12/19/23: US Approval In Middle East PLUMMETS Over Israel, Pope Accuses Israel Of Terrorism, Japan Buys US Steel Giant, Justice Thomas Threatened Quitting, Biden Campaign Delusional, Absurd Hollywood Civil War Map
Krystal and Saagar discuss US approval plummeting in the Middle East over Israel, Pope accuses IDF attacks of terrorism, Japan buys US steel giant, Justice Thomas threatened quitting, Biden campaign delusional, absurd Hollywood civil war map.
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Quick takeaways
The acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel raises concerns about national security and control of critical infrastructure.
Lawmakers and the United Steel Workers Union express concerns over the potential national security risks and implications for the American steel industry.
The acquisition highlights the need for a comprehensive industrial policy that prioritizes American control and the long-term security of critical industries.
The hypothetical civil war map presented in the Hollywood film does not accurately reflect the actual divisions in the United States.
Deep dives
Japanese company Nippon Steel to acquire US Steel for $14.1 billion
Japanese steel conglomerate Nippon Steel has announced its acquisition of US Steel for $14.1 billion in cash. This deal is motivated by the potential benefits Nippon Steel sees in the US infrastructure spending, with the US government poised to invest in infrastructure projects. Nippon Steel, backed by the Japanese government, aims to benefit from this US spending and secure its supply of steel more effectively against competition from China. However, concerns about national security and control of critical infrastructure have been raised, highlighting the importance of keeping certain industries domestically owned and operated.
US lawmakers express concern over Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel
US lawmakers, including Senators John Fetterman, JD Vance, and Josh Hawley, have raised concerns over the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel. They argue that this move poses potential national security risks and compromises the domestic control of critical infrastructure. The United Steel Workers Union has also criticized the deal, highlighting that the workers were not consulted and that the sale raises broader concerns about the future of the American steel industry and union jobs. The deal is subject to approval by President Biden and the Treasury Department.
Japanese government-backed Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel raises questions about America's industrial policy
Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel has sparked debate about the larger implications for America's industrial policy. Nippon Steel is a Japanese government-backed company and its move to acquire US Steel is seen as a strategic move to benefit from US infrastructure spending. This raises questions about the control of critical industries and the prioritization of shareholder value over broader national interests. Critics argue that selling a key American company in a critical industry to a foreign government compromises American control over critical infrastructure and may have long-term implications for national security.
The acquisition highlights the decline of US Steel and the challenges of the globalized economy
The acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel shines a spotlight on the challenges facing the American steel industry and the broader impacts of globalization. US Steel has faced numerous challenges in recent years, and this acquisition further underscores the decline of the once-iconic American steel company. The move also raises concerns about the ability of American companies to compete in the globalized economy and the shifting landscape of industrial power. It highlights the need for a comprehensive industrial policy that prioritizes American control and the long-term security of critical industries.
Division of power and resources in a civil war
In a hypothetical civil war, the creator of a movie envisions a divided America with various alliances. The second Republic of Texas and the Republic of California join forces, while the loyalist states and Florida alliance form separate factions. The Western forces consist of Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and others. However, the map presented seems preposterous and does not accurately reflect the current divisions in the United States.
Geographic and cultural divides in a civil war
The idea of a civil war in America based on geographic divisions does not make sense in the modern context. The current divides are more based on education, class, and urban versus rural distinctions. Dividing the country into factions based on these factors would not align with the actual divisions in the country.
The dynamics of a civil war and potential alliances
While a civil war in America is highly unlikely, the hypothetical allegiances presented in the movie do not hold up upon examination. Factors such as economic power, density, military presence, and access to ports would play a significant role in any division. The Second Republic of Texas and the Republic of California would likely be a formidable force due to their economic strength and population, while questions remain about the composition of other alliances and the control of resources.
Krystal and Saagar discuss US approval plummeting in the Middle East over Israel, the Pope calls IDF attacks on Christians acts of terrorism, Israeli polls reject annexing Gaza, Japan Steel Giant buys US steel, reports that Justice Thomas threatened to quit before receiving large sums of gifts, the Biden campaign delusional on the state of the race, and Krystal and Saagar react to the Hollywood film "Civil War" and their fantasy map of state alliances.
