Putin suggests that Americans are like parasites. I agree with the previous part of his quote...that they are living beyond their means.
Americans have been very generous. Today,we have the culture of free browsing, emails, blogging, music videos etc. thanks to the software companies largely owned by Americans. Perhaps Putin himself is using blogger, livejournal, facebook, twitter etc.
These services needn't be free. Taking it for granted is the same as not appreciating the benevolence of cow's milk...after all no one requests the cow if it wants to give. Competition is not the only reason for some of these products and services being free. A lot of people have invested in software with the best intentions. One web host is giving the service for free for 2 years -- they expect that after 2 years, when a small businessman starts getting revenue, he or she will sign up for the premium. But, a lot of people, including me, have no such plans. While I don't misuse it, there are those who enroll in mass numbers trying to earn quick cash. If something remains steady for a day, that itself is a big thing in this world and these people are planning for 2 years. That is not a parasitic way of life. Actually, some people from countries like China, India, Russia etc. ride piggyback on the developments in America. If all the pirated versions of Windows was seized in India, almost all the small-scale companies and 90% (my estimate) of homes would be shut down.
But Americans surely have a problem with the way they spend their money on luxury. Even if you have a full course meal, if you have dysentery, you are going to be emaciated. I'm not against wealth. Wealth can however be only a by-product and not a product by itself. Of course, you must be knowing this already...but I have to say this to complete my pet commentary. :-)
Americans have been very generous. Today,we have the culture of free browsing, emails, blogging, music videos etc. thanks to the software companies largely owned by Americans. Perhaps Putin himself is using blogger, livejournal, facebook, twitter etc.
These services needn't be free. Taking it for granted is the same as not appreciating the benevolence of cow's milk...after all no one requests the cow if it wants to give. Competition is not the only reason for some of these products and services being free. A lot of people have invested in software with the best intentions. One web host is giving the service for free for 2 years -- they expect that after 2 years, when a small businessman starts getting revenue, he or she will sign up for the premium. But, a lot of people, including me, have no such plans. While I don't misuse it, there are those who enroll in mass numbers trying to earn quick cash. If something remains steady for a day, that itself is a big thing in this world and these people are planning for 2 years. That is not a parasitic way of life. Actually, some people from countries like China, India, Russia etc. ride piggyback on the developments in America. If all the pirated versions of Windows was seized in India, almost all the small-scale companies and 90% (my estimate) of homes would be shut down.
But Americans surely have a problem with the way they spend their money on luxury. Even if you have a full course meal, if you have dysentery, you are going to be emaciated. I'm not against wealth. Wealth can however be only a by-product and not a product by itself. Of course, you must be knowing this already...but I have to say this to complete my pet commentary. :-)
