cubsfan

^^^ This. I'm amazed how Luca likes to gaslight us on how wonderful China is. Especially now that a tyrant has assumed control once again. There are more people that live in poverty in China than live in the entire United States. China is an economic miracle after the killing 60 million of their own citizens through totalitarianism. Now of course, they are drifting backward again. I see no Westerners rushing to go back to China and live after the horrible recent crackdown and suspension of liberties the last few years. President Xi will have to go to extraordinary lengths to attract Westerners again. Not impossible, but difficult.

Of course democracy is a good thing! IT's a great thing. It's far from perfect. It's not free. And it always has to be worked on - why would a great thing like democracy be easy?? To take a vote or a voice away from anyone is a grave injustice. And like the views of the communists - when you start thinking your voice is more important than others - you're headed to totalitarianism.

Great explanation of monetary impact. Thanks.

It's definitely THE major impediment to funding the war from the US perspective.

The Ukraine saga has had huge backing from America at large, meaning the citizens. But the line has been drawn at sending US troops, as well as protecting another nation’s border while we ignore our own. Personally, I agree with this position.

^^ No I get it. The issue helps with the election for sure. But most Americans have wanted a serious deal long ago , but it’s seriously come to a head in the last year - even with Democratic big city mayors. What you’re seeing now is the only issue the Democrats can run on “It’s your fault “ Ridiculous, but oh so predictable.

^^^^ Then you understand the tradeoff - although you might not agree. Americans want a sealed border - period - and in exchange - Ukraine gets more assistance. Perfectly reasonable and settled with political tradeoffs as any democracy would. Both sides win. This past proposal was never a serious attempt to seal the border. It turns out Americans don't like being lab rats for the Left's open border experiment. Now that they accomplished their goal of 10M+ new residents - the citizens have had enough of the destruction.

This was excellent @Luca - thanks

Respectfully, I think you need to dig a little deeper into this issue. Republicans wanted a REAL deal to seal the border - not a PHONY deal like the one on the table. This past "deal" still destroys the border, allowing 5000+ immigrants per day to enter, instead of customary 10,000+ per day. That deal was a smoke screen that accomplished nothing. But beautifully, the phony "bi-partisan security bill" failed and now Republicans are to blame. So, yeah, it will be used as a huge issue in November - since it's the number one issue in the country right now. The open southern border will ruin America for generations to come - so like Biden's foreign policy, which is also in total ruins - both will have to be settled in the coming election.

A much more accurate depiction. And totally justified, as well as backed by a large majority of the USA.

Ha! That's a great article, that explains the situation well. Like a friend of mine told me - Russian interference in our elections?!, Hell, that's what Russians do..! And that's what we do!

I worked at NeXT for a short time. He was a genius and visionary for sure that brought greatness back to Apple. But you just never wanted to be too close to Jobs.

FMC - 4%, with plenty of upside on the common.

You want to improve the quality and pay those that deserve rewards in Academics - get rid of the bloat. It's totally out of control at these Universities. They need to pay the teaching assistants better, since they are basically slaves to the Professors - and get rid of the Administrators. Get back to teaching. https://stanforddaily.com/2024/03/13/behind-stanfords-doubled-staff-to-student-ratio/ The number of staff at Stanford has more than doubled since 2000, drawing some criticism of administrative bloat — including fromformer U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. https://www.mindingthecampus.org/2023/01/05/more-employees-than-students-at-stanford-give-each-student-a-concierge/ Specifically, there were 15,750 administrators, 2,288 faculty members, and 16,937 students. The paid help of 18,038 (administrators plus faculty) outnumbered the customers (students) by 1,101.

It's a race to the bottom because you are NOT firing those overpaid non performers. The teaching assistants do all the work - and you can't rid of dead wood, so they can move up. The definition of entitlement and protection.

^^^ We love teachers. I owe a lot to them. What we are seeing now is not academics - but soft jobs, ridiculous tuitions driven by useless administration staffing, and inability to get rid of bad teachers. That is disaster for education in America. What company do you know of that can survive not firing people that don't perform well? I attended a meeting in Chicago 10 years ago re: education. The stats that were discussed: the Chicago Public Schools, the 2nd largest and highest paid big city teachers in America - fired 4 people that year - 4 out of 20,000.

It's a complete grift. The teaching assistants do most of the work. The hard sciences are the best of the bunch. The soft sciences & humanities are the worst. Once you have tenure, all you have to do is keep your politics straight - and you'r e golden. Many universities are a cesspool of bloated staffs that drive tuition way beyond inflation. The administration personal growth are out of control - and those are easy and useless degrees.

^^^ It's a big mistake to hold many professors in esteem. You can see the disaster playing out among higher education in America. I've got more respect for carpenters and heavy equipment operators than many professors.

Absolutely agree - they have pricing power because of great products, not collusion. The FTC ought to be chasing criminals.

Yeah, great point. Serious moat + oligopoly

@Longnose - hilarious clip!

@Jaygo - you could not have spelled out the problem more clearly. Unfortunately, in the USA, we are right on your heels. Greg's solution will be used more & more every year - get to an area that somewhat aligns with your beliefs - and protect your children.

^^^ With no comment of course, on the brazen corruption of the NY AG and Judge. Now THAT is the real reputational risk NY state will have to live with as far as investors are concerned. Selective, malicious, and punitive prosecution when no victim is harmed - investors beware. And thanks for your great comments @gfp, @Maverick47, @longterminvestor I stand corrected.

Some grumpy old people still value "Don't tread on me"

^^^ Totally understand your point. He can't be trusted. But he's going to need a "victory" to stop the carnage. The border is going to need to be fortified like N. & S. Korea. Assisted in some way by Europe, something short of NATO membership - which it seems was Putin's original goal to stop. Unless Europe wants to be involved right now - I see no path for Ukraine to wage war when they simply do not have the manpower for a multi-year conflict.