Greene County , Missouri, is Bankrupt due to illegal detentions
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Downtown Springfield Listening Session
The Downtown Springfield Association (DTA) held a “listening session” Saturday morning, at the Downtown Church. DSA Executive Director Crystal Quade and a team from PeopleCentric (Philip & Don) spoke with about 20 people. These are my random notes.
Read more »Data Centers – analysis by Mark J. Welch (Aug 2026)
Enron. That’s the most important keyword when evaluating AI data centers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enron_scandal
How many of the mega-datacenters are owned, operated, controlled and contracted entirely through Enron-style style LLC & REIT shell companies, which could default on all environmental, power, water & community commitments?
Wall Street Journal: “Why Big Tech’s AI Spending Is $3 Trillion Higher Than It Seems: Massive spending commitments for data-center leases and chips aren’t shown on companies’ balance sheets”
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/why-big-techs-ai-spending-is-3-trillion-higher-than-it-seems-e1067bb2
An apology and correction about Republic 2.0
Comments Off on An apology and correction about Republic 2.0 25 years ago, I chanced upon a book called Republic 2.0, by Cass Sunstein, and I wrote a fairly detailed critique of the concept that people would actually isolate themselves online and exacerbate tensions and conflict by participating in enclaves and not interacting with those who disagreed:
https://www.markwelchblog.com/2002/01/21/54
I was right, and I was wrong. What I missed: oligarchs and media operators would deliberately create propaganda silos to exploit people. Sunstein’s focus was on people making their own autonomous choices, but I didn’t recognize that aggressive evil people would deliberately seek the worse possible outcomes.
I also did not expect potentially “neutral” portals (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.) would themselves amplify and worsen the tendencies, for their own profit.
Michael Hasty is not a serious candidate
Comments Off on Michael Hasty is not a serious candidate Michael Hasty is NOT a serious candidate for Missouri District 135 State Representative
I assume that Mr. Hasty is sincere (if misguided) in his candidacy, and he won a serious share (45%) of the vote as the Republican candidate in 2024.
Read more »Missouri Amendment 5: Eliminate State Income Tax, Double Sales Tax, Add Service Taxes and a Tax on Rent
Comments Off on Missouri Amendment 5: Eliminate State Income Tax, Double Sales Tax, Add Service Taxes and a Tax on Rent Missouri’s Amendment 5 would end state income taxes, double sales tax rates, and impose new taxes on services, including rent.
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