I'm in California this week trying to relax, which is possible if you ignore all of the idiotic things going on in the People's Republic. That's hard to do but the country is really beautiful and there are moments of respite. While I've been enjoying some tennis at Indian Wells, I have tried not to follow what's been going on in the world but I've caught snippets here and there. I've also seen things here that created a few thoughts. So here we go...
You think gas in Silver City is priced too high? Think about here in Indian Wells/Palm Springs where it's averaging about $3.79 a gallon. Based upon size and location I'd think that a gallon of gas here should cost about $2.00 if not a bit less. But of course they hate carbon emitting vehicles that are killing our planet so taxes add about $1.65 or so to the cost per gallon. Yet there are so many cars here and I've seen very few electric cars, charging stations, or car pool lanes that actually have more than 2 people in the car. In fact, Deming has more charging stations than what I've seen here.
I don't know if I wrote about Light Bridge or just talked about it on the radio show, but they have developed nuclear reactor fuel that is not only safer than what is in use now but is also much cheaper not just to purchase, but to use and dispose of. They just signed a contract with the largest nuclear reactor operating company in the world to begin providing them with fuel It will cut the cost of generating electricity by at least 1/3 and maybe as much as 1/2.
I was listening to the CEO of Light Bridge and he was talking about the number of nuclear reactors being constructed around the world. There are currently 56 being built with 116 already contracted for and just waiting to be built. Only 2 of those are in the U.S. and are currently being constructed in GA if I remember him correctly. President Trump is trying to stream line the approval process and if he's successful, we can start building plants in the U.S. that are not only efficient but safe and environmentally friendlier. Providing cheap energy to fuel our economy. Maybe then more Californians will buy electric cars.
President Trump is trying to reduce tariffs that other countries place upon American goods by threatening to place tariffs on their goods. Of course other countries don't like that because they can't compete on an even footing with American manufacturers. The liberals don't like it either because it's not fair that we have an advantage over other countries. But just like always, he threatens something outrageous and then comes back to 'doable' in the final deal, getting what we want and need. So don't panic.
Speaking of trade barriers, U.S. companies are not building those nuclear plants abroad because of impediments put in place by other governments that either say foreign entities can't be the general contractor or place taxes on foreign companies that drive the cost up and make it unfeasible to bid on those projects. Trump is also trying to break down those barriers as well so that U.S companies can also compete for those jobs creating more jobs for Americans.
February job numbers were fantastic! 330,000 new jobs created; wages up 0.6%; 806,000 re-entered the job market and yet unemployment is still around 4%; that's the most since 1982. Thanks Obama! (man, we really need a sarcasm font)
During Jerry Brown's press conference saying he would fight the U.S. Justice Department on immigration, he said the illegal immigrant drives the U.S. economy. Sure they do. In a country of 300 million people you are telling me that 11 million people are the engine that drives us? If that's true, then why are the countries they left thriving?
Boeing has confirmed they are now in the testing phase for an air taxi. A drone airplane that can take people on short trips. No not to the super market but across New York or from Silver City to Deming. You could be in Deming in 15 minutes or so. How cool would that be? Hop on an air taxi, fly to Palomas, have dinner & a few margaritas and fly home in 30 minutes. I'm in.