It
often seems that people around the world have little in common. Culture and heritage varies, but every society and tradition
is engaged in the universal practice of business. The manner and methods may have a regional flavor, while the basic purpose
is to facilitate buying and selling. Everyone on the planet benefits from honest commerce. Sustaining your sustenance
is a necessary requirement of life.
While money may be a medium of exchange
to enhance the barter transaction, the true purpose in the art of the deal rests upon developing a balance where all
parties benefit. This standard is both sensible and moral. Unfortunately, not all parties are equal in skill or commitment
to create an economic system that avoids discord and builds lasting prosperity.
The
intensity that motivates an entrepreneur to take the risk of creating a business is usually a main component that separates
the owner of an enterprise from the manager of a company. The notion of a free enterprise economy is hailed as a model that
yields wealth and widespread participation. Yet, there are few lasting examples where the private sector is allowed to reach
the pinnacle of productive and efficient economic growth that raises the standard of living for the general population.
Since conducting business is inherently natural, the factors that inhibit or restrict commerce
are artificial or contrived. Governments operate as controlling authorities. Such jurisdictions do not generate wealth because
they do not produce anything of value. This simple principle is fact, but most proponents of the State avoid or deny this
reality.
Nevertheless, global finance is the most prolific and dominating
influence on politics, prosperity and conflicts among nations. Poverty has many faces, but institutional design has more to
do with intended hardship than intentional solutions.
The subjects and topics
of the Negotium series of columns will provide a sensible and informative guide on the complexities of business, economics,
finance and global commerce. The dominance of transnational corporations of the international trading system is manifest in
the products and prices that the consumer pays.
The term interdependence
is a curse that every individual bears as the end consequence of the dubious Free Trade policy, that each of us experience
every day.
The Negotium site provides links, references many of the most
illuminating business sources available, and seeks to provide enlightened commentary on the economic practices that affect
all our lives.
The M
A R K E T S site archives several financial articles and provides interactive
updates on varied business aspects. The Daily
Business Report features the most noteworthy article of the day.
Negotium invites you to make a habit of reading the essays and hope
you will recommend this site to your colleagues and friends.
This business site consists of a weekly column that deals with the political nature
of economics and markets. The Daily Business Report features the most significant news about money, markets and commerce.
Negotium is Latin for Business.
The entire quote - Neither a borrower nor a lender be, For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the
edge of husbandry - is from Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 75-77. The truth in these words penned by The Bard of Avon is
ageless. Withal, the global
business practices and transactions that take place at lightening speed are on a scale, unthought-of in Shakespeare's day.
Economic Videos
“They (corporations) cannot commit treason, nor be outlawed, nor excommunicated, for they have
no souls.” Lord
Edward Coke
Financial Videos
"The way of fortune, is like the Milken Way in the sky; which is a meeting
or knot of a number of small stars; not seen asunder, but giving light together."
The Merchant Class represents the most fundamental
organization of business activities. Ownership of these ventures is private and usually managed by the proprietor. They may
be small operations or large in scope, but they all hold in common the independence in management control that private ownership
affords. Salaried managers are 'hired help' and lack the sole authority for mergers and acquisitions. This distinction is
crucial from a public company where senior management routinely compromise the interest of the operations for self enhancement
or 'so called' share holder value. Corporate buyouts and takeovers seek to purge the expenses of the operation, usually translated
into employee termination. Increasing the quarterly reporting of bottom line return on equity becomes the only objective.
The real work of the company takes a back seat to cooking the books.
The political agenda for those who demand trade to be a one way street, flowing in the direction of imported
foreign goods, should be totally clear. Destroy American industry and her people will be required to accept a bleak economic
future. When government employment replaces skilled labor, your nation is doomed. Tariffs level the playing field and will
stop the exodus of crucial elements of industrial autonomy. The choice is obvious. If America is the end user, we become the
loser if we abandon homeland production. There is more at stake than just steel. The survival of a free people is the real
issue.
