Originally Posted by tvbound (Post 1962534)

" it had nothing to do with Texas' "private" grid."


Actually, it had everything to do with Texas' arrogant "private grid" model. Power companies are incentivized into maximizing profits, by foregoing common sense maintenance & construction practices (for both green and gas plants), like many other countries around the world (along with northern U.S. states), that get a lot colder than Texas has ever seen and have no problems with their wind turbines. Also being the only state without reciprocal agreements to share power should something happen, it left an already vulnerable grid without an easy way to solve a short term weather issue.


A couple of links that provide some actual facts.

Access Denied

Fact check: The causes for Texas’ blackout go well beyond wind turbines | Reuters

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 1962642)

I agree with the article, but there is a missing point, which technology may not be able to overcome in the services sector, and that is the decline in the number of working age people in the US. This decline, mostly due, in my opinion, is the passing of the baby boomer bubble, as they pass the age of 64. That will be an unknown as the economy continues its re-opening growth and needs service employees again. .

We live in interesting times, and it will be very interesting to see what happens. . .. and the trend is your friend until the end and we may be seeing the end of labor deflation. . .

Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 1961336)

I agree with pretty much everything you said, and would add one other wrinkle. I guess this started with the meltdown in 2007-2008, but the Fed's manipulation of interest rates has also been used, (excessively IMO) to keep stock values high. With no safe place to put money, the PE Ratio of the S&P 500 is now at a staggering 44.85...The Fed is now boxed in....raise rates to fight inflation, and the market will drop...keep rates low, or lower them some more to keep that stock market looking good, and inflation eats up the savings of those who can't afford the risk of stocks at a PE of 44.85.

the good news? Well, the good news is that the sales of my book "1001 Ways to Make Catfood Delicious" have been off the charts.

Originally Posted by LateBoomer (Post 1963245)

control inflation? how about not trying to shove liberal wet-dream bills through with $9 trillion in deficit spending down the throat of the economy? might be a good start