The year 2008 looks to be a year of philosophic business to me. I see the year ahead as the start of an awakening that hopefully will continue through 2009 and years to come.
The times that are ahead remind me a lot of the ‘50s and the ‘60s when people began questioning how they were doing business from fundamental rules to ethics and even lifestyles.
Back then there seemed to be a sense felt by everyone that the world had been burning from war and crimes of humanity, from Europe to the Pacific to Vietnam and the streets of Selma, Alabama. There was labour unrest, social upheaval and civil injustice.
In the ‘60s young people led a rebellion of peace, love and understanding. It captured the world from London, Paris, San Francisco and right down Yorkville Avenue. Then somehow, it sadly unraveled to business greed and religious fervor through the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The years following 2000 through 2007 saw the world burning again from horrible war – this time in Africa, the Middle East, and the streets of Baghdad. Even the biggest state in America, California, was in flames this year due to poor environmental management. The state was literally on fire.
The year 2008 begins with huge potential and great promise for the world. And the place where it is going to begin is the United States.
The astounding fall in value of American housing property will soon be corrected. Anyone who thinks otherwise is simply wrong. This is the most sought-after place to live for everyone in the world. Canada is even better but it still remains almost secret to the world media. People from all walks of life will continue to clamour for the chance to live the American dream. For homes to lose any more value in this highly sought-after country is preposterous by any measure. These values are not just going to rebound; they are going to increase and hold their value.
Say what you like about all the money offshore or the manufacturing behemoth that China has become and the booming economy in India. Tell all who will listen of the incredible wealth of the oil rich interests in Arabia. Go right ahead. They all still pale in comparison to the potential of the United States.
The American market is still the most sought-after, the most important and the most treasured in the history of the world. There is no other measure of wealth than the American dollar. All international wages such as sports salaries are paid in American dollars; in fact all other currencies are reported as how much they would be in American dollars.
There is no greater culture than that of America. There are no greater dreams than American dreams. There is no greater romance than American movies. There is no greater story than the American tale.
The United States has taken some hits over the past few years and rightly so, many can argue. There has been a lot of confusion down there. But it will start moving out of that confusion in 2008.
America has always represented benevolence to everyone on earth. The term “American aid” was once a familiar phrase known in all parts of the world for rescue and assistance. For the past few years, things got confused. Charity and benevolence got caught up with religion and righteousness.
Accountability got mixed up with conservatism. Religious freedom got lost in a sea of faith-based restrictions. It seems to me that people are going to get it right this time.
I think 2008 is a year that has a real shot at renewal. Not as a huge wave of enlightenment throughout the land but as a pragmatic realization across all spectrums. It is better not to fight. It is better to share wealth. It is better to respect different faiths. It is better to work together.
It is better for business. It is better for the world.
I think things are going to change in America, in Canada and in the world. Slowly but steady all things seem to indicate it will start next year. Environmental studies, technology and most importantly humanity will once again have greater importance in 2008.
Like all good things in life, it all starts at home. Once again a home will regain its place as the most important treasure in everyone’s life. A robust economy is based on home sales. It all goes from there. Furniture sales, renovations, paint, wallpaper, driveway sealant, automobile sales, truck sales, and kitchen sink sales.
This time we will be more conscious of the environment. This time we will be more benevolent. This time we will be kinder. This time we will be better.
I wish you every success in 2008. I wish you peace.
Heino Molls is publisher of REM. Email [email protected]
.
