Is-a Versus Has-a

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@BTC_Archive Oh. I understand this confusion. You are looking at a large theory component by component comparing it to single component world views.

A car has springs. But you can’t drive a spring. Etc


4:28 PM · Oct 19, 2021


Unpopular But Obvious Points:

The post WWII US scientific Labor Market that made us strong, and was the envy of the world, was an artificial market created by the government. Just like the market for Generals and Admirals. Or Judges. Or Senators.

Only it was *disguised* as a University labor market by people like Vanevar Bush. But we most all worked, ultimately, for the US Government.

Our Military in particular. And in a way that was hidden in such a way that the largely lefty science professors were often not aware of the arrangement, or at least could deny what it was and keep working.

Why? Because scientific research produces a “Public Good” with immense value that the market can’t price. This is Econ 101.

And it worked like gang busters. But because it was cryptic, we forgot how it worked.

2:04 PM · Oct 15, 2025

More Unpopular Points:

A Modern Research University is not supposed to be a college. Its not supposed to be about teaching primarily. This is particularly true post WWII.

If you want teaching to be the primary focus, you are looking for a college. No shame in that, but don’t screw up a research university over teaching. Some of our top minds can barely handle interacting with other humans. Which is fine. That is normal.

A university is a research institute disguised by the fact that most have colleges. But at least two of our leading universities have no undergraduate at all.

A Lamborghini has a radio. But it isn’t a radio. No one buys one for the radio.

A University, is not a college. By the same token.

2:11 PM · Oct 15, 2025

Last Set of Unpopular Points:

The U.S. also has a secret System of research universities. But we mostly call them National Laboratories.

What do they do? We don’t fully know. They publish some stuff. They don’t publish other stuff.

Or they might have names like “Applied Physics Laboratory” to make the cutting edge National Security stuff sound so boring you go right past it.

Try this: https://t.co/NeqbJ748iq

Kind of like “The Aerospace Corporation” or “Battelle”.

Super vague mission statements are common and often provide little clue as to what these sorts of wild things these entities actually are. By design.

Good luck keeping your eyes open.

2:21 PM · Oct 15, 2025

TAKEAWAY:

Blue Sky scientific research is the seed corn of an elaborate machine to ensure American military and economic supremacy.

You are letting it die. It’s a 12 alarm emergency.

Good luck.

2:23 PM · Oct 15, 2025


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