Bringin’ Gas and Dialin’ 9: No More Mr. Nice Guy

April 17, 2009

The Dragon vs. The Eagle: Trade Wars and Beyond ‘The Boston’ Tea Party

It should come to no one’s surprise that our Dragon has gotten too big for his britches. That since 1978, when we open the door to an enlightened trade policy, China has taken great advantage of free trade, to the detriment of the USA. The eagle has flown too close to the fire of the dragon – allowing it to dictate now how we operate in trade markets and foreign relationships. (Its support of Sudan in the Darfur crisis. Its edict and proposal for a new global currency - obviously, to undermine our U.S. dollar and to put China as the controlling financial superpower.)

A breakdown of trade data since 1985 is as follows:
From: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html#1985

Trade Deficit USA China
Year Exports Imports Trade Deficit President
1985 3,855.70 3,861.70 -6 Reagan
1986 3,106.30 4,771.00 -1,664.70 Reagan
1987 3,497.30 6,293.60 -2,796.30 Reagan
1988 5,021.60 8,510.90 -3,489.30 Reagan
1989 5,755.40 11,989.70 -6,234.30 Bush
1990 4,806.40 15,237.40 -10,431.00 Bush
1991 6,278.20 18,969.20 -12,691.00 Bush
1992 7,418.50 25,727.50 -18,309.00 Bush
1993 8,762.90 31,539.90 -22,777.00 Clinton
1994 9,281.70 38,786.80 -29,505.10 Clinton
1995 11,753.70 45,543.20 -33,789.50 Clinton
1996 11,992.60 51,512.80 -39,520.20 Clinton
1997 12,862.20 62,557.70 -49,695.50 Clinton
1998 14,241.20 71,168.60 -56,927.40 Clinton
1999 13,111.10 81,788.20 -68,677.10 Clinton
2000 16,185.20 100,018.20 -83,833.00 Clinton
2001 19,182.30 102,278.40 -83,096.10 Bush II
2002 22,127.70 125,192.60 -103,064.90 Bush II
2003 28,367.90 152,436.10 -124,068.20 Bush II
2004 34,744.10 196,682.00 -161,938.00 Bush II
2005 41,925.30 243,470.10 -201,544.80 Bush II
2006 55,185.70 287,774.40 -232,588.60 Bush II
2007 65,236.10 321,442.90 -256,206.70 Bush II
2008 71,457.10 337,789.80 -266,332.70 Bush II
2009 4,178.10 24,748.00 -20,569.90 Obama*
Trade Deficit USA China Billions (Deficit)
Reagan 15,480.9 23,437.2 -7.96
Bush 24,258.5 71,923.8 -47.67
Clinton 98,190.6 482,915.4 -384.72
Bush II 338,226.2 1,767,066.3 -1,428.84

It takes very little understanding or logic to see that of the $1 Trillion plus in U.S. currency China is sitting on, most of it came in just the past 4-8 years. Even if you compare George W. Bush to Clinton (who didn’t help create the original policy, but carried it through) - but compared to our NAFTA partners, trade with China was of little consequence, then - it is no real comparison.

China’s goods have steamrolled America’s manufacturing might. With a few instances of dangerous goods entering the United States.

Trade with NAFTA partners:
Source: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c1220.html

Canadian Trade USA Canadian Imbalance
  Millions Exports Imports Balance
2008 TOTAL  261,380.00 335,555.30 -74,175.30
2007 TOTAL  248,888.10 317,056.80 -68,168.60
2006 TOTAL  230,656.00 302,437.90 -71,781.80

Source: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c2010.html

Mexican Trade USA Mexican Imbalance
  Millions Exports Imports Balance
2008 TOTAL  151,538.60 215,914.90 -64,376.30
2007 TOTAL  136,092.10 210,714.00 -74,621.80
2006 TOTAL  133,978.80 198,253.20 -64,274.30

We actually had a trade surplus with Mexico back in 1994, shipping several billion more to them than they did to us. But since, we have ran trade deficits of significant amounts with OPEC nations, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom (as part of the EU, it likely is not as important.)

Trying to support the world’s trade – and allowing a communist nation to have us in over a barrel – is a likely cause of a trade war. Mexico, with their recent troubles against drug lords, has imposed tariffs on our goods since we stopped their trucks from roaming freely. They are just one of many. Japan’s trade is off by 50% in the last two months.

And protectionist policies are what governments are prone to do – to keep the fringe people from turning to revolution. (Even though it does not promote economic stabilityonly ascerbates the problem. Yet, trade is suppose to be fair & equal - not free (meaning: constraints to it are reasoned/reasonable due to the destruction of otherwise competitive markets in the consuming country, as the saving country manufactures at will) - when we run these huge deficits it sells off the assets of the United States because these other countries have to reinvest those notes somewhere where they can get the most benefit – where else but the United States?)

Yet, the biggest consequence of the prior policies is that it has hamstrung our ability to modify our own economy. Yesterday, people embarked on a Tea Party protest of their taxes being raised or the policies of the Obama administration. Really? Are we that desperate to show our anger toward what is the only course of action – to rebuild through infrastructure projects, education dollars and energy programs.

Conservatives our forgetting that it was George W. Bush, not Obama, that put off technology, energy and educational improvements to go with a holy war, a financial Ponzi scheme of epic size and scope and ignoring the fleecing of America through trade imbalances.

China has us by the short and curlies for now. If we ignore them, they will make policies that can only lead to confrontation on a military field. Proxy wars are inevitable; sown in the economic philosophies of conservative thoughts. Yet, we can reverse this direction through smart investments, economic independence (not revolution on hypocritic grounds) and a spirit that led our forefathers to explore, innovate and invent an entire nation.

Make no mistake about it: we are in a war of ideology. But we have to tamper the crazy talk and fight both fronts smartly. The external threat and the internal craziness that grips aspects of fringe people unwilling to reason out their beliefs to a better end. We must if America is to maintain its place as the sole superpower.

A place I must admit I have a hard time giving up.

March 10, 2009

U.S. Education Improvement: Foreign Language Development Can Make A Difference

Our President seems to believe strongly in education. (New Video) Obama seems concern enough to take on the teacher’s unions and their resistance to charter schools and merit pay. So he’s not quite as radical as our conservative friends like to paint.

I also support education strongly. It is the foundation of any life to have an education that enriches one’s knowledge base, gives one opportunities for direction, and defines a person in ways we still are discovering.

I feel foreign language study starting from kindergarten is a key to getting smarter, more focused, and intellectually superior children in America. 

From Wake Forest University Romance language Department:

Learning a foreign language significantly improves students’ analytical thinking and linguistic skills in their native as well as in their chosen second language. The increased control and effectiveness in communication that result from foreign language learning have long-term and wide-ranging benefits for all students, whatever their academic goals.

From the babyclassroom.com:

Many experts believe that introducing children to a second language as early as possible fosters healthy brain development, encourages positive social skills, and lays a solid foundation for effective communication skills that will last a lifetime.

From Purdue University:

“In this study, children of average intelligence who took a foreign language later scored higher on the reading section of achievement tests than those who did not take the foreign language,” says Alan Garfinkel, associate professor of Spanish and education at Purdue University. Garfinkel and graduate student Kenneth Tabor conducted the study with 672 school children from the Tudington, Mich., school district, where Tabor teaches Spanish. “Other studies have confirmed that students who take foreign languages tend to do better on achievement tests, but traditionally it’s been the brighter kids who are encouraged to take foreign languages in the first place,” Garfinkel says.

He says students in this study were tested in grade four, prior to taking the foreign-language course, and again in grade six, after taking the course. Students were given the Stanford Achievement Test and the Otis Lennon School Ability Test.

According to -the Purdue study, the students who benefited most from a year or two of a foreign language were not those who were the brightest–their test scores increased only slightly–but those of average intelligence. The average student who took a foreign language scored 14-15 items higher (out of 120) than those of equal intelligence whom did not.

 

Advantages seen to foreign language study, not promoted enough (from William Fleming High School ):

  • Children who study another language score higher on basic skills such as reading and math.
  • Students who learn another language score significantly higher on SAT and ACT.
  • Study of another language maintains and enhances critical listening skills.
  • Study of other languages and cultures upgrades cognitive skills and fosters adaptability in new situations.
  • Studying other languages improves students’ ability to use their own language and heightens their sensitivity to their own culture.
  • The integrated curriculum of foreign language education reinforces other content from social studies, fine arts, math, science, etc.
  • Students who study another language satisfy college requirements and receive college credit for their high school work. (IB or SAT 2)
  • Knowledge of another language is essential in over 60 occupations, from law enforcement to health care, from education to business, from vocational to technological fields.
  • Students who study other languages and cultures gain competence in working with diversity found in everything from the local neighborhood to the World Wide Web.
  • Ability to use other languages allows students to communicate directly with speakers and writers of other languages.
  • A curriculum based on these realities will favorably impact the economic viability and social climate of a community.
  • Now, how do we promote and design a high-quality language program? I am no expert, but I feel these things would help:

    • Signage in schools in multiple languages from English to German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and Chinese would be a start. Labeling a water fountain, a locker bay, cafeteria, library, etc. in those languages would get students thinking in different tongues from day 1 of kindergarten. (Even if they did not immediately enroll in language courses or immersion.)
    • An information center(s) to listen to words, phrases in multiple languages would spur the desire to access multiple languages, or get language tapes, or ask parents with some means to get additional tutoring in those languages.
    • Teachers given pay raises (or performance enhancements) for knowing multiple languages, epecially Far Eastern tongues. It would improve college enrollment in those scarcer tongues. And turn out better educators from the get go.
    • Partial Language immersion by age 7. Early immersion does not affect a student’s ability to reach their potential.

    In a competitive world environment, it is imperative to develop such skills. Those that excel in language learning will continue into those particular areas, learning those tongues that help us with our new friends, and our worst enemies. Children need as much opportunity and access to avenues of excellence as the funding, teaching and creativity of programs allow.

    Myriam Met ‘Improving Students’ Capacity for Foreign Language’ explains it well:

    While this critical need for foreign languages is real and pressing, some would argue that our schools are unlikely to be teaching the languages needed for national security and that by the time today’s students are graduating, different languages may be needed because it is difficult to predict what languages will be critical to our security in the future.

    These arguments are true and valid, but they miss an important point: students who have already gained significant skills in one foreign language have the ability to learn other languages more quickly than students who have never had foreign language training. Therefore, if our schools were to produce graduates with viable skills in one foreign language, we could more readily cross train these students to meet unforeseen, acute needs for other languages as they arise.

    From my own experience, I wished I had learned Spanish fluently or a passable French. In 6th grade, we were introduced to 2-week courses in each. Then, we went until high school before continuing any development. I took two years of Spanish, but couldn’t write an argument, or persuading speech in Spanish if I needed to do it for my livelihood.

    Who knows what opportunities we throw away by not exploring the cultures and language possibilities of our world? And what importance we miss out on in the art of communicating right.

    Ask Sec. of State Hillary Clinton about the translation of the ‘reset’ button meaning ‘overcharged’. You would think we have high-level translators that could get such a nuanced meaning right in a competitive and ‘overbearing’ relationship with Russia. Yet, that’s the importance of language. Else, it is a tower of Babel we are still surrounding ourselves with.

     

      

    Create a language emmersion program for kids.

    July 7, 2008

    January 20, 2009: 2009 Faux Inaugural Address

     About 3 months ago I promised to write this little post. I had decided to forego it in light of the fact I was deciding to quit blogging for a spell. With my new energy [maybe a slightly manic spell] I put forth some effort to write like the old, dusty men who ran this country years ago. My apologies to them and their words of wisdom. Hopefully you can stand the preachiness and understand the subtle ways I dismiss certain ideas that have operated during the past few years. The [Block Text] in bold is not to be read.

    [History of our Country’s Patriotism]
    The time was mid-summer, 1776. A powerful nation stood as an insurmountable barrier to the prosperity and operation of a 170-year old colony of thirteen, then divided. The previous decade had seen tumultuous and dangerous circumstances rule the day. No one felt free; and the far away King did not listen. Crisis was assured.

    The wisest course of action would have been to accept the situation as is: to not infuriate and throw off the mighty government that held sway; to give up in the darkest hours of a fledgling Nation under haphazard leadership; to deny the Dream of Peace, Prosperity and Freedom. But our Forefathers determined that it was a time to break those bonds and strike a new accord. To declare it could do better and should be free to design its future.

    In our 232 years as a Nation hence, we the people have forged an everlasting union to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. That we shall evince an equitable design for all Man to see; to make Freedom our truest value; that a single Proclamation can change the Course of human events; and that all Men shall be Equal under God Almighty.

    In those same 232 years, we have past through trying times and evolved through the world events and the ingenuity of Man, of America. That even in conflict, we reached for the same founding ideals, the same credos, the same hope to guide us to a better day and build upon the unshakeable foundation we shall never succumb, and never allow to be compromised.

    We are the generation of settlers born out of Plymouth Rock. We are the Puritans and Lutherans. We are the merchants, the farmers, the toilers in the trades. We are the writers and founders of American Independence. We are the Natives of this land. We are the downtrodden and the dreamers. The Immigrants of Europe, Asia and Africa. We are the Gilded Age, the voices of tired laborers, wounded soldiers, Western prairie settlers and the caregivers in times of war, and of peace. We are survivors of Two World Wars. The people of the hardest times, The Great Depression. The Boomers who came after them. We also bore witness to a hidden war; we bare witness now to a nation still divided by color, creed and disproportionate prosperity since Vietnam. And we continue to forge ahead; through crises, and the completion of our inspired mission.

    We have also found fellowship in our mutual belief in humanity. The cause of designing a new Nation. The dreams of our fathers and mothers. And the sacrifices of our sons and daughters made time and time again. This hearty experiment in Democracy, which has spread to the far reaches of the Earth, has been buttressed on the unfettered and unquenchable fire of liberty burning in the bellies of the American people. We are all responsible for its existence.

    [Challenges of the past eight years]
    As we take stock of our most recent events, the designs and desires of various masters, it is best to separate ourselves from that, and those, that have done us greatest harm by understanding our needs for Justice must not be at the price of our Principles. As President Kennedy intoned: “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.” [Amherst College, Oct. 26, 1963.]

    Our nation’s power comes from an abiding strength in it, and the wise frugality of its use; but also the knowledge that the repository of our power is vast, and can be unleashed with rapidity. To garner Justice we will do whatever it takes without hesitation. In the use of such power we will employ that which will protect us, and keep us Free as our Forefathers rightfully designed. But the Poetry of America is to decree Our Rights are sacrosanct; untouchable by foreign and alien ideologies. We shall prevail over all enemies with our adamant poetry and our indomitable spirit. Our Security will be eyed clearly; under a will, resolute; and our Nation shall carry forth a strong message to all that would seek to do us harm. But our everlasting American spirit is promote Justice in our relationships; cultivate peace and harmony; and to seek out prosperous alliances iron bound in fairness.

    [The present & future agenda]
    Within the boundaries of this great Nation, lie incalculable resources and an innovative spirit yet untapped. America’s necessity always breeds American innovation. It runs in the blood of all of us. That is why in our present environmental and energy confinements there are opportunities to grow beyond the dogmas of the past, which lack the ability to confront the stormy present. That is why we will beat back our future’s most perilous foe, that of economic instability from scant energy sources, before the year 2020. Hindsight will see this day, this moment, as the point where America decided on the best course to free ourselves from a five-score dependence on fossil fuels. But it is that greatest resource of all, our ingenuity in the face of greatest peril, which will win the day.

    We will also forge a new path to make it possible for all Americans to survive in the worst of unforeseen circumstances: that of ill health and debilitating hospital stays. Our government has often succeeded in giving a hand to those less fortunate in the worst of times. To create jobs; to revitalize the markets; to make a New Deal for Americans. It is time to do the same for the sick and unable to pay their medical bills. As we are all too aware, our personal health is at the foundation of our economic vitality. Nearly 20% of our economy is tied to deterioration of health. But with this enormous price, one-fifth of America cannot continue to achieve greater prosperity. It is vital that we address this shortcoming before my first term is out. Achieve a balanced solution that gives the best care at the lowest possible cost. And utilize again the best minds and opportunities to achieve universal healthcare in America.

    More measures will be taken to secure our Nation’s future. We will not lock out those who desire access to the promise and prosperity of America, but we will not allow foreign passage to make a mockery of our laws. We will forcefully hold our sovereignty by the standards laid in the Constitution of the United States of America. We will hold clear and open discussions about the legitimate right to seek legal asylum in this great nation and remedy those that are here all ready under inauspicious terms.

    We will reinvest in our educational systems; build better, and up-to-date transit systems; and make fair the tax laws and legal precedents of America, for all Americans. Yes we can reach for the stars and fill our breadbaskets. We can reconstitute an age of volunteerism, building infrastructure and homes and levies so they will not break. We shall make a promise to assist those in need and ask only they put their best foot forward. We can and shall help our Veterans who toiled bravely thousands of miles from their homes so that our streets and towns can remain prosperous and free.

    [The greatness of America harnessed again]
    We can do this all with the humble sacrifice and the forceful temerity that bore our Forefathers so well in their most trying times. It is the nature and depth of their sacrifice that brought us to this auspicious moment as the greatest Nation on the face of this Earth. A Nation that shall not perish with the undoubted sacrifices made by those that properly ask what they can do for this country in continuing to make it a Nation for the People, by the People and of the People.

    God Bless America!

    Ideas from Kennedy, FDR, Lincoln and Washington are included in the passages. Apologies for my butchering of them…

    I took a Saturday Night and spent 4 hours composing this during TNT/TBS movies.

    January 17, 2008

    Writings from the past: A Pdf file

    Filed under: Uncategorized — jaypeefreely @ 10:23 am
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    Written Ideas is not all inclusive; just 16 pages of poems, opinions and solutions to problems. I hope you’ll enjoy!!!

    Here’s that Employment Offer I received.

    Blog at WordPress.com.