A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel to China. We spent time in Beijing, Qingdao, and Shanghai. Specifically the incredible history in and around Beijing, the entrepreneurial spirit in Qingdao, and the electricity of Shanghai were really amazing.
I was impressed by the rapid growth. In every directionmultiple new buildings were going up. People were moving. Cars were everywhere. The growth has allowed huge numbers of Chinese citizens to be lifted out of poverty and join the surging middle class.
The locals I interacted with were gracious and engaging with foreigners. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome. English was everywhere. In many ways it was easier to get around China than in some parts of Europe. They were all hustling and working hard in the pursuit of their dreams. I came away with great admiration for the average Chinese citizen.
With that growth has come many related issues. Pollution is rampant. The infrastructure is overloaded. To keep up with the velocity of change, the Chinese have sacrificed quality for speed. Completion is valued over carefulness. As a risk management advisor, the first thing I noticed at the Great Wall was not the beauty and sheer size of it, but the many workers without hardhats or harnesses precariously working on repairs.
A young American ex-pat guide in Beijing cautioned our group not to drink the local water. He explained it in two parts. The first issue was more bacteria related and would simply land you in the restroom every few hours. The second issue was his concern for other more serious forms of pollution in the drinking water. “I wouldn’t take a chance with either!” he exclaimed.
So with apologies to my amazing wife and children, my parents and siblings, my in-laws, friends, and terrific colleagues, I wanted to especially give thanks this year for the opportunity to live in the United States of America.
I’m glad our drinking water is safe. I appreciate walking outside and not having my oxygen or vision impaired by the air quality. Having lived in the Phoenix area for six years, yes, I realize from time-to-time we have smog here in the States, but it pales in comparison to China. We have houses, grass, trees, and gardens. We can have as many children as we want. We can love the government. Or not. And we can talk about it as much as we want.
What’s The Risk?
Sometimes we need to just stop and appreciate all the many blessings we have as Americans. The risk is in getting caught up in all the negativity. I do it, too. Watch the national news on any given night and it’s hard not to get depressed. It’s not perfect here in the States. But you’re allowed to talk about on Twitter. News sites and publications are not blocked. You can take a walk outside without putting on your breathing mask. The rule of law prevails. All-in-all, we have it pretty good here in America, wouldn’t you say? We are blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.
