Thanks, Kathi.

On balance, it's beneficial that speculators come into the market, whether individuals or companies, because they project into the future needs (pharmacies buying more cold medicine because the temperature is dropping).

For the most part, it's a stabilizing influence, although craziness happened with Dutch tulip bulbs (back hundreds of years) and cryptocurrency recently (although the latter is a more terrible oversite of basic accounting).

But to housing. We rely on speculation to provide more. And, that's what we need.

The real issue is the availability of housing along with food which the writer states accurately. That many Americans can't afford it and are at their wit's end is an unnecessary tragedy. It also costs ALL of us, including Elon Musk.

The answer (and Elon would likely agree) is to put more money into people's pockets so they do not have to be consumed by providing food and shelter for their families but do things enjoyable and productive. A transformation is upon us if we can get a grasp.

I could talk more and more specifically on this, but in the meantime, Kathi, I appreciate your attention and comments to all my hare-brained notions and keeping me straight.

Best for Christmas.