I was thinking about globalization last night and my head began to hurt.
What are y’alls thoughts on it? I know it’s a gigantic issue, so take your thoughts where ever you’d like.
What got me thinking about it was the latest governmental report stating that we have a $60 billion trade deficit with China. Here are some my questions/thoughts…
Is it realistic to only “Buy American”? Should that be our goal?
Do our own personal choices even matter when we live in a world in which Trans-National Corporations are more powerful than most Countries?
Instead of paying extra money to “Buy American”, should we funnel that extra money to into public policy that would force fair trade? Do Americans even have that “extra money” to spend, because of globalization?
I don’t have any real point here. I’m just starting to wonder how effective the “buy american” movement is.
I think globalization is here to stay (like the railroads,the automobile,etc). I think it’s good for those companies that can compete on a certain level,whether based on price or quality or both. Thomas Friedman in “The World is Flat” talks about how Walmart employees scan an item at the checkstand and a signal is beamed up to a satellite and back down to a warehouse where the item is then shipped out next day. I’ll spend more money on a hand shaped surfboard instead of one of those cheaper plastic things because I value the quality and workmanship. I guess my point is globalization isn’t a black and white issue, it can work out for everyone.
We are now Global, this is a fact. we are more and more conected, communication and travel is quick and able. it is ethics of governing that really needs to be addressed..throughout all the lands. If my land has vast amounts of water, and you are in a drought well we should trade…water for oranges, grapefruits, wine and nuts. and that’s a good trade. But if you sit on the control of your land through slaughter and genocide, but you have oil, and, well, we need oil… will you do business? unfortunately, most will.. they do. And those who reap the benefits are few, when the money garnished usually goes back into the equation of control, power and of ownership. so we need a change of ethics in the way we do business, in the way we govern …in the tolerance of humanity and the stewardship of the earth, with the nuture of its’ and our environment. Yet we have become accustomed to that of have…of the take, of the convenience, and not by that of what is needed, what is just. The world is complicated, with variations of light and shadows, yet, ethics are not, aside from a few debatables. So, may we be mindful and may the waves be positive. darcy
Universal truths?
Good one darcy.
Good thread Ian. Both beetlejuice and darcy make great points. What I like about “globalization” is the ability for us to decrease poverty, provide modern health care, provide clean water, and other minimum services for a civilized society. As was mentioned before there are downsides. But we–as consumers–have choices, beetlejuice’s example hits close home to the Bonzer Tribe. Yvon Chouinard, in his book, advocates not just “buying American” but buying local. My wife and I try to do this–especially with food. We also promote companies like Patagonia that–as their mission statement says–”Build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Yes it does cost a little more and you can’t get peaches in January , but it is worth it to us. That’s the choice we make. To me, it’s too easy to blame Walmart or Exxon or China or Mexico. If we didn’t buy it they wouldn’t make it. Here’s what I ask my self before buying something.
Where was it made?
Was it made to minimize environmental impact?
How far did it travel to get to me?
For animal products, was the animal treated humanely?
Where do the profits go?
Can I afford to pay cash?
We also will support 1% for the planet companies first.
Not really the “American Way” is it?
BTW MY BOARD FINALLY ARRIVED!!!!!
Vince