Capítulo 428: Chapter 428: Rabbits Can Be Friends
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The 1960s saw a boom in large-scale industry, and Hardy had strategically positioned himself in sectors like mining, petroleum, and metallurgy. Instead of focusing on traditional ore smelting, he chose to recycle and smelt scrap metals.
As early as the 1950s, Hardy had made significant moves in urban waste recycling. He involved Bill and invited other Mafia families to join him in this lucrative business. The Mafia's expertise in handling waste recycling turned out to be highly profitable. In the U.S., disposal of garbage required a fee, but recycling offered a way to turn waste into wealth. Hardy capitalized on this by acquiring small smelting companies to process scrap metal, a decision that proved financially rewarding from the beginning.
Hardy anticipated that while large steel companies might struggle in the future, scrap metal-based steel production would remain profitable. By the end of the 1960s, scrap metal smelting accounted for 70% of steel production in the United States.
With Nicholas in power, Hardy found himself in an advantageous position. His industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and Penang expanded rapidly. During this period, Hardy also established a private university in the United States, named 'Hardy University.' The name followed a precedent set by other prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
Hardy's goal for the university was twofold: to create a distinguished institution in the United States and to build collaborative relationships with universities in Penang, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The university, situated on an 8,000-acre estate near Los Angeles, offered excellent natural surroundings. As a non-profit private university, it avoided taxes and did not generate profit for shareholders.
To fund the university, Hardy invited many investors. This was a strategic move, as investors saw their contributions as a way to secure easier access for their children to the university. Many prestigious universities in the U.S. operate as non-profit institutions for similar reasons.
Hardy University focused on various fields, including economics, law, sociology, medicine, pharmacology, life sciences, electronic information engineering, computers, communications, and media. It aimed to produce both talented professionals for society and skilled employees for the Hardy Group.
With the university established, Hardy worked to attract renowned professors, scholars, and students from around the world. Over the years, Hardy University developed a strong reputation.
By the end of the 1960s, Hardy's industries were valued at an estimated $50 billion, covering numerous countries and regions globally.
In 1968, the U.S. presidential election began. The Democratic candidate was Mike Corleone, who had transformed the Corleone family into a political dynasty over the past decade. Even Italian Mafia families, under Hardy's leadership, had transitioned to legitimate businesses, gradually distancing themselves from their underworld activities.
Mike Corleone's opponent was Republican candidate Rudolph Ford, supported by the Rockefeller family and other influential forces. The campaign was fiercely contested, with extensive publicity and live television broadcasts becoming increasingly common.
Hardy and the head of the Rockefeller family met to discuss the future economic trends of the United States. Their relationship remained amicable despite differing political endorsements, as they both represented their respective interests.
During the election, a significant event occurred: Edgar Hoover, the powerful head of the FBI, died of a myocardial infarction at home. Hoover, who had risen to power during the Roosevelt administration and maintained his influence through knowledge of political and financial secrets, had long been a formidable figure. Hardy decided it was time to act, as Hoover had formed an alliance with Mike's opponents, potentially jeopardizing Mike's campaign.
Hardy's intelligence network, led by Henry, had kept close tabs on Hoover. With Hoover out of the way, Hardy's operatives planted a drug in Hoover's water glass, leading to his death. The autopsy was conducted by a senior official from Hardy's team.
Following Hoover's death, Deputy Director Clyde Tolson, Hoover's right-hand man, was investigated for embezzlement. However, the real reason for the investigation was his possession of Hoover's secret files, which contained compromising information on many high-profile figures. Tolson's capture and subsequent suicide in prison removed a significant threat to Hardy.
Five days after Hoover's death, George Hans, who was Hardy's man, was appointed as the new FBI Director. The internal FBI power struggle remained concealed from the public.
As the election approached, Las Vegas opened betting odds on the outcome. Despite the close competition, Mike Corleone was favored to win, reflecting his strong position. Hardy's efforts in the gaming industry had expanded lottery and betting options across more than 30 states, increasing public engagement in the election.
On Election Day in November 1968, ABC TV provided live coverage of the results. The network, which had become a major player in American television, broadcasted the returns from each state and featured analysis from various guests. After a 20-hour election process, Mike Corleone emerged victorious, becoming the next President of the United States.
In New York, the Corleone family celebrated the victory. Mike embraced Hardy, thanking him for his support. Hardy, in turn, reminded Mike of their bond as brothers. Mike's family also joined in the celebration.
Later, Mike and Hardy discussed the future, including potential cabinet candidates and international relations. Hardy advised Mike to focus on establishing diplomatic and economic ties with Eastern countries, particularly the Soviet Union, which was a strategic opportunity.
In February 1969, Mike was inaugurated as President. Hardy ensured that no scandals, such as the Watergate incident, would disrupt the administration. After the transition, Nicholas was appointed honorary president of Hardy University, further enhancing the university's prestige.
With Mike in office, George Hans continued as FBI Director, and Dr. Key, an associate of the Rockefeller family, became the assistant to the president for security affairs. As Mike's presidency began, Dr. Key prepared for a covert mission, signaling the start of a new chapter in American politics and international relations.
Status de energia semanal
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Poder 
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Poder