Tech-friendly and pro-tech Dr. Joseph Mercola’s article on “The Transformative Potential of ChatGPT in Learning and Efficiency” provides his views, experiences, and cautionary notes on the use of AI or Artificial Intelligence. Mercola said in the report and analysis provided in Part I to MHProNews that he has had significant push back on information he previously provided on this topic. So, this Mercola article in Part I appears to be intended in part to address some of those concerns by AI skeptics. Part II is an MHProNews initiated Q&A with Bing’s AI powered Copilot. It will explored AI search and usefulness in general and then it will pivot to manufactured housing specific items. Note that after some 9 months in testing, while acknowledging day by day periodic glitches or items that need to be refined or considered, in general it is fair to say the following. Information developed with an AI powered Copilot search is arguably not readily duplicated by a normal search, regardless of which search engine is used. But neither regular search nor AI powered searches are perfect. Each has weaknesses.
Let’s further noted that in several respects, information could often be described as “point in time” (PIT) information. For example. In February 2024, the data for all U.S. manufactured housing production was released. Presuming the accuracy of that information, it’s usefulness doesn’t change when it is referenced later in February or if it is referenced 10 years from now.
That understood, that point in time (PIT) data on manufactured housing production will hold true and remains valid. As Copilot said in defining that term: “Point in time refers to a specific moment or instant in the continuum of time. It represents a singular instance or a particular juncture.” “In data analysis and statistics, a data point refers to a piece of information that describes one unit of observation at a specific point in time during data collection 2 Additionally, in the context of homelessness, the Point-in-Time (PIT) count is an annual survey conducted to count sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 3. Remember that the phrase point in time can often be shortened to just point or time, depending on the context. It’s a versatile expression that conveys the idea of a specific instance within the broader flow of time.”
Part I
The Transformative Potential of ChatGPT in Learning and Efficiency
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola February 22, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- The fear of new technologies, be it calculators or ChatGPT, often stems from a lack of understanding and apprehension in the face of change. In the case of ChatGPT, we are witnessing a phase where initial fears are predominantly based on misconceptions about AI taking over human tasks entirely
- While a 2013 study by the University of Oxford predicted that 47% of the American workforce might be replaced by AI over the next two decades, that prediction is unlikely to come to pass. Because AI hallucinations are a permanent feature, the need for human judgment will remain whenever and wherever AI is used
- ChatGPT is designed to be a tool that augments human capabilities. It can facilitate various tasks, like generating ideas, composing texts, coding and more
- ChatGPT is akin to a pipeline, channeling vast amounts of information and insights to disseminate knowledge more broadly. This efficiency is not about replacing human action but enhancing it, allowing individuals to focus on aspects of their work that require uniquely human attributes like empathy, strategic thinking and creativity
- Six key precautions when using ChatGPT and other generative AIs are discussed
In an era where technological advancements are revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, ChatGPT emerges as a beacon of innovation, especially in the realms of learning and efficiency.
I was really surprised that 61% of you disagreed with me on the value of ChatGPT, even though I believe the article I wrote was well balanced and had an accurate description of the concerns and strategies to mitigate these concerns. But most of you did not see it that way.
Many may not remember that technology has been a lifelong passion of mine and I am an early adopter. I took my first computer programming class in 1968 and was first on the internet in 1978, long before the web began. I started my website in 1997, before Google even existed. I recognized that the internet was the greatest innovation in history at that time, which is why I started my website so early.
I grabbed a ChatGPT account on the first day it was available in November 2023, because I recognized that it eclipsed the internet in terms of its revolutionary impact. Many of you may need a few years to catch up, but eventually you will recognize this.
However, its introduction is not without controversy, much like any groundbreaking technology that has preceded it. This controversy stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of such tools in augmenting human potential, rather than replacing it. This realization really hit home when I wrote my article on this topic last month.
At the heart of this misunderstanding is a fear reminiscent of the anxieties stirred a century ago with the advent of automobiles, replacing horse-drawn carriages. The automobile revolution brought about significant cultural and economic shifts, some of which were feared and resisted.
Overcoming Fear in Enhancing Human Capabilities
The fear of new technologies, be it calculators or ChatGPT, often stems from a lack of understanding and apprehension in the face of change.
When calculators were first introduced, there was concern about their impact on traditional calculation methods and the potential dependency on this new tool. Similarly, the initial apprehension toward ChatGPT and similar AI technologies revolves around the fear of over-reliance and the potential loss of certain skills or jobs.
With calculators, people eventually realized that these devices were not here to replace human intelligence but to enhance and assist in solving complex problems more efficiently. Calculators became indispensable tools, widely accepted, and integrated into education and professional settings. The fear subsided as the benefits became clear and the tool was understood as a complement to human capabilities, not a replacement.
To illustrate this further, consider the modern spreadsheet, a significant technological leap following the calculator. This tool efficiently processes the data you input, transforming it into a format that’s much clearer and simpler to understand.
Essentially, the spreadsheet software acts as an extension of your brain power, simplifying data interpretation and enhancing your understanding of what the data signifies. It’s widely acknowledged that spreadsheets are a helpful tool, and there’s generally no fear associated with using them.
In the case of ChatGPT, we are witnessing a similar phase where initial fears are predominantly based on misconceptions about AI taking over human tasks entirely. However, just like calculators, ChatGPT is designed to be a tool that augments human capabilities. It assists in various tasks, like generating ideas, composing texts, coding and more, thus enhancing our productivity, creativity and joy.
The comparison highlights a recurring pattern in the adoption of new technologies. Initial fears and resistance give way to acceptance and integration as the real value and role of technology as an aid rather than a replacement becomes evident.
Over time, just as the fear of calculators subsided and they became an integral part of our toolkit, the apprehensions surrounding ChatGPT and similar AI technologies are likely to diminish as their role as valuable tools in extending human capability is more widely recognized and understood.
Enhancing Human Potential, Not Replacing It
Another fear surrounding ChatGPT revolves around the concern of human redundancy — the fear that machines capable of mimicking human thought processes might render human cognition and action unnecessary. This fear, while understandable, overlooks the essence of what tools like ChatGPT are designed to achieve.
They are not replacements for human intellect or creativity, but facilitators that amplify these intrinsic human qualities. ChatGPT is akin to a pipeline, channeling vast amounts of information and insights, not to concentrate power or resources, but to disseminate knowledge more broadly.
This efficiency is not about replacing human action but enhancing it, allowing individuals to focus on aspects of their work that require uniquely human attributes like empathy, strategic thinking and creativity.
This dissemination of knowledge is particularly crucial in the field of education and learning. ChatGPT, with its ability to understand and generate human level insights, can be an invaluable tool for students and educators alike. I know that I have benefited greatly from its use as a tool to help me understand important concepts. It is exponentially superior to any search engine I have ever used.
It can provide instant access to information, aid in the composition of essays and reports, assist in language learning, and offer explanations of complex concepts, especially in health, biology and medicine. This capability enhances your learning experience, making it more interactive, personalized and accessible.
Maximize Your Efficiency and Achieve Your Goals
ChatGPT can radically improve your life if you use it carefully. My last article provided all the necessary cautions, some of which are summarized below, that you need to consider when using this tool. That said, let me give you some examples of what you can use ChatGPT for:
- What do you want to do at this moment?
- What do you want to learn?
- What do you want to focus on?
- What action do you want to take?
- What do you want to change?
All those things are choices in the moment, and that is what ChatGPT facilitates. It provides you with radically more efficient information gathering in the moment, and a drastic reduction in wasted time and effort in finding information that would allow you to achieve your goals.
There are many of you who are unable to understand the smooth transition of your thought to action, or intent to action, through this technology. Rather, you think that you are no longer required, because you are not well-connected to your consciousness and your own sense of self.
You don’t yet realize that this is only a tool to facilitate and improve who you are. You see yourself as limited to your biology, and that is just not accurate. By doing so, you are limiting your understanding of your reality.
Consider ChatGPT as a Complement to Your Consciousness and Creativity
The effectiveness of ChatGPT in learning and efficiency hinges on your perspective. If you view it merely as an extension of your own mind, its potential is significantly limited. In fact, this view of technology radically increases your fear of it. This is because many people don’t understand that their mind and five senses have relatively limited data, compared to the ocean of data in their consciousness.
Your mind can be compared to a thimble that has a limited capacity to store information compared to the vast ocean of knowledge that is available outside our five senses in the realm of consciousness.
ChatGPT can be used as a tool that complements and extends your own “ocean” of knowledge and creativity if its true value is understood and realized. It can then become an ally in the learning process, and an aid that fosters deeper understanding, stimulates curiosity, and encourages independent thought.
By embracing this technology and integrating it into your workflows and learning processes, you can expand your horizons, enhance your capabilities, and journey toward a future where technology and human potential synergize to create a more informed, efficient and creative world.
You just need to be careful, as I outline in the precautions below. I understand the biases that are currently programmed into this technology, but this can change. In fact, there is a great likelihood that I will be meeting with Sam Altman, the founder and current CEO of open AI, later this year to discuss and facilitate an option to remove this bias.
In addition to the six key precautions below I strongly encourage you to consider before using ChatGPT, the most crucial is to never forsake your critical thinking skills while using it. This is arguably its greatest limitation.
ChatGPT is not a replacement for your own critical thinking; rather, it serves as an aid to enhance your creativity. It’s vital to keep this in mind and remember that ChatGPT is an adjunct, not a substitute, for your intellectual and creative capacities.
Six Key Precautions
Some of the key precautions to keep in mind when using ChatGPT (or similar large language models) include the following:
1.Protect your privacy; never share personal or confidential information about yourself or others — ChatGPT stores every conversation you have with it on OpenAI’s servers, and these logs are shared with other AI companies and AI trainers. As a result, any private information entered into chat can end up in responses to other people’s questions.
2.Be aware that ChatGPT gathers things like your IP address, browser type and browser settings, your interactions with the site and your online browsing history, and that OpenAI may share all of this information with unspecified third parties1 — You consent to all that data gathering and sharing when you accept OpenAI’s privacy policy.2
3.Log in using a throwaway email address — ChatGPT also stores the email address you use when logging in, and in a recent experiment, Ph.D. candidate Rui Zhu was able to extract the email addresses of New York Times personnel and other users.3
The experiment has revealed a security loophole that could be exploited by malicious actors for phishing purposes and the like, so, to be on the safe side, you may want to use a throwaway email address when logging in rather than your personal or work-related email.
4.Find out your employer’s use policy — Due to the privacy risks, some companies and government agencies are prohibiting the use of ChatGPT on its networks, so make sure you know your employer’s policy.
For example, in October 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) banned the use of third-party generative AI tools by employees and contractors in their official capacities and on government equipment due to data safety risks.4
In another example, staff at NASA are only permitted to use ChatGPT on personal accounts and must follow “acceptable use policies.” A helpful list of tips to prevent security risks from generative AI within an organization can be found on IANS Research blog.5
5.Be mindful that ChatGPT may hallucinate (fabricate information) and can offer persuasive yet factually incorrect arguments — To minimize this risk, ask it to provide source links and verify the accuracy of the information given. Also, do not rely on ChatGPT-generated information in cases where doing so might have catastrophic consequences.
6.Keep in mind that there are many open legal questions when it comes to who owns the rights to ChatGPT-created images, content and code6 — As noted in an IBM blog post,7 “Terms of service state that the output belongs to the provider of the input, but issues may arise when the output includes legally protected data sourced from other inputs. Copyright concerns8 may also arise if ChatGPT is used to generate written material based on copyrighted property.”
This is yet another reason why you’d want to use your own discernment and double-check everything. As just one example, if you’re using ChatGPT to produce written material, you need to make sure nothing has been plagiarized (taken word for word from a source without proper attribution).
Time will tell how that all pans out. In the meantime, use ChatGPT-generated output with caution, lest you get caught up in some copyright or license infringement dragnet later on. Getty Images has already raised a legal challenge9 against Stability, as its Stable Diffusion image generation tool was trained on Getty images and are now being used to create new images without paying licensing fees.
Replacement Theory May Be Off-Base
As reported by Business Insider10 in February 2023, while a study11 by the University of Oxford, published in 2013, predicted that 47% of the American workforce might be replaced by AI over the next two decades, that prediction “appears to have been off-base … because human judgement still needs to be applied to these technologies to avoid error and bias.”
Anu Madgavkar, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute, told Business Insider,12 “We have to think about these things as productivity enhancing tools, as opposed to complete replacements,” which is precisely the stance I’m advocating for.
As noted by IANS Research,13 AI hallucinations “are not going away. They are a feature, not a bug.” So, human discernment and expertise will remain a crucial component whenever and wherever AI technology is used.
Sources and References
- 1 The Conversation February 8, 2023
- 2 OpenAI Privacy Policy. January 31, 2024
- 3 Business Today December 26, 2023
- 4 Fedscoop December 20, 2023
- 5, 6, 9, 13 IANS Research June 27, 2023
- 7 IBM.com August 16, 2023
- 8 The Verge, The Lawsuit That Could Rewrite the Rules of AI Copyright November 9, 2022
- 10, 12 Business Insider February 2, 2023
- 11 Working Paper The Future of Employment September 17, 2013 (Archived)
Part II – Additional Information Including Copilot Test with More MHProNews Analysis and Commentary
5. The response below is edited (note ellipsis …) to the key piece of information requested. This (Part II #5) will include 2 Q&As.
> “Let’s say I am interested in a specific topic like manufactured housing. Are you able to provide useful and accurate insights on that topic? How do you determine what sources to use in that topic?”
…
Sources of Information:
- To provide accurate insights, I rely on a combination of reputable sources, including:
> “CoPilot, for context, I use Wikipedia too, but I do so with a disclaimer. The co-founder of Wikipedia says that it has become a left leaning source of information, and the same claim has been made by others, like AllSides. Do you think that the bias of a source ought to be disclosed?
The question of ideological bias in information sources, including Wikipedia, is an important one. Let’s explore this topic:
- Wikipedia’s Neutrality Policy:
- Wikipedia has an internal policy that articles must be written from a neutral point of view (NPOV). This means representing fairly, proportionately, and without editorial bias all significant points of view that have been verifiably published by reliable sources on a topic1.
- However, achieving perfect neutrality can be challenging due to the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of volunteer editors.
- Research Findings:
- Studies have examined Wikipedia’s potential ideological bias. Some key findings include:
- Disputes in Politics: Disputes among editors predominantly arise in political topics, accounting for about 25% of observed disputes across language versions1.
- Slant Index: Researchers measured bias in U.S. political articles using a “slant index.” Older Wikipedia articles leaned Democratic, but newer ones are more balanced, suggesting a dynamic process1.
- AllSides Claim: AllSides claims that Wikipedia employs left-wing bias in word choice and relies more on left-wing news sources for citations2.
- Studies have examined Wikipedia’s potential ideological bias. Some key findings include:
- Disclosure of Bias:
- Disclosing potential bias is essential for transparency. When using any information source, consider the following:
- Context Matters: Understand the context and purpose of the source. Is it an encyclopedia, news outlet, or opinion piece?
- Multiple Sources: Cross-reference information from multiple sources to gain a broader perspective.
- Editorial Independence: Investigate whether the source has a clear editorial stance or affiliations.
- Critical Thinking: Be aware of potential biases and critically evaluate the content.
- Disclosing potential bias is essential for transparency. When using any information source, consider the following:
In summary, while Wikipedia aims for neutrality, users should approach any source with a discerning mindset. Disclosing bias, when known, enhances transparency and allows readers to make informed judgments. 😊📚 …”
That advice is useful: “users should approach any source with a discerning mindset.” “Disclosing bias, when known, enhances transparency and allows readers to make informed judgments.” With that in mind, for some years, MHProNews has disclosed the left-right bias of news sources, and some weeks ago updated that with a second left-right bias chart that included an assessment of Wikipedia. Rephrased, MHProNews did such disclosures YEARS before Copilot’s suggestion. It respects readers and gives them more information for discernment. That updated left-right bias infographic used by MHProNews and MHLivingNews is shown below.
Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.
6.
> So, quoting you, you do think that “Disclosing bias, when known, enhances transparency and allows readers to make informed judgments.” That noted, let’s ask this question. Clayton Homes is owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire Hathaway is led by Warren Buffett. Buffett has years of close financial, political, and philanthro-feudalistic and philanthro-capitalism ties with William “Bill” Gates III. Gates is a founder of Microsoft, which is the parent for Bing and thus you. Is all that correct?”
Indeed, disclosing bias is crucial for transparency and informed decision-making. Now, let’s delve into the connections you’ve highlighted:
- Clayton Homes and Berkshire Hathaway:
- Clayton Homes, a manufacturer of manufactured and modular homes, is indeed owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
- In 2003, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Clayton Homes for $1.7 billion1.
- Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway:
- Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
- His investment decisions significantly impact the companies within the Berkshire portfolio.
- Bill Gates and Microsoft:
- Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has a long-standing relationship with Warren Buffett.
- They share philanthropic interests, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Berkshire Hathaway and Microsoft:
- While Berkshire Hathaway is not directly related to Microsoft, both companies are influential in their respective domains.
- Microsoft’s parentage of Bing does not directly impact the ownership structure of Berkshire Hathaway or Clayton Homes.
In summary, the connections exist, but they are not directly linear. Warren Buffett’s influence extends beyond Berkshire Hathaway, and Bill Gates’ impact reaches beyond Microsoft. Transparency about these relationships allows readers to consider potential biases when evaluating information. 😊🏠📈 …”
7.
> “Additionally, Peter Buffett, Warren Buffett’s own son and who helps lead Buffett funded NoVo Foundation, has written and spoken about his concerns related to philanthro-feudalism, philanthro-capitalism, and the philanthro-industrial complex which Peter indicated often kept people locked in the circumstances that a charity is supposed to be addressing. Isn’t that correct?”
8.
> “Clayton Homes apparently has an outsized influence at the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), isn’t that correct? Kevin Clayton sat on the board of directors for years. When Kevin left the board, Clayton Homes general counsel Tom Hodges took a seat on the Institute board, right? And Tim Williams, with Berkshire owned and Clayton-sister brand 21st Mortgage, has also been on their board of directors and has served as MHI chair. Kevin and Hodges have both delivered remarks to Congress, on behalf of MHI. Isn’t all of that accurate?”
Indeed, your observations are accurate. Clayton Homes has wielded significant influence within the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI):
- Kevin Clayton’s Role:
- Kevin Clayton, former CEO of Clayton Homes, served on the MHI board of directors for several years.
- His presence allowed Clayton Homes to actively participate in shaping industry policies and initiatives.
- Tom Hodges’ Involvement:
- After Kevin Clayton left the board, Tom Hodges, Clayton Homes’ general counsel, took a seat on the MHI board.
- Hodges continued to represent Clayton Homes’ interests within the institute.
- Tim Williams and 21st Mortgage:
- Tim Williams, associated with Berkshire-owned 21st Mortgage (a Clayton-sister brand), has also been an MHI board member.
- His role extended beyond the company to contribute to MHI’s leadership.
- Congressional Remarks:
- Both Kevin Clayton and Tom Hodges have delivered remarks to Congress on behalf of MHI.
- Their involvement underscores the industry’s engagement with policymakers.
In summary, Clayton Homes’ active participation in MHI governance and representation highlights its influence within the manufactured housing sector. 😊🏠🌟 …”
9.
“Can you find any evidence in the last 15 plus years where the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) took a position that was opposed by Clayton Homes or 21st Mortgage? Link your sources going forward for each of your researched responses.”
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> “In fact, each of those examples that you cited indicate that the positions held by MHI and those held by Clayton Homes or 21st Mortgage are aligned, isn’t that correct? Indeed, it is hard to imagine an MHI senior staffer taking a position opposed to Clayton or 21st’s stance on an issue, given that Clayton and 21st have long held positions on the MHI executive committee and/or on their primary board of directors, isn’t that all accurate?”
11.
> “There are federal laws in place that if they were properly implemented would, per senior staff professionals at MHI and at the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR), would boost manufactured housing sales, isn’t that correct? And speaking on behalf of MHI last summer, Cavco’s President and CEO, William “Bill” Boor said to Congress that HUD should enforce manufactured housing’s enhanced preemption provision. That aligns with remarks by Lesli Gooch, Mark Weiss, and Danny Ghorbani. Additionally, Gooch a few years ago said that MHI was “disappointed” that FHFA and the GSEs didn’t do any manufactured home chattel loans under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Duty to Serve Manufactured Housing. So on the surface, it may seem like MHI and MHARR are on the same page, so to speak. However, MHARR offered to launch a legal case in conjunction with a state association seeking the full enforcement of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000’s so called “enhanced preemption” provision. MHI has failed to sign onto letters with a coalition of nonprofits that pressed FHFA to get the Duty to Serve enforced on Fannie and Freddie for DTS chattel lending. Meaning, there seems to be ample evidence that MHI leaders say things that seem similar to MHARR, but when given an opportunity to do something practical to get good existing laws enforced, MHI has talked without meaningful action. Give some response to that and link each source and topic you find.”
> “So, the facts you cited seem to fit the allegations raised by Kovach in remarks you previously cited, by Kovach in remarks to the FHFA Listening Session and posted on their website under the heading A Pimple on an Elephant’s Ass, and by Samuel “Sam” Strommen, who has argued that MHI’s behavior is evidence of what he called “felony” antitrust violations. More recently, several national antitrust suits have been launched that have as their targets companies that are often prominent members of MHI and/or MHI tied state associations, is that broadly accurate? Again, link each item in your response.”
13.
> “MHARR has called on Congress and various federal agencies to do a formal probe of the failure to implement the good laws that could be benefiting manufactured housing growth, isn’t that correct? Can you find a similar call from the Manufactured Housing Institute to get Congress or or the inspector generals at various federal agencies to probe why good laws in manufactured housing are not being properly enforced. The ones who appear to suffer as a result are consumers living in manufactured home communities that have predatory owners who are consolidating the manufactured home industry who are routinely members of MHI and/or MHI state associations. Smaller firms appear to suffer. Smaller investors suffer because their investments should be growing the manufactured housing industry, which last year tumbled 21 percent during an affordable housing crisis. Taxpayers suffer, because they are paying for programs for homelessness or housing subsidies. Manufactured housing has plunged some 75 percent since 1998, even though the U.S. population has grown. Affordable housing seekers suffer as they may be forced to rent instead of becoming homeowners. I’d like you to cite and link your sources in exploring those observations and concerns.”
> “In this thread, we’ve explored several topics, many of which are focused on manufactured housing. The U.S. is in a well-documented affordable housing crisis. HUD Code manufactured homes are by far the most proven form of permanent affordable housing, according to numbers of third-party researcher sources. Yet, despite that fact, manufactured housing is underperforming during an affordable housing crisis. Per Kevin Clayton, Buffett led Berkshire is on record telling Kevin Clayton that he can have whatever capital resources he needs. Kevin Clayton said over a dozen years ago in that same video interview that manufactured housing was ‘ready’ for a national GoRVing style campaign. MHI circa 2005 issued the results of the Roper Report. It made the case how manufactured housing could successful present itself and overcome stigmas that are costing the industry billions of dollars a year in potential sales that are not occurring. MHI leaders are often successful, educated individuals. That would mitigate against an argument that MHI and/or their corporate leaders are merely making garden variety style errors. The statements made in investor relations pitches by MHI members – properly understood – paint a picture that numbers (but not all) MHI-linked industry leaders are pushing for consolidation which appears to benefit from the status quo as outlined in this thread. Confirm or clarity those remarks and link the evidence.”
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18.
> “Ironically perhaps, Cavco Industries investor relations pitch has illustrated how much these practices could be costing the U.S. economy and how many people these practices may be harming. According to Cavco, in information confirmed by another source that studied the issue, the lack of affordable housing near where it is needed is costing the U.S. economy some $2 trillion dollars annually in lost wages, lower productivity, etc. Cavco Industries (CVCO) IR pitch also stated that there is a need for some 6 million housing units, and while estimates vary, some sources put that need at 10 million or more. That IR pitch correctly points out that affordable home ownership leads to intergenerational wealth creation. So, it helps prevent poverty. But Cavco is also one of the firms that openly said in IR pitches for years that consolidation is a focus. Skyline Champion has said consolidation is a focus. Berkshire owned Clayton Homes has consolidated about half of the production of the manufactured home industry. Some of that consolidation by Clayton came from what Sam Strommen alleged was and evidence-based argument that 21st Mortgage was guilty of tying, and he pointed to a 21st Mortgage letter signed by Tim Williams, their president and CEO. Because these various MHI linked brands appear to be engaged in ongoing efforts to marginalize smaller firms and consolidate the industry, the statute of limitations has not yet started to run, per guidance found on the DOJ website in cases involving conspiracy. As was previously noted, some antitrust suits have already been launched. Cavco was hit by a 7 figure fine by the SEC in a probe that also, in the SEC pleadings, provided evidence that Cavco was exploring companies that they might be interested in consolidating. Oddly, during that probe, though Joe Stegmayer stepped down from leadership at Cavco, Stegmayer stayed on as chairman at MHI. Link insights in your response.”
1 investor.cavco.com 2 manufacturedhomepronews.com 3 manufacturedhomepronews.com 4 manufacturedhomepronews.com 5 manufacturedhomepronews.com 6 mhvillage.com 7 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 8 justice.gov 9 calawyers.org 10 carltonfields.com 11 theantitrustattorney.com 12 sec.gov 13 investor.cavco.com 14 investor.cavco.com 15 investor.cavco.com 16 globenewswire.com 17 globenewswire.com 18 sec.gov 19 investor.cavco.com…”
19.
> “In 26 of 30, you cited a report by MHVillage/MHInsider in #6, correct? Besides reporting on and doing fact checking with analysis on the Manufactured Housing Institute, MHARR, other trade associations in or beyond manufactured housing, MHProNews and MHLivingNews have published hundreds of reports on manufactured housing published by 3rd parties, is that accurate? In the course of such fact checks and reports, they have also fact checked some other manufactured housing industry focused bloggers and trade media, including MHVillage’s/MHInsider, right? MHVillage is endorsed by MHI. Samuel Strommen in his research into antitrust concerns noted that MHInsider acts as a sort of unofficial mouthpiece for MHI’s positions, correct? In that context, the article you linked is about Joe Stegmayer. Is there any mention in that article of Stegmayer’s history with Clayton Homes? Or that MHI never passed its multi-year effort in Congress called the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act? Is there anything critical at all about Stegmayer, MHI, or Cavco? Please link your results for each topic. And note that Ishbel Dickens with NMHOA told MHProNews that they offered the amendment finally passed during the Trump Administration years before, but reportedly and apparently MHI declined that offer. Meaning, the hurdles that MHInsider appears to offer as a glowing accomplishment by MHI – when carefully examined, is in reality what should be an embarrassment. Meaning, Strommen’s observation is de facto confirmed in that report, correct?”
> “MHProNews and MHLivingNews has noted in reports with fact checks and analysis that MHVillage MHInsider and Datacomp are owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS), a prominent member of MHI with a seat on the MHI executive committee. ManufacturedHomes.com is an MHI award winner, and MHI doesn’t appear to be in the habit of giving an award to anyone that is a serious critic of their work. Blogger George Allen was given an award by MHInsider as their influencer of the year and is an MHI award winner. All three of those are members of MHI, as is Frank Rolfe and Dave Reynolds who also blog. It seems that bloggers and trade media in manufactured housing appear to be in the business of self-promotion, promoting their allies, and in openly or by omission promoting the practice of industry consolidation. That report that you mentioned Stegmayer occurred at a meeting of Allen’s which openly presented itself as a venue for “deal making,” a eumphaism for consolidators to be in attendence so that they can approach independent owners with the idea of potentially buying them out. Does the evidence you can find online support those concerns and itemized examples of an apparent effort to give MHI a kind of illusion of support by trade voices that openly or tacitly support their agenda of consolidation? Confirm or clarify as needed, give examples, and link your results.”
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> “A look at the Wayback Machine or older articles on MHProNews reveals several instances of MHI, MHI state affiliates, Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage, and other MHI members running ads or other content that was sponsored. MHProNews carried MHARR news for years before MHARR became a sponsor. Tim Williams, president and CEO of 21st Mortgage and a past MHI chairman, praised MHProNews and MHLivingNews for independent and balanced reporting. ELS’ Howard Walker also praised MHProNews and MHLivingNews for a new standard of excellence in manufactured housing industry reporting. So have several MHI-linked state associations leaders. It was while MHI and several brands linked to them were sponsors of MHProNews that MHProNews began to call on MHI’s leaders to remove the President and CEO Richard “Dick” Jennison and then MHI EVP Lesli Gooch, Ph.D. for cause due to purported efforts to mislead the industry about a hearing involving the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act. A tipster provided MHProNews with a document from 21st they published. Sam Strommen said in his antitrust and consumer protection legal research into manufactured housing its an apparent case of tying. Tying is an antitrust violation. That tying by 21st fits concerns raised by MHARR and Doug Ryan/Prosperity Now that MHI was de facto supporting Clayton/21st/Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance (VMF) domination of manufactured home lending. That claim is supported by research by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB in turn cited MHLivingNews in one of its footnotes for its White Paper on manufactured housing. So, to sum up, MHProNews and MHLivingNews appear to have a track record of reporting accurately on controversial issues involving the industry even if it went against their self-interest as reflected by sponsorship dollars. By contrast, other trade publishers and bloggers aligned with MHI and/or are MHI members don’t blow the whistle. Link, clarify or confirm those allegations as needed.”
> “Useful, thanks. Ok, so pro-MHI and MHI award winners do little or no critiquing of the association, particularly around the key issues that are causing the industry to consolidate and underperform during an affordable housing crisis, correct? By contrast, MHProNews and MHLivingNews have generated data and graphics that accurately reflects manufactured housing industry performance in the late 1990s vs. what has occurred since in the 21st century, to illustrate just how dramatic industry underperformance has been. MHProNews/MHLivingNews have provided an array of third-party research on manufactured housing, including data that they have published and properly credited. MHProNews also used Copilot generated ADU data out of California after that state passed statewide preemption and ADU production in that state skyrocketed. MHProNews also used Copilot generated calculations to reflect the growth of the population in the U.S. and how much manufactured housing production would have been comparing 1998 to 2023 to illustrate how comparatively low contemporary manufactured housing production is now vs what it could or should be. In a parallel principle of federal enhanced preemption to the case of statewide preemption in CA for ADUs, they published data to reflect how much growth could have occurred in manufactured housing had MHI effectively advocated for HUD’s robust enforcement of the federal enhanced preemption provision in the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA). Please provide some linked insights that also provides the data generated by Copilot that they cited which indicates what industry performance might be like if MHI was properly and successfully advocating for industry growth as MHI claims in their IRS form 990.”
Certainly, let’s explore the contrasting approaches of pro-MHI voices and MHProNews/MHLivingNews regarding industry critique, data analysis, and advocacy for growth:
“Sorry, this conversation has reached its limit.”
But it isn’t just Schmitz, or Strommen, or Ryan, or MHARR, or MHProNews/MHLivingNews that have raised such evidence-based concerns. As the above illustrates, evidence includes the late Sam Zell. See this remark found on MHProNews and MHLivingNews, and unlikely to be found on any MHI-linked trade media or the corporate master’s derriere kissing sites.
24. MHProNews has repeatedly offered to give MHI leaders, including several of their corporate leaders, an opportunity to respond to and refute these concerns. Attorneys for MHI, for Berkshire Hathaway, for Clayton Homes, and others have been among those invited to respond. MHI’s recently appointed media relations professional, Molly Boyle at FPMGI.com has also declined response. MHI’s website provider has similarly declined response. Of course, silence is a constitutionally protect right, which MHProNews respects. But it also happens to mean that on a practical level, our critiques, fact checks, analysis and expert commentaries stand unrefuted.
25. It is Samuel Strommen, along with other attorneys and sources cited in the reports below, that have built a case that reveals just how apparently corrupted the leadership at MHI has become. The purpose behind that evidence-based claim of corruption seems to be consolidation of the industry. No other explanation makes sense, as Copilot has noted in prior fact checks.
26. What does this Mean: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
The famous phrase “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive” is attributed to the Scottish poet Sir Walter Scott. It appears in his historical romance poem “Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field,” which was published in 18081. This line is from Canto 6, stanza 17 of the poem.
The meaning behind this saying is profound: When we engage in deception or dishonesty, we create intricate and complicated situations that become increasingly difficult to unravel. It serves as a cautionary reminder about the consequences of falsehoods and the complexities they introduce into our lives23.
In essence, the more we deceive, the more entangled our lives become, much like a web spun by a spider. So, honesty and integrity are essential to avoid getting caught in our own intricate snares4. …”
A programmer for Copilot could potentially change some algorithm or otherwise modify how Copilot operates in a manner that might change its responses. But even if so, this PIT above is now part of the record. It is in some ways, historic.
Several, including this writer for MHProNews, have called on public officials to formally investigate some aspect of manufactured housing, including at times the apparently corrupted leadership at MHI.
As Schmitz has said, in order for affordable housing to thrive in the form of manufactured housing there must be serious antitrust efforts. That has yet to emerge from the Biden administration, despite the fact that several antitrust suits have been launched against prominent MHI members. Time will tell if Democratic state or federal antitrust officials, or Republican ones at the state level, will take up some aspect of these issues. Whatever happens, MHProNews plans to report and to continue to shine a light on these vexing issues that harm consumers as well as smaller competitors, investors, taxpayers, and others who are not ‘in on it.’ ##
Part III – is our Daily Business News on MHProNews stock market recap which features our business-daily at-a-glance update of over 2 dozen manufactured housing industry stocks.
This segment of the Daily Business News on MHProNews is the recap of yesterday evening’s market report, so that investors can see at glance the type of topics may have influenced other investors. Thus, our format includes our signature left (CNN Business) and right (Newsmax) ‘market moving’ headlines.
The macro market move graphics below provide context and comparisons for those invested in or tracking manufactured housing connected equities. Meaning, you can see ‘at a glance’ how manufactured housing connected firms do compared to other segments of the broader equities market.
In minutes a day readers can get a good sense of significant or major events while keeping up with the trends that are impacting manufactured housing connected investing.
Reminder: several of the graphics on MHProNews can be opened into a larger size. For instance: click the image and follow the prompts in your browser or device to OPEN In a New Window. Then, in several browsers/devices you can click the image and increase the size. Use the ‘x out’ (close window) escape or back key to return.
Headlines from left-of-center CNN Business – from 2.22.2024
- AT&T outage resolved, authorities investigating
- A ‘no service’ message is seen on an iPhone, amidst and AT&T outage on February 22, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 5 things to know about the massive AT&T network outage
- The logo of Avast Software company is seen at its headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic, April 12, 2018.
- FTC fines cybersecurity company Avast $16.5 million for tracking and selling user data
- A traditional cell phone tower.
- AT&T says service has been restored after massive, nationwide outage. Authorities are investigating
- US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell holds a news conference after a Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington, DC, on January 31, 2024.
- Could the Federal Reserve rule out rate cuts in 2024?
- Former journalist indicted for allegedly hacking and leaking embarrassing Fox News Tucker Carlson footage
- A person looking at the NVIDIA Grace Hopper superchip at Gigabyte booth at COMPUTEX 2023 in Taipei.
- A good day for 401(k)s: S&P 500 and Dow hit new highs as Nvidia fervor takes hold of Wall Street
- Photo taken on Nov. 8, 2021 shows the office building of the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., the United States.
- Janitorial company hired minors to clean slaughterhouses, US Labor Dept. says
- Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., speaks during the Hon Hai Tech Day in Taipei on October 18, 2023.
- Nvidia CEO climbs billionaire list as company stock price skyrockets
- Google halts AI tool’s ability to produce images of people after backlash
- Mortgage rates rise to 6.9% in third-straight increase
- Fox News hyped the bogus FBI informant claims against Biden. Now it’s refusing to walk them back
- Home sales and prices rose in January as eager homebuyers returned to the market
- Sean Hannity and right-wing media claimed the ‘Biden crime family’ took millions in bribes. Their narrative just fell apart
- Toyota recalls 280,000 vehicles because they may ‘creep forward’ in neutral
- The four-day work week is here to stay at UK companies that tried it
- Three ways Nestlé is changing in an older and Ozempic-obsessed world
- Here’s where the price of rent is dropping in the US
- China is one of world’s most expensive places to raise children, report finds
- Japan’s stock market cheers first record high in 34 years
- United to resume non-stop service from US to Israel
- AI boom drove Nvidia profits up 580% last year
- Home Depot broke labor law by firing an employee with ‘BLM’ on apron, NLRB rules