In watching what's going on lately I can't help but feel like we're really living Atlas Shrugged in America. What I'm noticing is a shortage of everything. We have a shortage of lumber to mend our fences after a recent wind storm. When I call utility companies to pay bills or ask questions, the wait times are 30 minutes plus. Everything has very long lead times. My buddy bought a new Corvette but has to wait well over a year to get it. The government clamors for these new vaccines, then after they over-regulate them they complain that they're sitting in freezers not being used at the same time they complain that they don't have any vaccines (maybe this is just a California thing). I'm going through multiple contractors for remodel work at my home (California home). They come out, walk the house, discuss the scope of work, then promise a quote that I never get. Ever. They're willing to act like they're going to give an estimate. Then, nothing. It's like they don't want to work. That really reminds me of AS...when people just don't want to work. I'm seeing that in a few areas of activity... Around here teachers, for the most part, aren't willing to go back to teach in school. Personally, I see this as a blessing. But, my opinion is meaningless. They're getting paid to do a job and they don't want to do it...possibly even if the pay goes away. Anyway...it just feels odd lately to see what feels like a massive retraction in peoples' willingness to put forth any effort, paid or not.