America: My Time

Chapter 1017 John's Counterattack

Chapter 1007 John's Counterattack

John wanted to reserve his opinion, which meant upholding Gulfstream's decision and refusing to follow their arrangements. This was also a warning to these guys not to try to break the previous agreement, or they would face Gulfstream's retaliation. Whether they understood or not was unimportant; he believed they would understand once they got back.

Faced with John's questioning, neither the White House nor the military dared to directly admit that their statement was correct or that their development direction was correct. Moreover, the White House guys didn't care about what the situation would be like twenty years from now; they only cared about the present. As for who would handle things in the future, it was none of their concern. But now that John had raised this issue, they had been pushed to the brink. Otherwise, if problems arose in the future, they would be the sinners of the United States, and they would be cursed and even written into history books!

These military industrial enterprises will absolutely not let us off the hook. The official representatives present all understood this. As long as their plans go wrong, these guys will settle scores with them later and make them pay a heavy price.

“Mr. John, you’re wrong to say that. Given the current situation in the United States, we have no choice but to do this. Otherwise, our economy will not be able to recover. Only by saving enough money from the military industry can we promote development in other areas. Moreover, only high technology can help the United States get out of its predicament. We see no hope for the military industry. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be in the same situation as before. So we are not wrong. This is the era that forces us to do this!”

"What a question of the times. Does this mean that in the future, the White House will no longer favor manufacturing companies like us in its work and in the development direction of the United States, but will instead direct funding and policies toward high technology? If so, then I have nothing to say. After all, there is no use in saying anything. We cannot change your mind! If you have already made your decision, there is no need to discuss it with us, let alone have us all gathered here to discuss it. It is of no use. You have not given us any right to choose. We can only accept our fate."

"To be honest, the United States can't afford any more turmoil right now. If you've already made your decision, we won't resist. After all, we don't want to see the United States descend into chaos, as it wouldn't benefit anyone. However, there's one thing we need to clarify: since we're no longer part of the White House's development plan, shouldn't the White House completely lift export controls on all our military industrial enterprises? At the very least, you need to grant us sufficient export rights. Of course, this isn't a request I'm making for myself. As you all know, Gulfstream Aerospace and Bentley Motors are unaffected in this regard. I just want to preserve a spark for the US military industrial sector so that everyone can weather the current difficulties. Otherwise, we'll have to lay off more production workers. It's not that we don't want to give them jobs, but we can't; we don't have the capability."

When John uttered these words, the heads of the defense industry present were all excited, and their eyes were filled with respect as they looked at John. Just as John said, these words did not have much to do with Gulfstream Aerospace and Bentley Motors, but they would be of great benefit to the US defense industry.

However, neither the military nor the White House could agree to it, since it was not a decision they could make, and the consequences of loosening these controls would be too severe, a result that no one wanted to see.

“Mr. John, you should know that this is impossible. It will seriously affect the security of the US military, and even the security of the United States and its interests!” The White House had to step forward to make a statement because the military would not directly offend these military-industrial giants. After all, they were all connected and had interests. Even Gulfstream Aerospace, under John’s control, had a very ‘harmonious’ relationship with the military!
"I understand now. In other words, you're just here to inform us, and any talk of discussion is just formalities. In that case, why not just send a formal notification letter? This way, we can avoid wasting everyone's time and energy and have enough time to think about countermeasures and how to ensure the normal operation of our own companies. As for the integration you mentioned, Gulfstream Aerospace and Bentley Motors Group don't have that capability. We're already struggling to cope with our own problems!"

John's statement led others to have different ideas. Gulfstream Aerospace would not continue to integrate or acquire other companies, and the same goes for Bentley Motors. This is a very interesting statement.

A moment later, silence fell over the room. No one spoke; saying anything now would be inappropriate. After all, the White House was clearly sacrificing the interests of their military-industrial complex. Moreover, everyone else understood that this wasn't just targeting John, but more importantly, them, since John's influence wasn't that great. The meeting ended unhappily—that was the White House's outcome. Rockefeller and First Citibank remained silent, offering no support or advocacy for the group's interests. Morgan and the others also kept quiet, understanding that the other side was determined to do this, and that Rockefeller and First Citibank had already agreed. This was merely the surface; within the American financial world, many more likely accepted this outcome.

"John, what do you think we should do now? This situation is very unfavorable to us." After the meeting, Morgan and John found a place to sit down and discuss countermeasures, since many financial groups had accepted the White House's explanation this time!

"If I'm not mistaken, Rockefeller will soon cooperate with First Citibank. McDonnell Douglas will likely be lost; Rockefeller will abandon it. Boeing's strength will increase, and they will complement each other, since Rockefeller controls most of the airlines in the US! I've decided to abandon those knife companies and focus on our core business. We'll abandon all of America's manufacturing industries and concentrate all our efforts on developing our core business, as well as on Oregon, to avoid being taken advantage of. Just this once, I'm certain that America's manufacturing industry is doomed. If possible, while everyone is consolidating the steel industry, Morgan should also abandon US Steel. I see no hope in it. Next, finance, telecommunications, and internet companies will become the focus of the US economy. That's their plan!"

"I will consider it. After all, this is not a decision I can make alone. It requires discussion with everyone. You know this takes time, and not everyone will accept it!"

“I understand, which is why I chose to sell off these valuable assets at this time, at least to ensure that my own interests are not harmed. I can imagine that the rise of the Donald will soon plunge us into a lot of trouble. If there are no problems with Morgan, we can cooperate to have GM and Bentley jointly build a huge automotive industrial park in Mexico to reduce our own production costs. Now we also need to stick together and cooperate to reduce our production costs. Only in this way can we ensure that our interests are not affected.”

"John, this kind of cooperation is fine, but I heard ASML is going to acquire Zeiss. What do you think about that?"

"I don't have many other ideas, I just want to have a go at those guys from Japan. Originally, I didn't plan to compete with them, but these guys have taken advantage of me and think I'm easy to bully. If I don't teach them a lesson, they'll really think they're something special. This time, I'm not just targeting their cars, but also their semiconductor chips, lithography machines, and cameras. I'm going to have a comprehensive showdown with them! This is a rare opportunity. They betrayed me first, so any retaliation I take is justified. And don't you think that Japan's production costs are rising right now? Isn't this a chance to severely damage Japan's manufacturing industry? I don't want to let this opportunity slip by. I have to get my revenge and take back what's rightfully mine. I want them to know how serious the consequences of offending me are!"

“Are you sure it’s feasible? Those guys in Japan have an absolute advantage in these markets. Even though they’ve been suppressed by us, they’re still very strong. Aren’t you afraid of losing money? After all, the situation with Zeiss isn’t ideal!” Morgan was very clear about Zeiss’s situation, especially when ASML wanted to acquire Zeiss, which made Morgan want to know everything. Moreover, Zeiss’s capabilities were quite good.

"Losing money is impossible. Zeiss's situation is not beyond redemption, and even if we fail, it won't be a big problem. At least we will have absolute assurance regarding the lenses for the lithography machine. As for other issues, we can resolve them gradually. If I don't teach those Japanese guys a profound lesson this time, I won't be able to vent my anger. The fact that the oil capital dares to oppose me shows they have the backing, but those Japanese guys dare to cheat me? They're courting death!"

John was well aware that these bastards from Oilfield Capital had become henchmen of the Federal Reserve, and that they would further erode the US financial industry. Even Morgan probably tacitly approved of all this, and even chose to remain neutral between Oilfield Capital and himself, rather than 'truly' supporting him as they appeared on the surface. After all, Morgan also had his own interests, and Morgan was also a giant on Wall Street!

(End of this chapter)