Here We Go Again!

Whooosh ... where did that go?

Sorry about the silence, as a result of which I don't expect this will get read by too many people, but it is really so I can get clear in my own head what I thought about the last twelve months and think of the coming twelve;  there is no substitute for writing it all down. That said, I have been surprised by the number of people who still check in to the Blog and then say, "Why have you not written anything recently - are you okay?".

Short answer - yes very okay thank you and the last annual medical was positive too. I can still think, walk, talk, contribute and enjoy life. "What more can one ask?" - he says, touching wood!

Last 364 days - roller coaster. For me lots to do at work and play. For the world - uncertainty. The lunacy (IMHO) of Brexit continues and is going to roll into 2019. Why on earth would Europe create a decent deal for Britain when to do so would probably lead to a number of other countries in the Union saying "If that's on the table then I'll have some too". A decision to leave Europe that was based on limited (or no) factual information being made available to the public, and an "it'll be alright on the night" sort of attitude was doomed from the start. A decision that was driven by emotion and the policies of the United Kingdom to take in everyone who turned up on the doorstep.

A US President who has been the butt of every comedian's jokes around the world - more, surely than any other President in history - except that it seems the jokes are not jokes all but reality while much of the world looks open-mouthed  at the antics. Did America need to change gear and focus? From where I was sitting - probably yes, although I'm no expert. Did the USA need to take a stand on certain issues - again yes and let's be rational, not everything that is done or said by President Trump is insane; but his grasp of world politics has - if left unchecked - the ability to tip us into conflicts we do not need. The revolving door that represents the Administration in the White House is of concern, and when Americans say to me "all the adults have left" I think we should all be concerned.

Mainland Europe - fragmenting, the Middle East - always carrying the potential to surprise and mostly on the downside it seems, inflation in Argentina and a deteriorating situation in Venezuela, uncertainty still in North Korea, and China continuing to fill parts of the world stage and grow - not to everyones pleasure. 

For me in 2018, a couple of brighter spots amongst many others. It seems that someone in HSBC - my full time employer for 37 years - realised that I had actually joined the bank in January 1968 and that this year marked 50 years with the organisation. It's a little bit of a stretch because I was away from the bank between retiring and re-joining, but hell - why not, so I was recently recognised for having been involved for those 50 years which was embarrassing for me but a wonderful gesture by them. (I actually started my Banking career in 1964 so it's going to be 55 years in the industry next year - and yes, clearly I started when I was 10!!)

The other bright spot amongst the gloom was further proof that not all young people are oblivious to their surroundings when a colleague of mine currently with HSBC in Egypt shared a musical video created by his daughter which she had written and performed herself as a result of being concerned about the plight of homeless people in her neighbourhood. The link is worth a look, and I hope she keeps this sort of thing going. She is, I know, not alone in her compassion but it's just so nice to see it up close.

And so to 2019; I keep wishing people a Happy New Year, but I am sorry to say that it comes with a "rider", as I add - "I hope it will prove to be better than it currently looks and that we will be pleasantly surprised".

I have said in Blogs before that I am by nature an optimist but that optimism has been dented in recent years. For 2019 that optimism is going to be sorely tested by a world which, in short, is showing increasing signs of nationalism, a growth in extremism, religious fervour in some quarters not in keeping with the teachings, economic uncertainty and dare I add, a lack of common sense. We run risks created by leaders who are bullies or who are weak. By an unwillingness to speak out against injustice. By a culture where it is almost impossible to express an opinion without causing apparent offence to someone somewhere. These are all, to me, not the best foundations for a stable future. Our young communities have few role models. Even the newly born - who depend on us to have a world into which they can grow - are going to have a bleak future unless we can deliver something positive.

Will the Chinese Year of the Pig come to our rescue? Interesting question. even though the Pig was the last animal of the 12 to arrive at the Emperor's party (apparently because he overslept!), they are nevertheless a symbol of wealth but can they solve the world's problems? Let's see.

And finally - common sense, to which I referred earlier. I wrote a blog in September 2008 entitled "Obituary - Farewell to Common Sense". It included an anonymous piece which I re-read a few days ago. What I hoped at the time was that stories of the death of common sense were premature. Re-reading it I am far from certain - but I think it is probably our only hope in the short term.

Have a happy, peaceful and healthy 2019!

Comments

[David Eldon]

Plant-based pork? ... even if I never turn vegan Jeremy (more likely) I will at least give it a go - especially as it seems to be a Hong Kong "invention".

[Jeremy]

Speaking of hope in the Year of the Pig, I need to take you out to lunch to try out plant-based pork. Ahaha do tell me if you had an involuntary roll of eyes when you read that first sentence

[Helmut Knipp]

David, thanks for your comments. You are correct, the media are only part, although a major one, of the problem. It all starts with the leftward, socialist/communist tilt of the so-called democratic party. The media are their run-in dogs leading the way. And you know what running dogs can do if you don't control them.
By the way, Before I became a Legal US Citizen, President John F. Kennedy was elected and had I been able to vote, I would have voted for him. By the way, he was a Catholic. Today he would be an outcast in his own party as they even try to keep Catholics from public office. This is really getting sick.
Other than that, everything is fantastic!
Cheers,
Helmut

[Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdullah]

Dear David,

You remember me, Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdullah. I used to have a law firm at the HSBC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur when you were the CEO of the bank.

I would like to get in touch with you. Is it possible for you to let me have your email address and your phone details so that I can get in touch with you.

Best Regards,
Ghani

[MJ Au]

CONGRATULATIONS, Mr Eldon!!

[David Eldon]

Helmut, nice to hear from you and know that you remain well and happy. Your views on Mr. Trump are similar to others and I respect the rights of people to believe and say what they think. I just do not think that one can blame everything on the media - although I have had my own issues with them at times on what has often been a question of their interpretation or “spin” on something, or only on publishing half the story. My issue is more direct where the President is clearly on record about issues such as Saudi Arabia or this wall as clearly having said one thing at one time
and saying something different later. Not a misinterpretation, but a complete volte face. Whatever it is Helmut we need some solutions - globally. UK is a mess, Europe looks shaky, the Middle East is volatile and Asia is emerging - one way and another. 2019 is the year of the pig in the Chinese calendar and we all know what pigs can be like!!

[Helmut Knipp]

Dear David,
"Whoosh" is certainly correct. I feel the same way and don't know where the year went. Fortunately my wife and I are still healthy, walk upright and breathe normally. What else can we want except that this conditions continues in 2019 and beyond.
However, I find myself compelled to comment on your evaluation/opinion of President Donald Trump. You are correct in stating that the US needed to change, take a stand and focus. President Trumps election is the result of that real and urgent need. Obama's 8 years put us in the toilet and if Hillary had been elected, she would have flushed us down. The average American saw that, hence the need for change.
Is President Trump perfect? No, but he is far superior over what we had before. I have, other than 16 years in Hong Kong, lived in the US for almost 50 Years. I have voted for every President since 1968 when I became a citizen, legally, and President Trump is the best and smartest President in my memory. Considering that he is not only fighting the socialist/communist left but also their masters and lying cabal in the media along with a few misguided rino's (ie. Romney and others of that ilk), he has held up exceedingly well. Lesser men would have given up and said, "Who needs this", he certainly does not.
So, I thank you for realizing some of that in your blog.
As for the Europeans, they seems to have lost the plot and we can only pray for them as they are killing their own ancient civilization by their actions.
Anyway, I miss Hong Kong and our occasional lunches.
Happy New Year
Helmut

[John D]

Thank you, David.

Never mind the time lapse, you have provided another interesting post.

As to the pessimism expressed therein, we do rather seem to be in a position such that we can only accept what happens ... perhaps no point in worrying too much: just be prepared, at least internally.

But do not let that stop you dealing with the world (in whatever way) in an effort to achieve at least a modicum of improvement for someone, somewhere.

Kind regards

[David Eldon]

James thank you; I guess the Blog report card needs to read "Can do better" - it has a familiar ring to it, back to my actual schooldays.
Well, there is room for improvement in all of us - as much as there is hope, he says - being about to sit down for breakfast with four grandchildren aged from 10 -4. Always try and take meals with the children - unlike this individual "eat when your'e ready attitude" 'cos you're in a rush - and keep the devices OFF the table. :-)
Happy New Year

[David Eldon]

Ah ... the share price. Not just HSBC but the rest of the market. finding those little jewels is becoming harder - so cash is king once again unless of course you happen live in the Greater Bay area of Southern China where iCash only accepted.

[James]

Mr Eldon,

You have been sorely missed! On a weekly basis I was checking this site waiting for the updated blog.

A very happy new year to you! And yes, as they have said many times but in different ways (Twain stated that history does not repeat but rhymes), common sense is a little uncommon these days.

Lets hope for greater common sense in 2019!

Oh and well done for clocking up 50 years at HSBC!

...lol

[Andrew]

I clock up 40 years in the industry this year. I started at NatWest in the 70s. Still working a bit in HK and share your sense of despair at what I see. But the more history I read the more I realise none of this is new. Different actors, same plot. We will turn it round. Maybe not immediately but probably faster than we expect. Brexit is sheer madness and founded in ignorance and outdated jingoism. I hope it crumbles before it can damage the country beyond salvation. Congratulations on 50 years with HSBC. Can you get the share price up a bit please David?