One of my favorite clients stopped by tonight for a midnight romp on his way back into town. I’ve griped about him in the past, but he’s really been behaving amazingly well in recent weeks.
The topic of the evening was China and how the U.S. economy has helped bolster that nation into this position we find it in now where it’s emerging as the world’s next great superpower. Scary stuff to consider, not because the Chinese people ought not have a taste of growth and expansion or even necessarily that the U.S. will be experiencing a decline but because of all the possible ways this may go down. Like usual, my client is more of an optimist on this topic though this evening our talk seemed to depress him a bit. Understandably so. It’s a lot to take in. His perspective is unique among most folks I know due to his previous work experience, so tonight presented an opportunity to pick his brain on how this fallout may play out. We discussed the role of Walmart (a business I’ve boycotted for many years and urge others to do so as well, along with plenty of others selling cheap imported goods) and American consumers, and I asked questions about neighboring Asian countries he’s more familiar with and why our leaders haven’t taken a stance against China when they’re more than willing to complain about Russia and Venezuela. India came up a few times as I wondered out loud if that country may be invaded or attacked (as has happened before) to provoke the U.S. to retaliate someday.
We speculated some on what may be in store for the U.S. economy and he worried out loud about China’s resource depletion and the consequences this may someday have for Americans.
Hmmm…lots to think about.
With a somber expression, the night ended on the note of wearily mumbling hopes for the situation to remain suitable for his children and future grandchildren to live in relative peace. I hope so too.
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