The Daily Gist: With Ben Istiphan

Forbes has recently issued their report on the best countries to do business with in 2008. Denmark tops the list, followed by Ireland and Finland. Despite the disastrous economy, the United States was fourth on the list. It will be interesting to find out how exactly Forbes determines these rankings. The unemployment rate and GDP growth are important indicators, but they tend to say little about a countries social capital and standard of living.

Such reports are interpreted from the perspective of the shareholders and managers without much consideration towards workers and the essential services they rely on. On the other hand, the big winners, such as Denmark and Finland, may have demonstrated that Scandinavian politics can become beneficial for even the most pro-business advocates. Some countries will find it excruciating to look at next year ranks, even the United States, who will be dumbfounded when they realize that their behind Saudi Arabia.

The vitality of Tim Horton’s in Canada has been questioned very little, even during this economic recession. If any flaws exist within the company that may impede their ability to make profit, it likely exists south of the border. Overall, profits have dropped, primarily because of the weak performances in the United States. In fact, 11 stores in New England recently closed down due to the lack of sales.

Whether it’s the preference for a cafe latte at Starbucks or just a lack of avid Coffee drinkers, Americans are just not consumed in the double-double craze that exists in the north. Besides, the U.S already has a garbage epidemic to address, and there are only so many landfills to house billions of so-called biodegradable coffee cups. On the other hand, they can always ship the trash to Canada, we have plenty of vacant land for waste.