Jim,
I appreciate your candor.

I cannot totally incorporate your thoughts on this complex subject area into my own thinking because to do so effectively locks up my mental apparatus going forward. Essentially, yours and others inputs, while valid, can have the effect of weighing down my ability to make financial decisions going forward. I mean, the recent drone destruction of aircraft on bases in Russia presages the inevitable similar actions available to happen within the USA and elsewhere. It appears Peter Turchin’s research and predictions are happening now.

As for me, I am continuing with Mr. Buffett’s comments to try to eliminate the dark thoughts and to concentrate on what I can implement within my core competency circle. Politics, nationalism, how countries interact and the like are sand in my mental gears. Gears don’t do sand well. Gears like 90 weight lubricating oil with no solids.

Discussions of investing merit are 90 weight lubricating oil for my competency limited mind and you kind sir have been the unparalleled best at supplying those wonderful investment pearls over years.

I’ve made a lot of money from your investment words and am exceedingly grateful to you.

Uwharrie