Let's hope that this is only empty rethoric, as the United States would be shooting itself on its own foot, and damaging its relationship with its neighbours to boot. More information in the Economist.
Monthly Archives: March 2008
The importance of the Spanish language in the United States
I had heard about the "Latin wave", but I hadn't experienced it until my last trip. All over the city I heard people speaking Spanish, and at many places was indeed served even better when I spoke Spanish.
However, on the other hand, when watching TV at my hotel, of 40 channels none of them was in Spanish. They didn't even have Telemundo or Univisión. Nevermind international channels, in Spanish or otherwise.
However, on the other hand, when watching TV at my hotel, of 40 channels none of them was in Spanish. They didn't even have Telemundo or Univisión. Nevermind international channels, in Spanish or otherwise.
Chinese-African ties
You might have heard that the Chinese are investing heavily in Africa. What you may not know is that there's also Africans doing business in China.
The brief at Monocle (subscription only).
Globalisation, competition and the American way
The United States is a very exceptional country, in that it was originally founded on ideas, mostly. I'm sure you've heard about the "American way" and the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". The American people are capable of great things, and the 20th century was indeed theirs.
This century, however, seems a little more threatening, with the war on terror and a weaker economy. The rise of China also means there is another big competitor in the world stage. To make matters worse, their country also has a little of an image problem currently.
Sadly, I find that the instinct is to close up, to keep on ignoring what is happening in the rest of the world, and to refuse to understand how others see what is going on. Hardball negotiation doesn't work anymore.
Thankfully, there is also a group of people who understand that the US cannot afford to do that.
Changing perspectives
Your experience colours your point of view. 10 years ago I saw NY in a completely different way than now.
Of course, eight years living in Europe did that to a Mexican…
Confusing belief with fact
I was watching CNN when they had a report about an alleged link between childhood vaccination and autism. Right after it, they had a poll where they asked the audience if they believed there was such a link. I found the process disturbing for one reason: whatever I believe may or may not be backed by scientific fact, and in issues such as healthcare this becomes very dangerous.
I might believe that the world is a flat dish, but the facts prove me wrong.
Healthcare craze
One thing that really surprised me on my last visit to the US was the amount of health product ads on TV. It is rather annoying to see that, in a country where the health care system is completely private and extremely expensive, pharmaceutical companies target consumers instead of doctors in their marketing, sowing fear and insecurity.
Update June 17, 2008: The BBC has an article on this as well.
America is a continent, not a country
Enough said. 😉
Answering Ohio
It is said that Hillary Clinton won Ohio due to her opposition to NAFTA (an initiative that her husband put into force, by the way). I understand that Ohio has lost quite a few jobs during the last 15 years, but renegotiating free trade is not a solution.
The American consumer on one hand loves low prices, which needless to say are helped by free trade. On the other side, however, the same person, now as American voter is afraid of the state of the American economy, and would like to protect it as much as possible.
The problem is, however, that the Ohio voter is between a rock and a hard place for one reason: if the United States shuts the door to free trade, many of those employed producing goods for the American market abroad will lose their jobs, and I wouldn't be surprised if they would try to migrate to find a better life.
Therefore, the question is the following: free trade or immigration?
New York vs. Tokyo
Compare this:
with this:
I'd say that aesthetically the main difference between NYC & Tokyo is that NYC looks somehow less well maintained, and the architecture resembles more the 50's than the 2000's in places. Both are definitely places worth visiting.