Friday, August 10, 2007

Do You Like Chinese Food?





(click onthe picture to read an interesting article)

While we bicker over local politics, there are macro forces on the move that may make all discussion of who wields what power locally totally irrelevant.

Think for a moment what the ramifications of China developing oil reserves off the coast of Cuba portends for us in Central Louisiana. And the growing influence that China is exerting in South America with their investments with capital that they have earned from access to our markets.

Ah yes, did you realize that to a great extent the 400 point drop on our stock market was in large part due to the announcement that the Chinese intend to begin liquidating their investments in our bond market? Yes, the main driver for today's drop was a liquidity crisis.


Remember the old question " what does that have to do with the price of eggs in China?". It just might have a lot to do with the price of eggs in the US when our economy hits the skids.


Just as a heads up, the only sector of our economy that was floating everything else was the housing market, you finish the rest of the conclusion.


My contention is that we can ill afford further weakening our area economy by in-fighting when we need to unite to make our community as strong as possible to weather the economic storm that is approaching - fast. It is time for everyone to get involved and work together or face the perils that approach.


Does anyone realize that one of our strongest competitors in the paper products arena is China? Ask the folks at Pineville Kraft. That is one "for instance".


Do you have any opinions on the changing landscape?

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Did You Sleep Well Last Night?




(click on the photo to play video)

I want to thank the members of our armed forces that do the dirty work so that we can enjoy the privilege of armchair quarterbacking world affairs in relative safety.
This video not only shows the awesome might and power of our forces and the ability to project them around the world 24/7 in all weather conditions - but the squalor and degradation that other people around the world call their lives.


While I woke up this morning to the birds singing and having no fear to my family's safety or well-being, I know many in the world were on their quest for water and a few morsels of sustenance.

It is always good to remember that, but for the grace of God, there go I, and that our leadership and military might are all that separates us from the fate of the majority of the world.

What say you?