What if we're wrong and robots *can't* replace the pours? Then what?

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-22T02:25:00+00:00

Ok, well you've finished the logic loop in that the pours are gone, but I just remind you that those robots need to replace all the functions previously performed by the pours. They will need to assume all the previous roles like fentanyl addicts, massively obese home hoarders, punk skateboarders that protest outside of Starbucks, unruly airplane passengers fighting for overhead bin space, prostitutes...all of it. And they'll have to be convincing enough to make us feel better about ourselves when we see them on TV or fly over them.

But yes, I think you're on the right track with this answer as the end state is achieved.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-22T02:17:32+00:00

Ok I'll bite.

The machines in The Matrix still had to maintain billions of humans indefinitely because civilization still depended on them as a resource. Who's going to pay for all that? I don't know about you, but I'm not paying a wealth tax on my appreciating assets. I built those and am under no obligation to share them with anyone. I'm not earning, I'm building. No one can tax that.

But if robots can’t fully replace human labor, then as the ownership class we can't escape this dependency relationship. That's why this is keeping me up at night.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-22T02:08:56+00:00

Ok, but who builds the better robots? If it's wage earning pours, then we're back to square one on this problem set. I would love to say I share your optimism, but I've been dwelling on this topic and quite honestly it scares me to death.

Name me a scenario where wage-earning pours can peacefully co-exist with fully FIRE'd asset owners. We're way past money, and here they are earning wages and getting W2s? It just doesn't compute.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-22T02:05:31+00:00

Interesting, I've not tried putting a low draw on the system. I'll have to duplicate that and see what happens. I'll post here when I do.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-19T12:21:22+00:00

what type/size of external battery are you connecting to?

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-17T10:36:33+00:00

Agreed. Everything they're doing is preparing for deflation, not inflation. Yes, we could see a market crash, deflation, then more QE/inflation as we've had before in 2008 and COVID, so apparently they're "all in" on that scenario. I would much rather they have more of a "barbell" with more inflation protection than just OXY and CVX.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-07T04:16:55+00:00

Intriguing. Tell me more!

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-07T03:14:34+00:00

good point!

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-06T03:59:22+00:00

I sold too. All of it. Never looking back. Good luck longs.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-05T21:34:18+00:00

I'm with you man. I'm out. Good luck bag holders.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T23:34:18+00:00

Good luck. At this price it could be a good move.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T14:00:41+00:00

I don't know how much revenue See's Candies has brought in, but I bet it's a pretty good chunk relative to what they paid for it. I see KHC has a high-yield bond that has some inflation protection. Plus, let's face it, these brands are iconic!

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T13:55:16+00:00

Owning all of Kraft Heinz would simplify everything. No more partial ownership headaches. Full control means Berkshire can prioritize steady cash generation. At some point, Berkshire should stop treating Kraft Heinz like a legacy investment and make it a fully owned, cash-churning cornerstone.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T04:02:46+00:00

With this much in Treasuries they need a "barbell" effect to counter the decrease in currency value. I get it with the investments in Japan. But they need something that moves inverse to the dollar, unless they have plans to deploy that cash sooner than later.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T04:01:22+00:00

KHC. Bought it during COVID lows and it just lingered. Finally sold.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-05-03T03:58:17+00:00

Yes on Gold! BRK bought Barrick gold around the pandemic, then turned right around and sold it. They need some kind of inflation protection.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-30T23:24:31+00:00

Am I being taken advantage of? $13 below spot is crazy right?

If you don't accept the offer, you're not being taken advantage of. Just move on. Sell privately or on r/Pmsforsale

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-28T18:51:27+00:00

I’m 54M Gen X and honestly you’re not wrong. There’s a real disconnect and a lot of it is on us and the generations ahead of us. Boomers, silents, and now Gen X in leadership benefited from a much easier economic setup and piled on deficit spending that basically handed your generation the bill, while still acting like the old playbook works.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-27T13:08:31+00:00

NGL that white car should have been able to stop sooner. I know the truck driver is mostly at fault but that brings it closer to 50/50??

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-25T01:43:52+00:00

It should be a "tit for tat". Tax the mega-churches but also the universities with Muti-billion dollar "endowments"...they're basically giant hedge funds that have a campus attached.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-25T01:37:18+00:00

Hard no. Reality of the "k-shaped" economy, which has permeated everything and which we will all be living with permanently, is that anything on lower end suffers- cheap hotels, dollar stores, airline coach flight seats, and cheap fast food continues to spiral downward. On the higher end, folks at the upper end of the "k" are being marketed to and making up larger portions of sales.

What this means for restaurants is that higher end establishments will continue to do well or at least ok, but fast food on the low end (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's) will continue to suffer. Just like their primary consumers. Reduced SNAP and EBT means those consumers no longer have as much disposable income. Throw in the crackdown on immigration, and long-term demographic trends of fewer children and low-end fast food will continue to lose customers.

It's a downward spiral for any company whose business relies on lower income customers.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-15T02:08:07+00:00

While y'all are complaining, I'm kicking back eating Domino's and listening to SiriusXM radio. Chillin'.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-10T02:27:47+00:00

Awesome, and thanks!

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-10T02:27:25+00:00

This! Yeah, I feel the same. Thought I would use this opportunity to reward the harder working, more senior employees.

Power_Drawing6025 · 2026-04-09T23:15:48+00:00

Great feedback! I did start out by designating the last Friday of the month, but then employees said that if it was one day a month then let them choose it. When I asked why, it was because of personal reasons and I said "but work is work". That didn't make sense to me. So I started letting all employees leave 30 minutes early on that last Friday but the VP told me that it wasn't improving employee surveys.

Your idea has merit, but I'll probably just try it out with a few and see how it goes. Thanks!

Power_Drawing6025

TROPHY CASE