Adapting to the new world economy
Michelle Malsbury, BSBM, MM
May 20, 2009
Last fall America and the world were tossed a curve ball. We knew that the housing markets were taking a battering, but our leaders did not draw any conclusions about how that decline would affect the other sectors or industries. As a matter of fact, we were told that this housing mess would not affect the wider marketplace at all for it was merely a small blip in our huge economy. But that was a bold faced lie.
Who could have fathomed a depression in our lifetime? Not me. However, given the laws of physics we know that what goes up, as the housing bubble did, must come down! Across America we have seen jobs shed by the millions. Banks and businesses are failing in record rates. Bankruptcy, divorce, and foreclosures are taking the front seat in legal proceedings. With so much bad it is hard to be upbeat and positive. But this depression may be the best thing to happen to us for a number of reasons.
America had been losing her edge as far as manufacturing, science, and technology were concerned. This was a slow and precipitous process, but extremely important none the same. Trade agreements have hampered our progress and allowed developing nations to surpass us in the areas of science, manufacturing, and technology. If those industries across America are not replaced by other industries it leaves a gaping hole in America´s GDP and makes us less competitive in the world economy. Measures needed to be taken to bring us back on track. The failure of our banks and investment institutions gave us insight into how fragile and interdependent our system truly was. Where there is vulnerability or weakness there is also opportunity if you know where to look.
The Obama Administration has taken a leadership position in pressing America forward from a technological, scientific, and innovative perspective. They are pushing to move us toward energy independence, upping the ante for depleting or diminishing carbon emissions that can lead to a cleaner and more sustainable environment, and pushing forward with national healthcare, and educational reform. This is an ambitious agenda, but one that is long past due! All of those sectors are ripe for opportunity!
Change does not happen fast. People are resistant to change until or unless they can see how what they do fits into the bigger picture. Bringing America back on track is going to take time and a concerted effort on behalf of each and every one of us. Scientific innovation, research, and technology can move American industry into the 22nd Century. Jobs and new businesses will be opened and created to support those new industries. Science and technology are the basis for all new business innovation. Education is key to understanding and bringing this together in the short term. If you are patient and take the time to look for the silver lining under this dark economic cloud you will begin to find opportunity. America was built on the hopes and dreams of people who had a can do attitude and people who were innovative and attuned to changes in our marketplace. Let our darkest days be behind us. The people of America will prosper once more!
Look back on the past 50 years. What technological or scientific innovations can be attributed to that time frame? How have we as a people adapted? We can do it again!
Who could have fathomed a depression in our lifetime? Not me. However, given the laws of physics we know that what goes up, as the housing bubble did, must come down! Across America we have seen jobs shed by the millions. Banks and businesses are failing in record rates. Bankruptcy, divorce, and foreclosures are taking the front seat in legal proceedings. With so much bad it is hard to be upbeat and positive. But this depression may be the best thing to happen to us for a number of reasons.
America had been losing her edge as far as manufacturing, science, and technology were concerned. This was a slow and precipitous process, but extremely important none the same. Trade agreements have hampered our progress and allowed developing nations to surpass us in the areas of science, manufacturing, and technology. If those industries across America are not replaced by other industries it leaves a gaping hole in America´s GDP and makes us less competitive in the world economy. Measures needed to be taken to bring us back on track. The failure of our banks and investment institutions gave us insight into how fragile and interdependent our system truly was. Where there is vulnerability or weakness there is also opportunity if you know where to look.
The Obama Administration has taken a leadership position in pressing America forward from a technological, scientific, and innovative perspective. They are pushing to move us toward energy independence, upping the ante for depleting or diminishing carbon emissions that can lead to a cleaner and more sustainable environment, and pushing forward with national healthcare, and educational reform. This is an ambitious agenda, but one that is long past due! All of those sectors are ripe for opportunity!
Change does not happen fast. People are resistant to change until or unless they can see how what they do fits into the bigger picture. Bringing America back on track is going to take time and a concerted effort on behalf of each and every one of us. Scientific innovation, research, and technology can move American industry into the 22nd Century. Jobs and new businesses will be opened and created to support those new industries. Science and technology are the basis for all new business innovation. Education is key to understanding and bringing this together in the short term. If you are patient and take the time to look for the silver lining under this dark economic cloud you will begin to find opportunity. America was built on the hopes and dreams of people who had a can do attitude and people who were innovative and attuned to changes in our marketplace. Let our darkest days be behind us. The people of America will prosper once more!
Look back on the past 50 years. What technological or scientific innovations can be attributed to that time frame? How have we as a people adapted? We can do it again!
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