In our current events, we start with new export controls by the Dutch to prevent ASML ultraviolet lithography machines from going to China. China responded with its own export controls on the important minerals gallium and germanium. In further supply chain news, we discuss car manufacturers' new partnerships with lithium mining companies to ramp up production. To conclude this section, we discuss three recent Supreme Court decisions.For our book club, we read chapter 8 of "Supreme Inequality" by Adam Cohen, titled "Democracy." This chapter discusses the Bush v. Gore case of 2000, gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and voter roll purges.Finally, our deep dive this week focuses on the War in Afghanistan. We discuss disconnects throughout the administration and a lack of clarity as to the overall mission, leading to over one trillion dollars wasted on a war that can really only be deemed a failure.#politics #currentevents #afghanistan #supremecourt #asml #netherlands #china #lithium #electricvehicle #democracy #gerrymandering #vote #war