Bravo David!
Absolutely brilliant exposition on the Chinese economy - and I for one was not in the least bit bored by your 'dry' economic post; in fact I was completely enthralled by your contribution to the debate.
I think it's worth adding that China is the ONLY major country in the world with an annual demand growth of 8% and, indeed was the only country to achieve that growth over the past year whilst other 'command economies' languished in recession, which, in some cases, is possibly creeping towards depression. So, "not real bad"!!! It's quite incredible - but I think that's what your exclamations were actually saying. Par excellennce! It was a pleasure to read it.
Similarly, your critique on Pre-nuptial agreements is completely spot-on; and I assure you this is a subject that I too am very well qualified to comment on and write about. Fortunately ,you have left me with little to write about as you have, as far as is necessary, written it all! However, I can say with perfect confidence that what you have written is how it is in law.
Again, two points, one to tighten up, the other to address the moral imperative:
Firstly, On the division of assets and: "she will claim part of your assets simply by being your wife and looking after you." The issue here is that "in looking after you" your wife has enabled you to be unfettered in seeking financial gain,reward or success. This is taken by the Courts to be an asset that is brought to the marriage and commands extremely high consideration when Courts make Orders on the division of assets in matrimonial matters.
Secondly, the moral imperative, and I stress that this is purely a personal and very deeply held belief. Marriage is sacred. I do not believe that you should even think about marrying someone who you do not love with all your heart and soul. It follows, therefore, that if you are in that 'state of grace' Pre-nuptial Agreements will not only be repugnant to your thoughts but redundant to your desires. I have never married but when I finally reach that moment, Pre-nuptial Agreement will not even flicker in the southern hemisphere of my mind.
Therefore, David, I say with the greatest of respect to you, that I do not think the moral of your piece is "get it right"; but do it right and do it with decency and compassion - especially where it concerns bringing a foreign woman to a country whose culture and customs she knows little of, and who probably feels afraid and isolated from her family and friends. In these circumstances, in my opinion, a Pre-nuptial Agreement is like having the sword of Damocles hanging over her head.
Lastly, I have gleaned from some of your posts that you consider yourself to be the Forum's cynic. And I say amen to that, and long may your cynicism light up the Forum's pages - I find your posts thought-provoking, educating and, in the case of these last two, quite awesome!
John
