COMMENTS - 2013/05/05

WEEKLY BLOG COMMENTS  No. 62

DATES: 2013/04/28– 2013/05/05

ANALYST: Domingo Trassens

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Dear Friends:

The news reports of last week of April and beginning of May showed more details of the investigation of the bombing attack at the Boston Marathon and the collapse of the garment building in Bangladesh that killed more than 400 people.

It was also a bloody week in Iraq due to the explosion of a series of powerful car bombs with a lot of deaths.

President Obama visited Mexico and Costa Rica. Some of his comments in Mexico produced negative reactions in the United States.

In the economic side, the figures of the jobs and unemployment of April were better than before but didn’t generate enthusiasm in the observers who know the official numbers of US Labor Department don’t show a complete picture of the job market today.

I would like to share with you a series of comments posted by myself in the WSJ Journal Community during the last seven days about the top news and other themes of the week.

My comments are organized in the following sections: United States, Europe, The World (Asia, Africa, Middle East…), Latin America and Economy, Business, Technology.

DAT

May 5, 2013

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UNITED STATES

Story: Job Gains Calm Slump Worries

Subject: The decline of the unemployment rate to 7.5% in April slump worries of observers who only review official job numbers.

My Comment: This story says: “Jobs Gains Calm Slump Worries”. I prefer to say: Jobs gains calm for the lucky workers who found a job during the last month. Who continue in the job market have less possibilities than before because nobody reviews old resumes today. The drawers of the employment offices are full of applications that an officer never reads. (2013/05/04)

Story: Boston Suspect Died From Gunshots, Blunt Trauma

Subject: The official certificate of the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev didn’t add data or more details about the Boston’s bombing attack.

My Comment: The new information about the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev doesn’t give more relevant data about the key issues related to the Boston Marathon bombings. (2013/05/04) 4 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Immigration Overhaul Tests Mexican Partnership – Part 1

Subject: During the visit to Mexico, President Obama spoke to the population about the new U.S. immigration law.

My Comment: From my point of view, the American authorities don’t need the okay of the Mexican people about U.S. immigration law. (2013/05/04) 21 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Immigration Overhaul Tests Mexican Partnership – Part 2

My Comment: The United States is a sovereign nation. And the immigration law is an issue related to our sovereignty. For this reason, it is not appropriate that we discuss immigration with Mexicans, Canadians, Cubans, Russians or others. (2013/05/05) 8 Recommendations

Story: Obama: Time to Reset Partnership with Mexico

Subject: President Obama met the Mexican President and both leaders talked about a partnership between the two countries.

My Comment: It is positive that U.S. and Mexico maintain good relationships because both countries are neighbors.

Nonetheless, the “border control” with Mexico has to be very rigorous and effective.

Partnership: Yes! Illegal immigration and drugs: No! (2013/05/03) 4 Recommendations

Story: Pentagon Bulks Up 'Bunker Buster' Bomb to Combat Iran

Subject: Some sources comment Pentagon developed special bombs to destroy the Iranian nuclear bunker if it is necessary. Meanwhile, the US authorities expect changes in the Iranian politics after the June elections.

My Comment: I don’t believe the election of June will shift the military goals of the Iranians. Behind the scene, the elite that rules the country, it will be the same.

From the other side, during decades, the regime indoctrinated the young generation with hate against Israel and the United States. (2013/05/03)

Story: U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 to Payrolls

Subject: During April, the U.S. economy added 165,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.5%.

My Comment: The unemployment rate (7.5%) of April looks better, but this is only a drawing. 

In the real world, the job search continues difficult and it is possible to perceive the frustration on the street. 

Some analysts say that we will need a decade to fix the job market. (2013/05/03) 3 Recommendations

Story: U.S. Charges Three More in Boston Marathon Case

Subject: The investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing revealed at least 2 other foreign students were involved with the suspects of the attacks.

My Comment: The advance in the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing is showing a poor image of the immigration system related to student visas.

Youngsters from other countries come to Boston like students and use their time in dirty affairs.

At least in the civilized countries, it is not funny that guys of 19 use their time to make bombs, kill people and produce destruction. (2013/05/02)

Story: Three Suspects in Custody in Boston Case

Subject: Three friends of the youngster bombing attacker helped him to hide evidences.

My Comment: It is good news that the bombing investigation is bringing more elements to know all about the criminal attacks that destroyed the lives of a lot of normal people.

Sometimes, those who have never lived the drama of a bombing attack don’t realize the magnitude of this kind of crime when all is smoke, blood, debris and confusion. (2013/05/01) 4 Recommendations

Story: Obama Seeks Consensus on Syria

Subject: President Obama seeks international consensus on Syrian case to take direct action about possible chemical weapons used during the civil war.

My Comment: In the case of Syria, the expression “international community” does imply nothing. If United States really “seeks consensus”, President Obama has to talk personally with President Putin. Any new debate through the United Nations will be fruitless. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

Story: Female DNA Found on Bomb in Boston Attack

My Comment: In cases like bombing attacks, everybody who is near the potential attackers has responsibilities if they know about the plans and they don’t stop the crime before it happens. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

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EUROPE

Story: The Russians Are Shrinking!

Subject: Some recent studies show the abuse of the drink could shrink dramatically the Russian population in the next decades.

My Comment: The information says that the Russian population is shrinking due to the abuse of the drink.

It is not our business to advise the Russians of their drinking problems. They have to decide for themselves, what is good or bad for their country. (2013/05/04) 13 Recommendations

Story: Willem-Alexander Becomes King of Netherlands

Subject: During the week, Willem-Alexander became new King of Netherlands.

My Comment: If 78% of the Dutch population supports the monarchy, we can say nothing. Each country has to decide about its government model and institutions. (2013/04/30) 2 Recommendations

Story: About 35 Hurt in Prague Gas Blast

My Comment: The information about the explosion in Praga remarks that it was not a terrorist attack. However when a powerful explosion happens, there is a reason. Frequently it is due to the negligence of somebody. Who was responsible? The story doesn’t’ give any elements. (2013/04/29) 

Story: New Italian Government Sworn In

Subject: The Italian politician Enrico Letta was designated new Prime Minister.

My Comment: We have to hope that Enrico Letta performs his new public function of Italian Prime Minister without receiving “tips”.

According to the research the Italian media, one or two years ago he received some “tips” that stained his political background. (2013/04/28)

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THE WORLD: Asia, Middle East, Africa…

Story: Israel Launched Attack in Syria, U.S. Says

Subject: Israel launched a second attack against Syrian targets to stop heavy weapons that come to the extremist groups.

My Comment: In the case of Syria, everybody - Israel, Russia, Iran… - has clear goals with the exception of the US. We put money – humanitarian aid and more…- everywhere, but we don’t have control of our actions. (2013/05/04) 5 Recommendations

Story: The Global Garment Trail: From Bangladesh to a Mall Near You

Subject: The series of accidents that killed hundred of garment workers in Bangladesh has generated different protests across of the world.

My Comment: In brief, the series of Bangladesh’s tragedies show that the world is living in a new kind of slavery supported by big international organizations that don’t want to pay the true job cost and they have branches and partners across the poorest countries of the globe.

These organizations are using the hunger and basic needs of a lot of people to the benefit of their business ambitions and profitability.

The case is serious because all these organizations have the tacit agreement of corrupt politicians who don’t care for the health of their people. (2013/05/04) 4 Recommendations

Story: North Korea Sentences U.S. Citizen to 15 Years Hard Labor

Subject: U.S. Citizen was condemned to 15 years of hard labor for a court in North Korea.

My Comment: Everybody knows the risks of any mistake in North Korea. Kenneth Bae is not the first American citizen sentenced by Pyongyang. Now, the point is what will be the cost of his “stupidity”. (2013/05/02) 2 Recommendations

Story: China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors

Subject: Chinese garment manufacturers are moving their factories to Asian neighbors with cheaper payrolls costs.

My Comment: The reality is that nobody wants to pay the labor cost. With this criterion, now the manufacturers are looking for the last countries with slaves. Probably in the future also the slaves will be replaced by robots. (2013/05/01)

Story: Retailers Seek Plan to Prevent Disasters

My Comment: In Bangladesh, the disasters are consequences of the slavery conditions of the garment factories. If the social conditions of the workers don’t improve, the better conditions of the buildings don’t guarantee a complete solution of the issue. (2013/05/01)

Story: Owner of Collapsed Building Arrested on India Border

My Comment: Only one responsible? I believe in this case there is more than one. Probably they are high officers of the government. Everybody has to go to jail for the rest of their lives or die under the stone debris of the collapsed building. (2013/04/28) 1 Recommendation

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LATIN AMERICA

Opinion: Opinion: Kirchner Targets Argentina's Judiciary

Subject: Argentine President Cristina Kirchner is trying to destroy the Judiciary system of the country.

My Comment: In Argentina, the people are disappointed with the government since the time of Nestor Kirchner, but if more than 50% of the voters continue voting wrong, they cannot complain.

The plans of Cristina Kirchner are very clear: Take all the necessary steps to implement “a civil dictatorship” under a faded umbrella with the label of “democracy”. (2013/04/28) 11 Recommendations

Opinion: Opinion: Kirchner Targets Argentina's Judiciary

My Comment answering to somebody who says all the Argentine citizens are responsible of the political problems of the country : Thank you for your comment, but I know directly about the Argentine problem today through a lot of people who currently live in Argentina and are disappointed with the Ms. Kirchner and the previous presidents.

Cristina, like her husband and the former President Menem uses the technique to divide her enemies. She has good "teachers" next to her.

During 2012 in Buenos Aires and other cities, a lot of people went to the street shouting against Ms. Kirchner. However, always in the moment of an election, the people against the regime don’t have a strong leader. They are all divided and also some citizens don’t vote because they feel frustrated.

More than 50 years after the first Peron’s presidency, the Peronistas – with different names and leaders - continue using the technique of divide the opposition. From the other side, the Radicales are very stupid to find a good formula. In between Peronistas and Radicales there are other groups without any strong power to change the direction of the politics.

Additionally, Ms. Kirchner has the support of the ideologists of the Montoneros, the "Madres de Plaza de Mayo" and other leftist groups who destroyed the country with a terrible civil war in the 1970s. Meanwhile, a lot of western intellectuals – in special from Europe - continue believing in the "fairy tales" of the "Madres de Plata de Mayo".

By the way, all the generals and military leaders who made mistakes during the civil war are in jail, but the Montoneros and other leftist leaders who also killed people and put bombs everywhere are involved with the current government.

As I said before, Cristina Kirchner is going to consolidate a “civil dictatorship” with the disguise of a “faded democracy”. It is very difficult for a divided opposition to confront her and her government apparatus. (2013/04/29) 10 Recommendations

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ECONOMY, BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY

Story: Intel Names Krzanich as New CEO 

Subject: Intel’s board designed the successor of Paul Otellini who will retire during May.

My Comment: Intel named Brian Krzanich as new CEO and Renée James as president, in a movement that implies the promotion of two executives who grew across different positions inside the company and they know very well its culture.

Brian M. Krzanich, current COO of the company, was before general manager of manufacturing and supply chain.

Renée James is leader of the software units of the company.

I believe both – Brian and Renée - will carry the Intel t-shirt with self-respect for the semiconductor leader. (2013/05/02) 2 Recommendations

Story: Alibaba Takes Aim at Google's Android

Subject: Alibaba is aiming against Android operating system with the support of the Chinese institutions.

My Comment: In brief, the information says that Alibaba aims at Google’s Android through its operating system project. I don’t have doubts the Chinese ambitions include software dominance.

Since the Chinese Internet and software explosion, the Chinese government began to block Google with the intention to give their own software and Internet companies the possibility to overlap Google.

The Chinese want to be Number 1 in all the segments of technology including software.

The software is key component in the cyber-war and is the control of the business and economy of the world.

However, in this case, if the rest of the world prefers Android, it will not be easy to change this preference.

In the software arena, the dominance of one or another operating system platform requires a global consensus of software developers, application integrators, OEMs, hardware partners, information systems services, technology and information systems consultants, institutional users, commercial users and consumer users. (2013/04/30) 

  

Story: Fiat Posts Loss on European Weakness

Subject: Fiat posted losses in the last quarter due to the weakness of the European automotive market.

My Comment: The European crisis comes from one or two years ago. Last year, Peugeot-Citroen – second European car maker - reported deep losses. (2013/04/29)

Story: Amazon Grows, and Spends

Subject: Amazon continues expanding its business through new important investments.

My Comment: The story says: “Amazon Grows, and Spends”. I prefer to say: “Amazon Grows, and Invests”. Since its first days, this e-commerce company always invested a lot of money in its foundation to continue growing. (2013/04/28)