Why Does the End of the World Look So Profitable?

The recent developments in energy prices, natural gas, and global trends in energy usage, particularly in relation to the transition towards private technology infrastructure and its impact on the workforce and economy.

1. Current Oil Prices:

• Recent fluctuations in oil prices, including WTI Crude at $59.14 and Brent Crude at $62.75.

• Various blends of crude oils and gas prices are experiencing changes, reflecting the ongoing instability in the global oil market.

2. Energy Trends and Company News:

• Eni has announced a significant natural gas discovery in Indonesia.

• U. S. solar installations are rising due to developers seeking tax credits.

• Various geopolitical factors are contributing to changes in supply and demand, with countries like Iran seeking new energy partners amidst sanctions.

• The flow of crude oil from Kazakhstan to China continues after damage to the CPC pipeline.

3. Concerns within the Energy Sector:

• National gas prices are dropping to multi-year lows, affecting demand dynamics.

• The U. S. is seeing challenges with its electric grid due to increased demand from data centers powering AI technologies.

• Activist investors are pushing companies like Siemens Energy to refocus on gas energy amid a transitional phase.

4. Economic Impact and Job Market Shifts:

• The rise of automation and AI is contributing to job losses and a shrinking middle class, with companies opting for "silent firing" practices instead of formal layoffs.

• The lack of entry-level positions is causing significant challenges for young workers, pushing them out of the job market.

5. Global Economic Sovereignty:

• There's a global trend of "privatized sovereignty" where nations are increasingly dependent on U. S. technology firms, creating a reliance that hinders independent policy-making.

• Nations like Ukraine and the UK are signing contracts with U. S. tech firms for crucial services, which potentially compromises their sovereignty.

6. Universal Basic Income (UBI) Controversy:

• The idea of UBI as a response to job automation is being questioned, particularly as tech billionaires push for its implementation while simultaneously undermining the economic structure needed to support it.

• Critics argue that UBI may not serve as an effective safety net but rather as a means to dismantle foundational public services.

7. Need for a New Economic Model:

• Proposals for a "Sovereign Equity Model" suggest that if the government invests in companies, it should receive equity in return, ensuring that the public benefits from developments that arise from taxpayer funding.

• Tax reform is needed to adjust for the increasing contributions of AI and automation, aiming to ensure that tax structures do not favor machines over workers.

8. Data as a Valuable Resource:

• The importance of treating personal data as a commodity that should be compensated is emphasized. The vast profits from digital enterprises should be shared with the contributors of that data.

9. Universal Basic Services:

• There's a push for Universal Basic Services that ensure affordable access to the essentials of living, like healthcare and digital infrastructure, as a more sustainable alternative to UBI.

The energy market is in a state of flux with rising prices and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains and energy policies globally. As technological advancements, particularly in AI, reshape economies and workforces, a substantial shift towards privatized economic sovereignty is observed. This necessitates new frameworks to ensure fair compensation, sustain public services, and reclaim governmental authority from privatized entities. The focus should shift towards creating inclusive economic models that benefit the public while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world. 

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