One Way To End Unemployment In The USA
Some of the critical aspects of the sick economy are seemingly beyond any form of quick fix. There are no acceptable plans or suggestions to bring the budget of this country into a workable MO which would reduce the deficit without drastic cuts in ordinary expenditures. There is no plan in effect to significantly shrink the deficit over a period of time without regard to the budget. There are ways and means of bringing the country closer to a balance in income and expenses, along with a steady reduction in the awesome debt - but it is the word "taxes" that stops any effort to increase revenue.
The economy remains a stumbling block comprised of many elements one of which has defied the meager attempts to reduce unemployment. Despite the occasional reference to it, none of the candidates for the Republican drive to unseat President Obama, have even mentioned that there is a way - that it has been the basic reason for the problem in the first place - and what has been allowed to happen can be turned around and unemployment in the USA can be restored to a level that would not only create millions of jobs, but pump huge amounts in to the sagging economy at the same time.
Suppose, just imagine, a plan of action that put an end to outsourcing the manufacturing of products in China that are shipped to the USA for sale in tens of thousands of retail stores. Suppose the vast plants in India and the Philippines where communication centers have been set up to respond to calls from the USA regarding products and services were no longer the source of high employment that could be based in this country.
Look around the world at the millions of working people doing what could be done in the USA in restored factories or new plants. So many of these 'offshore' operations have been created by the American companies that found cheap labor, willing hands and minds, and eager young people who might otherwise be the unemployed of the world.
Of course, the ways and means of reversing the flow of jobs is a daunting challenge. But is it impossible? Did it happen by chance in the first place? - or, did we let it happen as the tycoons of American manufacturing saw a way to produce for less, hire more bodies to move the assembly lines, and show great talent in delivering products that found willing buyers in this (and other) countries.
For decades, as American industry grew, not only to the satisfaction of consumers in this country but worldwide sales became an export plus as dollars rolled in from all over the
world. It was the highly regarded American ingenuity that aided and abetted the growth of industries. It was one of America's outstanding accomplishments.
Now, it will take another generation to tackle the problem of doing a reverse flow - of bringing home as many as possible of the plants and factories (and yes, even some talent!), to restore an economy that misses terribly the benefits and virtues of 'home grown' manufactured products.
It happened because we let it happen. The brain power of America' talented Economists and Business leaders can devise a plan to return millions of jobs to the USA. But it will not happen by talking about it. It takes an action by our government to create a think tank worthy of the challenge. It has to start soon. Too many unemployed are waiting. Impatiently!
Richard Carlton
January 20, 2012
Issue No.2
SEX
Anyone who has been through a course in Advertising and Marketing knows that there are two words in the English language most likely to draw attention. One is “FREE” - the other is up here on top and probably has caught your attention already. No doubt about it , SEX is a powerful inducement to pause, consider, and stop to find out what is going on here.
ViewPoint is not about to provide any sub rosa examination of the word - but it so dominant in the news at this time that we find it not only necessaary, but essential that the topic be discussed head on. Professional students of the word with all of its many shapes and forms, agree that sex is probably the most driving force of nature known to the world of living flora and fauna. If one looked for some rational understanding why that finding is undoubtedly true, consider only the need for every living inhabitant of this planet to realize that it is sex that enables the species to continue on earth.
So much for this short precis on the word and why it captures more than the human imagination. Begin with the intrusion in the Republican ‘debate’ cycle now showing about every week on TV and the media interest in Herman Cain’s standing as he attempts to dismiss alleged charges of impropriety regarding his relationship with female employees. Mind you - it is not about the veracity of the charges. It is the fact that the topic is out of the box and it is far more interesting to viewers and audiences than opinions on the economy, international relations and so forth. Now, hold right here because sex has trumped sex in another manner.
Penn State has made a dramatic shift from the highly regarded football domination to a rich source of sexual discussion and disgust! Again, no need to plow through the details as we know them today. Just the idea, the notion, the charges that sex has reared its ugly head in an institution best known for prowess on the football field! Why is this a story that demands attention as it unfolds in the glare of television? Is Sandusky more interesting for the public than Madoff? One rips off millions from unsuspecting victims, while the other may, or may not, have comitted a crime more heinous than stealing money! Guess which one is rated more despicable abhorrent, hateful?
There is no end to the public history of sexual arrogance. It has become cause for dismissal from work - it is the constant concern of women who wonder if their choice of wearing apparell can bring on a sexual encounter - it is the disgrace of men who have sex on their minds as a female displays her personna without intent but leads the man to speak, touch, or simply wink - only to face the Human Resurce executive soon after!
What this all comes down to is a frightening increase in the distortion of the way sex was intended originally (whenever that may have been!) and a damaging factor in the relationship between men and women. The almost daily news accounts of rape, attempted rape, unlawful groping, unwanted touching - it all demonizes the wondrous benefits of sex as an unbeatable link between the sexes.
ViewPoint cannot begin to illuminate a condition which has become all too often the opposite of what once was the precursor of lasting love. The piece here today deals only with main stream of humanity. The affect of sex among same sex couples is as wondrous, daring, and ordinary as any sexual pairing - but requires more time and study than ViewPoint can give it.
Lest we leave you this time wondering why the topic is explosive, consider this: SEX gets four small references in Roget’s Thesaurus. LOVE gets six full pages in Bartlett’s Faniliar Quotations.
Which one gets the headlines in the 21st Century?
Richard Carlton
November 15, 2011
Issue No.24
An Urgent Appeal To President Obama
It is essential that you take charge of the Federal Government’s role in providing means and action to develop a master plan to end the dependency of all concerned on the hundred year old method of delivering electric power by above ground poles and wires. There is no other resource for ending this outmoded system. The work must begin now!
Today is the sixth day since the unexpected and powerful nor-easter and snowstorm of the 21st century descended on the East Coast of the United States creating unprecedented havoc for millions in cities, towns, villages, communities, as homes, businesses, public transportation and virtually all those dependent on electric power became helpless victims of a natural disaster unlike any prior event. Even at this moment, hundreds of thousands are still in the dark in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The suffering should not be their future as well!
The size and scope of the problem demands direction and collaboration between every power company in the United States and the Federal Government. It is as urgent as any action ever taken by elected officials, short of war. It follows the stupendous and successful Federal action in the Eisenhower administration to build a national network of highways to serve the country in times of peace, and to provide a means of fast and serviceable roads to move troops and equipment as, if, and when that might become necessary in the event of an enemy attack.
It is as audacious as the plan to put a man on the moon when President John F. Kennedy said it can be done, must be done, and that the Federal Government will make certain that it happens - within a time span of ten years! And we did it.
Now is the time to galvanize the country with the most all encompassing plan to provide safety and security for all when the age old M.O. of delivering power be altered forever by burying the cables and wires that carry electricity. Every home, every business, every user of electricity that powers rail transportation will have the knowledge that no weather related activity can or will bring a shuddering halt to what has been taken for granted (erroneously for so many years! ).
For the record, it should be noted that the same pole and steel structures that carry the wires and cables are essential to phone lines and cable TV as well. The master plan will enable entire industries to secure their ability to service their consumers.
President Obama, this is not only an appeal to take the leadership role and appoint individuals to begin the huge task of planning, funding, and commencing a step by step, section by section areas for work to commence ASAP. It is a certainty that this effort to bring sanity to a chaotic system will jump start a return to employment for tens of thousand of individuals whose expertise and willingness to be participants in this massive effort heralds a boost in the economy generally. It has all the elements to restore belief in America as the ‘can do’ country. It takes the heat off the growing protests that take shape as “Occupy Wall Street” or “The Tea Party” by showing our own citizens and the world at large that America is still the engine of progress and a country that can and does believe in its own ability to undertake any project that benefits mankind.
Finally, Mr. President, this is not something that might be ‘floated’ as an idea whose time has come. It should, and can, be hailed as a determination by this administration under your guidance that it can and will be done. Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy did not toy with their plans for forward action. They announced it as a fait accompli. You can do the same.
The above Message to President Obama is a special edition of The Carlton ViewPoint, an online blog published twice monthly by Richard Carlton. This is Issue No.23, November 3, 2011.
An Open Letter to Three Republicans:
To: Messrs Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Eric Cantor
As a life long Democrat who supports our President Barack Obama, it is my belief that you three leaders of the Republican Party are not only missing the boat, but risk drowning in the aftermath, and will probably be responsible for the most obvious mistake in recent political history. Allow me to explain.
It is well known party principle that President Obama must be defeated in the next election, in 2012. There is nothing unusual, or strange that the party not in power at the top, will do everything in their power as the opposition, to turn the situation around and deliver a candidate of their choosing to the American people as the next President of the United States.
It is not only your duty as party leaders to sift the potential candidates for the most likely winner at the ballot boxes, but to use your best efforts to sound the drum beat that will convince the voting public that change will be an eagerly sought opportunity to bring about the changes in government that Obama had promised and failed to deliver!
Given that opportunity here and now, the manner and means you have chosen to achieve that goal, practically assures your defeat, not only at the level of The White House, but across the board in the Congress! Take it from one who would love to applaud a result as described herein. Listen up, Republican leaders. Read every word and recognize the truth!
From the start of the Obama administration your tactics, antics, temperament and lockstep negativism has labeled you as the ‘party of NO’. Every chance you have had to compromise on issues proposed by the Democrats, virtually by fiat, results in stalemate and frustration - not only by the Democrats in power, but the same people whose votes will be counted a year from now.
Instead of receiving plaudits and nods from the voting public that harbors a change just as you do, the American people have had a clear picture of all the paths your Party chooses - and you are losing ground every time another “NO!” hits the news. Why, oh, why, should voters seek and approve a President who would follow the tactics of the Republican Party as demonstrated for all to see during the Democratic reign for four years.
Try to imagine how beneficial it might have been if the opposition party had made every effort to bring about a ground swell of cooperation - a clear demonstration of intelligent leadership. purveyors of good government, opportunists who use the party in power as a stepping stone to successful leadership in 2012! Does it lessen your chances to bring the Republicans to power if the public adopts a renewed belief in Barack Obama? Not if your Party behavior indicated that the people who know how to compromise, present meaningful suggestions for economic recovery, follow a paved path to end the employment crisis - and seriously consider the uses of taxpayer funds to galvanize the country at large - a package of hope, not stress, for America in years ahead.
This letter will go nowhere! Democrats know that the ‘party of “NO’ has committed to a path of destruction, and they are going to let them fall off the cliff, into the open manhole, in front of the speeding train - choose one, or all!
We can hardly wait. It has to happen. You are making history for sure. It will be known as the years the Republicans chose suicide rather than an image of smart politicians intent on regaining power to show the country and the world, that these are the people who know what the country wants and deserves.
Too bad! It could have been!
Sincerely;
The Carlton ViewPoint
Richard Carlton
October 1, 2011
Issue No. 21
The Plea That Fails!
Dear Reader:
Once in a blue moon, ViewPoint abandons National, International, and other current topics to come down to earth with a report that just may strike our readers as being timely and likely to strike home. But, it is only fair to warn you that the topic today is banal - but, oh so, disturbing that it cannot be ignored. Since it affects everyone who receives mail (via the postman!) we are confident you will be nodding in agreement - so give it a few minutes. The topic is "Junk Mail" - and there's plenty to say and appreciate. Here goes!
There' a reason we call it 'Junk Mail'
It tends to clog the mail box, and it is our belief that the highest percentage of incoming mail is essentially a request for help - basically dollars. There are countless pleas for money to save children from starvation, to build homes for the homeless, to help a foundation eliminate a disease that has been around for decades, to show your gratitude to veterans who are hospitalized, wounded, unemployed, or simply 'in need'. And, that is only the tip of this paper iceberg!
The range of pleas is without borders. Some are political. Others are from organizations with an axe to grind. Many are from established groups seeking funds to continue their goals - which may be totally unknown to you. You can only marvel at the deluge of pleas filling mail boxes - all in the name of doing something that is nowhere in your thoughts. But that is not the most egregious of the mass attack. It is what we call the incredible gall of so many organization. And, if you are with us at this point, read on!
How many times have you supported a plea for funds by mentally agreeing that the cause is worthy, that the need is probably legitimate, that the organization, or pleabody, has reached the right address - and your check goes out. Then, the galling end. A month, or so, later a form letter of 'thank you' arrives - and included is another request for a new donation! Sometimes the response ignores the initial contribution completely. Bad system? Bad manners? Probably a shot in the dark that you don't even recall sending a check in the first place!
Virtually all the pleabodies enclose a 'gift'. Another sheet of address stickers - and you are lucky if they got it right! Occasionally, the sender attaches a nickel to the message - as if that will galvanize the recipient to dig in for a meaningful contribution.
It is without a doubt one of the most misused channels of communication in this country. Many of the major organization devoted to 'doing good' have been at it for so many years that recipients of their pleas can go back to the years before WWII when they sent their first check - never suspecting that they are still providing funds for a cause that has become a major business with highly paid executives, large expensive buildings to house staffs on hand to create and mail pleas - never seeing the inside of a hospital that continues to seek cures or causes.
In a way, it is a pity that some, many, in fact, are truly reaching out to accomplish some goal that might affect your being, your life! It is way beyond the capability of donors to select the most important - or the most needy. It is also beyond anyone's ability to force these pleabodies from exchanging, or selling, their mailing lists - which is one reason you receive mail from organizations you never heard of !
Is there any way to stop the flow of unwanted mail? Yes. But the national registry that warrants it works, has no effect whatsoever in staunching the flow. So, friends and readers, be aware when you send a check - make a list and keep it in your check book. DO NOT feel obligated to make the follow up donation. If you support some group, foundation, or organization and have been on board for a few years - consider dropping out. Maybe try another source needing funds. Or, simply cut your losses. The dollars might be better used in your own checking account!
One final thought. The problem with so-called 'junk mail' depends a lot on who regularly opens the mail in your establishment. We know some who never open the envelope when it is undoubtedly a money plea. BINGO! Right into the trash. No question. It does reduce the junk mail quantity. We admire their attitude and applaud their intestinal fortitude. And, we thank you for your attention to this diatribe!
Richard Carlton
September 15, 2011
Issue No.20