To My Shock Prediction Markets Get Blocked

 I was curious how prediction markets were going to handle the useless Kentucky Derby. Turns out they can't. There's an old law from 1978 that protects the horseracing industry. 

From an ai search:

The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 grants tracks and horsemen strict control over who can facilitate wagering on their races. Because Churchill Downs Inc. did not give consent, platforms like Polymarket had to pull their listed 2026 Kentucky Derby markets and refund all placed wagers. Kalshi chose not to post contracts for the event at all.

If horse racing is going to continue, and I don't think it should, then let the free markets participate. The old law needs to change. 

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The state of our economy

     "Official" economic data may be on pause with the federal government shutdown but surveys shows Americans are extremely worried about jobs, inflation, grocery prices, car prices and the economy overall. Even CEOs are getting more worried about conditions as reported on business news networks. 

    Brief yet severe scare in the stock market this week as recent bankruptcies from car related companies has shaken regional bank stocks and other financial services companies. In addition car loans deficiencies are on the rise as new car prices soar. 

    The overall economic outlook is grim as continued talk of an internet like bubble related to technology and ai stocks continue along with talk of the another 2008 type financial crisis swirl around stocks and businesses in general. 

"new" TikTok

 Here is what we think we know for what is being called TikTok US, a USA based program. The market cap to start is to be around $14 billion similar to that of failing Snap Inc., the reason for such a low valuation is that TikTok US will be sending 50% of profits to China. The ownership structure will be 35% owned by foreign groups or companies. And the algorithm is being "copied" and may people have commented how unsure they are about that entire process.

X posts this week, follow at x.com/BobsAllBlog

 

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After complaining for years about his own policy trump is now trying to get America back in to Bagram base in Afghanistan. You first dear leader, you lead the way.

On September 10, 2025 episode of "Fox & Friends" Brian Kilmeade called for the "involuntary lethal injection" for mental ill homeless people that refuse treatment, in other words MURDER. He is still on air at Fox 'news". The FCC has not investigated. A clear violation of law but yet they go after Jimmy Kimmel.

After

$30 Billion to farmers but its not socialism

 As the economy continues it's downward slide and trump tariffs becoming a reality, American farmers are set to get $30 billion of taxpayer money to bail them out. Now I'm all for supporting farmers but it seems that many farmers tend to vote republican and yet it is the democrats that often approve this help for them. Between trump tariffs and trump's immigration policy, which is wiping out their workforce, one would think it is time for a change in the way farmers think. But whatever you do, don't call the bailouts socialism. More to come on this as Congress deals with the budget and the farm bill. 

Disturbing Trends

 As we close out February 2025 there has been a huge uptick in two disturbing tends. One is obviously the amount of layoffs and firings happening across the country and the other is the government stopping investigations. Whether it be the SEC or CFPB, the government is pulling back on investigations of wrongdoing and letting corporations off the hook. 

Stock market drops another 200 points.

Americans filing for unemployment hits a 3 month high as of last week however more layoffs continue to be announced. Lyondell Basell Industries laying off 86% of workforce at Houston refinery. Pepsi laying off 300 workers in a town of only 10,000 people. Southwest Airlines cutting 15%, the first time in company history they are laying off people. As previously announced META cutting 5%; Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins cutting 10%; Estee Lauder cutting 7,000 jobs, Salesforce cutting 1,000. Denny's closing more locations.

Steve Madden shoes announces plans to increase prices. This after toy company Mattel previous announced price increases on Barbie and Hot Wheels. 

Job Cuts and more

 More and more companies are cutting jobs as the U.S. economy continues in free fall. Estee Lauder announced 7,000 job cuts and even Walmart is cutting hundreds of jobs. Goodyear also announced 850 jobs being cut. Along with government employees the unemployment rate is going to skyrocket! The only thing going down these days is the stock market. 

As egg prices, gas prices, lumber prices, home prices and other goods and services soar the U.S. trade deficit hits it's second highest level EVER under trump. 

China is "secretly" building the 'world's largest underwater drone' with torpedo tubes. 

Trump continues his rebuilding of the world, now wanting the U.S. to control, develop and own Gaza. Previously his company announced new housing deals in Saudi Arabia. But what about Idaho or Nebraska? 

Headlines of the day Feb. 4th

Secretary of State Rubio and trump are excited about an offer from El Salvador to jail U.S. criminals including U.S. citizens. Trump actually said from the White House "we can leave them there" as in a United States citizen would be left in another country forever. 

So instead of building strong prisons here in America and creating American jobs, trump would rather pay a "small fee" to another country to keep Americans in prison or just leave them there homeless. 

Military housing costs are skyrocketing according to s report from NBC News.

Iran building North Korean designed missile to strike Europe. 

Musk claims to have "deleted" IRS Easy Filings which allowed Americans to file taxes online for Free! Good job Elon, the people are really going to love this. 

NFL Socialism

 It's remarkable that so many people are upset that a professional sports league tried to make a few extra bucks by putting a playoff football game on a paid streaming service. People are so used to the NFL Socialism that's been given to them on network tv they became outraged and rather unhinged to have to pay for a game, one game. Anyway here's to you Kansas City. MO for not giving up on another socialist gift! 

Anyone there?

 Are there any Americans left in the Republican party? Need 5-10 reps in Congress to stand up for America and say vote in a reasonable Republican Speaker or say hello to Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. That group would hold more power than any of these crazies that are stalling everything. Congress needs to get back to work! 

We the People

 I read on X/Twitter today a Republican person saying that the Republicans cannot govern. This is true. They do not want to govern because they do not believe in government. Trump was the epitome of this message. Regardless the Republicans belong as the minority keeping check on the Democrats. The Democrats need to be the adults in the room and work with the Republicans on key issues, whether that be taxes, the border and so on. The key is having a party in control that can keep control of the institutions and guide the country. Both parties have good ideas and if they could only work together instead of acting like enemies the whole country would be so much better off. I understand it's wishful thinking but the people can decide. The people have the power to come together and force action when there is none. It's up to We the People.

Bob

a moderate Democrat from Texas 

The Missouri hypocrisy

    Politicians in MO are typically Republican and talk about deregulation, a hands off approach to business. But in the latest example of hypocrisy some state politicians are "pressuring" Tyson foods on a plant closing. Instead of simply closing the plant, like Tyson wants to do, the politicians are pushing Tyson to sell it.  

    Previous to this stunt a few years back the state held an election wherein voters statewide decided to increase animal protections. However after the "election" the state legislature thought they knew best and the citizens were stupid so the legislature overturned the election results and allowed continued abuse of animals in the state.

outRage edition

 There were several significant news stories this week that caught our attention and we felt so strongly about them that we had tp create a new blog page tp begin coverage, Check out the OutRAGE Edition right here on BlogSpot

OutRAGEedition.blogspot.com 

Republican Congress day 1

 Here is a list of all the things the Republicans got done on their first day in control of Congress: 

Elon Musk

 It's interesting to see that when people are affected personally then things change. Take Elon for example. He bought Twitter with big claims of free speech but all the sudden people are getting banned. Specifically the young guy that posts about Elon's private jet. News reports have said Elon posted on Twitter previously that he was concerned about his security but he would not ban that person from the platform. Now all the sudden this person is banned and news headlines today indicate Elon is taking "legal action" against the guy. So much for freedom and free speech. 

Call for unity

 America needs to unify and fortunately the republican party may be ready to move on from trump. Regardless we need to emphasize political parties and issues to get away from the us vs them narrative. Tell the media to stop using red/blue maps and simply note republican, democrat or independent. It's time for change and to work together on issues that matter to the American people. 

Always and Forever

No Choice

Border Security

 President Biden has come through again this time on border security. It was announced recently that the U.S. and Mexico are jointly working to secure the border and upgrade infrastructure. President Biden has secured $1.5 billion from Mexico for these efforts. So once again the border will be more secure and yes this time Mexico is paying for it! 

First on ABC: Mexico to pay $1.5 billion for US border, source says (msn.com) 

Clear and present danger

 A federal judge has called Donald Trump, a former "President of the United States", a clear and present danger today during the Jan. 6th committee hearing. That alone should have been breaking news all day!!