Omakase

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Europe as a superpower?

I'm surprised how many folks are starting to write about the ascendancy of Europe - in spite of overwhelming evidence of the rising irrelevance of Europe.

Smarty writers like T.R. Reid cite the prominent role of European government and the social net as 2 reasons for Europe's ascendancy. I would argue that these are actually arguments against (government isn't a growth industry, nor exportable, and the social net will be ripped apart by changing continental demographics), but Europe is economically coasting, at best. (btw: I think societal measurement begins with economic results and frameworks. Cutesy stats like "quality of life," just aren't important enough, nor are they ever possibly accurate.)

I think it's way more likely in 20 yrs. that the 2 biggest superpowers in the world are the US and China, with Europe taking the role of "pandering swing vote."

Social Studies (01/28/2005)
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With my new friends on the Great Wall of China

With my new friends on the Great Wall of China
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World sun clock

Uncommon Man's Creed

"I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon -- if I can. I seek opportunity -- not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I wish to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole, I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master, nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefit of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say, "this I have done." All this is what it means to be an American." -- Anonymous