Economics and China

[kandrathe]

Before I bow out of this portion of the discussion as we return this topic back towards China, I'd like to comment how I've noticed over the years your opinions have changed, as have mine. I'm not implying anything negative or positive, just an observation. I find it intriguing that concepts a person once held onto so adamantly at one point in their life can be altered in a few short years by having a few new life experiences. It just goes to show that there really is no room for bigotry, intolerance, or arrogance when it comes to disputing the opinions of others... a life lesson for me that has taken years to assimilate.

I guess I'd say I've been somewhat consistent, but still some type of malleable metal. There is not much point in having an open minded conversation, if you enter the conversation as closed and certain of your position. I'm also not so sure there is just one right answer on some stuff.

I still have some very classically liberal/fiscally conservative (Austrian) notions, and I remain a more socially liberal "live and let live" kind of person in most other matters. I have a personal belief system, but I have no interest in cramming it down anyone's craw. I respect each person's opinion, and rights to their own world view as long as they aren't cramming it down my craw either. I know I used to trust the US government more than I do now, which was never too much.

Some of my empathy might be the natural empathy you develop for other families, when you have one of your own. I used to loathe parents who brought their kids to restaurants. Until, I tried to take mine to restaurants for the first 10-12 years.

But seriously, for example, Syrian refugees. I can only imagine how incredibly horrible it must be to leave everything you know behind, to head out with only what you can carry, with your spouse and young children, into a dangerous unknown future. Or, to be mistakenly drone striked by the US in a country who is not at war with the US.

I used to be so brash and confrontational, lol; memories. Take care.

Used to be? :-) j/k. Cheers.