Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : American Presidential Politics and foreign affairs -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TimF who wrote (3220)	1/17/2006 4:34:29 PM
From: michael97123	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 71588

China and Iran are both alike in terms of the use of nationalism to keep folks in line. But china has another weapon and thats the economic miracle which is a wonder for most chinese. Iran is an economic mess.

To: TimF who wrote (3220)	1/18/2006 1:54:26 PM
From: Peter Dierks	Respond to of 71588

"people react to ... the rate of improvement ... more than the overall level of wealth once ... past near-starvation levels." That gives the advantage to China. Russians had a higher base standard of living. Mao had crushed the economy of China to the extent that it was a nation of paupers. I suspect that part of why China is keeping the exchange rate artificially low is to reduce the rate of economic improvement for its citizens. By keeping people's lots improving a little every year, they manipulate people into complacency on the issues of rights and freedoms. IMHO, what gave Putin the opening was the disaffection when the government dismantled the state welfare system faster than economic prosperity was taking hold.