This is how you get things done - Page 19

Because big money doesn't have loyalty to anyone but themselves.

I get pecans cheap here......if I don't want to buy them I can just go out and pick up my own...

The Chinese can eat their own waste as far as i'm concerned, never did make sense to get into business with an enemy.


 

IMO, the relationship has always been a one way street.

On another note, I tried to locate a streaming copy of "Journey of the Universe", but couldn't.  I did watch a portion of a lecture that the author gave on the subject, as well as an EXTREMELY involved youtube video given on the "Native American response to" the film.  Need to finish them both.

I tried to upload the video last night but it was only a trailer, seems they were just filling a time slot last night on my pbs, it's supposed to be aired in December.

Wasn't it Nixon who opened the door to China ?

A little isolationism wouldn't hurt at all, or at least sanctions for companies selling us out for a profit.

That went the way of the Dodo  too..

Yes, Nixon may have consummated the deal with China, but the ball began rolling with FDR after WWII.

And then came the cold war.... nothing's been right since 1776 in my opinion.
oh well....

A lot of informed people hold the opinion that 1776 was not necessary.  I can tell you that the position has some legs to it, but can appreciate both sides.

There is no way to go back to "isolationism". I remember it being during the time right after Nixon's resignation, that my father began talking about being excited about China opening up. He made his connections, then.

Well, here are my thoughts, and I don't hate the Chinese. Not to be confused with their government and their atrocious human rights records. The Chinese time frame thinking is so different than ours. Or perhaps not, Carlin, if you talk about the eternal grinding forces of change in micro-measurements. The Chinese understand this the best. Even the most vocal Chinese industry haters still don't want to pay what it costs our workers to make at the standards of living, USA workers demand. So, unless we embrace a world economy, that is the only way for that to not matter. Problem is, if the USA is the only one presently generous enough to embrace such a melting pot ideal; and why wouldn't we? We exist because of our melting pot ideals.  This idealism is the "foreign" concept to the rest of the world and we do seem to be the one's holding the snipe hunt bag. Any wonder we are easily led down this path? We think we can help everyone come up to us. Everyone else just wants to use us to get ahead. 

Here is a good book to read for some thought:
 

I adore pecans for my holiday pies and other dishes. I will go stock up now. Black walnuts I have, but they are too hard and messy to crack open.


 

If you look at the three most powerful nations on the planet, Russia, China, and the U.S., you immediately recognize that one stands apart.  Both the former have chosen to "capitalize" on the the economic democracy, while maintaining a rigid sense of identity and a certain extent of isolationism.  IMO, these two countries continue to have much more in common under the surface than is apparent.  Many make the mistake of universally applying the term "democratic", not only because of a misunderstanding of the political science definition, but also because of the fact that any given country's policies may in fact be a combination of ideologies.  Any given nation for instance, may be socially liberal and economically conservative at the same time.  In terms of Russia and China, the governments weigh individual policies according to what they believe is best for their nation, and adjust accordingly.  Russia has necessarily embraced private enterprise, while clandestinely preserving the foundations of social tradition.  If it were possible, you could simply ask any one of the 300 or so dead journalists who dared publicly criticize Vladimir Putin.  No, I don't see any way strict isolationism is the answer.  If it were so, the Soviet Union would still be a reality.  However, what we are currently experiencing in the US seems to be a complete lack of identity.  Those with a simplistic understanding of free-market (or those not so simplistic, but with a horse in the race) may suggest that the market performs best with little or no government intervention.  While this may be true within the borders, the model breaks down under globalism.  The common interest of the melting pot is no longer the country itself. 

I must say, Putin scares the begeezus out of me! No argument here. All means are possible with that guy! And you talk about the Russian "social condition". Do you mean the Russian mafia that has sprung up exactly in-step time-wise, with the Soviets'" embracing of private enterprise"? I always thought that socially, that the key to exerting cooperation with the mostly impoverished and, or, typically alcoholic citizen on the lower rungs, was a common desperateness bent on survival and isolation between their vastness's of harsh landscape. 

Or, just that Putin simply reverts to his KGB roots to get things done?

Bringing Russia into the enlightenment of Europe, historically was the task of their rulers, Catherine and Peter if I remember anything, correctly? lol

To Putin, the people are for Russia, as opposed to Russia being for the people.  That is, always has been , and may always be the social construct, IMO.  I have listened to this guy talk, and not only is he not interested in globalism (which is fine by me), but he actually relishes the instances where Russia succeeds at undermining the perceived objectives of the West.  The guy is the ultimate control freak, and so I have to assume that the Russian mafia doesn't exist or move unless he allows it; once KGB, always KGB.  Think Lenin.  If the guy even imagined subversion, you're done.  If met and talked with Soviet refugees.  The Soviet mind is fascinating!  What motivates them is not what motivates us.  I knew one person who came to the US for a better life for his children.  You could tell that he had peace about the decision, but longed within his soul for the Soviet Union.  Here in the US, we have a difficult time comprehending culture that is not based on the individual, and studies indicate this begins in very early childhood.