Do we have a chip? (2)

Had our usual coffee meeting this morning of 3/12/2006.

After small talk with Mariposa snowing weather this morning and then I jumped with the same question to my American friends:

As American, do you think we Taiwanese have a chip in the international bargaining table?

"Well," Mr. Secrest, a retired Prof. had teaching career of history in both Berkeley and New Mexico State University, paused."you set a good example of freedom and democracy showed by that guy named Chen."

I was laughing loud and said: "Jim, I know your sounding a little bit sarcasm. But realistically what do you think? I meant in addition to the 2 bullet-Chen." His face looked long and straight.

Bob cut in with his opinion.

Bob is currently working in Mariposa Court house as chief computer guy. I know that he has high IQ and used to work with IBM. I remember he told me one time that when he was working with IBM. His field hourly wage is $250.00 an hour with minimum 2 hours on the job.

"Look it this way. China is providing cheap labor to the world market that used to belong Taiwan.

Of course, Made in Taiwan products are still better that of made in China. That does not mean that China can not catch up wit Taiwan. You got to have your own edge if that is what you mean." He paused them continued "We thought Taiwan could provide some thing like Light-house to China for its freedom of speech and democracy, but looked the present situation.."

He did not continue. I can feel that both of them are some kind of having disappointment toward Taiwan.