Runester

Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future:

“The Academies were requested by Senator Alexander and Senator Jeff Bingaman, members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to conduct an assessment of America�s ability to compete and prosper in the 21st century�and to propose appropriate actions to enhance the likelihood of success in that endeavor. This request was endorsed by Representatives Sherwood Boehlert and Bart Gordon of the House Committee on Science.

To respond to that request the Academies assembled twenty individuals with diverse backgrounds, including university presidents, CEOs, Nobel Laureates and former presidential appointees. The result of our committee�s work was examined by over forty highly qualified reviewers who were also designated by the Academies. In undertaking our assignment we considered the results of a number of prior studies which were conducted on various aspects of America�s future prosperity. We also gathered sixty subject-matter experts with whom we consulted for a weekend here in Washington and who provided recommendations related to their fields of specialty.

It is the unanimous view of our committee that America today faces a serious and intensifying challenge with regard to its future competitiveness and standard of living. Further, we appear to be on a losing path. We are here today hoping both to elevate the nation�s awareness of this developing situation and to propose constructive solutions.”

So, I made sure to watch the State-of-the-Union speach as well as the Democrat rebuttal. I liked the speach but note that there is a serious difference between what Mr. President want’s to happen and what will actually happen. These speaches always seem more like a ra-ra-session at a prep rally then anything meaningful.

The Democrats, though, still acted like spoiled little brats - happy in their efforts at derailing and criticizing instead of offering any meaningful alternatives or solutions. This was borne out by the rebuttal. Simply saying that “Democrats have alternate solutions” is not the same as actually offering those solutions. If I declare my height as 7ft, I don’t actually grow any taller.

The single most important feature to any plan for economic reform and international competitiveness (IMO) is education - and yet Pres. Bush barely mentioned it (mostly something about hiring/training more science & math teachers) and the Dem’s didn’t mention it at all. On the other hand, there are REAL and PRACTICAL plans in the private sector for reducing the cost of post-primary education and for strongly coupling state colleges with junior and senior high schools.

Apparently the only people interested in these ideas are the ones who sincerely want American youth to achieve greater college graduation rates - not the politicians who prefer to pump more money into doing more of the same. Education is the GOLDEN BULLET, that would have the single greatest effect on race and class differences, removing our dependance on crude oil, and in curing serious illnesses. Oh, and in keeping our country at the lead of international trade and manufacturing. So, any plan for the welfare of the country that doesn’t include or minizes the role of education rings hollow.

BTW: what was with the Prez sticking his tongue between his lips at the end of every sentence? You’d think his handlers would have warned him that it looks stupid. <sigh> Maybe the next president will be more charismatic and a polished public speaker.