 Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I only catch the t.v. news occasionally, but read a couple of papers daily. In the flavor of this moment, the talking heads seem to have a report every night about "the werecked economy" and "the recession soon to be another great depression", etc ad nauseum. Okay, I get it, I GET IT! Roosevelt said, "the only thing we have to fear... I understand the need for economic reporting, but where does reporting begin and fanning the flames begin? I can't believe that constantly rubbing our faces in this mess is going to help consumer confidence. No politics intended, just venting as I look around at all my very hard earned stuff. 
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048 |
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582 |
"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Eeh! Take it from me, Rich. All ya gotta do is start thinkin' of somethin' else so you can get your mind off all that money crap goin' down right now!  And so, HERE'S a topic for ya to ponder with, Rich ol' boy: Did the boys in Hinckley slightly screw up when they didn't design COOLING FINS around that new Thunderbird's cylinder barrels???  There ya go! THAT ought'a help take your mind off this lousy friggin' economy for a while anyway!  Hey! Don't laugh!!! THAT question sure seems to help take MY MIND off what's happenin' lately to MY 401K's balance ANYWAY!!!!   <--(only laughing on the outside)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Did the boys in Hinckley slightly screw up when they didn't design COOLING FINS around that new Thunderbird's cylinder barrels???
There ya go! THAT ought'a help take your mind off this lousy friggin' economy for a while anyway!
Are you kiddin'???!! THAT'S what started this whole economic downward spiral.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
+1
Also, should the America/SM have been made with a 1200cc engine?
Do you NEED the big bore kit or just WANT it?
Will Santa bring that "must have" part for your bike?
Perhaps this will distract you for a while.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,239 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,239 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
+1
Also, should the America/SM have been made with a 1200cc engine?
Do you NEED the big bore kit or just WANT it?
Will Santa bring that "must have" part for your bike?
Perhaps this will distract you for a while.
No it should have been made with a 1500cc engine.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
The inmates ,,,um... politicians are running the asylum ....we're in for a ride,,,elections matter  God help us inspite of our stupid votes over the years
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Don't even start. I'm in a thread-locking mood. I've got my eye on that Illinois thread that Freedom started (shame on him).
|
|
|
 Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......everybody quiet....moderators. 
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Hey, Dwight. I'm worried about you. Isn't there a support group you can join? When you get there, they usually start off with something like this.... Hello, my name is Dwight, and I'm a fin lover. I know I need help......
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
+1
Also, should the America/SM have been made with a 1200cc engine?
Do you NEED the big bore kit or just WANT it?
Will Santa bring that "must have" part for your bike?
Perhaps this will distract you for a while.
No it should have been made with a 1500cc engine.
Although I am fairly satisfied with the engine, I wish that they had punched it to a 1000. With the crank that will already take it, and the few minor internal mods, that would have been just right.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
I wish that they had punched it to a 1000.
+1 If nothing else, it would provide more latitude for sprocket changes. That's what the new bike should have been; a 1000-1200cc fuel injected BA.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 117
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 117 |
Hehe, I suppose you were just being lazy....and really meant to say Speedmaster.
Ridin' and playin' 'til I can't.
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
1500 would have been just about right. It would have meant making the engine enough wider that it would not have to be offset to get the chain around the rear tire and there would have been enough room in the gearbox to fit the 6th gear that we all try to shift to.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
I too would have been happy with 1000-1200 on this bike.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
The 790cc engine is enough for my style of riding. However, the thought of a big bore kit has turned into a thorn in my side just because it's available. Bigger is better. Right?
Perhaps when things start looking up, I'll take the plunge.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Perhaps when things start looking up, I'll take the plunge.
You could have a long wait. I read today that China's economy is now contracting (collapsing) at a rate much faster than anticipated. It's my belief that if this continues, the Chinese government will begin to cash in on its massive holdings of US dollars, if for no other reason than to forestall civil unrest. That could push the value of the dollar to all time lows. If/when that happens, we'll have recession/depression simultaneous with inflation. Americans out of work won't have any money to spend, and those who are working (or have savings) will need a wheelbarrow-full to buy a pack of gum. It will be the worst of both worlds.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 761
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 761 |
Quote:
but where does reporting (end) and fanning the flames begin?
Couldn't agree more. We all know there are tough times ahead. As tough as "they" make it out to be? We'll see. But just like the age old saying goes "If it bleeds, it leads". Media are just trying to keep up readership/viewership. Take it with a grain of salt...
-brent
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Perhaps when things start looking up, I'll take the plunge.
You could have a long wait. I read today that China's economy is now contracting (collapsing) at a rate much faster than anticipated. It's my belief that if this continues, the Chinese government will begin to cash in on its massive holdings of US dollars, if for no other reason than to forestall civil unrest. That could push the value of the dollar to all time lows. If/when that happens, we'll have recession/depression simultaneous with inflation. Americans out of work won't have any money to spend, and those who are working (or have savings) will need a wheelbarrow-full to buy a pack of gum. It will be the worst of both worlds.
Wow Jack! After readin' that, I'd like ya to do me a favor, will ya?!
Before you jump out of that 10th story window, please check to make sure that I'M not the guy standin' under it on the sidewalk singin' "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" for loose change...OKAY?!
(man...and here I thought the MEDIA has been doin' a "great job" lately of depressing me!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Well don't shoot the messenger, Dwight ol' boy. I've been warning my friends about this ever since I first went to China 12 years ago. You can't absorb a billion people working for 50¢/hr and not pay the consequences. It's already starting... China fears job riotsWorkers leaving cities Laid off workers smash an office Whatever you do, don't count on the US government to make this better. They'll just keep throwing money at it until our currency is worthless. We need to find a hedge against what's coming.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well Jack, you see I've always been the "glass half-full" sort'a guy myself. Yep! I just read in the paper that "thanks" to this souring world economy many many folks out there throughout the world are now considering havin' less little rug rats runnin' around. And so, maybe, FINALLY, people are startin' to realize that poppin' out kids willy-nilly into this friggin' world may not be such a good idea, and that it creates a surplus of cheap labor, not to mention what it's doin' to this poor planet here. (told ya I was a "glass half-full" sort'a guy) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
And then you have some who don't care if the sun rises or sets. A recently terminated employee (who is single) has announced that she's in a motherly way AGAIN. At this time, she has twins and hasn't received a dime in child support. The child she's carrying now is from another man. It goes without saying that we as tax payers are supporting these kids. I guess when the gov't supports one's irresponsibilities, economic woes aren't an issue. 
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
So this thread doesn't go totally awry (sorry, moderators), I'll add that I'm very concerned about niche manufacturers like our beloved Triumph. Given that the America/Speedy is seriously dated for a cruiser, they seem to be bettin' the farm on the new Thunderbird. Unfortunately, it's the wrong bike at the wrong time, especially now with so many personal incomes headin' to the dumper. Had they come out with something like, say, a 1200cc America/Speedy with a belt and a few minor suspension updates, I'd be seriously considerin' a trade in. Neither the Thunderbird nor the Rocket III really work for me though, so for now there isn't anything on the market that peaks my interest. I'm sure I'm not alone in reaching this conclusion.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Unfortunately, it's the wrong bike at the wrong time
But it was not so wrong a few years ago when they started developing it. Cmon now folks....its not like they pulled this one out of thin air overnight. 
As I read it it seems the smaller bikes (under 1000cc) were the one doing better. At least that was the case a month ago when gas was at $4 a gallon. Now that gas has come back down it may very well be the correct path again.
The bigger issues is going to be trying to find a lender that will actually give you a loan...unless of course you have the cash in which case if you do (by the time this bike hits market) chances are you wont be spending it on a new bike but rather keeping things afloat at home for a few more weeks/months.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Well don't shoot the messenger, Dwight ol' boy. I've been warning my friends about this ever since I first went to China 12 years ago. You can't absorb a billion people working for 50¢/hr and not pay the consequences.
It's already starting...
China fears job riots
Workers leaving cities
Laid off workers smash an office
Whatever you do, don't count on the US government to make this better. They'll just keep throwing money at it until our currency is worthless. We need to find a hedge against what's coming.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
Sooner than expected, China is moving in the direction I feared. Today's headline (BBC News) reads "China to Allow Freer Yuan Trades." For those who don't realize the implications, this represents the first step toward creating a world market in which Chinese currency displaces the dollar and Euro as the standard. China's central bank governor has also issued the following statement: "The US dollar is unlikely to be stable next year and later. And the likelihood of the United States issuing more money in the near future adds to the depreciation risk in US-dollar-denominated assets and trade settlements." In other words, China now clearly recognizes that it is not in their best interest to continue trading or (by extraction) holding dollars. There are truly horrific aspects to this, given the massive stockpiling of dollars by China that began in the '80s.
For those of you who have the option, there isn't much time to prepare. You need to find investments that will hold their value with respect to SE Asian economies. When China finally opens the floodgates, Western currency won't be worth its weight in chopsticks, either at home or abroad.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Never made enough money to ever invest in "speculative" kinds of money engines. I'm still doing it the "old fashioned" way, same as my grandmother. I buy used cars and fix them myself, built my own "modest" home with 25 K in borrowed money resulting in $240 dollar mortage payments, and don't waste a lot of money on cigarettes, booze and women. (This allows me to waste money on bikes, cars and resturant food). (I do confess that the new credit card has gotten a little out of hand, lately. Thanks Mickey M!) If I lose my fairly simple luxuries in a "D" type economy because of foolish, greedy people and the billionaire fatcats I'm really gonna be bitter.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Hey , recently bought BEZ ( Baldor Electric) strong financials and due to current hysteria, a great bargin...also bought some GM when it got down around $2 a share...... pass the cigars , I'm either a fool or a genius ! 
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Bucky's Crystal Ball reads:
A long financial Winter, followed by a robust recovery bound Spring.
An off the wall optimist thought - The world's desire to both make & spend money, plus newly minted Capitalist countries, along with today's facilities to buy & sell nearly in real time, should hopefully lift us back from the dark days at hand. Recovery of the market through investor faith will surely help, and as history has shown, there is never a better time to invest in the market than when the market is in the toilet. Those brave or flush enough to get in now usually come out very wealthy, as the market's revovery is typically near 100%.
Now the hard part... if anyone has a spare $100K or so to lend me, I'll gladly pay you back Tuesday, (of 200(?) )
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
|
|
New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Those head lines tell me China is tanking faster and worse than we are. And by the way 50 cents an hour is the only way to absorb billions of chinese into jobs.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Bucky's Crystal Ball reads:
A long financial Winter, followed by a robust recovery bound Spring.
Now ya see, I really wanna believe that too. Nothing depresses me more than to think the country's goin' to He11 and that the gov't is only gonna' push it faster over the brink. And man, the bargains like GM and oil and everything else - even someone like me, with a lifelong aversion to investing in stocks, well, I'm sorely tempted.
But then, I ask myself a few questions: What if this was 1930? What if FDR ordered the bulk of American manufacturing to be closed and moved to China? What if he gave the Chinese gov't half the US currency ever printed? Would we recover?
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Those head lines tell me China is tanking faster and worse than we are.
You betcha. They depend on the West for nearly all their economic growth. But here's a secret: While they've been growing, we've been shrinking. And while they've been building up a hugely MASSIVE hoarde of greenbacks in the Central Repository, our government has been borrowing gazillions and is seriously bankrupt. It's been printing money, reducing interest rates, handing out notes, giving tax breaks to corporations, encouraging bad loans, and generally faking us out in a Ponzi scheme so gargantuan it makes Madoff look like a bit player. In fact, the ONLY thing keeping the almighty dollar from crashing to the value of dog poop AT THIS VERY MOMENT is the continuing growth of the Chinese stockpile.
Here's the punchline: Now that the Chinese economy is tanking, how will they buy themselves out of it? Which asset will they dump into the world market in order to continue funding the country, to build infrastructure, and to establish a self-perpetuating economy that no longer relies on Western stupidity?????? How 'bout..... 450 QUADRILLION PAPER DOLLARS???? Incidentally, if you're not sure what that will do to the money in your wallet, just ask investors how much their Madoff Investment Securities paper is worth.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
But then, I ask myself a few questions: What if this was 1930? What if FDR ordered the bulk of American manufacturing to be closed and moved to China? What if he gave the Chinese gov't half the US currency ever printed? Would we recover?
Well Jackson, you can stop wonderin' about that! You see, a New York Governor wouldn't have come close to havin' that kind of decision making power, ol' buddy! And beside, if he WOULD'VE tried doin' that, it would've P*SSED OFF Herbert Hoover to no end, dude!!! 
What?! Are you listenin' to history accordin' to Joe Biden again???
(sorry, but FDR didn't become President until January of 1933....and NO, FDR never did any "Fireside Chats" over television either, dude!)
Last edited by Dwight; 12/26/2008 8:56 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Dangit Dwight, waddya expect??? I was never good on dates. THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT A TRIUMPH. 
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Dangit Dwight, waddya expect??? I was never good on dates. THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT A TRIUMPH.
Hey Jackson!!! Now THAT doesn't make any sense at all EITHER!!!
(...'cause I hear Biden AND those folks who constantly fell asleep in history class usually ride HARLEYS!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
OK, OK, let's just pretend that instead of "1930," I wrote " the 1930s." WOULD THAT MAKE YA HAPPY? Jeeeze, I can't even edit it now without bein' obvious. And by the way, if ya don't lay off the Biden thing, I'll hafta publish his real IQ. 
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,239 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,239 Likes: 64 |
I believe we will eventually recover but I also believe we haven't seen the worst of it yet.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
OK, OK, let's just pretend that instead of "1930," I wrote "the 1930s." WOULD THAT MAKE YA HAPPY? Jeeeze, I can't even edit it now without bein' obvious. And by the way, if ya don't lay off the Biden thing, I'll hafta publish his real IQ.
Eeh! I already know that figure, Jackson! I hear it WAS about 125.
BUT, like ALL politicians once they're elected, it automatically dropped 30 POINTS! And so it's presently been estimated at around 95 or so! Which ain't too bad considerin' the average IQ around The Beltway is estimated to be around 80 or so!!!
(AND...in these past eight years the further west one would travel on Pennsylvania Ave, THAT figure would REALLY DROP, dude!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 12/26/2008 11:03 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
|
|
New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
The Chinese have no interest in the USA failing. The Chinese with a per capita GDP of $4500 (ours is about $45000) a year can't afford to consume there own output, the need our market. The bigest reason for them not wanting us to fail is that we are their source of innovation. They are great at copying and low cost manufacturing, but they are a not innovators.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
|
|
|
Re: Wrecked economy
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
The Chinese have no interest in the USA failing. The Chinese with a per capita GDP of $4500 (ours is about $45000) a year can't afford to consume there own output, the need our market.
That was last year. This year ('09), our market will be much less useful. Chinese economic growth is already forecast to fall precipitously in '09, and will not only fail to maintain double-digit growth, but will drop below even Beijing's supposedly desired 8%. I'll add that the numbers you've quoted are meaningless for purposes of this discussion. For one thing, there are significant differences in the distribution of wealth between the two populations. For another, the numbers on both sides are heavily skewed as a result of government manipulation and nondisclosure. They simply don't mean the same thing, and even if they did, you couldn't believe either side to tell the truth.
Quote:
The bigest reason for them not wanting us to fail is that we are their source of innovation.
How much innovation is there in a $10 set of screwdrivers? Or a $350 television? Or a $12 kitchen steamer? Or $30 bluejeans? Those are the types of consumer products that have built the Chinese economy. Didn't you see the links I posted earlier? The unrest brewing now in southern China is the result of toy factories shutting down. Before that, it was shoe factories. Tomorrow it will probably be bicycles and handbags.
Above all else, you can believe Beijing will do whatever it takes to maintain order and general public satisfaction with the government. It's only a matter of time before they discard the West as having outlived its usefulness.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
|
|
