[USMA:24479] How is it relevant: this is what I told my class:

[John Nichols]

Dear Class:

The following article is interesting for two elements:
1. The interesting economic document
2. The fact that the USA in 2004 will have a democratic competitor that is bigger in people terms and almost as big economically. If the changes that occurred in Ireland after its inclusion in the EU occur in the new lands then by about 2020 the USA will not be the dominant economic player in the world.

The migratory problems that drove the expansion of California will be seen in the EU if the new countries do not grow as well as they should; we now have independent movement which has not been in the past.

The single co-ordinated larger market with much stricter rules for products than the USA will be significant for companies like Proctor and Gamble, and others as the manufacturing becomes more global.

This article sounds the death tones for the US Customary Units. It is always interesting to be present at such times.

The world economy directly affects the construction industry in the USA however much we like to think we are isolated, and as big players look for a share of the economic growth in Europe this will impact on the companies origins.

Interesting times we live in.


............................
How the European Central Bank manages the
euro and what is in store for 2003
Dr. Sirkka Hämäläinen,


John Nichols BE, Ph.D. (Newcastle), MIE (Aust), Chartered Professional Engineer
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University
Department of Construction Science
Langford AC
Rm: A414 MD 3137
College Station, TX 77843-3137

Electronic mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Telephone: 979 845 6541
Facsimile: 979 862 1572
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in front a precipice, behind a wolf
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