That explains everything. Ukraine is about to achieve energy independence from Russia. And energy is the only thing Russia has now to hold Ukraine and the rest of Europe under its thumb. So Russia has to invade to maintain its dominance.

What will the consumers do, use another ISP. Oh wait they have monopolies and cartels. OK, what other leverage do the customers have. None. Suck it up sunshine, no Netflix for you. Guess you'll have to pay for that movie channel from xyz provider corp.

This sounds more like you are describing Amazon shareholders making 6.3% less than what shareholders of other companies might make. That is not a loss to the company. You do understand that shareholders and the company are different entities don't you? You exhibit the warped logic that drives cowtowing to short sighted shareholders (I think calling them investors after this long in business might be disingenuous) who want immediate gratification and not to long term stable growth. If someone doesn't like it, they can sell their shares. That won't affect cash flow to the company, only a shareholder or share buyer. Maybe if we know if the profit/loss on the balance sheet includes payment to actual initial investment to venture capitalists... they are the ones who really need a set rate of return since at that point they ARE the company. But shareholders aren't, necessarily. I think that was the basis of the SCOTUS saying corporations are individuals. Sure if a block of shareholders large enough got together they could force short term returns to increase over long term stability and growth they can, and often do. Maybe this time we see the return of blue chip thinking. It is the kind of thinking needed to get North America back on the road to success in my opinion. Less drive to offshore for short term goals.

You do know that "going to hell in a handbasket" is a really old expression?

If there's no water no one will notice it's gone.

That's what Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse said.

There is a treaty with respect to water in the Great Lakes. Not sure how that would affect things.

Civil wars?

Thanks. I think with these conversations, time will tell what he really means, or if what he really means needs to be modified to match some sort of reality. :)

I worked in the U.S. for six years on TN visas. I would have loved to have gotten a green card and stayed, and invested back in the community where I lived. Unfortunately, the U.S. immigration laws aren't created to favour those from other countries who come, work, pay taxes, keep their noses clean, contribute to the community, etc. Why do people have to be refugees to get a fair shake?

Can you provide a good link to that. That would be nice to see. Not calling you on it, just would like to read it.

The reports of the death of software development has been greatly exaggerated. That is, unless Netcraft says so too.

I'm surprised there aren't more people who raise the concerns of this being a GMO. I would have thought that the proponents of weed for medicine aren't bitching about franken-blunts.

Here's the joke: Homeopathy.