(Discussion)
Blake Field:
Oli, you speak of multinationals as if they are holier than thou. Aren't
multinationals ex-patriots?
Olivier Klink:
The term "ex-patriot" is often used by the press to mean any
person "living abroad." Patriotism, as you know, is a deep sense
of loyalty felt for one's native land. Because a person prefers to live
in another country does not mean that person is unpatriotic.
Blake:
Ok, so we're not talking about citizenship here.
Oli:
No. Citizenship is a matter for each multinational to reckon with.
George Thornally:
I have heard of a movement by idealists who advocate "World Citizenship."
The idea is that we are all really citizens of one world. So why not
have one citizenship, one identification, and so on.
Oli:
That's an idea whose time is quite a way off.
Blake:
Taking a chapter out of Star Trek, maybe if our planet is faced with
a threat from aliens, everyone on this planet will come to think of
themselves as citizens of "Planet Earth."
George:
For that to happen, there would have to be one political entity representing
all of the nations of "Planet Earth."
Oli:
Yes, and this is why I say it's far off. In the meanwhile, there are
lots of possibilities for multinationals. As I see it, multiple nationalities,
each with specific social and economic circumstances bound by law, create
the conditions for opportunity. You know what the French say: Vive la
difference!
Blake:
I think the French had romance in mind. And like the French I'm interested
in romance. Vive la difference!
George:
And I'm interested in adventure. Vive la difference!
Oli:
Well then, I'm interested in romance, adventure, and making money. Next
time we get together, I want to introduce you to self-made stock market
guru, Jim Rogers. Here's a guy who does it all. He decides to ride a
motorcycle around the world (adventure) he takes his friend
Tabitha with him (romance) and he makes investments along the
way (business). Vive l'independence!
George:
Blake:
I've had in mind taking a motorcycle trip through Canada and maybe up
to Alaska. But around the world? I don't know.
Oli:
You'd want to have a fairly large and comfortable bike to do that.
George:
Jim took a BMW. Actually they took
two BMWs. Jim rode one and Tabitha rode the other. These bikes took
a terrific beating and came through it with flags flying. What an adventure!
Blake:
I'd prefer my friend to ride with me on my bike.
Oli:
If it's a really long trip, like around the world, you might want to
take two bikes. One could be a backup in the event one fails.
Blake:
Oh, Oli, always thinking about computers and "backing up"!
George:
Guess what, guys, that was Jim's reasoning too. As it turns out, two
bikes came home, but it's a bit more involved. Read the book!
Oli:
Right! Read the book. We'll get into it at the next meeting.
George:
I want to have the last word. I found the book fascinating. It definitely
has adventure, romance and an interesting commentary on international
business opportunities. But you know, Jim writes the book from his perspective--it's
his book. I would like to read the book that Tabitha will write one
day. There are many incidents that are terrifying and some radically
funny. Her perspective would be fun to see, too.
Oli:
Maybe we'll get Tabitha to join us in the discussion on the Net.
Blake:
I'll settle for Jim Rogers.
George:
I get the last word, remember? Let's get both Jim and Tabitha here
as guests for a discussion.
Oli:
George, you can't have the last word. "Multinationals" is my
baby, remember? But since you proposed Rogers' story for discussion,
I'll go along with it when you get Jim and Tabitha here!
NOTE. The meeting will be continued. We await to learn from George if
Jim Rogers and Tabitha Estabrook will come to the meeting. Stay tuned!
Jim Rogers' Investment Biker is available in paperback from most book
stores. Book trade, call Adams Publishing 800-872-5627
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