Author Archives: Don Bonker

The U.S. must hone its message to China businesses

Don BonkerThe following article appeared in China Daily USA and is authored by Don Bonker, former U.S. congressman and senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The relationship between China and the United States is plagued by contradictions, as evidenced by Vice-President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Washington. High on the U.S. agenda, conveyed by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, were concerns over China's unfair trade practices, human rights abuses and cyber security threats, yet at the same time U.S. officials were pressing for more Chinese investments in the United States to help boost the U.S. economy and generate job growth. The Obama administration, led by former Commerce Secretary and now ambassador to China, Gary Locke, is hoping to get a bigger slice of the $2 trillion China is expected to commit to foreign investments between now and the year 2020. Yet that huge bundle of investment capital will likely bypass the United States and flow into Europe and other continents where there is a warmer and less complicated reception.
Posted on March 23, 2012 By Don Bonker
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Reorganize, but Spare Agencies That Count

In this year’s presidential election, the dominant issues should be creating jobs and growing the economy. The Republicans are championing tax cuts, deregulation and elimination of government agencies. President Barack Obama and the Democrats prefer more federal spending. Rhetoric may win votes, but the fact is that neither side is addressing the key issue. How we compete in today’s global economy will do more to get America out of this economic slump than arguing about tax reductions or more stimulus spending.
Posted on March 13, 2012 By Don Bonker
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Even Lincoln Had His Negatives

When I decided to run for the U. S. Senate in late 1987, my chief of staff, Mark Murray, suddenly appeared, tossing a paper on my desk. “What is this?” I asked? “It is your list of negatives,” he responded. “We have been working on this for weeks.” I quickly glanced at it and asked, “ Is this necessary?” Mark shot back, “Is it necessary? In the last few months, that is what the race will come down to – your negatives versus his negatives.”
Posted on January 20, 2012 By Don Bonker
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Is Congress About to Cause Another Great Depression?

If you need evidence of how Congress acting irresponsibly can cause a calamity, look no further than the Great Depression. True, the 1920s were prosperous years for the country as a whole, yet there were early warning signs of catastrophic events to come. Excessive investments spurred high levels of production but it also created unsustainable surpluses and depressed prices. The commodity sector, in particular, was coping with over-production that had led to sagging markets and widespread foreclosures, setting the stage for a Tea Party-type revolt in Congress to enact a radical tariff bill which eventually led to collapse of the world economy.
Posted on July 18, 2011 By Don Bonker
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Working With Bill the Second Time Around

Bill Richardson never fails to impress. He is blessed with that mysterious trait called charisma which has proved inspirational throughout his extraordinary public career. His impressive resume, proven ability and international stature makes him ideally suited to assume chairmanship of APCO Worldwide’s GPS group. We are very excited to welcome him on board.
Posted on February 25, 2011 By Don Bonker
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Fantasy Night

In last night’s State of the Union ritual, President Obama’s speech was all about competitiveness; the Republications reaction was all about indebtedness. The subtle theme for both was bipartisanship. There was plenty of rhetoric and few specifics.
Posted on January 26, 2011 By Don Bonker
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