Lost Our Imagination?

Are you kidding me? How the  president could stand before a national  audience and espouse ridiculous assaults on the people of this nation is beyond comprehension. We have not lost our imagination or desire to succeed.  It’s that the government and the judiciary system in this country that makes it so difficult that the process is slowed and the cost so high that companies are looking elsewhere to create the next generation of leading edge products.

As we have all heard about the so called global economy. To remain competitive in a global economy, we must be competitive with those with whom  we compete. We know the labor cost is higher here and not many of us would support lowering wages.  So what do we do?

Well, we might look at the other elements of our system that put pressure on global competitiveness. Number one has to be the judicial system.  Nowhere else in the  world are there as many lawyers, lawsuits and regulations that are designed and controlled by lawyers to the detriment of all of us. Until we change our legal system to make it more like other countries with similar risks, cost and balance, we will never  be competitive. Never.

Regulation has to be number two. When the president talked about building the golden gate bridge, hoover damn or other immense tasks untaken by the American people in the last century, he did not consider the mountains of regulatory hurdles that would have to be overcome today.  It would take longer  to acquire the necessary permits to build something as monumental as the Bay Bridge or Hoover Dam than it took to complete the projects then during the depression with depression era technology. 

No, we have not lost our imagination, what we have lost is our ability to compete with countries where the rules of engagement make if far less costly and with less risk than that which exists in the United States today.

If you want to create jobs, then you must understand that government can only create government jobs.  Businesses do not create jobs for any  reason other than the fact that they need people to help them produce and/or  deliver a product or service. Offering tax incentives to small business for the creation of jobs alone will not have a significant impact because regardless of the incentive, unless the company needs addition personnel, they are not going to hire. If they do need additional employees, it’s because they have a market for their product or service at a competitive price, and in that case, they will hire with or without incentives.

The best way to create jobs is for government to help create an environment where American companies can compete on a global level.  To do that, it must roll back the heavy handed regulation that are stagnating growth and create a legal system that is fair for everyone and not just the trial lawyers.  It really is that simple.

Constitutional Obstacles

While I am no constitutional scholar, I have read the constitution and find it to be a simple and what seems to me to be clear and unambiguous guidance for how government is to  represent the will of the people. It appears that the current Whitehouse administration has completely overlooked their oath of office which requires them to defend, support and adhere to the words contained therein. Politician seemed to have forgotten what the first three word mean, We The People.

From executive orders to the appointment  of Czars to lead the regulatory processes, it seems that the administration sees the constitution as nothing more than an obstacle standing in the way of achieving their agenda. 

Despite a failed effort to pass additional stimulus spending through constitutional means, the administration now appears ready to circumvent  the constitution in the most blatant manner possible when it is clear that they do not have the constitutional authority to do so. Much in the same manner as the  administration was able to circumvent legislators who represent  the  people to force the EPA to create unconstitutional rules that it could not pass through congress. The use of executive orders that would have the effect of law that was not passed by congress is clearly unsupportable by the constitution.

I know there  are arguments out there that the constitution should evolve to  meet the challenges of an ever evolving society and perhaps that is true in some cases. However, the constitution itself provides for the procedure required to amended it. Any government official who knowingly circumvents the constitution should be held to account.

What seems clear is that the administration is willing  to do what it can to propagate the class warfare in order to insure its re-election. Whether it’s through the housing crisis or student loans, the administration appears to believe that those who benefit from these programs are who will cast votes in  their favor and the rest of us do not matter in the end.

This administration has failed in so many ways, that it seems impossible for them  to be reelected. The only way possible is for  the media to slant the stories and provide enough disinformation so as to create a cloud of uncertainty and dismal economic forecasts.

Either congress, the judiciary or both must stand up and hold the administration accountable for the errors it makes with respect to  the constitution. If they are unwilling to do so, then we the people should hold them all accountable when we next vote.

What is Occupy’ s Agenda

What is Occupy’ s Agenda

So far it is not clear to me as to why Wall Street and other areas are being occupied nor do I understand what they hope to accomplish. While I have heard various reasons as to why certain of the individuals are protesting, no two answers are the same and there seems to be no clear and concise agenda or goal. 

It appears to me that if the young people there would exert similar energy and passion toward pursuing their own achievements, much more could be gained by them and those who would be assisted by their worthy work effort. 

I can only hope that the young people in this country believe that the American Dream is still alive in this country. At times it seems as if it is on life support. That is why every decision we make as individuals and as a nation from this point on is perhaps, life or death to our value systems, economic prowess,  independence and personal and national integrity.

My life began to change when I realized it was up to me if I expected to succeed in any endeavor. One must first embrace the concept of absolute personal responsibility.  Each person’s destiny is contained within them. Life is not always fair, so do expect it. Overcome it. Luck has no bearing. However, the harder you work toward your goals, the luckier you will be.

Young folks need to focus more of their energy and passion on making themselves more marketable to the world. All of the tools necessary to be successful are available to each. Use them.