McDisney, the $4 coffee and heroin world

[AggieDave 6]

A country once ravaged by heroin, due to the actions of England as a country and the sea going merchants from the same, has obviously rebound in a great way over the last hundred years.

Where does their upswing leave us now? That is a particular item of debate that has many sides and many valid (and some asinine) arguements. Many can see and will agree that the US's next (and actually current as well as having grown from our past) viable threat (besides ourselves) is infact the great land of China. Not due to communism, socalism, militant dictatorship or however you define their government, but due to their overwelming thirst for land, power and influence. Like a certain other country in the 1870s and having come of age by the 1950s.

The fly in the ointment is the same thing that grew out of the golden era of the US. Agressive capitalistic, non-assuming businesses. What do I mean by that? I'm not refering to the giant manufacturing companies such as US Steel, Ford or Boeing. I'm refering to companies that serve the people individually and directly. McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, TacoBell, Coke, as well as total entertainment companies such as Disney. Lets not leave out other business solution/service providing companies such as Microsoft and Hooters. Ok, not Hooters, but definately companies like Dell.

Will the next major war be, as I have thought for quite a while, against China or will the western governments and business chip away at the government piece by piece to bring the red-giant down? Although that is possible, how much more influence and undermining can the US take from the purchasing of goods from China? Although I believe in supporting American business, sometimes its just not something I can personally afford (although that's one of the reasons why I bought the Kawasaki motorcycle I did...it was build in Nebraska, ironcially enough).

Although the Chinese economic machine is and has been chipping away at the US economy for quite some time, they (the Chinese people) can't help but love the US' products and lifestyle. US food, fasion, and other goods have flooded into the Chinese economy. As evident as the last official visit to the US, in Seattle.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[akarunway 1]

LOL. What ya drinking tonite Aggie? Finally seeing the light? Colorado River is low tonite, and I'm looking at it. I can tell you that. Hopefully the National Guard can flood the Rio Grande w/ all the excess water as well. LOL

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[Newbie 0]

Cheap labour provided by China has been a major factor in the economic growth of the US in the 20th century. Investment from the US and other western countries has POURED into China over the last several decades, and has positioned the country to be placed, economically, where it is today.

Viewing it as a threat is bizarre - you and i in the west have enjoyed the fruits of the Chinese (and other less advances nations) for many years. Why should we begrudge them now just because they are suddenly finding themselves in a position to compete with us, or because they - particularly in the case of the US - have developed suddenly an insatiable appetite for our products?

As you say - the Chinese love the Western symbols of capitalism - but why is that a bad thing? I guarntee you, many of your good ole US of A companies will be viewing China and the market as their means to continue to grow and remain profitable.

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[SpeedRacer 1]

I agree with Newbie.

Too many rich & powerful people, both in China & the USA are making big $ by trade. The last thing they want to do is fuck that up by starting a war.

Speed Racer
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[AggieDave 6]

Quote

Finally seeing the light?

No, this has been something I've been thinking about for a few years. Sitting back and watching. I've only really talked about it to a couple of people in detail.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Jib 0]

The problem is that places like China can lure away manufacturing from the U.S. with cheap labor and lax laws, but when their living standards rise closer to ours, there will be no incentive to move the factories back here.

If you're interested, read The World is Flat[/]

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt