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Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 05:59 pm: | 
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Just saying that just because the economy may be doing well in 1 area of the country doesnt mean its great everywhere else.
Those are just 2 along with 5-6 others in the local area that are closing their doors. Its pretty damn hard to tell folks who are losing their job that the economy is looking up. |
Brucelee
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 06:44 pm: |
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"Just saying that just because the economy may be doing well in 1 area of the country doesnt mean its great everywhere else."
I don't think anyone said that!
"Those are just 2 along with 5-6 others in the local area that are closing their doors. Its pretty damn hard to tell folks who are losing their job that the economy is looking up"
I never said that either. The point is that the US Economy includes, well, the US. It is quite obvious that there are ups and downs, tied to many many factors, location, industry, etc.
It is this way throughout the world. We were responding to the statement that the US Economy is in the tank.
It clearly is not. |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 06:47 pm: |
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But in certain locales it is in the tank.
Overall it may be up, but if you live in a repressed area that really wont do you much good now will it? |
Lornce
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 06:59 pm: |
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Where An XB Comes From:
Suspension Components - Japan (SHOWA)
Brake Components - Japan (NISSIN)
Slick Aluminum Perimeter Frame - Italy (Verlicchi)
Hand Switches & Controls - Italy
Pistons - Germany (K&S)
FI System - USA (Walberg?)
Anyone know about these parts?
Swing Arm - Italy also?
Headlight As'bly - Italy?
Starter Motors - Japan?
Wheels - ???
Instruments - ???
FWIW, Foreign sourcing's a natural for a modern motorcycle, and I applaud Buell's commitment to such a high quality global product. I'm just curious how widely this is understood by US Buell owners? |
BadS1
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 11:28 pm: |
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Dyna Intermet might be sold.I used to work there years ago and still in contact with some that work there including Fitzgerald which hes the Union President.I got word from him that Ryobi may be the buyer.Bit there is other prospects.Like I said A diecast company of its size and technolgie isn't easy to close up. |
Chris_mackay
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:59 am: |
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Yes, Intermet filed for reorganization. But they just released several dies we had in the works for them. We thought we were going to get the short end of the stick. Now it looks like they're gonna hang around for a little while yet. |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 01:23 am: |
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Overall it may be up, but if you live in a repressed area that really wont do you much good now will it?
Actually, yes it will. Can you imagine how or why? If you use your brain and think for a bit, I bet you can. I am tired of this argument. A good economy is...
good.
Case closed. |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 04:45 am: |
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>>>Foreign sourcing's a natural for a modern motorcycle
Same as Harley-Davidson, Dell, Ford and Hanes.
Try buying a "Made in the USA" t-shirt or television. Can't be done. Better yet, try buying a UNION MADE t-shirt. Many folks SAY they exist, they don't.
I am building a "fast track" $880M power plant that is to be online in less than a year (the equivalent of building a Buell in 9 minutes) wanna take a crack at where all the parts are coming from. If you are near Montreal, take a peek. One of the world's largest cargo ships (Stellaprima) is sitting there now with my New Year's gift being delivered from Korea at 4AM on 01.03.04.
Ever thought about if you only had access to the air that was in the room you were presently sitting in.......
Even when a local economy is temp tanked due to local events a strong, and growing, national economy is a "good thing".
Dyna...you owe me $2,300 for the new highway intersection near Racine.
Court
P.S. - Don't get me started. Some of you know my SCU and we don't want her in this conversation. She spends her days betting what the Euro will do against the Yen in the next 20 minutes! We LIVE the world economies, country by country in this house. The Japanese markets (particulalry bank stocks) get reviewed before turning in each night. |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 05:07 am: |
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Court: another fine example are the guys that put Spaceship One into flight. They purchased an oxygen system out of Russia for under $50,000 and the same system made in America would have cost them more than the ship itself! |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 07:53 am: |
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This simply goes back to McConnell 101 Economics. The introduction of nationalism only complicates, with irrelevant facts, an objective process with subjective information.
The world, boys and girls, is changing.
My Uncle is an Astronaut and Chief of Space Medicine for NASA. He is also, in a consulting role, in charge of the medical program for the international space station. He has an office in Houston and one in Moscow. Think of telling this to someone back in about, say....1968.
If you wanted to make the BEST American motorcycle and were to restrict yourself to American born and educated team members and American made parts....you'd end up with nothing.
Buell American Motorcycles has combined the best talent from India, Mexico, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Lord knows where else, with the best parts in the world.
I like that very much.
Court |
Blublak
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:29 am: |
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Lornce.. 
What'choo mean there's fur-in parts on me bahk!? Is a known fact that all dem bits o' metal 'n plaz'ic on Buell's and 'Hogs' were hand whittled by de'icated 'murican crafs-mins an builder babes! 
The bez thin' 'bout US 'murican bahks is theys a'hunridt pree-sent 'murican made and each part person'ly s'ports the red watt 'n blu! 
(Removing tongue, or chaw, from cheek)
I agree, I think it's great that Buell or h-d can think globally and uses only the best components to build my favorite bikes. It's not like some other things, where sourcing can be problematic, due to .. Whatever.
E.B. & Co. set out to build a world class riding machine. It's exactly what it sounds like. WORLD CLASS and I for one am more than happy to ride it..  Is it American? Hell Yes!
How many of us can say that nothing from other countries had anything to do with our personal origin ? Are we not Americans? I think the ability to recognize the best components and utilize them to create something unique for the genre, from them is a testament to their commitment to quality and overall greatness.. Damn, I'm starting to sound like a Buell ad now huh? 
Ok, that's it, just a thought or two on this.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
Later, |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 09:14 am: |
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"you'd end up with nothing. "
Sounds like a challenge. Probably a bunch of labor laws preventing acceptance of the challenge though. Oh well, pick the best folks you can based on skills and knowledge regardless of heritage or gender, find the best parts for the intended application regardless of point of origin, assemble into a cohesive functional unit, go ride. Basically simple in theory, it's the applied application though that gets you. Saw some snowmobile folks get bit by details, nice product concept, even got some press, project died on the vine due to a variety of reasons, 'taint easy, but that rarely stops the motivated and dedicated ones.
Oh well, back to watching the dead workstation cursor blink on my desk, wonder where the mouse was made (maybe I'll take it apart and see while I'm waiting for IT to do their thing....).
I have a screwdriver and I'm bored, a dangerous combination around computer stuff. heh heh heh.... |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 10:08 am: |
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Lornce,
In your list, you left out
Engine... American
Transmission... American
Drive Chain... American
Drive Belt... American
Bodywork... American
Design/Engineering/Integration/Testing/Assembly... American
The last one is what primarily makes Buell motorcycles American Sport Bikes, at least for me.
If Buells were British or Italian or German designed/integrated/assembled, I would still own one. Hey, I was looking at the Speed Triple when I stumbled face-first into a Buell Cyclone. And a GS Beemer has for some time been on my short list of "bikes I shall own."
I'll admit that I do have a slight aversion to the motorcycles produced by Japan Inc. I have owned and ridden them for longer than I have owned and ridden any other make of motorcycle, but in a shorter span of time I have put more than twice as many miles on Buell motorcycles.
Back on-topic... I've heard a number of stories about American vacationers who have shipped their Harley overseas, enjoyed a two wheeled touring vacation abroad, then sold their bike before coming home and used the profit to pay for the trip. |
Brucelee
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 10:30 am: |
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Free trade works! The result is the Buell XB and other great products (say the IPOD) like it.
Isn't life grand? |
Outrider
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 11:01 am: |
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Yes, but a balance of trade works better.
Interesting how our Government (both parties) doesn't enforce their own policies. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 11:05 am: |
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I've heard a number of stories about American vacationers who have shipped their Harley overseas, enjoyed a two wheeled touring vacation abroad, then sold their bike before coming home and used the profit to pay for the trip.
I heard about riding into Mexico, you would have to give up a credit card that could cover the bike you are bringing in so you wouldn't do that.
I don't know if that's true or not. |
Johnnylunchbox
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:01 pm: |
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Generally, any product, even a bike, that is brought into any country for resale needs to be entered formally. In other words, it is subject to tariffs, because it will be entered into the economy of the country. In effect, bringing a bike in and claiming it will be brought in for personal use with the hidden intent to sell it, would be considered smuggling...at least in the US, but many foreign customs laws are pretty standardized. |
Lornce
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:27 pm: |
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Glitch,
It's true.
Officially, you need to post a bond for the value of the vehicle if you travel further than, I think, 25 miles into Mexico. You also need to purchase Mexican vehicle insurance.
I found all this out passing through Dallas, half way to my intended destination of Chilpancingo. I parked the car, kicking myself for my under preparedness (who'da thunk?), and jumped on a plane out of DFW. Boring, but more cost effective. Think my car was three shades lighter when I returned, after a month in a DFW parking lot. It saw more sun in those four weeks than it had EVER seen in Ontario.
I know folks who've ridden their bikes through Mexico without issue. Seems the chosen method is to - cough cough - forget - cough - to tell the border folks - cough cough - you're going further than 25 miles - cough cough - into their country. Just what I've heard, you understand.
Don't think it's that difficult to sell North American bikes in Europe. A few years back in Southern Ontario, used bikes were being bought up by the container load for re-sale in Europe and the UK, where good used bikes command higher prices than North America.
fwiw,
Lornce |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:31 pm: |
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I have driven into Mexico 2 times, both were at the Tiujana border. Never even had to stop at the border, just drove right on thru without even slowing down. Coming out was a whole different story though...remind me to tell you someday. |
Lornce
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 10:19 pm: |
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Blake,
Engine - HD contracted Porsche Engineering for Evo engine development as far back as '84, including Sportster engine family. Also, pistons are made in Germany by K&S. Maybe valves are Euro-sourced, too?
Tires - Pirrelli (XBCity-thingie)
Oh yea, turn indicator lights - Italy
Drive Chain?!? What kinda Buell you ridin, son?
Design/Engineering/Integration? - Multi national design team. See Court's posts re. the issue.
Now, how about those wheels (Italian marchesini's again?), swingarms (Italy's Verlicchi?), instruments (Japan?) and starter motors?
Relax, Blake, and feel the global LOVE.
Sing it with me now, "He's got the WHOLE world..." |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 11:10 pm: |
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Drive Chain?!? What kinda Buell you ridin, son?
Primary drive chain. |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 11:54 pm: |
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Thank you Greg. Primary drive chain.
Porsche designed the Evolution XL engine? Really?
Multi-national Buell design team? Which BMC engineers/designers are not American?
Last time I checked Erik Buell, who's name along with the descriptor "American Motorcycles" is proudly borne by each Buell American Motorcycle, was still an American. Sorry if that bothers you.
Right now is not a good time for me to try to feel the global love as some of the rest of the international community has their collective anti-American heads planted firmly up their anti-American asses. I am gratified that our staunchest allies include the elite motorcycle producing nations of Britain, Italy and Japan and that our staunchest opponent has no motorcycle industry of note.
Sing it with me now, "America the Beautiful"...
quote: America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!
O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!
O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!
Call me oversensitive on the anti-American thing. I probably am. But you are barking up the wrong tree if you think you'll ever convince me that Buell is anything but a pure American Motorcycle. I don't give a damn where the bits are made. I know the location of the barn where Buell American Motorcycles first came to be, and I know where their creator was born, raised, educated, and enjoined into the world of motorcycle design/engineering. I know where the factory is where Buell American Motorcycles are currently designed/engineered/integrated/assembled/tested. |
Charlieboy6649
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 01:12 am: |
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I know I love em' |
Brucelee
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 10:12 am: |
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On the US Economy
That 'Sluggish' Economy
December 30, 2004; Page A8
Google the words "sluggish U.S. economy" and "2004," and in 0.40 seconds you get 4,540 results. "Weak employment report points to still-sluggish U.S. economy," reads a recent headline, on the news that "just 112,000" jobs were added in November.
Well, we live in a world economy, so when headline writers use the word sluggish, we have to ask: sluggish compared to whom? According to the November forecast of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, gross domestic product in the U.S. is expected to increase by 4.4% in 2004. Elsewhere, the OECD predicts growth of 4% for Japan, 2.7% for the U.K., 2.1% for France and 1.2% for Germany. For the 12-country euro zone, the figure is 1.8%. To put matters in historical perspective, the last time Japan, Britain, France and Germany had growth rates at or in excess of 4.4%, the years were 1990, 1994, 1989 and 1991, respectively.
JOBLESS, PERMANENTLY?
Long-term unemployed (12 months or more) as a percentage of the total unemployed in 2002.
U.S. 8.50%
Britain 23.1
Japan 30.8
France 33.8
Germany 47.9
Italy 59.2
Source: OECD
But, some say, America's current economic performance is sluggish compared to its past performance. So let's look at the data again. From 1997 through 2000 -- the great Clinton go-go years -- U.S. growth averaged 4.25%. For Mr. Clinton's first term, the average was 3.3%. For the eight years of the Reagan presidency, it was 3.4%. By what standard, then, can this year's forecasted 4.4% be described as sluggish?
Maybe it can be argued that it's been sluggish in terms of job gains. It is true that in 2004 there were some months when job growth failed to meet expectations, although there were other months when expectations were exceeded.
Here again, however, it's worth putting things in an international perspective. Overall, the U.S. economy has added 2.3 million jobs since the third quarter of 2003, bringing the unemployment rate down to 5.4% from 6% in October 2003. In Germany, the unemployment rate is 10%; in France it's 9.5%. For the 27 countries of the OECD, the average unemployment rate is 6.8%. Only Britain and Japan, among the major economies, have unemployment rates lower than the U.S.
OK, say the critics, but what has given the U.S. numbers a boost is that some people have so despaired of finding work that they've just dropped out of the job market. Yes, the rate of workforce participation in the U.S. declined slightly in the Bush years, from 76.8% in 2001 to 75.8% in 2003. But that still beats rates in Japan (72.3%) Germany (71.3%), France (68.2%) and Italy (61.6%).
Even more revealing are the figures for long-term (12 months-plus) unemployment, as the nearby table shows. Here again, the U.S. looks good. Put simply, about 90% of Americans who lose their job can expect to find another within a year. Lose your job in Europe, and you face far more daunting odds.
All right, but hasn't the U.S. spent its way out of recession, leading to dangerously high levels of debt? Well, again, no. Household debt may be at an all-time high of nearly $10 trillion. But net household worth is also at an all-time high of $46 trillion.
We point all this out not to boast about America's economy, or even to praise the Bush Administration's handling of it. It's true, for instance, that the Dow's year-on-year performance has been modest, although it did rebound from its summer lows by more than 10%.
Still, it becomes tedious to hear the "sluggish" mantra mindlessly repeated in the media, when the most cursory comparative analysis shows the U.S. economy performing robustly by international and historical standards. That's especially so when the same folks who carp about a supposedly sluggish U.S. economy advise us to adopt European-style labor regulations, tax rates and environmental standards, and to expand the government's reach into health care. At least in Europe there's a broad recognition that consistently low growth is the price to be paid for lavish social benefits.
Which brings us to a final point. To look closely at international economic data is to be reminded that countries with comparatively low tax rates and regulatory burdens consistently outperform countries with high ones. Of course it's nice to know that America's "sluggish" economy remains a world-beater. It's even better to know why. |
Pcmodeler
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 10:52 am: |
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One things those numbers don't show is the number of folks that have taken jobs making less than what they made before as well as the number of people working more than one job in order to make what they did before being laid off or fired. The other issue is that while companies continue to make money, too few are reinvesting that money. There is also the issue of the growing trade deficit. Instead of free trade, how about equal trade, which is what free trade was supposed to be all about.
As for the superiority of foreign goods, that no longer holds true. The issue is that now instead of repairing many items, we've come to 'enjoy' throw away goods. Case in point, the $44 DVD player I bought this week. Why repair something at that cost. I've had plenty of foreign computer parts go bad on me, such as my recent CD burner and motherboard. Let's also not forget the widening gap between the have and have not (ie. wealthy and poor). Yes, we Americans still have it better than a lot of other folks and a string of bad events (Hurricanes, war, etc) has found us spending money where we would rather not. I do report writing for a living and I can tell you that you can make numbers and reports do whatever you want in order to get the numbers to come out the way you want them too.
(Message edited by pcmodeler on December 30, 2004) |
Brucelee
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 11:22 am: |
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"One things those numbers don't show is the number of folks that have taken jobs making less than what they made before as well as the number of people working more than one job in order to make what they did before being laid off or fired."
Of course not every economic indicator was presented and this article does not suggest that individuals don't have economic issues to face (when and where do they NOT have issues to face?).
The point is that the US standard of living in the aggregate compares well with anywhere in the world, bar none!
"The other issue is that while companies continue to make money, too few are reinvesting that money."
You have data on this or is this simply speculation? The last time I looked, reinvestment by US Companies was increasing sharply over previous years.
"Instead of free trade, how about equal trade, which is what free trade was supposed to be all about."
I have no idea what you mean by this.
. "Let's also not forget the widening gap between the have and have not (ie. wealthy and poor)."
This is a typical red herring. The real issue is not the "gap" between rich or poor but how well the poor are doing compared to yesterday or to other poor around the world. In other words, if I am better off this year by say 10%, why do I care if the "rich" are better off by 15%. I am happy about the 10% unless some politician wants to get votes and start ragging on the "rich". Another issue of course is that the poor of five years ago are rarely the poor of today. In other words, chronic poverty in the US is actually somewhat rare.
"Yes, we Americans still have it better than a I do report writing for a living and I can tell you that you can make numbers and reports do whatever you want in order to get the numbers to come out the way you want them too."
Then do that. Show us legitimate economic indicators that suggest that the US Economy is "in the tank" which is what started this whole conversation. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 11:56 am: |
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This thread has gone to ••••! |
Pcmodeler
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 12:44 pm: |
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<<Then do that. Show us legitimate economic indicators that suggest that the US Economy is "in the tank" which is what started this whole conversation.>>
Actually, when I started this thread, it was about the lack of aftermarket parts for Buells in the US (ie. not having to order things from oversees). This thread was hijacked a long time ago. |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 01:01 pm: |
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 I just wanna ride!!! |
Glitch
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 02:33 pm: |
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Well PC since you brought us back on track (thanks for that!) the last time I checked European sales of Buells were some 30% higher than here in the US.
It also seems Germany really loves the XBs. I've seen more things come out of there than most anywhere. Have you seen the HillBilly Bikers web site yet? Lots of cool stuff there.
Midknyte, soon I hope you'll be riding. If your ever down south look us up. |
Davegess
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 02:48 pm: |
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Multi-national Buell design team? Which BMC engineers/designers are not American?
Depends on what one means by American. I do know that they have one fellow born and raised in India, who came here for college, another who was born and raised in Mexico, a third, who has moved on, who is a Canadian citizen. Those first two may now be Ameican citizens I do not know, the Canadian is not AFAIK.
The Buell as we know it would not exist without engineers from China, Japan, Australia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, India, Taiwan, Holland and a few more I am sure I am forgetting. Not all of these people work directly for Buell but were crucial in getting parts of the Buell to work.
Blake, happy about it or not our future is dependent upon the rest of the world. The US is one of the few countries that could maintain a tolerable standard of living as a stand alone economy. I however do not wish to experience the pain we would endure getting there nor do I wish to live the life style this would leave us with. |
Pcmodeler
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 02:48 pm: |
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Yeah. Hillbilly has some really cool stuff. In fact, maybe you guys can answer this question, how willing are these places to deal with on large package purchases? For instance, I've thought about getting a full carbon fiber setup (fairing, fenders, air box, tail). At listed prices, that's well into the $1,000 range even before shipping. Even $100 off would be nice.
Granted, I've got some other things to take care of first. I'll be taking my bike in to get the bearings changed out in January. I figure since the rims are already off and I have to replace the front tire as well, I might as well get the rims powder coated black ($50 each). I've also got a used swing arm on the way, so I'm going to polish it out and have that put on right away as well. My goal is to polish as much as I can, replace all black plastic with carbon (such as belt guards, rear fender) and either replace all colored plastic with carbon or repaint the bike. If I repaint, I'm not locked in on a color or scheme yet. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 03:00 pm: |
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You're on the right track looking for carbon fiber. A little research and you'll find it in the US. *I think* you'll find all the pieces you're looking for. But yeah, HillBilly will ship here, no problem.
Polishing's not for me, but Misato has polished just about his whole bike. It's a beauty!
I like the more minimalist street fighter kind of mods. |
Pcmodeler
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 03:15 pm: |
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I'd powdercoat the whole frame black if it didn't involve dismantling the bike. For me, one of the most unique things about the XB is that huge frame and polishing will draw more attention to it. |
Lornce
| | Posted on Friday, December 31, 2004 - 01:46 am: |
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Gonna drop something below (sorry, don't know who authored it) but I thought it - mildly - relevant to the thread. And besides, it's humourous. As near as I can tell Blake needs humour....
As an aside, Dyna, I just returned from a little job in a local aluminum die-cast plant that makes cases etc. for the "Big Three". Speaking with one of their machinists... And it seems if Ryobi buys your operation and turns it around... This one in Hamilton might close it's doors before the end of 2005. Small world Global Economy, or what, EH?
Lornce
Latte Lightweights:
When a powerful country starts drinking good Java,
down goes the empire
Will the 21st be yet another American century? Don't bet on it, for
the American empire is doomed, and the cause is coffee. First, the
facts. Denny's, the chain of 1,700 downscale eateries, is switching
to freshly ground whole-bean coffee. Dunkin' Donuts is testing
espresso in 200 outlets. 7-Eleven began to sell "gourmet blends" last
year. So do various McDonald's around the U.S.
Alas, they do not know the iron law of history that says bad coffee
fuels expansionism, machismo and the warlike passions while good
coffee wafts with civility, pacificity and abandon.
Just take the great martial powers of modern times: the U.S., the
Soviet Union, Germany, Britain, Japan, China and Israel. The age of
America's expansion in the 19th century was marked by the low-tech
coffeepot that was left on the fire until the brew inside had
thickened into a blackish acid just right for tanning buffalo hides.
Or the old Soviet Union: toxic mud and tepid water. But the Red Army
went all the way to Berlin in 1945. It blithely crushed revolts in
various satellite countries, moved into Cuba, Africa and Afghanistan.
Prussia-Germany? In the old days, only the rich could afford real
coffee; the masses had to make do with a blend of burnt barley and
chicory. But that stuff took the Wehrmacht to the gates of Moscow and
Cairo.
Japan and China? Between Tsushima, where the Japanese sank the Russian
fleet, and Pearl Harbor, where they wiped out America's, the sons of
Nippon did not even know from coffee; all they had was green tea.
Ditto the Chinese when they chased American soldiers down the Korean
Peninsula. Ditto the British, who for 400 years ruled the seas while
swilling Java that was as tasty as their food. Tiny Israel has bested
the Arabs in five wars. And why? Because Israeli "coffee" could eat
through the armor of a Soviet-built T-72 in three minutes.
Now look at the other side. As every Middle East hand knows, Arab (or
Turkish) coffee, especially when spiced with cardamom, is among the
best in the world. But when did Arabs last win a war? Or the Italians,
who have given the world the Gaggia and the macchiato? Indeed, the
Muslim states are the best case in point. Arab power was done in for
good when Ferdinand and Isabella demolished the last Moorish
stronghold on Iberian soil in 1492. This was no accident, comrades, as
the Soviets used to say. It so happens that qahwa came into widespread
use throughout the Islamic world in the mid-15th century. Fifty years
later, Arab power was finished. And soon after, so was the Ottoman
Empire. In 1699, the Turkish advance was stopped once and for all at
the gates of Vienna. But now it was the Habsburgs' turn. Retreating,
the Turks left their coffee sacks behind, and the Austrians took to
mocha with the same passion they later devoted to waltzing along the
Danube. In Austria's legendary coffeehouses, a great culture
grew--from Mozart (who, alas, did not write the Coffee Cantata; that
was Bach) to Kafka and Freud. The Habsburg empire was, however,
doomed, battered by the French in the 18th century and trounced by the
chicory-gulping Prussians in the 19th century.
But to make this grand theory truly watertight, we must show that it
also works in a dynamic way. Ergo: when bad-coffee countries discover
the bliss of Kenyan Blue, they should lay down their assault rifles at
the first hiss of a milk steamer. Precisely. In Germany, once the
most militaristic society on earth, you can now get a perfect
cappuccino on every block. And Germans have become as aggressive as
Caspar Milquetoast. The Russians? Moscow has turned into latte land,
and so the remnants of the Red Army cannot even overwhelm a bunch of
bedraggled Chechens. Why does Israel, a modern-day democratic Sparta,
talk withdrawal from Lebanon? Just count the espresso machines on Tel
Aviv's Shenkin Street.
Which brings us to the decline and fall of the American empire. Yes,
the mightiest nation on earth still slugs it out with the Saddams and
the Milosevics. But willpower is melting away like foamed milk on top
of a double-shot decaf. The numbers speak for themselves. At the
beginning of this decade, there were but 500 "gourmet coffeehouses" in
the U.S., says the National Coffee Association; now there are 7,000,
including 2,000 Starbucks.
Why great empires thus falter was explained by a 16th century Arab
physician. Imbibe the brew, he warned, and "the body becomes a mere
shadow of its former self. The heart and the guts are so weakened..."
Or, in modern parlance, you polish either your gold-plated Melior or
your M-16. You can't launch a Hellfire missile with a frappuccino in
hand. Pleasure trumps prowess.
So, move over, America--and we can forget about Europe. The 21st
century will belong to China and India. They have a billion
tea-slurping people each, and there isn't a Starbucks in sight on
Tiananmen Square. |
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