This Chinese Lunar New Year arrived particularly early. With the arrival of the Year of the Ox amidst the global financial and economic crisis, we hope to turn things around in this year. I believe this unprecedented financial storm has created a glacial period for the global economy; the world's free economy has entered a freezing moment, and a harsh challenge lies before us. How can we reverse the greed-driven capitalism and excessive consumption? The whole world expects the arrival of President Obama’s new era in the United States. His inauguration is seen as the start of a new age, bringing expectations and visions. The immense difficulties facing President Obama are unprecedented, with a tough challenge ahead. As Napoleon said, "My dictionary does not contain the word 'impossible'." This impossibility involves bearing unprecedented difficulties and accepting challenges. As President Obama stated during his inauguration, "Our destinies are tied together. We resolve to move forward hand in hand. As we advance, fulfilling our commitments to our country, let us remember King's inspiration to us: although we have different dreams, they are actually shared dreams." Dreams are visions; life with dreams is beautiful, but higher expectations lead to easier disillusionment.

France is no exception. Like developing countries globally, under the shock of world finance, economic growth rates have dropped to zero or negative. Factories and malls are closing or cutting staff, leading to waves of layoffs and rising unemployment. Employment prospects are bleak, purchasing power has hit rock bottom, consumption has stagnated, prices are soaring, people's pockets are shrinking, and society is filled with anxiety about an uncertain future. No one can guarantee who will be next to face unemployment or dismissal, with many living on the margins of society. Countries worldwide have proposed measures to revitalize the economy and stimulate consumption. Facing unprecedented difficulties, people can only silently endure; when they cannot bear it, they take to the streets. Last Thursday, France saw an unprecedented massive demonstration and strike march. Unions, usually not united, stood on the same front line, making it a century-defining march. A million people took to the streets to defend jobs and collective security, expressing their anxiety and condemning the government's economic revitalization plans as ineffective, specifically targeting the autocratic President Sarkozy. This Thursday, the president will publicly explain these revitalization and consumption policies. The French public awaits this day, while unions wait for the president's goodwill and effective response, with the submerged masses awaiting a social battle.

Clearly, today's global financial and economic crisis stems from greedy capitalism and an over-consumption society. If operations continue this way, this vicious cycle will persist. Given current human dilemmas, is it necessary to correct this wild capitalism and consumption system? Or should we continue building on bubble culture? With such unrestrained consumption, how many Earths are left for humanity to consume? Turning things around requires everyone to be more environmentally friendly, change personal consumption behaviors, care more for family and friends, bring love and joy to those around them, share common human wisdom and aesthetics, and co-create a prosperous society that promotes human harmony and world peace. Building a paradise on earth is not a utopia. Finally, I congratulate the readers of Xinxi Blog. May you welcome personal or shared human challenges with the strong spirit of the ox. Turning things around requires cooperation. We have only one Earth, which is humanity's warm home and common welfare.