The Economy

What is important for the U.S. Economy?

Right now I am watching President Obama speak at the Rolls-Royce Crosspointe facility in Virginia. I have never been an "economist" and believe me when I say I am not very economy-conscious. Money is not really my strong point. I know enough to keep my checkbook balanced and my extra expenses in check (with the occasional reckless splurge). However, as one of my goals for my life (no, not a new years resolution--I despise those), I am trying to be more conscious of what is going on around me. Today, that brings me to the U.S. economy, more specifically Obama's speech. 

Side Note: I believe Obama is a much more successful Orator than some of his predecessors. 

Things that I loved:

• Making education (especially higher education) more affordable for families.
• Having our businesses lead the world in "clean" energy. 
• Dreaming big dreams and feeling confident about the future.

Other side note: Does making education more affordable mean increasing or decreasing teacher salaries? 'Cause that could potentially sway me on my mention of those comments above. 

I certainly have my ideals when it comes to the way I think the world should be, but the world is a whole lot bigger than those ideals, perhaps too big to make them possible. I do have a few thoughts on the economy, but as until recently I really have not been part of the economy conversation, I do not know how accurate my views may be. 

Thoughts on the Economy from a limited Point of View:

1. Those who have more, should give more. 

2. Communities need to invest in community businesses.

3. The economy should support education. 

4. Education should support the economy. 

5. NO JOB SHOULD BE BELITTLED. 

All right. I will not elaborate too much on the thoughts above. I think anyone who reads them will get the gist of where I stand. The only one I will explain is the largest one: #5. As a soon-to-be teacher, I certainly do not believe in belittling any human being. Well, that includes the type of work they do. Now, I could be accused of being a snob at one point in my life, due to the fact that I used to insist I would never work at a fast food chain, or in a retail store, if I could help it. Well, I have worked in similar, if not directly in those conditions now, and I certainly respect anyone who can do that for longer than a temporary time frame. 

Those aren't the only jobs that are attached to certain stigmas.  Other jobs include farmers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc. However, people should  think before they belittle such professions. After all, what would we do without mechanics to fix our transmissions; electricians to reconnect our power lines; and plumbers to repair faucets and toilets? We would have to be even more superhuman than we are already required to be.

 

I don't know about you, 

but I already don't have enough time in a day. 

I know you all see my point. So, for parents, teachers, or mentors of any profession, pay attention to this: NO MATTER WHAT, always support what a person wants to do with their life, even if it is not what you dreamt for them. 

Better to support them than to lose them altogether. 

That is a lesson I have learned by accident very recently. 

All right. I did not want to preach. Time to move on to other parts of my day. 

-M