination for retirees. Cities such as Naples, Palm Beach, and The Villages are renowned for their retirement communities. 

• Remote Work Opportunities: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, enabling many individuals to relocate to areas offering a higher quality of life. St. Augustine, for example, has become a notable remote work hub, with the percentage of remote workers in St. Johns County increasing from 8.6% in 2018 to nearly 24% in 2023. 

• Educational Institutions: Florida's colleges and universities have attracted students from across the country, particularly from the Northeast. Factors such as warm weather, affordability, and academic offerings have contributed to this trend. The University of Florida is considered one of the best public universities in the country.

• Economic Opportunities: The state's conservative (low tax / pro business) growing economy the favorable climate for living and for business, and the lack of state income taxes have drawn professionals and businesses seeking better financial prospects. Florida has become a favored destination for numerous billionaires in recent years, drawn by its favorable tax environment, warm climate, and vibrant lifestyle. Besides President Donald J Trump, notable individuals who have relocated to the Sunshine State include:

• • Jeff Bezos: The founder and former CEO of Amazon moved to Miami's exclusive Indian Creek community, citing a desire to be closer to family and his affinity for the area where he attended high school. 

  • Ken Griffin: Founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, Griffin has made significant real estate investments in Florida, including properties in Palm Beach and Miami Beach. 

  • Carl Icahn: The activist investor and financier relocated his business and residence to Florida, joining other financial magnates seeking the state's tax advantages. 

  • David Tepper: The hedge fund manager and owner of the Carolina Panthers moved his firm, Appaloosa Management, to Miami Beach in 2016, citing tax considerations. 

  • Barry Sternlicht: Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, Sternlicht moved to Florida in 2016. 

  • Orlando Bravo: Founder and managing partner of private equity firm Thoma Bravo, Bravo relocated to Miami in late 2020.  

  • Josh Harris: Co-founder of Apollo Global Management and owner of the Washington Commanders, Harris has relocated to Florida, reflecting a broader trend among finance professionals. 

  This migration of high-net-worth individuals has contributed to Florida's reputation as a burgeoning hub for finance and business, often referred to as "Wall Street South." These factors, among others, have collectively contributed to Florida's increasing popularity as a place to live, work, make money, save on taxes, get a sun tax, and maybe retire one day.

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