Billy J. Hatler

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@garrytan No, because China would laugh in his face.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

Allez Francais!

If you’re wondering who to cheer for today in the France v Paraguay match, and you consider yourself a proud American on this 250th celebration, consider this (source is chat with Gemini):

With today being the Fourth of July, it’s the perfect time to look at how France essentially acted as the venture capitalist, military heavyweight, and philosophical architect behind young America’s fight for liberty.

Here is how the French "taught" and aided America in defining and securing its liberty:

1. The Intellectual Spark (The Enlightenment)
Before any cannons fired, French philosophers provided the intellectual blueprint for the American Revolution.
• American founders like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were deeply influenced by French Enlightenment thinkers.
• Montesquieu gave America the concept of the separation of powers and the three branches of government.
• Rousseau popularized the idea of the social contract—the notion that a government’s legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed.
• When Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, he was translating these French and European ideals into a radical political reality.

2. The Idealistic Muscle: Lafayette
If you want a single face for the French passion for liberty, it’s the Marquis de Lafayette.
• A fabulously wealthy 19-year-old orphan, Lafayette defied the French King to buy his own ship and sail to America in 1777 just to volunteer.
• He didn’t just want to fight British tyranny; he fell in love with the idea of America. He became a surrogate son to George Washington, endured the winter at Valley Forge, and injected a massive dose of European military professionalism into the Continental Army.
• He proved that the fight for liberty could transcend national borders.

3. The Ultimate Strategic Pivot
While idealism was great, America was losing the war until France brought the money and the heavy armor. Following the American victory at Saratoga, King Louis XVI saw a chance to avenge France's previous losses to Britain and signed a formal alliance in 1778.
• The Treasury: France poured massive amounts of cash, gunpowder, uniforms, and muskets into the bankrupt American rebellion.
• The Navy & Army: At the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, there were actually more French soldiers and sailors under General Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse than there were American troops under Washington. France effectively checkmated the British Empire on America's behalf.

The Great Historical Irony:

The ultimate twist is that the "teacher" ended up learning from the student.
The ideas France exported to America, combined with the massive debt the French monarchy ran up while financing the American Revolution, sparked a financial and social crisis at home. Just six years after the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American War, the French people launched their own revolution in 1789.

In fact, Lafayette himself drafted France's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, explicitly channeling the American ideals he had fought for.

So, did France teach young America about liberty? Yes—but America turned around and handed France the match.

A truly “special relationship” to be celebrated and cherished. 🇺🇸🇫🇷🤝🗽#france #america

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@PSG_English Merci beaucoup France. Without you, America would not exist! 14/7/26 we celebrate again.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@Geiger_Capital If true, I have learned a new fact that is almost unbelievable and further reinforces the brilliance of these (now young) men. Appreciate it Geiger. 🤘🏻

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

GFY, Ro Khanna! PAB! So, Rockefeller and JP Morgan et al, whom built this country and represent what American exceptionalism is, is now dead because it fits a BS narrative that gets good poll numbers? And this coming from a guy who has a net worth over $200M by some estimates. You’re the epitome of a limousine liberal now. I’m trying to get ahead for my family and the way is the opposite of what you think. I cannot stand mediocrity thinking. Sad …..

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@bgurley I am having a similar experience Bill. Recently, I’ve had longer chats to get to good outcomes and almost have to coax the model to get to those outcomes. 🤘🏻

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@pmarca Sadly AB1608 is about to pass on a partisan vote to hide the truth from the people of California and continue this charade.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

If this is true, why don’t the US DOJ or CA DOJ do something about it? What is the next step to take that will ensure it is investigated by the proper agency? Frustrated by the potential exposure happening with this and what Nick Shirley is doing without any recourse that I am aware of.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@RickCarusoLA Rules

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@KevinKileyCA @DavidSacks We should get it on the ballot in November that we have to immediately reduce spending back down to the level when he took office and then adjust it for inflation going forward. Make it The People’s Budget.

[Kevin Kiley @KevinKileyCA]

Newsom has announced a $348.9 billion budget. That's $147.5 billion larger than when he took office, a 73.2% increase. Spending has grown 2.5 faster than the rate of inflation. This isn't normal, even for blue states.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst says the budget is "alarming" and raises "serious concerns about the state’s fiscal sustainability."

Meanwhile, the state's infrastructure and schools remain subpar, cost of living is higher than anywhere, and we lead the nation in unemployment, homelessness, and poverty.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

I need to hear Snoop Dogg call every NBA game. I’d watch them all if he did. @SnoopDogg

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@hubermanlab Abundance

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@PalmerLuckey @DarrigoMelanie @RoKhanna I laughed out loud Palmer. That is funny.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@stoolpresidente Let Vegas decide the top 12 teams based on odds of winning. Corruption could become an issue anytime Vegas is involved but we can find guardrails. F’ this committee bullshit.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@TheJoeySwoll We’d love to host you in PV Joey. The “OC” of LA. Come on up.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@elonmusk I saw this within 5 minutes.

[Billy J. Hatler @billyjhatler]

@SpaceX @Starlink Watched the launch build up on X and then ran outside to see it live from Palos Verdes, CA with my 17 yr old daughter. Falcon flew right over us. Such a cool experience. Thank you SpaceX!