Tim Opelt

When your authority figures are teaching your business leaders, employers, and corporations that political discrimination is acceptable. Then the pathway to massive and catastrophic failure will befall us all. It is the death of professionalism. Our greatest leaders are forged by bringing disagreement to the table of discussion with respect and wisdom. Valuetainment Forbes

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“外行看热闹，内行看门道” There is a saying in Chinese that Google translates to, "The layman watches the fun, and the expert watches the door." Not quite the meaning but what the phrase meant to say was, " The layman notices the buzz in the crowd, but the expert appreciates and appraises the situation." So why am I talking about this at the time when Singapore has just sworn in her 4th Prime Minister? The trigger came from comments I have read on the new US tariffs hikes on China products and their EV cars. China is the world's largest producer for EV and EV batteries. American tariffs hikes on Chinese EV sought to protect the US EV industry. However, Reuters called America's bluff and remarked the tariffs on EV " ...may have more political than practical impact in the U.S., which imports very few Chinese EVs." Majority of the EVs produced in China are consumed in China, raising tariffs on goods not available in US will not help local sales of EV in America. Some believed that the new tariffs poses opportunities for countries that will gain from trade diversion - Vietnam in particular. Really ? 🤔 Let us look at some facts: China's EV batteries cost $100-$120 per kWh and Japan/Korea's EV batteries cost $120-$150 per kWh. Europe cost is highest at $130-$170 per kWh. China not only makes cheaper batteries but also produces 70-80% of the world's supply. Vietnam car maker, VinFast, uses LG batteries and sells its e34 SUV for USD30k before tax. China BYD Dolphin is priced at USD15k and Wuling Mini EV starts at USD5k. A 102% tariffs on BYD and Wuling cars would still put VinFast as the more expensive model post tariffs, without considering other aspects on car specs, reliability and comfort. As for other Chinese produce like steel, aluminum, semiconductors, critical minerals, solar cells and cranes. China produces globally: - 50-60% of global steel and aluminum - 60% of critical minerals and other rare earths - 80% of the global supply chain for solar photovoltaics - a significant portion of cranes and construction machineries - 20% of 28nm semiconductor chips Without explaining further, it is clear that there are no immediate alternatives to China's dominance in the global supply chain for EVs and industrial materials. Of course, the status quo will change over time. It will not be now or in the short term. Chinese car makers are already making forays in Europe, working with German automobile giants, in attempts to avoid tariffs on their products. Chinese President Xi, had just concluded his state visit to Serbia and Hungary. I think we will see Chinese EVs produced in Serbia and Hungary and sold in other parts of Europe very soon. Lastly for all non-US EV makers keen to sell into America. Here is an headline for you: "Biden’s $7.5 billion investment in EV charging has only produced 7 stations in two years" - The Washington Post

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No legal implications (as well as immediate and decisive #lawenforcement response) for criminal acts is a guarantee of escalation of criminal violence. This has been proven for decades. We're playing with fire by exercising undue restraint. #publicsafety #terrorism #terrorists #antisemitism

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How to end the crisis Antonio call UN emergency meeting and do the following four things: 1) Get a general assembly vote on abolishing veto power in UN in which veto power can not be used since it is the topic in discussion 2) Issue arrest warrants of Natanyahu against war crimes since ICJ ruling is not followed by Israel 3) Combine UN forces and attack Israel military installations with 24 hours deadline if they didn’t agree on ceasefire 4) If ceasefire is achieved issue 24 hours notice to Hammas for releasing the hostages

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100% truth. Did we provide food and armorment to Hitler? Of course not. Did we give Japan a pass after Pearl Harbor? Hardly. We gave them all we had including nuclear bombs to stop the terrorist kamikazis and the genicidal Germans. Sadly there was an estimated 38 MILLION civilians annilialated. 6 million Jews. We blew Germany and Japan apart and still almost lost WW2. That’s what it takes to live in freedom and not fear. The Israelis will need to stop the proxy Iran in order to WIPE Hamas who is ISUS and Hezbollah and any others who threaten Israeli lives. They must get US Military Support. Can’t get what we need with BIDEN or Kamala or MObama. Trump is the only candidate who has proven that he can defeat them economically and militarily. What the hell good will a cease fire do for Israel? Zero.

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This simple thing has changed my life. ---------- If we haven’t met yet… I never considered myself good at change until I went from -free-range kid to army sniper -home movies to National Geographic cameraman -fumbling card tricks to a professional magician -never swinging a hammer to building a home -high school dropout to published author -business illiterate to building & selling a business -stutterer to motivational speaker Turns out I know how to change, I know how to make it simple, and I know how to stand on stage & make it fun so others want to do it too. #change #changeability #motivationalspeaker

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This video of Barack escorting "frozen" Joe off stage, is not only a humiliation of an old man under heavy medication, but also disclosures the foundation of the US political establishment. The US "Presidents" are simply the vocal and irresolute puppets of an industrial, technological, and military complex that determines the US strategy regardless of the "front face"! The same industrial, technological, and military complex has a full arsenal of instruments, like social networks with sophisticated #AI algorithms, to manipulate the will of the American people! Apparently, the same system can directly affect the election result by grossly falsifying the November 2024 American's people election result!

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In a brilliant article by analyst Elena Gold, she presents a compelling analysis of how Putin is leading Russia 🇷🇺 to ruin. Elena argues that Russia's efficiency in using its resources is deteriorating. Funds have been mismanaged, maintenance neglected, and expenses have ballooned due to the costly war in Ukraine. All this accelerates the degradation of Russia's productive capacity and its domestic infrastructure. Instead of adapting and strengthening itself in the face of global existential challenges, russia generates new crisis. The frequency of compounding crises is increasing and threatening the system's stability. Attempts to solve one problem, like additional conscription to address military setbacks, create more knock-on negative effects and issues. Potential scenarios that could lead to Russia's collapse include: 1) a major military defeat that provokes a domestic political crisis; 2) a systemic collapse from critical infrastructure/industry degradation; 3) a succession crisis if Putin dies or becomes incapacitated. While the exact timing is uncertain, the author argues it is inevitable that one of these scenarios will eventually lead to the demise of the current Russian state. Russia is in a precarious position, like a "Schrödinger's state" that seems to be on its last legs but hasn't quite collapsed yet. However, the author leaves no doubt that the collapse is coming - it's just a matter of when. The author brings together multiple strands of analysis, from demographics to economics to international relations, to paint a convincing picture of a state in crisis. If the author's argumentation holds true, the world may be witnessing the twilight years of putin's russia.

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Truth is a valuable tool, however one must always seek it in an effort to keep the proper perspective. It is also the foundation for sound reasoning and applied wisdom. The war in Gaza in my mind has never been a war, it is many horrific things but it cannot be classified as a war. We have yet to see the defensive units of Palestine defending a school, hospital, church, or any other territory to establish a stronghold or counter the aggression of Israeli Forces. There is not even a sign of rebel forces or hostile attacks against occupying Israeli forces. I find that odd and highly unusual to the applied and accepted definition of war. This situation is a cultivated and politically induced farce to propagate and serve another agenda. I only have a small voice in the scheme of things in this life but I lift it in solidarity with the world and all reasonable-thinking human beings. The situation in Gaza does not need to be taking place and we all know that, yet it is and has been part of our reality since October 7th. As I search my soul in disbelief and watch the standoff of right and wrong and even good and evil on the world stage I cringe. Yes, I pray for peace and all things good for all human beings, I pray for my Palestinian brothers and sisters and the needless death of children and babies who belong to all human adults. I pray that world leaders muster the moxy to stand against aggressions like those being demonstrated without opposition by Israel. I pray that whatever evil and vial demons that govern the minds and actions of those who serve or support this violation of humanity and decency be dismissed from service. May those of you blinded in hate and who choose not to choose peace, know that all lives matter. The same demons guiding hatred, death, and destruction will also be the same ones that eat you and all those who are of your kind. Evil does not have a loyal motive, it serves only itself.

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Biden's apologists for his stumbling and seemingly out-of-it performance at the Normandy Beach ceremony point to his eloquent speech lauding the NATO alliance and the American commitment it. But, the WSJ in a lead editorial reminds us that words are cheap. If you look at what is going on in Ukraine, you will see that the American commitment there is doing little more than allowing the Ukrainians to hang on the by skin of their teeth. They are short weapons and are hampered by the conditions Biden has placed on Ukraine on how those weapons can be used. Russia is pummeling Ukraine with missiles and Ukraine's air defenses are virtually non-existent. Because of the U.S. prohibition of Ukraine using weapons to attack Russian soil, Ukrainian observers on the ground there indicate that this policy has provided Russian attackers with sanctuary from which to launch glide bombs 25 to 40 miles from inside Russia into Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. It is basically being blasted into oblivion. Biden used part of his speech at Normandy to take credit for his resolve to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression, even as Russian aggression is demolishing Ukraine's ability to fight. Things have gotten so bad that Ukraine has taken a page out of Putin's book and has now started recruiting fresh troops from its prisons. If anything, what we are seeing in Ukraine is the emptiness of America's promises to defend freedom. Just as we saw in Biden's ruinous Afghan exit and as we are seeing in his waffling support for Israel in its war against Hamas. As the WSJ editors point out, high flown rhetoric not matched by power and credibility are no deterrence to aggression. In fact, empty boasts like Biden is used to making can be "dangerous without credible power and leadership behind them." The idea that America is a partner that allies can depend on when their back is against the wall means a lot less now than it did 40 years ago when Ronald Reagan gave his D-Day speech at Normandy. When Reagan gave his speech he was speaking from a position of U.S. military and economic strength. And his words were backed up by policies that promoted both propositions. Perhaps the words are similar today, but the Biden half-hearted acts to back them up have exposed the weakness of our deterrent strength. You may recall old Baghdad Bob during the first Iraq war. He sounded pretty convincing too in promising that the American forces invading his country would be met with utter death and destruction. But, Baghdad Bob just ended up as a comic punchline.

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Biden in Full Retreat on National Defense: It seems dementia boy is now given to sacrificing what remains of critical defense components on the altar of profligate illegal alien spending. As part of Biden’s 2025 Defense spending bill, he will slash our submarine fleet and our missile defense! As we have watched the Israeli-Hamas and Ukraine wars in progress it has become plain to most observers with normal faculties that a strong missile defense is helpful in defending the nation. Likewise, the recent U.S. naval strategy for engaging China was centered on beefing up the submarine fleet. https://lnkd.in/dk9TeHpw If these actions don’t indicate willful action in purposefully weakening America in the face of our enemies - I’m not sure what greater proof is needed. Biden has only one sacred spending priority and that is winning elections, hence his penchant for forgiving student loans to the correct pronouns and constituency, and pouring money out to illegals from all over the world. “Come, join the New Democratic Socialist Party in America,” seems to be the message. It also seems to me to be a gross violation of that oath thing … you know, when Biden raised his right hand and solemnly swore to protect and defend. https://lnkd.in/eqaHjjne One opinion. https://lnkd.in/dudtmcGG

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A NEW EXAMPLE OF RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA AIMED AT SOWING DOUBT AMONG AMERICAN VOTERS Here is a new example of foreign government (Russian) propaganda in an U.S. election year using deepfake technology—"Bye-Bye Biden." The clip is designed to convince American voters that President Biden should not be re-elected for a second term for the reasons stated in the video. However, by using the image of former President Trump as an alternative to Biden, the creators of the clip hint at alleged connections between Trump and the Russian government. Thus, the video discredits the entire US electoral system. It is executed in the best traditions of Russian propaganda, aiming not only to instill false or semi-true information but, above all, to sow doubt among American voters. The clip, actively spread on Russian social media and X, was created in the style of the Russian band Little Big. Moreover, it is positioned as a new creation by Little Big and its lead singer Ilya Prusikin. However, both Little Big and Prusikin left Russia after the onset of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The clip is part of the Russian disinformation campaign "Doppelganger," which I have been studying since its launch in the summer of 2023. Watch the clip—it is very creatively done. This is what I call "ingenious evil." https://lnkd.in/ghsvncFj

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