Comments for Why Blame It On Dubai? at http://www.amazingwomenrock.com , comment 1 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.amazingwomenrock.com Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:42:41 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/myblog/why-blame-it-on-dubai.html#comment-732 so what is the actual truth to these claims? Can anyone explain, in plain english please, what the changes are that are supplosed to allow all these [url=http://www.prime-targeting.com/how-to-overcome-the-debt-trap/]credit card debt[/url]to be written off? Guess if anyone actually got round to doing this then firms like the one mentioned would go out of business as everyone would start to check their own deals. What is the effect on existing borrowers if credit companies then change their terms and conditions to suit new regulations? - Jehnavi Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:42:49 +0100 http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/myblog/why-blame-it-on-dubai.html#comment-516 Dear Emory, I’m sorry you seem to have taken my comments personally, and then proceeded to attack and defame me based on numerous erroneous assumptions. I was born in Canada, and lived there for 35 years. I have been to the United States many times, and have several American friends whom I have visited while I was there. You don’t mention where you reside or where you have traveled… I’ve lived for short periods in New Zealand and Australia, and have traveled extensively to many parts of the world including most of Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The only two continents I have not yet had the privilege of enjoying are South America and Antarctica. I don’t subscribe to any school of thought other than my own. I don’t know why you assume that The West = United States, when it is generally understood to comprise the developed countries in North America (both the US and Canada), Europe and Australasia. I don’t recall every having singled out the United States as being any more culpable than any other Western nation, and I haven’t concocted anything at all. However, as you have brought up the US specifically with respect to consumerism, you might be interested in the credit card statistics at this link: [url]http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-industry-facts-personal-debt-statistics-1276.php[/url] Among them: [quote]At the end of 2008, Americans' credit card debt reached $972.73 billion, up 1.12% from 2007. That number includes both general purpose credit cards and private label credit cards that aren't owned by a bank. (Source: Nilson Report, April 2009) The average outstanding credit card debt for households that have a credit card was $10,679 at the end of 2008. One year earlier, that average was $10,637. (Source: Nilson Report, April 2009)[/quote] My view is that if those of us in the developed world consumed less, there might be more available for those in the “developing” nations. On that issue, you might find this link of interest: [url]http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/myblog/the-story-of-stuff-stuff-and-more-stuff.html[/url] The video producer, Annie Leonard (who is American by the way), asserts the following: [quote]The US has 5% of the world’s population; it uses 30% of the world’s resources and generates 30% of the world’s waste.[/quote] Do these kind of statistics make the US the root of all evil? Certainly not. As I’ve said repeatedly on this blog, and I repeat it yet again: “Clearly there is something wrong with a [i]global[/i] system in which 10 per cent of the population enjoys 90 per cent of the wealth.” We are all part of the system, and all of us nations as well as individuals (you, me, and everybody who is more privileged more than another), share responsibility for the worldwide situation in which we find ourselves. As I also said above: “I think our collective energy would be better spent addressing the root of the problem on an international level, rather than in wasting time mud slinging and finger pointing.” I’m sorry you have chosen the mud slinging option, and used me as your target. It's obvious from your comments that you know nothing about who I am, or what I stand for as a person. How could you based on reading a few blog posts? That said, there are many perspectives on every issue, everyone has the right to an opinion and it’s been interesting to read yours - thanks for sharing it. Good luck to you, Susan P.S. If I had to choose one principle to follow, it might be that of Ubuntu. You may find out more here: [url]http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/food-for-thought/ubuntu-compassion-brought-into-colourful-practice.html[/url] - Susan Macaulay Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:13:28 +0100 http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/myblog/why-blame-it-on-dubai.html#comment-512 "The West has infected the rest of the world with the disease of greed: a swine-flu-like pandemic of consumerism." Have you been to the U.S.- ever? I don't appreciate your sweeping generalization that "THE WEST" is responsible for the economic challenges that face many people world-wide. Your post in response to the "Bye-Bye Dubai" article on FastCompany.com bears resemblance to what you have posted here about "THE WEST". The U.S. is for me what Dubai is for you. You claimed the FC article was sensational and one sided... What you are saying about "THE WEST" is equally as sensational and one sided. Furthermore, I find your metaphor about the "swine flu" completely barbaric. I understand that you belong to the school of thought that empathy is only reserved for the victim and harsh punishment is meant for those who have wronged. And... it is true that a series of lenders offered sub-prime loans to consumers. But just like we citizens are not our government, we cannot be defined by the lack of moral compass of a few very corrupt individuals. Let me bring this story down to a human proportion: There were many indiscretions made by key officials in the industry, yes. But this does not fulfill your description of "THE WEST." Many home owners were swindled by cheeky, shiny, urbane sale-persons who used ambiguous language to deliberately deceive home owners. This wasn't the case in every instance, I believe some sales-persons had no ideas that lenders would adjust Mortgage rates for a number of home owners with great credit scores without any warning, and certainly without valid reasoning. I won't disagree that some people purchased homes and accepted mortgage rates that were above their means.While some areas of the U.S. are driven by a different set of motivators (lavish lifestyles, etc), most aren't. We are kind, modest, thoughtful individuals who are driven by family values and hard work. The U.S. is not a "PANDEMIC of CONSUMERISM." In fact, if you wanted to actually learn about the U.S. I would invite you to my home. You would have a hot meal and comfortable accommodations. Standing before you- you would see a well-meaning, balanced individual. Unlike the blasphemous image you concocted, I am not frenzied to buy, build and sell things. I have read a number of your posts and feel that your perspective, while entertaining, is not balanced enough for me to trust. I will not be following your website any longer. I do agree with your messages raising awareness about strong women and crimes against humanity, but cannot agree with your literary style. You are like one of those PETA publications touting recipes and new vegan products- but when you open the pages it is propaganda and shock value. I hope you'll post this message in its entirety. What kind of blogger would you be if you didn't post all sides of the argument? - Emory Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:23:27 +0100 http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/myblog/why-blame-it-on-dubai.html#comment-149 I enjoyed reading your story, Susan. Now I think I have a better understanding of why you started this website (which is the 2 months I've been away seems to have noticeably increased in the quality of its articles). Initially, I thought that you were focused on 'successful women', but I see that you are addressing amazing women from many perspectives - including those of social justice and peace. I must say that this broader perspective is refreshing to me. Thank you and congratulations. Terry - Terry Netto Sun, 17 May 2009 19:50:10 +0100