China and the "Real" Problem

I wrote this brief essay in response to a prompt for an economics class. It's not my best writing (it's almost finals week), but it paints the picture. I'd love to hear feedback:


Prompt: What is the real problem with China and international trade?  Why is this such a dilemma?  Do some digging and determine what steps, if any, the U.S. and other countries have taken to address the concern.

The American people have had the wool pulled over their eyes during this past election season.  The presidential election is one of the most publicized recurring events in history (especially with the advent of modern social media).  Politicians (and their teams of speech-writers and debate-preppers) have honed their skills in deception and craftiness.  The issue with the exchange rate between the dollar and the yuan has been relevant for years, but this past election, we saw both candidates, while on the international stage, pledging to label China as a “currency manipulator” and a cheater.  Was this really the issue, or was this simply an easy target for political fodder?  

As pointed out in the article, the real exchange rate between the US and China may be able to right itself within two years.  The artificial undervaluation will soon be gone, mostly due to inflation rates (higher in China than in the US) and worldwide political pressure.  So why make this an issue?  My personal opinion (for whatever it’s worth) is that this issue, if made to seem true, is painful to Americans.  It resonates with the American voter (which is really what politicians are after).  If a politician can make this issue threatening and relevant, he/she can always point out tough-sounding solutions to drum up support.  They can use buzz-phrases like “outsourcing to China” and “cheating American workers” to spark emotions and resentment.  At the end of the day, politicians know what they’re doing.

But so do economists.  And many of them are saying that this isn’t the real issue.  Chinese protectionism and theft of intellectual property, even by the government, are more likely the real problems between the US and China.

Free trade, in principle, is a compromise.  It is difficult to have two children play together when one of them makes absolute terms and the other is willing to have a give-and-take negotiation.  The US is ready to deal and compromise in order to avoid a trade war with China, while China continues a massive protectionist campaign (note that the US is also guilty of protectionism, but on a much smaller scale.  The NYT article referred to US protectionism as “minor league” when compared to China).  Chinese leaders have denied this accusation.  "We both follow free and open economic and trade policies, reject trade protectionism and work to advance economic globalisation," said Chinese premier Wen Jiabao recently while at a trade summit in Brussels.  Most foreign firms working inside China, however, would argue against the accuracy of this statement.  

In the past several months (and years), there have been many measures by the US, and several nations in the European Union, against protectionist measures in China.  There have been bills which came from Congress (most of which didn’t pass) that would give the US more freedom in dealing with “currency manipulators” and economic cheaters.  Some of these measures also called for increased pressure on China from the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.  Pressure from these multi-country international bodies would be more potent than pressure from a single country.  

Another example of a sticky protectionist situation between the US and China is in the solar panel industry.  In response to what the US Department of Commerce labeled as “improper Chinese subsidies” to US-bound solar panels, tariffs have been placed on Chinese exports in this industry ranging from 18-250%.  The Chinese government has called for an immediate repeal, and an end to this price-cutting war.  This is only one of many examples that add friction to the US-China trade situation.  It appears that the only thing that can be agreed upon is that any trade war with China or the US will only hinder this shiftless global recovery.  

In my opinion, the overall solution isn’t going to be a simple quick-fix remedy for the solar panel industry (or any single industry for that matter).  We’ve seen that retaliations in tariffs, foreign subsidies, threats and pointed legislation have little long-run effect beyond flaring tempers on both sides of the Pacific.  What has worked, as we’ve witnessed, is to have increased, consistently applied political pressures.  The US, EU, IMF and WTO all play key roles (especially when they play together) in convincing China to fight fair in the long-run.

Works Cited:

Economist, T. ( 2011, October 15). And Now, Protectionism. Retrieved December 01, 2012, from The Economist: http://www.economist.com/node/21532288

Edwards, R. (2012, November 06). US Fear Mounts Over Chinese Protectionism. Retrieved December 01, 2012, from Procurement Leaders: http://www.procurementleaders.com/analysis/analysis/us-fears-mount-over-chinese-protectionism

LEONHARDT, D. (2011, January 11). The Real Problem with China. Retrieved December 1, 2012, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/business/economy/12leonhardt.html?_r=1&

Learning Languages | BWJ

This is a truly inspiring individual: Ioannis Ikonomou - the only in-house translator for the U.N.  Here's his story (via LearnALanguage.com):

((This post appeared on http://www.learnalanguage.com/blog on 5 October 2012))

Hope you enjoyed it!

LinkedIn Part III - Learning | BWJ

I have a few final thoughts for getting the most out of LinkedIn.  Afterward, I'll briefly wrap-up the keys to success from Parts 1, 2 and 3.  Here are some 'big-picture' points that we can't forget (for the full LinkedIn advice page, click HERE):

• Become familiar with and use APPLICATIONS - These tools are a great way to show a little personality, as well as share some truly useful information about yourself.  There are many applications that LinkedIn allows you to use - I would suggest applying at least a couple of them (I currently have 'Reading List' (by Amazon), 'Polls' and 'Events').  By doing this, you're adding some spice to your profile, but you're also showing your connections that you know what you're doing.  It adds a comprehensive touch for anyone visiting you profile.
• Periodically post a short-link going to your LinkedIn profile to your Facebook, Twitter or Google+ accounts - Don't be afraid to share yourself and invite others to come join the party.  It's good to let your friends, co-workers and acquaintances know that you're active on another social network, and you're trying to make it a success.  Who knows what other connections this could lead to... (especially on Twitter - but that's for another day).
• Be active in making appropriate Introductions - This shows that you're able to not only maintain a network, but to use it.  Remember that your network isn't just for you, it's for everybody in your network.  By introducing others who may benefit from the connection, they'll remember this favor in the future.  I view this as the same principle as writing someone a positive, honest recommendation - it will always come back to you in one way or another.
• No dead profiles!  This is so easy to do on LinkedIn - set it up and then let it sit.... and sit..... and sit.  That adds zero value to you and everyone that you've connected with.  There's a better way:  I will be the first to admit that Facebook or Twitter can be extremely 'fun' and addicting.  Because of that, my personal rule of thumb is that every time I check my Facebook or Twitter, I also check my LinkedIn profile (which means I check it at least once per day).  Staying active has paid off in major ways.  Take the 7-day challenge:  Check it at least once-a-day for 7 days and see how it pays off for you.

This is all I want to cover at this point, so I'll make another quick wrap-up of Parts 1, 2 and 3:

• Use a LinkedIn profile picture
• Make sure that your profile is "100% Completed"
• Add a complete list of employers and positions
• Connections matter
• Use a catchy, accurate headline
• Update, Update, Update
• Join and ENGAGE in different groups
• Edit your LinkedIn URL
• Make your entire profile "Public to Everyone"
• Display recommendations on your profile
• Upload contacts from Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo!, etc.
• Add a "View My Profile on LinkedIn" to email signatures
• Become familiar with and use Applications
• Post shortlinks to your profile on other networks
• Be active in making introductions
• No DEAD PROFILES!

That will wrap us up on our LinkedIn segment.  Remember that everything here is different than your other social networks - this is the professional world.  Always make sure that your actions are appropriate and consider who will be seeing it/ what they will think because of it.

I hope that this has been helpful - feel free to make the connection on LinkedIn, or leave comments here for future posts.

Cheers!

BWJ

Company Mission - Business | BWJ

Here is a blog post that I wrote for my job - LearnALanguage.com

It's about the mission of LearnALanguage.com and how we're trying to transform the language-learning industry:

LinkedIn Part II - Learning | BWJ

Many people are starting to get the hint: LinkedIn isn't just for finding a job.  LinkedIn is great for nurturing every part of your career and professional life.  Without further ado, here are the next six keys to success on the most potent professional network on earth (for the full LinkedIn experience, click HERE):

• Join and ENGAGE in different groups - Every time you join (or are accepted) into a group, you're immediately exposed to hundreds and thousands of powerful connections that have the same interests and concerns that you do.  Isn't this a no-brainer?  At LearnALanguage.com, my co-workers and I have the goal of joining relevant groups, paying attention, and engaging on at least a weekly basis, if not daily.  Isn't that what we do naturally?  Seek out those who have common goals, concerns, issues and circumstances and get their help (or offer yours) to the mutual benefit of both parties.  Join groups.
• Edit your LinkedIn URL - Without changing it manually, your LinkedIn URL will look something like this:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/edward-pulz/24/aba/970.  Here's how to fix it: 
• Go to Edit and then click on the small edit next to your URL (under your picture).
• In the "Your public profile URL" box on the lower-right, click the "Customize your public profile URL" link.
• Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box.
• Click Set Custom URL.
• Now it should look something like this: www.linkedin.com/in/bwjenkins   - Nice and clean.  (I've heard whisperings of this improving your LinkedIn 'SEO' - though I can't confirm that as 100% accurate).  
• Make your entire profile "Public to Everyone" - If you're on LinkedIn, but you don't want anyone to view your profile...... then this blog post has nothing to offer you.  Isn't that the point, connect and collaborate...?  The only feasible reason the block viewers is either A- you're too popular (if you're the CEO of Apple) or B- you're an HR recruiter.  If you are not one of these two, let everyone see your potential and open yourself to the maximum number of future opportunities.
• Display recommendations on your profile - (HINT: you have to give sincere recommendations before you can expect to receive recommendations).  This is key.  Who doesn't want the chance to show all of the good things that other people are saying about you??  It's only logical to be active in making recommendations before you expect to receive them.  My best advice: Be sincere.  Don't pander to get a good word from a friend, but rather be excellent at what you're doing professionally and don't hesitate to point it out when someone else is doing a great job.
• Upload contacts from Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. (if you haven't done this already) - LinkedIn is great about holding your hand and walking you through every step to make sure that you have a great profile.  This step is simple and easy - it just makes sense.  If they're in your email contacts list, you've probably already had meaningful interactions together.  Now just make it official.  Go to Contacts on the top bar, and then select Add Connections.  
• Add a "View My Profile on LinkedIn" to your email signature (where appropriate) - This is a great way to keep an eye on personal branding without spending so much time on it.  If you're like me, you send hundreds of emails per week, so why not send a little piece of you out with it.  Editing your signature is simple (and different for each service), so I won't go over that here.  I've been doing it for 6 months and I've seen great results.  Also consider adding a custom 'badge' to your emails/ website/ blog - Go to the "Your public profile URL" as shown above to do this.  ***I'll occasionally delete that line in emails/ situations where it's not appropriate or relevant.

It turns out that I've got more to say about LinkedIn than I thought - I've got a few more keys, so if this has been helpful, stay tuned for LinkedIn Part III.  As always, I'm more than happy to help answer questions and chat about your own LinkedIn strategies and issues.  Feel free to leave comments, or find me on my favorite network.

BWJ

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LinkedIn Part I - Learning | BWJ

I've been a LinkedIn junkie for quiet some time now.  I find it the most rewarding social network to be involved with.  Want to make meaningful connections from around the world, and begin collaborating on things that matter to you?  LinkedIn is your tool.
Here is a list of keys that I've found to squeeze the most out of my LinkedIn experience (for the full LinkedIn experience, click HERE):

• Use a LinkedIn profile picture - This is professional.  Don't use your pictures from the beach, or hanging with the dog on the couch.  This shouldn't even be with the family.  Just you - make it a close-up shot while you're wearing your business suit (atleast the top half - I guess we'll never know if you're in your boxers...).  Don't leave this one blank - nothing says 'I'm not serious' or 'I'm a stalker' like a blank, generic profile picture.
• Make sure that your profile is "100% Completed" - From what I understand, once you've completed your profile, you'll be submitted to LinkedIn's unique search engine.  This is more difficult than completing profiles on Facebook or Twitter, but far more rewarding.  LinkedIn also has an annoying reminder until you have properly finished your profile.  Just do it.
• Add a complete list of employers and positions - It just makes sense; the more people/ jobs that you're affiliated with, the more people that you're going to connect with.  It will also give you a higher priority and more keywords for the search engine to work with.  (*Have at least two past positions).
• Connections Matter - The more people that you're connected to, the more connections you're exposed to, and the bigger your network grows - always a good thing.  LinkedIn gives you statistics on how many connections you have, how many people are one connection away, two connections away, and so on.  This is important!  Set a goal for how many meaningful connections you want to make.
• Use a catchy, accurate headline - Make sure that you're using your industry-related, desired keywords in everything that you do.  Having said that, make sure that your headline and summary aren't BORING.  Feel free to spice it up (and don't forget your keywords).  Honestly, how many people are "marketing professionals"?  This is a great opportunity to show connections that you have a personality, and that you are genuinely interested in being successful.  (*Write your summary in third-person format).
• Update, Update, Update... - What else can I say?  People who create LinkedIn profiles simply to find a job make themselves very obvious.  Your network is something that you nurture until the time comes that you're ready to reap the benefits.  Summary, Specialties, Experience and so on are ALL sections that need to be updated regularly.  Don't be that guy/ gal who hasn't touched his/her profile in months.  At my job (LearnALanguage.com) we all have the goal of spending 30 minutes/week improving and updating our profiles.

I hope that this has been helpful.  This is Part I of at least two parts.  We will get into some nitty-gritty details on Part II.  I'd love to hear your feedback.  

In the meantime, feel free to check out my LinkedIn profile here: Brent Jenkins on LinkedIn

BWJ

Habit Psychology - Learning | BWJ

Just in case you aren't aware, I do marketing for a language learning website.  I work for LearnALanguage.com and I love it.  I write 1-3 blog posts/ week for work, so I thought that I would start to post them here as well, for whatever it's worth.
Today's post was written on Habit Psychology on 25 Sept 2012 on LearnALanguage.com:

"We've all heard it before: 21 days to make a habit.  21 days.  It sounds easy.  It sounds short.  It sounds simple.

But is it?

21 Days.  3 Weeks.  504 Hours.  30,240 Minutes.  1,814,400 Seconds.

It turns out that 21 days really is a long time, but we can get around that.  Believe it or not, we are constantly going through the full 21 day-cycle to start new habits - The only problem is that these habits aren't always the ones that we want to be starting.  It seems that bad habits are easy to start and easy to feed, but the good habits are hard to grow (just like flowers & vegetables take a herculean effort and grandmotherly patience, but weeds grow for free...).

After scouring the web for legitimate advice on growing the good habits (the flowers) and plucking up the bad ones (the weeds), it's easy to see that there's a lot of great stuff out there, especially related to learning a foreign language.  The following keys will help you become a more successful habit-maker:

1. Remember that when we remove a bad habit from our life, there is a void - an empty, blank space.  This could be an emotional space, or simply a free time-slot.  Think of it as the dirt that is now available once you've plucked a weed.  To ensure that another weed doesn't pop up in its place, you have to plant a flower.  Example:  Every day after work, Bob goes home, plops down on the couch and numbs his mind with TV for the next several hours.  FIX: As soon as Bob get home, he laces up the ol' running shoes and goes for a 20-30 minute jog.  Your goal is to replace one bad habit with one good habit.
2. Use a system to remind yourself of habits that you've started and ongoing goals that need some attention.  A perfect example is Mindbloom.  This is a free website that helps you be a better you - It keeps track of goals and habits with reminders, motivation and rewards.  You can join a community who is as ambitious as you are (or as ambitious as you'd like to be).   Everyone here at LearnALanguage.com uses Mindbloom on a daily basis and is encouraged to be creative, motivated and ambitious.
3. Good habits are hard to keep, even after the 21-Day creation period.  The truth is, in order to keep your good habits, you must have your motivation behind them.  The motivation is different for each person, and that's how it should be.  Decide for yourself why you are going to learn a foreign language, lose 10 pounds, read 1 book per month, comb your hair, be on time, Facebook less, smile more and be happier.  Once you know the why, it will be easier to keep it up, even after Day 21.

This is only a small taste of the Psychology of Habit-Making.  The rest is up to you."

This is a personal blog, so I'm always up to hearing constructive criticism - after all, this is my job.

BWJ

Greetings | BWJ

Greetings! My name is Brent Jenkins, and this is my blog. I've started this blog because there are always thoughts racing through my mind, and I'm willing to bet that at least a tiny fraction of these thoughts are worth writing down. If you never read this, or if you read this and don't like it - you won't hurt my feelings. I'm just happy to be a part of the online community. I'll spice the blog up in a little bit, and then let the thoughts roll. I'm always open for input, but we'll start with politics, online & social media, married life, college and business. Thanks, Brent W Jenkins