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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dennis O'Bell who wrote (136708)	6/15/2004 11:36:44 AM
From: Noel de Leon	Respond to of 281500

"And above all, it comes from the fact that the US economy depends on a continued influx of foreign capital every single day, day in and day out. This national debt and our trade deficit is the most grave problem the US faces by far, but for now, let's party on ! Buy those SUVs and Hummers while you can, because at some point, I don't know when (or I'd be making some investment decisions right now) there will be some other currency in the world that becomes safer and more rewarding to hold than the US Dollar." You might want to read this source. dieoff.org "The Olduvai theory is a data-based schema that states that the life expectancy of Industrial Civilization is less than or equal 100 years. We shall develop the theory from its early roots in Greek philosophy down to respected scientists in the 20th century. This approach is useful because, although the theory is easy to understand, it is difficult (i.e. distressing) for most people to accept — just as it was for me."

To: Dennis O'Bell who wrote (136708)	6/15/2004 1:06:36 PM
From: Sig	Respond to of 281500

For the United States, now, the danger comes from the Islamic world... <<<No, it comes from our dependence on Mideast oil, of which a significant part is in the hands of the most obscurantist of theocracies on the planet. And above all, it comes from the fact that the US economy depends on a continued influx of foreign capital every single day, day in and day out. This national debt and our trade deficit is the most grave problem the US faces by far, but for now, let's party on ! Buy those SUVs and Hummers while you can, because at some point, I don't know when (or I'd be making some investment decisions right now) there will be some other currency in the world that becomes safer and more rewarding to hold than the US Dollar. If that ever happens, that is - if we allow it to happen, because we do have some control in the matter - we will be in serious shit here in the US.>>> We dont need help finding economic problems. Everyone was willing to toss money away in equities is the market bubble which made 80% of investments in Nas stocks vanish. Up to $7 trillion vanished from the markets value. Another big danger to our society is stagnation in guaranteed government jobs. Eight long years under Clinton and we became 8 years out of date when not challenged. CIA and FBI and INS procededures needed much repair. Looking at the wrong threats, and trying figure out ways to handle Al Qaeda attacks without upsetting other countries or violating treaties and agreements. 911 triggered a change and we were fortunate to have a President with an open mind willing to change course. Shake up the old regimes and take agressive action against terrorists. Its not the best way to win elections, but GWB felt that stopping terrorists was more important and rewarding than serving a 2nd term. That is really difficult for Democrats to understand when they are so devoted to winning the office they forget that their can be more important considerations. I am not so worried as you about other countries beating us economically. Most of them just dont get it. For example in the 1980's the Japanese banks and corporations were in a way copying our system but made one vital mistake where they stole ALL of the investors money which left very little to circulate in the basic economy. In our economy, the experience has been that leaving as much money as possible in the hands of the public leads to economic growth and therefore better profits in the long term. Not many new governments are willing to share profits in that manner. Saddam was greedy, leaving little for the common man and the economy went downhill with wages dropping by 66%. Whether foreign dollars keep coming in to our equity markets depends on the security and returns provided. The government provides many guarantees and support to businesses here, in the way of retirement funds, in loans when needed , in rate controls for utilities,in cost plus fixed profit for military contractors. And many of these companies have been successful for a long time- F, GM, BA, IBM, etc. Coke, Pepsi,Kellog,-world wide known brands. And Greenspan handling the throttles. Sig

To: Dennis O'Bell who wrote (136708)	6/15/2004 1:37:07 PM
From: Andrew N. Cothran	Respond to of 281500

"Saudi Arabia minus their oil would be just another festering . . . ." . . . .Afghanistan? or Kazakhstan or Tajikistan? or Chechnya? or ???? Maybe a Saudi without oil would be a festering backwater where the Taliban might find another secure home? Maybe a Saudi without oil would buy its future growing the cash crop from poppies for export? But a Saudi still. . . whose women remain second and third class citizens and whose young men (more than 25% of them) still can't find jobs. The problem is not oil wealth. It is a dearth of concern for the worth of the human being and the lack of plans to better the lot of the common masses of men and women.