Why China Isnt Happening Yet

Just a couple of thoughts...

to describe human nature as "selfish" is not unlike calling an elephant large. What we call "selfishness" is simply a basic human trait. Sure we try to rise above our base instincts, but they are in the end an inseperable part of human beings. That's why every attempt at idealized "egalatarian" socities has failed. These systems ignore the fact that you don't get gold from cow shit.

Western style democracies with free market economies approach the subject from the opposite end- acknowledge this "selfishness" through respect for personal property rights and personal freedoms. Yeah, it can be ugly in some respects (lopsided distribution of wealth, etc.) but it at least recognizes the basic traits of human beings and attempts to channel these traits productively.

Now, as for this term "right wing facist"..

Germany and Italy, as "AXIS Powers", were National Socialists. In National Socialism, private parties can own the means of production but government determines what is produced and the quantities thereof. According to Marx and Engles, National Socialism is NOT "right wing"- it is in fact a stepping stone toward the "true communist state".

China, and the USSR, have never really been communist. They have always been subject to rule by party personalities with no term limits, who ruled with absolute power until they died. The "common citizen" in China is no worse off than he was under Maoism, and far less likely to die at the whim of the party leader.

What will be interesting is how China will control it's citizenry's desire for prosperity. It won't be easy, given our selfish nature :)

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Here is a name some of you may recognize. This is a post that Mr. Hansen responded to over on AA.
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hidden costs of Chinese products - Charles Hansen 07:19:33 05/21/05 (11)

In Reply to: Re: where is the new ARCAM manufactured? posted by suretyguy on May 2, 2005 at 11:47:23:

"There are hidden costs of Chinese products, but they are not borne by you, the consumer. Instead, they are borne by the Chinese workers and the people who live there.
During my visit to several Chinese loudspeaker cabinet factories, I saw no regard whatsoever for workers' health. The spray booths were the worst. The workers here worked full shifts spraying lacquer finishes with no respirators whatsoever. It's only a matter of time before these guys have brain impairment, liver damage, and probably cancer."

"The toxic chemical waste was simply dumped, either in the sewer or the back lot. These chemicals will of course enter the drinking water supply eventually. You may remember the horror of Love Canal in this country. There are thousands of similar disasters brewing in China."

"Finally you save money buying Chinese products because the workers are paid around $2 per day. Ignoring any other aspects of this, it is clear that US workers cannot compete with this. So buying Chinese costs American jobs, where we expect a living wage, health insurance, and educational opportunities for our children."

"It's your choice."
[Charles Hansen]
http://db.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=general&m=382782
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Good post Danlib1, although it doesn't have too much to do with audio.

Personally, I think political opinions and agendas should not be a part of music. So when it comes to audio gear, it is not important whether it's manufactured in China or anywhere else. What is important is that for the price, it is a good deal/good performer. The fact that it's made locally should mean that a middleman was cut out. When you play music with someone, you do not care about their race. If you do, then that's racism. What is important is that he/she can play. Same with audio gear IMO. One shouldn't care where it's made. What's important is whether it's any good. Now that's not saying, I don't support people buying local to support their local community. Note that that's different from bashing others. One is positive while one is negative.

If you are not pleased with the current government in the USA then why would you have an allegiance to domestic products? Am I supposed to feel guilty about betraying Haliburton and Enron while listening to my Consonance gear?

Jack: While I fully respect your right to post Charles Hansen's opinions, I also think that looking at the big picture is in order here as well. Does the Chinese worker, who is working in less than ideal conditions, have fewer rights than the unemployed American unskilled worker living without medical insurance or basic necessities in the ghettos of America (or Canada, or Brazil, or Kenya, or Ethiopia for that matter)? If you or Charles Hansen feel that way, you are either a racist or a nationalist, pure and simple my friend. I would say that it's much more politically correct to be a nationalist than a racist, but in a rapidly globalizing world it is no less morally correct. In the west we need to look to our governments for MUCH more leadership in areas of education to improve our workforces to compete in the global economy and be able to provide "value added" skills and labour. The fact is that we have become lazy in the west and we believe prosperity is our right, not something we need to earn. Billions of Chinese, Indians and Africans do not have these preconceived notions; an unskilled and uneducated workforce combined with unimaginative management is simply not going to cut it in the new millenium and General Motors-and perhaps high end American audio producers-are a prime example of that.

As a consumer, I feel no guilt in buying quality products produced in countries other than my own; I do, however, feel outrage towards our governments which do absolutely nothing to improve our lot, but focus instead on creating smokescreens for the public while they retain "power" and line the pockets of the economic elite. Our governments, and the people who elect them, better clue in to this or we are going to be in big trouble.