Slate Money Oligarchy in the USA
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Jan 18, 2025 In a gripping discussion, the hosts delve into President Biden's warning about the rise of oligarchy in the U.S., debating the influence of wealth on democracy. They also tackle the FDA's lawsuit against John Deere, exploring the right to repair and consumer frustrations with planned obsolescence. Additionally, the decline of activist short sellers is analyzed, reflecting on their role in market corrections and the changing landscape of investing. The conversation paints a vivid picture of contemporary challenges in power dynamics and consumer rights.
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TikTok Ban and Oligarchy
- The Supreme Court's TikTok ban flip-flop demonstrates oligarchic influence.
- A Republican mega-donor, Jeff Yass, reportedly swayed Trump and other politicians against the ban.
Billionaires and Oligarchs
- Not all billionaires are oligarchs, but many benefit from the system.
- Non-political billionaires can free-ride on the influence of politically active ones.
Samsung Refrigerator Fiasco
- Emily Peck's Samsung refrigerator ice maker broke, highlighting the right-to-repair issue.
- Samsung's repair process was convoluted, expensive, and ultimately very simple.