Sunday, January 15, 2012

Thoughts of our economy, government, and change

I believe it is not going to be easy but I feel the economy is getting better. Unemployment is down (not a lot) exporting and manufacturing jobs are up. We need to educate our youth in fields that we need such as technology, medical. Students cannot spend tens of thousands of dollars on an education they think they would like. Lawyers are crying because they cannot find work and have $200,000 in debt. They should have thought before getting an education in a saturated field.

 There are opportunities and work, we need to be responsible for our future (collectively) by getting smart. Get an education as an electrician, welder, software tech, engineer. These are growing fields, with opportunities to create a sustainable living and future.

 BMW X series make all of their cars in SC and ship all over the world. We have technology that other countries don’t. We need to grab the opportunity to out tech, outsmart the competition who does not have the ability to keep up!

 We manufacture 20% of all good in the world, China only about 8%. The Chinese are working hard to grab all of our tech, they have thousands of people working to hack into technology systems here. You don’t hear about it but companies like Boeing, Microsoft, IBM are fighting hackers from China all the time to preserve their intellectual property. They spend millions to guard their technology and it is often hacked. It isn’t talked about because China denies and it causes political problems.

 There needs to be reform and change in our government. Currently, officials are able to take advantage of insider trading to create great wealth while in office. They create the legislation to control financial situations like the credit card interest rates. Nancy Pelosi sat on an advisory board and slowed down legislation for over 18 months to create an opportunity to make 100’s of thousands of dollars. While in office she has make millions. She is not the only one, Republicans and Democrats are guilty across the board. Those that are “fighting” for our rights and our way of life utilize their power to create great wealth. This is not talked about, why?

 I want to see everyone who is running for office or re-election audited. Then we can see how they or their families net worth changed while in office and where did they make that money. If it is found that they were opportunistic and make money trading, buying and selling based on what they learned while in office then they should not be re-elected and give that money back. It doesn’t matter what they say, their agenda is wealth for themselves. Politicians have lost sight of the noble goal of running our country. It is frustrating and disgusting these people are so self-absorbed and deep in other’s pockets. I had a friend recently admit she finally registered to vote a few years ago. She does not vote because she doesn’t know what is going on and who is the right person. We all need to educate ourselves or the value of that amazing right will seem unessential. I do not believe that will happen, people are becoming involved, talking with each other and hoping for change. Once we all start to vote, politicians will realize we the people are essential.


Monday, January 2, 2012

Let's talk like a child and increase understanding.

Let's talk like a child when communicating. Listening to my 2 year old grandson Liam today made me realize how easily understood he is. When he needs to communicate he states "I want it, I am hungry, I want down, I love you... When writing safety manuals and healthcare information perhaps we need to think more like a child. Simplify our message. Less words = more understanding, just like Liam. Plain English writing will create a simple statement that clarifies for many. Healthcare organizations are struggling to help their members and patients understand their options and treatments. When an illness hits a family even the brightest member will be overwhelmed by the overload of information given. Plain English, creative messaging and new ways to deliver the message will make a difference in comprehension and retention to the recipient. Adding value to the message by reducing the clutter or static within that message will result in increased loyalty and peace of mind for the reader. A winning outcome!