Why Is US Not Trusted

Come on! Listen to the news and you'll hear the same pearls of wisdom I do.

It was the last discourse of the US President declaring war on terror (sounds a little like his predecessor), and the goal of bringing US back to "the most trusted power in the world" position that was lost during the past decade (or century).

War on terror was already on; this means that it would not end when 2010 ends, but like all wars, would continue till all resources are exhausted...Good for business...

As to the "most trusted"...I'm afraid it would take a lot of effort, and even then I wouldn't believe in its success.

Why?

Because big corporations have started on the US soil and being the first in any occupied country (from the WWII till the present), they kind of represent US. And what do they do? Take over the country's riches, factories, banks; develop markets and sell for profit. When the profit is stagnant, they look for greener pastures.

Working for a big corporation, I learned that:

1) shareholders are the ones who dictate policy. And let me tell you that by shareholder we talk about the big ones, not small fry like me and you.
2) Each year there is an expected growth represented by profits, acquisitions, etc.
3) When the reality falls behind expectations, restructuring is the solution. First, the lowest workers are let go, factories get modernized to the point where workers are no more necessary, leaving families to fend for themselves, and
4) Move the whole production to new pastures, where the room for growth is guaranteed, where competition is weak and labor cheap.

When they leave, there is no hope of success for the workers -- the market is filled, the competition fierce, the money scarce.

And this process is repeated in the new location, and in the newer one, again and again and again.

Today the corporations are no more US or what not. They have globalized. But who drinks Coca-Cola (remember -- no offense, I just spew my spleen, not intending to insult anybody) without thinking America and American lifestyle? Brand names are symbols, and symbols get attached to place of origin.

So here you are, Mr. President! This is the luggage that you have to make disappear before the trust in US can be rebuilt.

14.01.2010