Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Putin's Overture in EurAsia Minor

Putin’s Overture in EurasiaAsia Minor

There appears to be many opinions about what is going on in The Crimea. Most of it appears to be wrong, confused, or misdirected.

As this is not about knowledge but rather about understanding, I will use no graphs, pie charts, names of great leaders past, present, or future, and no list if historical dates.  Again, this is about understanding.

“If you want to know something, Google it; If you want to understand something, ask an old person.”

I have but two skills: an analytical mind and the ability to speak in metaphors.  However, if you don’t want to hear it from me, hear it from Einstein. “You can’t solve the problem using the same kind of thinking that caused the problem.”

The article has several parts and does rely on metaphors.  When you’ve finished the article, you will have a better insight into Russia’s actions.


Our Hypocrisy

Respect means different things to different people.  In some countries, people shake hands. In other countries, people bow.

Now, people in the US who believe in treating others with respect simply do not understand the concept.

He does not understand that other people do not want to be treated the way he wants to be treated.  He counters with all people wanting to be treated with respect.  He does not understand that respect means different things to different people.   Case in point:

A pat on the back, a pulled pork sandwich, and a bottle of beer.  “Sit down, put your feet up, and relax.”  That may be okay for me, however:

  • ·         You don’t touch people in Muslim countries.
  • ·         Muslims do not eat pork.
  • ·         Muslims do not drink alcohol.
  • ·         Don’t put your feet up!


First he is rude. Then he gets upset when other people don’t feel respected because he treated other people the way he wants to be treated, and in less obvious situations, he accuses other people of being snobs, elitists, or falls back on the old canard, “Who’s to say what’s right or wrong?”


“Circumstances, if not consequences, will prove who is right and who is wrong; too often when it is too late to benefit from the answer.” The quotations of Slim Fairview.


Now we go further.


The Fallacy of Win-Win Negotiations.

As form follows function (Bauhaus), I am using a metaphor to enlighten. Also, there is an economics lesson thrown in for good measure.

You and your husband both work. You share the household chores. Your husband asks you to do the dinner dishes for a week so he can watch some protracted sports event. You negotiate. You make an offer.

You will do the dinner dishes every night except Thursday if he gives up golf on Saturday to mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, and mulch the garden. As a sweetener, you tell him he does not have to go with you to dinner at your parents’ house on Saturday night.

He counters with what he calls a win-win offer. He will do the dishes on Wednesday, he will do all the yard work, but on Sunday, and he will go with you to your parents’ house for dinner on Saturday—to please you.  Sounds like a fair offer, doesn't it?

If you get caught up in the paradigm too quickly you will agree.  And, you made an agreement and you keep your bargains. Your husband made immediate concessions.  You accept the deal.  Now let’s look at the details, because actually, you lose on every point. Here is why.


  • There is no game on Wednesday night.
  • You want the TV Thursday to watch a programme on Economics
  • Your Dad dislikes your husband, but your husband loves your Mom’s Pot-Roast with gravy and mashed potatoes. 
  • However, the most important aspect is that you wanted the lawn work done on Saturday because you invited the women from the Economics Club at work to an al fresco luncheon ot your house on Sunday.


Now, the Economics Lesson.  Time, place, form utility.


You want to watch the Economics programme on Thursday because that will be the topic of discussion in your Economics Club meeting on Friday.  Time Utility.  The Rerun on Sunday night has no value.

Also, the yard work has time-form utility.  In economics, the yard work is a “product or a service.”  On Saturday, the yard work is very valuable.  On Sunday, the yard work is worthless.  The condition of the yard also has utility.  In its present form, it has no value.  Once cleaned up and made presentable, the yard has form utility
.
Your husband gives up nothing.

Now, this is not about respect v. disrespect; nor is this about chauvinism v. liberation; nor is it about how to have a happy marriage, empowerment, or conflict resolution.  This is about economics.  Why?  Because, in global matters, the military option is no longer viable—period!   To understand this, let’s look at the hidden agendas.

Your husband does not want the Economics Club meeting at your house.

You don’t want him golfing with his Saturday buddies; you want him to go golfing with his Sunday buddies.

Also, you want your husband out of the house all day Sunday. (Form utility)  Your husband is a good provider, a great Dad, and helps out around the house without being told. However, he does not “show well” at al fresco luncheons with the women from the Economics Club. 

There are also: deliverables and supply-chain considerations.  You want to show the other women that you can handle deliverables.  The condition of the yard—form utility and the locations of the husband—place utility.  You can deliver.


Now on to the US v. Russia Understanding.

The Military Option is over.  Ronald Reagan and his “Star Wars” build-up was not a military campaign but rather an economic one.

The Nuclear Deterrent is nothing more than Diplomatic Legerdemain.


Before Nuclear Deterrence:

The USSR sends troops into Germany.  German soldiers shoot back. The Headlines Read:  Germany and Russia at War.

After Nuclear Deterrence:

The USSR sends troops into Germany. The German soldiers do not shoot back. The Headlines Read:  Nuclear Deterrence Works.


Russia and Syria

I pointed out while back that the negotiations over Syria are not about Syria. They are about something else. When we find out what that something else is, then we can negotiate that and that will resolve the Syrian situation. We now know what that something else is.  However, we don’t understand it.

The fight for the Crimea is about a warm-water port. (Time, Place. Form Utility) In addition, this is not for military purposes. This is for economic purposes.


President Putin is attempting to form a Eurasian Economic Union; ostensibly, as a counterweight to the EuroUnion. Not quite true.  With the condition of the EuroUnion Economy, President Putin is merely seizing an opportunity, not land.

President Putin has been a witness to China’s Economic Success and Diplomatic successes in Africa and in Latin America.

President Putin sees America’s lagging economy.


Indeed, we must also view Russia’s humiliations since the collapse of Ivan Grozny’s Empirical Aspirations.

However, there is still more. 


Insight into Human Nature

Remember, Putin is seizing the opportunity presented by Europe’s weak economy. Europe is too weak to rebuff Russia’s economic overtures to Eastern Europe with Ukraine as a linchpin. And, Putin does not want to be Jimmy Carter to Eastern Europe.


The Bloc shift to the west was due to:

  • ·         The Strength of Reagan v. Gorbachev.
  • ·         The Runaway Success of the US Economy
  • ·         The Seduction of Perceived Freedom
  • ·         The Promise of Unbridled Economic Wealth.



That was then, this is now.
  • ·         The EuroCrisis
  • ·         US Economic Crisis
  • ·         Emerging Economies Slowdown


Now the Bloc Nations will be moving East.


The strict v. the weak.

Over 55 years, I’ve seen this scenario play out so many times that I can’t remember them all. Here are a few for illustration.


Mrs. Reardon, Mrs. Burke, and Smitty.

The first two were 1st and 6th grade teachers, respectively.

Each was known to be a terror. Very strict. Their students complained about the constantly.  However, if other students said anything against the teachers, their students would rebuff the criticisms with a vehement defence.  

Almost the Stockholm Syndrome, but not quite. And, I’ve been party to it, myself.

We had a boss named Smitty.  Not disliked, or held in contempt, but generally ridiculed by his "people".  His people, too, defended him against criticism.  (I personally, had no substantive opinion of him or his abilities.)

Then, one night, delivering "paperwork" to the local HQ, I encountered two upper middle-management Jackasses. After finding out where I was from, and that that was where Smitty had been transferred to, tey began to make snide, sarcastic, belittling remarks about Smitty.  

In response, I painted a glowing picture of Smitty’s success at our Office.  

Not because I liked Smitty, but because I didn’t like the two middle-school smart-asses. or their attitude. 
The difference? I knew I was doing it.


50 years ago, then comedian Bill Cosby, now Dr. William H. Cosby, did a monologue on an album about a shop teacher who used psychology to get students to confess to any wrong doing.

“Yep. Somebody must have a really rotten mother to put a bullet in the furnace.”

“Listen, I didn't put the bullet in the furnace and stop talking about my mother.”



The psychology of it all seems to be universal and universally understood.

After more than a half a century of watching the scenarios played out, I don’t understand why people are confused about what is going on in The Crimea.



The Bloc Nations Flirting East.

  • ·         Disillusioned by the failed promises of Western Economic Success.
  • ·         The Tendency of People to Forget


“It is a Universal Condition. We refuse to accept that all alliances and enmities are transitory.” The Quotations of Slim Fairview.


  • ·         The Excess of US Successes
  • ·         The Witnessing to China’s Successes both Domestic and Global
  • ·         The Display of Western Excessive Military Power & Might & little to show for it.
  • ·         That the Global Military Option is no longer Viable.
  • ·         Economics is the new Weapon of Choice
  • ·         The Fallacy of Nuclear Deterrence



Remember the Quotation of Slim Fairview

“China will succeed because China will do as we did and not as we way.”


Russia will do the same thing with the offer of strong Military Support and Protection and the Promise of Economic Well Being.


Surprise!

Warmest regards,

Slim


Slimviews and Sidestreetjournal are Unfunded, Unsupported, Non-Profit web logs by Robert Asken writing as the blogger known as Slim Fairview

Copyright © 2014 Robert Asken Slim Fairview

All rights reserved.


Thursday, April 3, 2014

Lehigh Valley Economic Opportunities



Surprise!  Bethlehem, PA has become an under-rated and recently recognised economic development opportunity.


Recently, the latest supercharged dynamo of Economic Development, Alicia Karner, has been put in charge of Bethlehem’s Economic Development Office.


The City Council has yet to approve funding for the two additional staff members, but don’t let that discourage you.  You know you have to spend money to make money (even if they don’t) and there are still “ground floor” opportunities available in Bethlehem—before the economy [picks up speed.


·         Sands Casino has primed the pump.


·         ArtsQuest is attracting the Artsy Crowd (read culture) and


·         Downtown is the target of CRIZ, KIZ, and BEDCO.



Do not be fooled into looking elsewhere.


CRIZ: The City Revitalisation Improvement Zone (I would have thought investment zone).  Still, don’t be discouraged.  Investments are improvements. You make the investment and the politicians will share credit for the improvements.


KIZ: Keystone Innovation Zone.


BEDCO:  Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation.


The last one surprised me.  12 years ago I tried floating the idea of the Slate Belt Economic Development Corporation, but the idea went over like a lead balloon.  Still I do have a nodding acquaintance with the Lehigh Valley.  Please see my CV on my LinkedIn Profile with the list of my activities:  www.linkedin.com/in/slimfairview




Another asset is Tony Iannelli, the CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Recently, Mr. Iannelli told me he just returned from a business trip to China.  Need I say more?


Next, we have State Senator Lisa Boscola.  Senator Boscola got her foot in the door because her Dad worked for Bethlehem Steel. (Read: street-cred and massive local support). However, Senator Boscola’s staying power comes from her ability to keep up with the increasingly faster changing world of business, economics, and technology.  Also, the Senator outlasted the impediments in Harrisburg.  Things are moving along at a brisk pace.


Thought Bethlehem Steel is gone, the SteelStacks Project appears to be operating in full vigor.


But wait, there’s more…



Restaurants, Bars, and Cigars—Oh my!



In addition to economic development you have restaurants such as the Melting Pot, Blue Moon, and The Twisted Olive. For those who need a more specific point of reference, you have The Bethlehem Brew Works where President Obama stopped for a beer during a trip to Pennsylvania.


Aside from eateries there are two “Cigar Bar” businesses in the area.  And they are not just for those Cigar Chomping Party Bosses in smoke-filled back rooms and Derby hats cutting deals. You can enjoy a Pleiades or a Macanudo Prince Philip CafĂ© with a coffee or a Calvados. Derby hat optional.


Housing is moving along at a cheerful pace.  And you won’t have to bear the shame of living in a McMansion.  While they may be called Millennial Mansions by some, there is abundant land for development and the homes are situated on ample-sized lots routinely adjacent to or near one or more of the areas many country clubs. Conversely, there are many historic homes both in and out of historic districts, with the original wide plank floors and beamed ceilings just like the homes we used to see on This Old House. Horse and buggy upgrades are available—don’t ya know.



Sports!  It is my understanding that there are may sports venues offering a variety of athletic events.  However, I am not a sporty sor of person, so you'




The key people in the area, as I said, are


Alicia Karner, I would give you her phone number but I’m not sure if the Council voted to provide funding for a telephone.  


Tony Iannelli, and Senator Lisa Boscola are in the book. 



And don’t let the Big Investors scare you away. The Shoo-fly pie is big enough for SMEs and B2Bs to enjoy a slice.    




Disclosure:


Any references to products or services are at my discretion and no offer of remuneration or compensations was solicited, offered, or accepted.  Also, they are for information purposes and do not constitute an endorsement.  You’ve been informed. You are on your own.


However, if you are an investor, and you find any of this information to be helpful, please do not hesitate to send me a really tricked out MacPro and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Warmest regards and best of luck,


Slim






Slimviews and Sidestreetjournal are unfunded, unsupported, non-profit weblogs written by the Blogger known as Slim Fairview.


Copyright © 2014 Slim Fairview Robert Asken

All rights reserved.