Category Archives: Common Sense Policies

#516. Making American Education Great Again

28 Thursday Nov 2024

Posted by in Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. 

The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #500. Much has happened since Entry #500 to reinforce my belief we are currently embroiled in US Revolution 5, which I’ve labeled the “Revenge Revolution.”

BEGIN ENTRY #516: The gap between entries #515 and #516 was intentional, but longer than expected. A combination of waiting for the election results and another project that has essentially become full-time – and its pro bono, but a good cause.

Recent blog entries have focused on the value of education in improving economic well-being of different groups. The entries suggested the black community would do well to follow the lead of most every other ethnic group by emphasizing education for children.

After the 2024 presidential election, I’m convinced more than ever that the proper primary and secondary education is a key to economic well-being for all Americans. I’m also convinced that the education curriculum needs to revert to what was once a standard.

Based on the logic of how a large percentage of the population decided which presidential candidate to support in 2024, it is clear that America lacks a basic knowledge of history, civics, the law and other social sciences.

An unintended consequence of the effort to increase education in STEM courses – science, technology, engineering, mathematics – has been to eliminate subjects that help people learn how to think about societal issues.

Some anecdotal evidence from the election seems to point out how many people cannot connect two dots, let alone three dots. Examples:

Why did a surprisingly large percentage of blacks vote for Trump? An oft-cited response was “what have the Democrats done for me lately?”

Dot #1 – Trump does not like, nor has he supported blacks. If you have any doubts, check the list of “shithole” countries cited by Trump. Also check how Trump has repeatedly sided with and endorsed all-white ultranationalist groups.

Dot #2 – all of Trump’s proclaimed economic policies favor the wealthy. As a black, are you ready to experience major cuts in an array of social programs? And, are you ready to continue to support rulings from Trump-appointed judges to suppress voting?

Blacks were not alone in their strange voting logic. A large percentage of white seniors favored Trump.

For white seniors, do you think Trump will protect Social Security and Medicare? His cabinet nominees should not be a surprise to anyone who reads and just doesn’t get all their news from Fox.

OK, so older whites, particularly men, don’t like black women. But do you dislike a black woman so much that you’ll vote for a guy whose actions could potentially have a material negative impact on your economic well-being? The answer is “yes.”

The rationale cited by blacks, particularly men, and white seniors for voting for Trump defies logic 101. I believe it defies logic because too many people have no, or at best, have a very limited understanding of economics, history, civics, literature and other topics that enable one to think through a problem.

As a country, if we want to protect democracy and continue to increase economically, then we need to update the education curriculum to include the social sciences. People might claim that more emphasis on social sciences is elitist and even socialist.

If you’re in that camp, then I suggest you revisit the education curriculum in the era that Trump claims as America being “great.” As you review the courses, you’ll be surprised at what constituted a basic education for all students.

You might also be surprised at the array of “skilled trades” that were taught in high school. These students often were able to work in the trades immediately after high school. A high percentage of those jobs when “America was great” were in the…yikes!…union.

As we return to a basic core curriculum, we can adjust the content of the STEM subjects to address current challenges facing American industry. Doing so will help all future generations. All for now. END ENTRY #516

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#509 — Goodbye Sam the Sham Alito. Part 4 Repairing Democracy

26 Sunday May 2024

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Common Sense Policies, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, click “About the Author” tab.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. The previous “sense check” was ENTRY #500.

ENTRY #509: Part 4-Repairing Democracy: “My wife made me do it! She flew the American flag upside down! How was I to know?” claimed SCOTUS justice Samuel Alito after the NYT published a picture of the flag.

Right Sam. Let’s see if I get this right.  The flagpole in question is planted right outside the front door of your house in Washington, DC.  And given that location, a flag being flown on that pole would be hard to see whether coming or going from the house.

Oh, and yes, the flag was flown upside down for several days.  So, tell me again, what’s your excuse for letting the flag fly upside down for several days?

The timing?  Gee, the upside-down flag just happened to fly soon after the January 6 insurrection. Excuse me, I misspoke.  After the January 6 visit to the Capitol by those “true patriots” who wanted to encourage Senators to reconsider the will of the public.

“But that’s my wife’s 1st Amendment right. I can’t control what she does or says,” further claimed Alito. 

Well Sam, then what about the Pine Tree flag flying at your vacation house in Long Beach Island, New Jersey?  The symbolism of that flag might be a bit more subtle, but the message is essentially the same.  Disregard the US Constitution and set up a different set of rules.  The Pine Tree Flag supports the idea that Christianity should take precedence over any government regulation.

Dear Sam the Sham Alito:  maybe I missed when the 1st Amendment was modified to eliminate the separation of church and state.  And the modification to the 1st Amendment made Christianity the de facto law of the land. When was the 1st Amendment modified?

Your behavior has repeatedly demonstrated you are unqualified to serve on SCOTUS. If a SCOTUS Justice cannot follow a simple code of ethics that applies to every other federal judge, then why should anyone in the public respect your rulings on a case?

What’s the impact of behavior by Alito, and Thomas?  The behavior of both justices is a key contributor to a sharp and sustained decline in the public’s respect for SCOTUS.  Over the last 20-25 years – roughly the tenure of Alito and Thomas – according to a survey by GSS, the percentage of Americans who indicate high or some level of confidence in SCOTUS has declined from 85+% in 2000 to about 50% in 2023. The relative decline was even greater among those with “high confidence” in SCOTUS. 

The public understands the SCOTUS justices have a right to interpret a case differently. The public does not understand or approve why SCOTUS justices have a right to exclude themselves from ethical behavior and, in Thomas’ case, borderline illegal behavior.

Republicans who question why the uproar over the Stars and Stripes flying upside down at Alito’s house should ask themselves would they show equal support for a more liberal justice who did something similar? Or would they show the same indifference if a Democratic member of Congress had flown the US flag upside down or flown a flag supporting an insurrection? Would Republicans support such actions the way they’re supporting Alito and Thomas?

And about those 1st Amendment rights Alito claims for his wife?  Why are Republicans in the House all exorcised about some college students protesting Israel’s action in Gaza? Republicans don’t support either Muslims or Jews, so why all the fuss?  And don’t the students have 1st Amendment rights?

Disregard for the ethical behavioral guidelines and especially disregard for the rule of law by those in power erodes the public’s trust in democracy.  Trust is eroded even more quickly when the behavior is by those charged with upholding the rule of law.  And which body is charged with the final interpretation of the law – SCOTUS. 

When SCOTUS justices Alito and Thomas openly thumb their nose at ethical guidelines and/or the rule of law, the public then begins to question the fairness of all rulings.  The erosion of confidence in the court system can be the death kneel of democracy. 

If we, societal we, are to begin repairing our democracy, we need to get Alito and Thomas off SCOTUS. We should also consider implementing a reasonable procedure for “impeaching” justices who have clearly violated ethical guidelines and even worse the law. We should also implement term limits for SCOTUS justices – say 20 years and out. The changes would be a start. END ENTRY 509

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, and an array of other topics, visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#464. Whadda Mean I Can’t Rebuild? It’s My Right!

11 Tuesday Oct 2022

Posted by in Common Sense Policies, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #464: West Coast of Florida: In the aftermath of widespread destruction from hurricane Ian, many residents along the West Coast of Florida are asking, “You mean climate change is real? Governor Ron DeSantis and Fox Alleged News never told me! How would I have known?”

Yes, many of the same hardline, anti-big government Republicans are now demanding taxpayers provide funds to allow them to rebuild houses and business destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Further, according the Fox-and-Friends, taxpayers should make up any financial losses not covered by insurance.

“After I rebuild, I want guaranteed low- cost insurance against future hurricanes. These are my rights as a Republican.”

Well folks, sorry about your loss. Some of the stories are truly heartbreaking.  Many of you probably had no flood insurance. But you know what? Decisions do have consequences.

Let’s talk about the facts. Hurricanes enter the Gulf of Mexico nearly every year. Periodically hurricanes reach category 4 or 5. Whether you believe in climate change or not, it is well known that the sea level in the Gulf of Mexico has been rising for decades.

If you believed the West Coast of Florida was immune from destruction caused by hurricanes and a rising sea, then you probably voted for Trump and DeSantis, and maybe even the Easter Bunny as well.

For those on the barrier islands, you realize I hope barrier islands are so named for a reason. The land of the island is a barrier or break against the sea. Another fact – building too many low-rise homes and covering over too much land that previously could absorb water increases the likelihood and intensity of floods.

Not one of these facts is a secret. All the information is publicly available, except maybe if you watch Fox.

Put the shoe on the other foot.  If someone else went ahead with all those known risky decisions, would you pay to bail them out? Come on. probably not.  So, please tell me why you think taxpayers in the upper Midwest should bail you out from what was obviously a series of high-risk, frankly stupid decisions.

If you disagree, then make your case: (i) why taxpayers should bail you out; (ii) why you should be allowed to rebuild in a place where you never should have built in the first place?  Even if you can afford to lose everything, rebuilding increases the risk for everyone else.

OK, go throw a tantrum and claim that the “deep state” is trying to confiscate your property. When you’re finished shouting and pouting, come back to the real world and discuss why you think you should be able to rebuild on land that’s going to get destroyed again.  Just as a reminder, the government allows people to own land.  You do not have an inherent right to own land. END ENTRY#464

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#463. What Do Republicans Stand for?

01 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Common Sense Policies, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #463: Over many years, only once do I remember voting a straight ticket – the 2020 presidential election – although I might have voted a straight Republican ticket when I first started.  Just don’t remember. 

With the 2022 midterms rapidly approaching, I’ve been reviewing candidates for whom I can vote as well as selected other influential candidates. Whereas political candidates always are prone to some bluster, one should be able to get a sense whether the candidate understands key issues facing the country, and whether the candidate has feasible solutions to address issues.

 Here’s my simple question – could someone please tell me what Republican candidates stand for? From all indications, Republicans are opposed to virtually any idea, even those previously promoted by Republicans. As obvious is their opposition, it is not obvious how Republican candidates intend to address the country’s problems, or the problems worldwide that affect us.

I get regular updates from the House rep, and the one senator, who is not retiring.  Both reps are Republicans. The updates to constituents are similar – opposed to this idea; opposed to that idea; this other idea won’t work; this idea is a burden on society, etc.  Communiques from neither offer credible references supporting claims or offer links to find out more information.  I guess I’m just supposed to trust them.

Equally frustrating has been an effort to discuss with staffs of the two members of Congress possible practical solutions to climate change.  The solutions have been developed by an apolitical group of MIT alumni of which I am a member. Virtually every proposed solution from the group creates jobs.

To members of Congress, is the welfare of constituents important?  Apparently not because neither MOC or staffs will take time to discuss proposed solutions because …well, I guess if you or a staff member discusses practical solutions to climate change, you can’t claim climate change is a hoax.

So, back to my question.  Could someone please let me know what Republican candidates stand for, other than more tax cuts for the wealthy? Thanks. END ENTRY #463

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#461 Students Should Be Forced to Repay Loans Because…Well, Just Because!

09 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #461. President Biden has proposed a program to reduce outstanding student loans by up to $20,000 for many middle- and limited-income families. Surprise, surprise, this proposal has many Republicans up in arms.

Before addressing the merits of such a program, let’s take a look at what’s available to companies and individuals who have too much debt relative to income, other than debt from student loans.

Companies with too much debt compared to income have an option called Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The cause of why the company has too much debt can range from bad luck to bad economic times to bad management, which is usually the cause.

While the cause of too much debt might influence whether existing management remains in place, the cause does not prevent the company from filing for debt relief under Chapter 11.

One company that seems to be quite familiar with Cha11 is the Trump Organization.  Trump has filed for Cha11 SIX (6) times.  For Republicans opposed to forgiving some portion of student debt, Trump’s bankruptcies somehow must be different.  Think about it. How could a business genius like Trump be forced into bankruptcy? Someone else must have been the cause since the Donald never makes mistakes. 

OK, I’ll stop the sarcasm. But the facts are straightforward – companies and individuals can file for bankruptcy, have debts significantly reduced or eliminated and start fresh.  Companies and individuals get debt relief even if an individual or management has made incredibly unsound financial decisions.  There’s only one exception – student loans are not relieved/eliminated under the bankruptcy laws.

That’s right. Student debt cannot be reduced or eliminated by bankruptcy.  Even if all other personal debts are excused, student debt remains.  Further, interest rates charged by the lender – usually a 3rd party and not the government – are often substantially above market rates.  Student borrowers have little or no recourse against unscrupulous lenders.

Who are the major players attracting prospective students to take on debt for “education“?  I’m sure you’re shocked but often the most aggressive are for-profit “universities.” Some examples include ITT, University of Phoenix and, of course, Trump University, which is now defunct after a being forced to close for fraud.  There are other for-profits as well – cosmetology schools, for example. 

The for-profits are not alone.  Some not-for-profit academic institutions have aggressively pursued students needing loans.  However, for-profit universities have a major incentive to attract prospective students with limited knowledge and/or marketable skills, keep students in school as long as possible and provide as little staff support as possible.  And why not? Students can increase ROI and the risk to the for-profit university is minimal. Once a student takes on debt, the for-profit university has created an annuity.

In what has become true Republican fashion, discussions about the merits/drawbacks of student debt reduction program (not complete debt relief for most), have been directed at blaming the student for the entire problem.  After all, the student signed the paperwork.

Is the student to blame? Partially but blaming the student for the entire problem is like blaming someone for a car accident who has never been taught to drive.

If we, societal we, want to retain Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses in Chapter 7 for bankruptcy for individuals to relieve debt, then we need to make some provision to relieve a portion of student debt. END ENTRY #461

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#456 New 2024 Presidential Ticket: Cheney and Snoopy

16 Saturday Jul 2022

Posted by in Common Sense Policies, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #456: A new third-party presidential-candidate team was announced yesterday – Liz Cheney and Snoopy will be the ticket of Do-Something Party.

Liz Cheney

During the press conference announcing the ticket, the candidates stressed, if elected, they will function as co-presidents, switching between president and vice president roles on a regular basis.

When asked why the co-presidents designation, Cheney said, “We thought it best for the country if we capitalize on each other’s strengths. I know how Capitol Hill works and other operations inside the Beltway. Snoopy is an internationally recognized figure who understands philosophy and how to deal with all kinds of people.

The pair indicated their platform will be a combination of fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, citing the position of many moderate Republicans and Democrats before the extremist took over  both parties. According to Snoopy, “We think it’s time to bring the country back together. No more zero-some game stuff and viewing the other party as the enemy.“

Snoopy

Reaction to the announcement from Trump and his supporters was swift and vicious. Trump tweeted “Despite Cheney’s voting‘s record, she’s always been a RINO. And now she’s gone to the dogs.”

Democrats were more measured in their response. The head of the party noted, “An interesting and formidable team.  Liz proved her mettle in the January 6 hearings. And, well, you can’t say enough about Snoopy. A long and stellar career. We wish them the best.“

Public reaction to the announcement has been extremely positive, especially among moderates and independents. A typical reaction, “Finally, some people who can help bring us back together as a country and get something done. Maybe Cheney and Snoopy can help prevent another revolution.“

The Do-Something Party is in the process of registering in all 50 states. Based on the responses from voters so far, registration seems likely.

No announcement was made about the Do-Something Party offering separate candidates for the Federal House and Senate, or whether the party would simply support candidates from Republicans or Democrats.  More announcements to come. (Wouldn’t it be great if the announcement were true?) END ENTRY #456

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#443 Why Are US Gas Prices Linked to Spot Prices?

20 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by in Common Sense Policies, Economics, Gov't Policy, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

ENTRY #443 BEGINS: With the rise in gasoline prices, many politicians and their supporters are blaming the Biden administration for the price increases and also demanding that the Biden administration expand the number of leases on Federal land, including allowing drilling in the Artic National Wildlife preserve.  The rhetoric makes for good campaign soundbites, but who or what really determines the price of gasoline in the US? And, is there a more effective way to manage gas prices?

Crude oil is a commodity.  Like virtually every commodity, there is an exchange where contracts are negotiated and traded.  The price for a barrel of oil on the exchanges, aka “spot price, can fluctuate wildly based on how oil traders view the potential impact of world events on crude-oil supply and/or demand. The benchmark quality for these contracts is based on oil produced in West Texas (West Texas Intermediate) or the North Sea area (Brent crude).

In the US, pump prices for gasoline generally track changes in the spot price.  The spot price, however, bears almost no relation to the cost of production.

As the US has produced a larger share of domestic consumption, the rationale for linking the price of crude-oil as feeder stock to pump prices has been minimized, if not eliminated.  According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, for CY2021 the US exported more petroleum (crude oil and related products) than it imported – exports of 8.63 mmb/d vs. imports of 8.47 mmb/d. 

in CY2021 more than 50% of the imports were from Canada.  Some of the exports may be linked to trade agreements with other countries and/or to ensure that certain countries friendly to the US have a constant supply of oil and/or refined petroleum-based products.

Given the widespread concern within the US about fluctuating gasoline prices, why does the US continue to link gasoline prices at the pump to spot prices? Aside from the link benefiting the oil companies, either no one in Congress understands the issue or the oil lobby is in the pockets of many members of Congress, or possibly both.

Even if the US imported say 50% of daily consumption, one needs to ask whether it is necessary to link pump prices to spot prices. If the cost of 50% of gasoline is stable, then why does the pump price fluctuate solely based on the other 50%?

A solution to more stable pump prices would be to set a national price for gasoline (and diesel).  For discussion set the price without any taxes at $3.00/gallon.  Over time, the $3.00 price would be adjusted for inflation.  As is done now, the state and the Federal governments could add a tax to the $3.00/gallon price.

Would a fixed national price reduce supply of crude and gasoline? Businesses do not like uncertainty. The greater the uncertainty, the higher the required profit margin to compensate for the risk. The premium for uncertainty applies at each stage of the supply chain. The more stable or known the raw material cost for a product, the lower the premium for the finished product.

In the oil-and-gas business, most of the cost is incurred up front – exploration, leasing the land, drilling and installing equipment to operate the well. Improvements in processes and technology have reduced significantly the likelihood of a dry hole. Further, 3D imaging has increased the accuracy of the estimated size of the reservoir and the expected production rate.  Once in operation, the cost of extracting oil is minimal in most fields.

The Biden administration might be well served to conduct a comprehensive analysis of anticipated crude-oil supply based on different fixed prices.  Given the effectiveness of applying technology in exploration and drilling techniques, a safe bet would be US production could be maintained for many years extracting oil from existing fields and reopening abandoned fields. Further, with a known, or certain price for gasoline and possibly other refined oil products, US production likely would increase, not decrease.

With such a large domestic supply and production base, why does the US continue to allow the world spot price to have such an enormous impact on the pump price?  A fixed national price for gasoline and diesel (before tax) might be an example how the political parties can work together to solve real problems. The solution to managing gasoline pump prices might also eliminate some of the political divisions that seem to be making a 5th US Revolution more likely. ENTRY #443 ENDS

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/  

#432. Say It Ain’t So, Joe

19 Sunday Dec 2021

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Common Sense Policies, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.” 

BEGIN ENTRY #432:  My computer is having an extremely bad hair day so while it’s attempting to get ready for work, I thought I might draft another blog entry.

Early Sunday, 12/19/21, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced on Fox that he could not support the “social components” of president Biden’s Build Back Better legislation. Excuse me, Joe, where have you been that it has taken so long to decide?

Were you out soliciting more funds from the coal industry? How about soliciting funds from some countries that want to see the US fail?

You don’t need to conduct a lot of in-depth analysis to decide whether to support legislation that expands infrastructure as well as eliminates some glaring social inequities.  I realize it’s hard to see over the transom of your yacht, but your constituents in West Virginia don’t have a yacht and need help.

Say what you want or maybe even pray what you want, but the coal industry is DOA for any climate-change plan designed to save the planet from self-destruction.  You might not want coal to die but everyone under age 30 is going to kill it.  Besides coal-mining jobs in West Virginia have been declining for decades.

The problem for your West Virginia constituents is how to migrate quickly to and become competitive in an ever-increasing digital economy. West Virginia currently ranks 44th among states in the level of education, #50 in infrastructure and #50 in healthcare. Pretty good ratings, huh?  Obviously, the current approach is not working and many of your constituents lack access to good health care and good Internet services.

Your logic is a bit different.  Rather than help your brethren in WV, I’ll make up some excuse why key parts of the Build Back Better legislation can’t be supported.  I’ll claim, “I can’t support because the legislation will add to the Federal deficit.”  BS, Joe.  The legislation pays for itself by simply rescinding the Trump tax legislation that transferred even more wealth to the already wealthy.  What world are you living in?

Did I hear you say, “You know, we can’t have those social programs that reshape society. The programs like childcare, more schooling, a cleaner environment. Not only do those kind of programs cost too much but the programs are un-American.  The same goes for welfare, Social Security and Medicare.  Oops, I wasn’t supposed to mention those last three.“

The world understands that Republicans, other than Liz Cheney and the guy from Michigan, have no balls. Well, you know what I mean.  But, don’t you claim to be a moderate Democrat, not some wimpy Republican?  

Here’s what you need to do. Go ask your constituents in WV whether they want expanded infrastructure, cleaner air, cleaner water and better healthcare. And, do they want a chance to get a job that won’t kill them so early in life?

If the majority of West Virginians say they don’t want those programs, then vote no on the social part of Build Back Better. If the majority of West Virginians want those programs, then vote to support the scial part of Build Back Better. Joe, deciding how to vote is not complicated. Besides, you already committed to vote support. Reneging on your promise negates whatever credibility you might have left.

It is Manchin’s kind of thinking, or lack thereof, that contributes to the likelihood of a 5th US Revolution, which seems aptly labeled as the “Revenge Revolution.” END OF #432.

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#383 Job Creation to Address Climate Change

25 Monday May 2020

Posted by in Affordable Solutions, Common Sense Policies, Economics, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

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Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution, a list of earlier revolutions and the author, Entry #1.

Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether in the next few years, a revolution in the US is still possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US.  Most recent sense check, Entry #365.  

Some of the entries are part of a series.  Several series are available as easy-to-read booklets for download:

Prelude: I’ve concluded Trump is a lunatic and the administration filled with lapdogs save a couple of people at CDC.  Instead of wasting time commenting on actions by Trump, I thought it more productive to begin discussing what happens in the US once the coronavirus is more under control.  #378 began the series. At this point not sure how many entries.  Comments and suggestions welcome.

ENTRY #383 BEGINS: Is there a simple, understandable way to get virtually everyone in the United States to support actions to address climate change? Secure support from the left, right, center, techies, climate deniers, etc.?

My conclusion is, “yes.” The simple approach is to link climate action to job creation.

Post-CIVID-19, the US is likely to experience an unemployment rate of 10+% for at least five (5) years, if not longer. Many pre-COVID-19 jobs will be lost permanently.

How does the US re-energize the economy post COVID-19? Focus on creating jobs associated with technologies that will reduce carbon emissions. Not just jobs installing solar panels and putting up wind generators but a wide range of jobs.

There are numerous technologies that could be implemented to reduce carbon emissions. Why point fingers about who’s right and who’s wrong about the causes of climate change? If you think climate change is fake news, then you need to talk to people worldwide in coastal cities. If you think climate change is just part of the earth’s natural warming and cooling cycle, then take a hard look at the chart of temperature change just since 1950.  Now imagine that same amount of increase by the end of the century.

OK, even if you don’t believe the climate data, the US still has a major problem – and that long-term economic growth. Don’t believe the economy is going to return to pre-COVID days. Look in your history books and study what’s happened after every major economic disruption or war – things change dramatically. Post-COVID-19 will be no different.

So let’s begin thinking about how to create new products and new jobs that also reduce the impact of climate change. If you’re still in denial about climate change, then just focus on the job creation part.

Yes, science is sometimes difficult to understand. Science denial is also a major talking point with many politicians.

Job creation, however, is not hard to understand. Jobs generate income and help people to a better life. Job creation also appeals to both sides of the political aisle. Rather than blaming someone else, why not start asking, “Is there a way to stimulate the economy long-term and address climate change? Is there a way to ensure a better lifestyle for our children and grandchildren”?

In this discussion, seems that scientists might be better off to spend less time on CO2 PPM, mean temperature – for many people it is difficult to understand or appreciate what a couple of degrees Celsius means – loss of amphibians, greater intensity of hurricanes, etc. Important topics? Yes. But not a front-line topic when you’re out of a job, which many people are going to be for some time.

Making the message about actions to address climate change more positive and less about how people must be prepared to “sacrifice” is also not necessary. With the right technology, people won’t experience sacrifice.

What’s the sacrifice with a more efficient HVAC? An electric lawn mower? (I use a manual push mower and time to cut is about the same as the neighbor’s gas-powered mower.) An electric car? Attractive solar panels on the roof that look like shingles? More trees? And many other ways to reduce CO2 that are not “sacrifices” and can be configured as fun, new products.

Some groups are working on taking a more jobs-focused approach to help gain support for actions to address climate change. I’m part of such a group. Let me know if you’d like to learn more. Comments welcome, as always.

#380: Shopping Centers — Surplus to Stimulating (“We Gotta Get Out…” #3)

03 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Affordable Solutions, Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

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Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution, a list of earlier revolutions and the author, Entry #1.

Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether in the next few years, a revolution in the US is still possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US.  Most recent sense check, Entry #365.  

Some of the entries are part of a series.  Several series are available as easy-to-read booklets for download:

Prelude: I’ve concluded Trump is a lunatic and the administration filled with lapdogs save a couple of people at CDC.  Instead of wasting time commenting on actions by Trump, I thought it more productive to begin discussing what happens in the US once the coronavirus is more under control.  #378 began the series. At this point not sure how many entries.  Comments and suggestions welcome.

ENTRY #380: If one believes COVID-19 will trigger some changes in societal behavior, then what behavior might be disrupted permanently after the immediate threat has dissipated? Last week’s entry discussed how the general public likely will demand more affordable or government-provided healthcare coverage.

This week’s entry addresses how shopping patterns might continue to be affected and the implications of major changes. The “stay-at-home” mandates during early months of COVID-19 accelerated the use of on-line shopping.

While some brick-and-mortar stores were able to generate on-line business for delivery or store-side pickup, many shoppers shifted to such on-line stores as Amazon. The shift affected food shopping as well. Even though most grocery stores remained open, many people ordered on line with curbside delivery at the store or home delivery.

The big unknown is whether consumer shopping behavior has been altered permanently. If it has, how will such behavioral change affect attitudes toward participating in such other large-crowd activities as football games, concerts, restaurants, even religious services? If people are satisfied to watch sporting events at home on large-screen TVs, to shop on-line, to have food delivered, to live-stream religious services on the same large-screen TV, then what happens to the physical structures supporting large-crowd activities?

For the businesses/organizations associated with these activities, what happens to the value of the real estate or the value of the franchise, whether the organization is a chain restaurant, retail outlet, or religious institution? (Interesting, the value of a sports franchise may be less affected since much of the value is not based on the number of fans attending an event but the advertising revenue associated with the media broadcast of the event.)

If the value of the real estate falls, then what should be done with the property? Let’s start with the most obvious real estate – shopping centers. As suburbs were developed following WWII, shopping centers became the de facto downtown for the suburbs. Just as the value of real estate in many downtowns declined as shopping centers proliferated, the value of shopping centers has declined as on-line shopping has proliferated.

Without having any hard data, the United States likely has at least two times the number of shopping centers needed. Some of the surplus shopping centers are large-footprint centers with multi-anchor stores and some more neighborhood centers and/or strip malls. Most larger centers also have a number of big-box stores on the periphery, which are also not needed.

What should be done with these surplus shopping centers and big-box stores? Converting the real estate to office space has been an option. However, following the coronavirus the US may end up with too many office buildings as well. As people were forced to work from home, and the implementation of technology was accelerated, many companies began to rethink requirements for (i) office space; (ii) employees on staff. The result of this rethinking is likely to be fewer office buildings and smaller staffs. (For more information about the impact on employment of the implementing more technology, download Tech Tsunami Booklet with Supplement).

If office space is not needed, then what could be done with these shopping centers? Why not address a national need and convert the shopping center to affordable housing? The coronavirus pointed out the irony that many workers deemed “essential” were also lower-paid workers. Converting shopping centers to affordable housing for these workers also would allow them to live closer to public transportation, which usually is available in larger shopping centers.

The shopping centers could be reconfigured to become true neighborhoods. Many shopping centers have large areas devoted to parking that could be converted to playgrounds, small parks, even neighborhood sports fields. Many centers are ringed with restaurants, dry cleaners, drugstores, etc., which could stay in place following redevelopment. With some creative planning, neighborhood schools could be built as part of the conversion. (School nicknames could incorporate the name of the former shopping center – the Carolinaplace Cougars or the SouthPark Sentinels. Just kidding.)

As a centerpiece of the neighborhood, the schools could be designed with classrooms for the traditional “3 R’s” education, as well as classrooms for introduction to sciences and the arts.

Neighborhood schools would reduce the need for and the inconvenience and cost of busing. Neighborhood schools would encourage children to participate in after-hours extra-curricular activities as well as be available, if needed, for remedial classes. Such here-and-now remedial classes would help students keep pace.

The proximity of the school near students’ homes would reduce the need for parents to spend money on expensive babysitting. Building design could include rooms adaptable for adult education and/or neighborhood meetings.

To help address the problem of limited access to healthcare faced by many lower-paid workers, the redeveloped shopping center could include a neighborhood clinic with office hours tied to non-working hours of neighborhood families. Clinics would serve basic needs, including physicals for children and adults and would be linked electronically to larger medical facilities. Such “preventive medicine” would reduce visits to ER.

Next week. More on post-coronavirus impact on societal behavior, including how religious institutions might be affected. Could some churches, synagogues and mosques suffer the same fate as many big-box stores?