Learning From Lincoln and The Who
To borrow and expand from Lincoln, "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time." With my addition: "And those are pretty good odds." And the other great political philosophers, The Who, sang, "We Won't Be Fooled Again." You may see where I'm going with this. Mosey Principles include "Pay Attention, Be Informed and Act Accordingly." It's past time for us to honor those challenges. Too many of us are allowing misleading political rhetoric and calculated manipulative psychology to lull us into a sense of progress, while facts and truth paint a different and destructive picture. We'll only have ourselves to blame if we don't start with our friend in the mirror, then influence the conversations of family, colleagues and friends to convert reality checks into real economic, governmental and social progress.
We're Focused on Washington, But Texas Needs A Boost
Lots of talk, little constructive action. We remember the "Texas Miracle," which was a short-term fracking-induced boomlet that gave politicos a false sense of success, until it fizzled and dropped us back to a struggling reality. Now, the media distracts us with the Trump melodrama playing out in our Nation's Capitol, but we Texans need to shift our focus to our Lone Star State. We have much more potential influence on what happens at the local, County and State levels. But our effectiveness will be dependent on how well we're informed and civically engaged. A good grasp of those "pesky facts" will help us better serve ourselves and our extended communities. Let's look at a few examples of key issues that shouldn't be so controversial.
Low Unemployment Is Normally Positive...Now It's Misleading
Both Gov. Abbott and Trump have been touting low unemployment levels as a sign of their successful economic development efforts. En contraire. This would be a correct correlation in typical business cycles, but the composite supporting data paints a different picture this time around. Jobs are being absorbed by a desperate labor pool, often forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Low-wage jobs with few or no benefits, and fewer attractive job opportunities for college graduates quickly take the lustre off the "low unemployment" enthusiasm. We sent many higher-paying jobs overseas, then failed to reeducate and train our workers for new opportunities. The key was/is education and economic opportunity. We've failed at both so far. A major infrastructure program would be a huge step in the right direction. Now there's a fact for ya...
"Building That Wall" Vs. Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Austin, Texas is one of the fastest growing (building) cities in the Country. Were it not for immigrant laborers, a huge number insufficiently credentialed, we'd be at a screeching halt. And, contrary to Chief of Staff Kelly's naive observations, these aren't "poorly educated rural folks who can't assimilate into an urban environment." Most are skilled in many areas, have a tremendous work ethic, and provide the backbone for our construction, hospitality and landscaping industries. I've had first-hand working relationships with many of these good folks, and have tremendous respect for them.
NO! Rather than "building a wall," we need to work towards comprehensive immigration reform that incorporates compassionate practical policies and processes that give us border security AND a viable labor pool, while addressing the human component of this complex issue. I believe this is called enlightened self-interest.
Those "Job Killing Regulations"
I'm looking at one of many articles about government agencies that don't work. This particular story is about unanswered Texas abuse hotline calls. You can each tell me your own favorite bad examples. Ordinances that aren't funded, too few caseworkers, breeches not prosecuted, etc., etc. We're not over-regulated, we're poorly regulated. Our regulatory structure should be subject to constant review, modified when appropriate and eliminated when unnecessary. But, think twice when you hear the uninformed simpletons who tout tax-cuts that eliminate those "job-killing regulations," regulations that have costs relative to benefits because they provide job safety, clean air/water, safe drugs and food supplies, foster care and nursing home oversight, etc., etc....all seemingly expendable until we need them.
One Last Thing...How Bout Them "Tax Cuts?" And A Few Dollars More...
Many of us have seen the shell game artistry that shifts the hidden nut from one place to the other. And so it is with Trump's recent "Tax Cuts." If you hear any family or friends bragging about the few additional dollars they got in paychecks due to Trump's tax cut program, ask them how much more they're paying for health insurance and prescription drugs. And if they're having to support their adult children due to lack of job opportunities. Another "pesky fact" of the net results of Trump's incompetent flailing as he's losing his clothes. But, I digress. Because, as I wrote in my last commentary, things have gotten so bad that I'm encouraged. Encouraged that we know we can no longer pretend that "They" will fix this mess. We're learning that if we want better, we'll have to work and vote for it. We're eminently capable and resourceful.
A MOSEY CLOSE
We're living in amazing times. And, as my gifted partner reminds, history shows that considerable creative initiatives are spawned in times of such challenge. Great times for collaborative efforts of all sorts...private/public partnerships, energized neighborhoods and faith-based communities, corporate social responsibility, creative philanthropy. Our main goals should be outstanding education, economic opportunity, environmental integrity and social justice. I'm excited about this moment in history for us to rise to our occasion. I've worked with enough of you to know that our challenges are in capable hands and hearts. Let's work together to make a positive difference. LET'S MOSEY!