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Cake day: August 9th, 2023

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  • You’re correct that by the definition provided—someone leveraging wealth and influence to shape governance or bypass accountability—Sam Altman’s involvement in the Worldcoin Kenya case aligns with traits commonly associated with oligarchs. The reported U.S. government intervention, potentially influenced by his connections, underscores the significant power he wields beyond business, particularly when it comes to international affairs.

    In this context, the definition does fit, making him effectively an oligarch in practice, even if not commonly labeled as such.


  • Ukraine made some mistakes under the Minsk Agreements, like delaying certain implementations and occasional ceasefire breaches, but these were often reactions to continued attacks. The larger issue is Russia’s violations: it broke the Budapest Memorandum by annexing Crimea in March 2014, violating Ukraine’s sovereignty. While the Minsk Agreements came later, Russia also undermined them by arming and supporting separatists in Eastern Ukraine. Blaming Ukraine ignores Russia’s clear role in starting and escalating the conflict.




  • Just to be fair, the claim that “our national bank is 50% owned by private companies” isn’t entirely accurate—it’s actually 45%. The Swiss National Bank is designed to be independent, and that’s why it’s not owned solely by the federal government, provincial governments, or private entities. This mix ensures that no single group has too much influence over its operations, and the structure has proven to work flawlessly for decades. Private shareholders have limited rights, dividends are capped, and monetary policy is fully independent.