Zach Alsgaard.com A comprehensive guide to Zach's random thoughts

Global Trust

“Since World War II, U.S. imperialism has stepped into the shoes of German, Japanese, and Italian fascism and has been trying to build a great American empire by dominating and enslaving the whole world.  It is actively fostering Japanese and West German militarism as its chief accomplices in unleashing a world war.  Like a vicious wolf, it is bullying and enslaving various peoples, plundering their wealth, encroaching upon their countries' sovereignty, and interfering in their internal affairs.  It is the most rabid aggressor in human history and the most ferocious common enemy of the people of the world.”

- Lin Biao, minister of defense of the People's Republic of China – Sept. 2, 1965

There's a quote you'll never find in an American history book.

I was browsing through a book called "Respectfully Quoted" which is a collection of quotes dug up for use in congressional speeches and this quote stood out to me as a criticism I think every American should at least be aware of (so I'm posting it here!).  I think it's obvious most Americans don't think much about the rest of the world (only about 28% of us even have passports), but I also get the feeling they also don't trust much of the world.  It's not surprising given all the media attention about things like lead in toys, jobs outsourcing, cyber war, etc.

I've heard story after story about how the U.S. is losing both its prestige and power in the global arena, but I have heard little about us gaining trust amongst foreign countries.  I believe that the more powerful a country or organization is, the less it is generally trusted by outsiders (or even insiders for that matter - but that's a different issue).  Case in point: this year Apple Inc. has seemingly overtaken Microsoft as the big, evil IT empire and there seems to be a growing consensus that Apple is less to be trusted than Microsoft because of this.  Likewise, Google is shaping itself into another IT empire and, true to form, there are now challenges to Google's mantra "Don't be evil".

So I guess my question to the world is: do you trust us more now that we're slipping than you have during the past couple of decades?

I believe all organizations and individuals should take time to reflect upon both their strengths and weaknesses and hopefully learn from both.  I have to admit I'm discouraged by the little progress we've made in fostering global trust over the past decade because it is so crucial for a functional global economy.  I really hope the future holds much greater advances in global trust because globalization is our current and future reality.

Personal News:  I saved somebody's Saturday night by helping them break into their own car after locking themselves out.  It's a mistake I’m not ashamed to admit I've made a couple of times with my old Chevy Nova, so I'm a pro at unlocking cars using the ol' “clothes hanger through the top of the door trick”.  Another thing you won't find in an American history book (hopefully).

And now, your Chinese phrases:

Phrase: "My name is..."
Chinese: 我叫...
Pinyin: Wo jiao...
How it sounds to me: Woa jeeow...

Phrase: "Goodbye"
Chinese: 再见
Pinyin: zài jiàn
How it sounds to me: zie jeean