Category Archives: in english

in english

Globalisation, competition and the American way

2 Comments

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.

in english

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.

in english

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?

in english

State of fear

I was pretty surprised by the amount of fear I could see in the American media.   I understand the shock caused by the unfortunate events of September 11th, 2001, but I think this doesn't only have to do with that.

The messages you hear in TV, in the news and in the street talk about fear: fear of terrorism, yes, but also of immigration, poverty, bad health, poor eductaion, peak oil, etc.  I find it sad that such an entrepreneurial people can be held back by thinly veiled propaganda of fear.  Awareness is extremely important, but frightening your audience won't take you anywhere.

in english

Service culture

I've talked earlier about the difference between the quality of service in Europe and other places around the world.  I'm happy to report that in the U.S. the service level is in general much better than what we're used in Europe. The downside, of course, if that you need to be aware about how much you should be tipping, which is an arcane art I have pretty much forgotten.