Convergence of Relevant Stuff

Last year was one of the most challenging years in terms of economic standards that we have faced since the great depression. Our economy has emerged from an economy that the world depended on nearly a decade ago to one where America is now a debtor nation.  We saw the United State nominate the first African- American President.

One could say that we experienced progress in the arena of racial tolerance. And one could also say that we experienced a decline in the concept of the America dream.  The middle class is slowly shrinking away; and is now defined as those who have and those who have not. Food prices continue to escalate as Gas prices continue to soar. State governments and city government continue to lose money and casino now emerge as a way for states to collect more money and more taxes. Yes casinos are going bankrupt as well.

In short no Democrat or Republican can fix the mess that we are in. President Barack Obama cannot fix it.  We are in downward spiral; a free fall that no one know where it will end. We refused to do what is best for America; like provide healthcare for all Americans. Yet the economic divide between rich and poor continues to increase its separation.  That my fellow Americans is our challenge and make no mistake; it is a difficult one.

What do we need do to make our way out of this mess?  We need to “do the right thing” ………that is our slogan and marching orders.

General Motors  is set to ask for even more stimulus  money and may be poised to lay off an additional 47,000 people if they do not get it. Weigh in on how you feel about this after  you read this article.

Americans are still losing their jobs at a record pace and we are still dealing with carryover of the same problems we faced in 2008.  It will take drastic measures in order to jump  start the economy to growth and create jobs.   Over 455,000 jobs were lost in December and the unemployment rate hover at a staggeing 7%. President Elect Barack Obama has his work cut out for him and to remains to be seen, it we can move out of the economic mess we are now in.

Who are the mysterious  shareholders who seems to hold a  knife to the head of American companies and cause CEO’s  to shutter when ever they speak?  They are the mighty shareholders who  America’s Fortune 500 companies answer to. Something is uniquely wrong with this picture.  How did our economic system get so dependent of those who gamble on stock prices, hoping for a return?  Is it too much to think that companies would answer to only one segment; that being the customer?  Whatever happened to  pleasing customers who purchases the products, and support the company; theoretically  because they produce a product that is good and meets the consumers needs?

The organizational chart is warped. The shareholders are at the top of the chart and the CEO reports to the shareholders.  The shareholders have now trumped the customer.   The customer has become an after thought. You know, someone who knocks at your door and you really don’t want to talk to them, so you brush them off.  Ten minutes later  the shareholders show up and, you welcome them with open arms. They ask what’s for dinner tonight? And you break out the best china and cook the best food ( no expense can be spared for the shareholders) and while eating discuss how you can put one over on the customer and ultimately deliver more money to the shareholders.

That my friend is the is problem with America’s economic system. It is shareholder top heavy and not enough customer centered.  And it is playing havoc with the plans of the workers, who ultimately make everything  happen for the company and the shareholders.  But the worker suffers.  The shareholder even has a say with how the workers are treated. The shareholders dictate wages. The shareholders dictate layoffs.  The shareholders cause companies to take away worker health insurance, freeze pensions,  and cause  the company to down size again and again in order to please, you guessed it; the shareholder.

Here’s one simple question and the answer is obvious; who has the most power in America?   The Shareholder ! Coming soon to  a board meeting near you!  Don’t miss it.