Why income inequality matters

[DankNuggs 305]

I'm doing pretty well, yes, but my wife and I both did seven years of higher education to get where we are. I don't think the average person can or should have to do that just to get by. Also as well as things are going for us we do always have ginormous student loan debt hanging over our heads.

your political party belives everyone should be entitled to 4 years of higher education. Which in large part IMO is because the public school system doesn't do a good job of educating kids in the 12 years that they get. They need higher education to get people to properly read, write, absorb information and communicate it. If you can do those things well you can pretty much do any job. I went to a good college and half of it was pretty much HS level in terms of challenge. If you went to a crappy HS, im sure it was more of a struggle as those challenges were new. I'm sure if you went to an average college, it is pretty much doing the things you should have done at a good HS.

 

Alumni networks and whatnot are obviously beneficial, but I'm somewhat jaded overall as to the importance of college if we properly prepared kids in HS and challenged them.

 

As time goes on, kids are less mature, and they are less prepared. Which makes college all the more important to fill that void.

[DankNuggs 305]

THIS is why people are going to take more of a libertarian view (some people). Here's why:

 

The Conservatives essentially want to enslave the masses within the capitalistic system - a system that produces factory workers for factory owners. A system where the workers make enough to survive and consume whatever the factories make and they know enough to work/produce in the factories. There is an elite class (owners), a working class (employees), and a lower class (uneducated rule breakers who can not conform to factory standards).

Conservatives argue that this model is "fair" b/c it is performance and ability based. But we all know the system is skewed to keep the wealthy wealthy and the workers working.

 

The Liberals just want to take care or EVERYONE. Spread the wealth. Give to everyone regardless of effort/education/etc. They believe this is more fair than the corrupt/false "fairness" of the conservative system. But the truth is, this approach just encourages underachievement.

 

The new economy - the "connection economy" takes the control away from the factory owners. and empowers the individual to create something on his own - without the need for a factory or hundreds of workers following SOPs. You no longer need huge amounts of capital and a brick/mortar building to start a business. You no longer need millions in advertising to reach niche' groups of customers. You no longer need massive buying power and bulk discounts to compete.

The individual has more power than ever to become an expert in any subject and leverage that expertise to make a living. Self promotion and self-broadcasting are easy today with all the social/blog/youtube/etc available. We no longer live in a one-size fits all where Henry Ford makes any color you want as long as it is Black.There is a niche for everything from sottware to clothes to food. Look at books/movies/and music today - more than ever is sold but the variety is greater than ever. This will be the case with all good/services.

This is how the individual can elevate himself into the new "20%". And that individual will want very little involvement from government and corporations.

 

The point of this rant is that Conservative and Liberal is dead. It's an old-world fight for the industrial revolution era of big business, big government, and big labor - they might as well be Torres vs. Whigs with how irrelevant their political agendas will soon be (10, 20 years)?.

where can i sign up for your newsletter?

[DankNuggs 305]

Fracking is environmentally safe. Why it gets a bad name has nothing to do with the fracking process. The lawsuits happen on low profit wells when the smaller companies cut corners on cementing and casing the well. As a compromise to opening up more oil and gas resources to fracking stricter regulations could be placed on casing of the wells.

it shouldn't be a compromise, fracking is potentially environmentally dangerous to ever dwindling water resources.

[Mungwater 601]

it shouldn't be a compromise, fracking is potentially environmentally dangerous to ever dwindling water resources.

Fracking uses about as many gallons as your usual municipal golf course.

[Phurfur 70]

As Obama's failed policies continue to cripple our economy the Socialists try to find someone else to blame for their problems so the lemmings will reelect them. The middle class is slowly shrinking into the lower class (Cloward-Piven) the top 20% of the population continues to prosper and they must be punished. If we continue to vote for Progressive Socialists, America will become a country of two classes, the ruling class and the peasants. Cloward-Pivon complete!

 

You cry and moan and say it will work out

But honey child I've got my doubts

You can't see the forest for the trees

- Mike Nesmith

[DankNuggs 305]

Fracking uses about as many gallons as your usual municipal golf course.

contamination concern, not consumption.

[Recliner Pilot 61]

contamination concern, not consumption.

When done correctly contamination isn't an issue.

[edjr 6,988]

THIS is why people are going to take more of a libertarian view (some people). Here's why:

 

The Conservatives essentially want to enslave the masses within the capitalistic system - a system that produces factory workers for factory owners. A system where the workers make enough to survive and consume whatever the factories make and they know enough to work/produce in the factories. There is an elite class (owners), a working class (employees), and a lower class (uneducated rule breakers who can not conform to factory standards).

Conservatives argue that this model is "fair" b/c it is performance and ability based. But we all know the system is skewed to keep the wealthy wealthy and the workers working.

 

The Liberals just want to take care or EVERYONE. Spread the wealth. Give to everyone regardless of effort/education/etc. They believe this is more fair than the corrupt/false "fairness" of the conservative system. But the truth is, this approach just encourages underachievement.

 

The new economy - the "connection economy" takes the control away from the factory owners. and empowers the individual to create something on his own - without the need for a factory or hundreds of workers following SOPs. You no longer need huge amounts of capital and a brick/mortar building to start a business. You no longer need millions in advertising to reach niche' groups of customers. You no longer need massive buying power and bulk discounts to compete.

The individual has more power than ever to become an expert in any subject and leverage that expertise to make a living. Self promotion and self-broadcasting are easy today with all the social/blog/youtube/etc available. We no longer live in a one-size fits all where Henry Ford makes any color you want as long as it is Black.There is a niche for everything from sottware to clothes to food. Look at books/movies/and music today - more than ever is sold but the variety is greater than ever. This will be the case with all good/services.

This is how the individual can elevate himself into the new "20%". And that individual will want very little involvement from government and corporations.

 

The point of this rant is that Conservative and Liberal is dead. It's an old-world fight for the industrial revolution era of big business, big government, and big labor - they might as well be Torres vs. Whigs with how irrelevant their political agendas will soon be (10, 20 years)?.

 

TD RYAN for President.

 

 

 

Ron Paul had to run as a republican, and that killed him. There is no true libertarian party. Not as far as the voting is concerned. The 2 party system is a focking joke. There should be no parties and people should run on their own ideas, not what their political affiliation tells them to.

[TD Ryan2 316]

where can i sign up for your newsletter?

you making fun of me Dank? notsure.

 

I do believe what I posted.

We saw huge opportunity and risk become part of corporate america once globalization and deregulation occurred (70s, 80s). More than ever the Fortune 500s turned over and CEO's were hired and fired at a larger rate than ever. There used to be 3 car companies, 3 oil companies, and 1 phone company - globalization, deregulation, and competition changed all that.

These same concepts are trickling to the individual - it's the next step in the evolution of all of this - replace globalization with "social/connection" and there is more opportunity (and risk) than every for individuals.

For the individual, if you are an expert or have a valuable skill, you no longer need to "wait to be picked" by a company, publisher, record label, network, agency, etc. There is a community on the internet that you can connect with and market to.

 

Safety and security left corporations long ago. There is more pressure than ever to be profitable and more opportunity to penetrate new markets and create new products.

That same shift is now fully at the individual level. Go to school. Shut your mouth, And be average is no longer good enough. Corporations can no longer hire (and protect/insulate) you for this. Each individual will have to distinguish themselves and participate in the communities (online or in-person) that value their skillsets and expertise. And by doing so, the individual will position themselves for employment either as a project based expert/consultant for a corporation or as an individual business owner.

[edjr 6,988]

you making fun of me Dank? notsure.

 

I do believe what I posted.

We saw huge opportunity and risk become part of corporate america once globalization and deregulation occurred (70s, 80s). More than ever the Fortune 500s turned over and CEO's were hired and fired at a larger rate than ever. There used to be 3 car companies, 3 oil companies, and 1 phone company - globalization, deregulation, and competition changed all that.

These same concepts are trickling to the individual - it's the next step in the evolution of all of this - replace globalization with "social/connection" and there is more opportunity (and risk) than every for individuals.

For the individual, if you are an expert or have a valuable skill, you no longer need to "wait to be picked" by a company, publisher, record label, network, agency, etc. There is a community on the internet that you can connect with and market to.

 

Safety and security left corporations long ago. There is more pressure than ever to be profitable and more opportunity to penetrate new markets and create new products.

That same shift is now fully at the individual level. Go to school. Shut your mouth, And be average is no longer good enough. Corporations can no longer hire (and protect/insulate) you for this. Each individual will have to distinguish themselves and participate in the communities (online or in-person) that value their skillsets and expertise. And by doing so, the individual will position themselves for employment either as a project based expert/consultant for a corporation or as an individual business owner.

 

Making fun of you? Dude, you're so spot on. You honestly should have a blog, not be posting on a low rent fantasy football messageboard. you have my vote.

[MTSkiBum 1,626]

contamination concern, not consumption.

 

Contamination has nothing to do with the fracking of a well. Contamination occurs if there is a poor cementing job or a breach in the casing. Every single well that is drilled has cementing and casing.

 

The reason that everyone believes contamination is related to fracking is because this is the first time that small operators are drilling close to population.

 

Chevron and Occidental drill right in Las Angeles, but because they are major companies with much to lose they follow proper guidelines and they also do not cut corners on quality of parts.

[Mungwater 601]

contamination concern, not consumption.

Oh, that's not a problem

[TD Ryan2 316]

 

Making fun of you? Dude, you're so spot on. You honestly should have a blog, not be posting on a low rent fantasy football messageboard. you have my vote.

 

Ed - I read a LOT about all of this. I do it because I'm terrified that somehow I'll miss the boat and be unable to feed my family. My career has a lot of crossover with search marketing, social networking, and mass communications - so not only do I read a lot about this post-industrial-revolution economy, I use a lot of the "connection": tools for my company to expand its own brand/markets/etc.

 

Although I still work for a corporation. I have considered starting my own business but the risk is too much for me now that I have a family. My corporate job is safe and secure (currently) but we are exceptionally lean and the full time employees are expected to have multiple fields of expertise and be able to recommend/hire project based experts when needed.

 

For my kids though.... I want to understand all this. They probably won't work directly for corporations. They will likely work as project based hired hands (or consultants/experts) and have many clients (corporations and individuals) that they work for.

[NewbieJr 541]

In any political thread I can predict the group that will cry about Bush.

 

Don't know which hack will be first to the party, but at least one will show up.

You are the poster child for brain dead party-line followers.

 

If someone listed ten or fifteen random issues the country faces, everyone here could predict exactly which way you'd respond to all fifteen. They could look it up in the conservative/republican handbook. Your way requires zero thinking. Which is perfect for you, since you are one of the least intelligent people I know.

[edjr 6,988]

 

Ed - I read a LOT about all of this. I do it because I'm terrified that somehow I'll miss the boat and be unable to feed my family. My career has a lot of crossover with search marketing, social networking, and mass communications - so not only do I read a lot about this post-industrial-revolution economy, I use a lot of the "connection": tools for my company to expand its own brand/markets/etc.

 

Although I still work for a corporation. I have considered starting my own business but the risk is too much for me now that I have a family. My corporate job is safe and secure (currently) but we are exceptionally lean and the full time employees are expected to have multiple fields of expertise and be able to recommend/hire project based experts when needed.

 

For my kids though.... I want to understand all this. They probably won't work directly for corporations. They will likely work as project based hired hands (or consultants/experts) and have many clients (corporations and individuals) that they work for.

A blog isn't hard to start and you could profit from it in time. You seem to know what you're talking about

[TD Ryan2 316]

A blog isn't hard to start and you could profit from it in time. You seem to know what you're talking about

these are not my original thoughts though- - they are what I've learned from a variety of forward thinkers who are already out there, guys like Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuck.etc.

If you like what I'm posting, start by watching some Seth Godin on Youtube.

 

Some of these talking heads are just marketing their own fluff, rah, rah, philosophies - but some have some substance worth considering.

To me, Seth Godin is the most credible of them all.

[Phurfur 70]

You are the poster child for brain dead party-line followers.

 

If someone listed ten or fifteen random issues the country faces, everyone here could predict exactly which way you'd respond to all fifteen. They could look it up in the conservative/republican handbook. Your way requires zero thinking. Which is perfect for you, since you are one of the least intelligent people I know.

 

The Meat Head really doesn't understand that is is describing himself to a tee.

[FeelingMN 273]

these are not my original thoughts though- - they are what I've learned from a variety of forward thinkers who are already out there, guys like Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuck.etc.

If you like what I'm posting, start by watching some Seth Godin on Youtube.

 

Some of these talking heads are just marketing their own fluff, rah, rah, philosophies - but some have some substance worth considering.

To me, Seth Godin is the most credible of them all.

Good stuff, man.

 

[DankNuggs 305]

you making fun of me Dank? notsure.

 

I think its pretty insightful and astute

[TD Ryan2 316]

Good stuff, man.

 

thanks man.

Are you familiar with these guys or just reading what I've posted?

[DankNuggs 305]

You are the poster child for brain dead party-line followers.

 

If someone listed ten or fifteen random issues the country faces, everyone here could predict exactly which way you'd respond to all fifteen. They could look it up in the conservative/republican handbook. Your way requires zero thinking. Which is perfect for you, since you are one of the least intelligent people I know.

Newbie Whack-a-mole.jpg

[NewbieJr 541]

The Meat Head really doesn't understand that is is describing himself to a tee.

Really?

 

Let's see...

I believe that Americans have a right to own guns and want it to stay that way

I was and still am against Obamacare

I believe in the death penalty.

I believe that illegal immigrants are ahuge problem and we should do more to crack down on it.

I do not believe that humans have any role in the warming of the earth's climate.

 

So, Gramps, reading those true statements about my beliefs, would you say I was a liberal or conservative?

[FeelingMN 273]

thanks man.

Are you familiar with these guys or just reading what I've posted?

Not familiar with anyone you've mentioned, but will check them out. Just appreciating the quality posts in this thread. What you say seems to make a lot of sense and is good food for thought.

 

I have heard it said that we're currently going through an economic/social transition that parallels the transition between agrarian and industrial urban societies seen at the turn of the 20th century. None acquainted enough with that idea to speak in detail about it...but it sounds similar to what you're talking about.

[FlaHawker 24]

Really?

 

Let's see...

I believe that Americans have a right to own guns and want it to stay that way

I was and still am against Obamacare

I believe in the death penalty.

I believe that illegal immigrants are ahuge problem and we should do more to crack down on it.

I do not believe that humans have any role in the warming of the earth's climate.

 

So, Gramps, reading those true statements about my beliefs, would you say I was a liberal or conservative?

Hey Dooshbag. SEAHAWKS SB champs. Just thought I'd let you know since you didn't have the balls to comeback into the Hawks thread,. Pvssy.

[NewbieJr 541]

Hey Dooshbag. SEAHAWKS SB champs. Just thought I'd let you know since you didn't have the balls to comeback into the Hawks thread,. Pvssy.

I know. You played great

[jerryskids 7,162]

these are not my original thoughts though- - they are what I've learned from a variety of forward thinkers who are already out there, guys like Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuck.etc.

If you like what I'm posting, start by watching some Seth Godin on Youtube.

 

Some of these talking heads are just marketing their own fluff, rah, rah, philosophies - but some have some substance worth considering.

To me, Seth Godin is the most credible of them all.

You don't need (completely) original thoughts to blog. I know a guy who consults with startups; he has created a large following in the entrepreneurial community by summarizing books about startups (and business in general). It helps that he is a speed reader... anyway, it is clear that a lot of people here (myself included) enjoyed what you wrote, so go become famous$#!@

[NewbieJr 541]

Really?

 

Let's see...

I believe that Americans have a right to own guns and want it to stay that way

I was and still am against Obamacare

I believe in the death penalty.

I believe that illegal immigrants are ahuge problem and we should do more to crack down on it.

I do not believe that humans have any role in the warming of the earth's climate.

 

So, Gramps, reading those true statements about my beliefs, would you say I was a liberal or conservative?

As predicted, Phurfur runs his mouth till I stick my fist in it. Then he disappears.

 

No comment, Old Timer?

[TD Ryan2 316]

Not familiar with anyone you've mentioned, but will check them out. Just appreciating the quality posts in this thread. What you say seems to make a lot of sense and is good food for thought.

 

I have heard it said that we're currently going through an economic/social transition that parallels the transition between agrarian and industrial urban societies seen at the turn of the 20th century. None acquainted enough with that idea to speak in detail about it...but it sounds similar to what you're talking about.

that sound about right - it is an economic/social "revolution". I don't fully understand how long it will take before the new "connection" economy is "normal" but I do believe it's coming and in many ways, already here.

 

Like I said, I believe I will survive in the remnants of the industrial economy - it's more for my kids and their future that I pay attention.

I hope I can help them find their niche' - whatever they are passionate about and subsequently good at - and then watch them connect with the groups/communities that value their passion and expertise.

 

Theoretically, this new economy will push people towards what they love and are good at. You connections/reputation will be more important than ever - whether you're an individual or a corporation - the quality of your work and your level of honesty/integrity will follow you and bolster you in the communities that you participate in.

 

There were some people in the old industrial economy that leveraged this type of connection in a micro-manner - the guy who was involved with a church group, or town sports, etc and found lots of clients/customers through that community connection.

The local butcher who knew you name and the cuts of meat you liked.

That "local", "guy you know" is going to return but it's hyper-magnified now with the internet and social media.

Trust and reputation will be huge along with quality of work.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

that sound about right - it is an economic/social "revolution". I don't fully understand how long it will take before the new "connection" economy is "normal" but I do believe it's coming and in many ways, already here.

 

Like I said, I believe I will survive in the remnants of the industrial economy - it's more for my kids and their future that I pay attention.

I hope I can help them find their niche' - whatever they are passionate about and subsequently good at - and then watch them connect with the groups/communities that value their passion and expertise.

 

Theoretically, this new economy will push people towards what they love and are good at. You connections/reputation will be more important than ever - whether you're an individual or a corporation - the quality of your work and your level of honesty/integrity will follow you and bolster you in the communities that you participate in.

 

There were some people in the old industrial economy that leveraged this type of connection in a micro-manner - the guy who was involved with a church group, or town sports, etc and found lots of clients/customers through that community connection.

The local butcher who knew you name and the cuts of meat you liked.

That "local", "guy you know" is going to return but it's hyper-magnified now with the internet and social media.

Trust and reputation will be huge along with quality of work.

To me that does not seem like it will result in a very efficient economy. But I'm probably just stuck looking at things from the old, centralized point of view.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Oh.... and don't get me wrong... the world will still need dishwashers and floor moppers - the economy I'm talking about will leave them behind.

Unfortunately the solution for dishwashers and floor moppers is simply: Don't become one.

[edjr 6,988]

Oh.... and don't get me wrong... the world will still need dishwashers and floor moppers - the economy I'm talking about will leave them behind.

 

Great news for Recliner Pilot's children.

[TD Ryan2 316]

To me that does not seem like it will result in a very efficient economy. But I'm probably just stuck looking at things from the old, centralized point of view.

you may be right, but I'll challenge anyways... WHY?

 

Take web development as one particular "expertise" or "skill".

I've hired web companies. I've hired individual web designers.

 

The individual was much better to deal with. He was faster. He was more responsive. He was more personal. He cared more. He was cheaper. He was flexible. He was understanding. He was honest.

 

The company had a lot of policies and hoops for me to jump through and I had a few different people I'd deal with and sometimes there were communication breakdowns. Lots of contracts and formal "do's" and "don't do's".

They were not faster or more efficient for me.

 

[TD Ryan2 316]

I guess if you guys like some of what I'm going on about, I'll post more...

 

One of the challenges is motivating people to believe in and participate in this new economy. Since it's no longer acceptable or realistic to simply get an education and then be hired/protected by the corporations (or factory owners), people will need to get off their arses and be a bit entrepreneurial.

Some have already been forced there thru layoffs - and while it was probably terrifying for them, they are likely better off in the long run b/c they are learning to fish for themselves before the masses really catch on.

The rest will eventually follow.

 

The thinking is that people are not motivated completely by money. Sure, for manual labor, more money equals more results (i.e. a dollar for every rock moved gets more rocks moved). But once an acceptable monetary reward is on the table (i.e a reasonable salary for a reasonable lifestyle), COGNITIVE and CREATIVE tasks are not done better with monetary incentives... and surprisingly, a monetary incentive actually produces LOWER results. Yup, sounds backwards - but there have been studies.

What actually gets better results is one of these three motivators:

- autonomy

- expertise

- relevance

 

If the money is enough that it's not a problem, people desire and are motivated by those three things.

Autonomy - people want to be self directed

Expertise - people want to become good at stuff, they want to learn/improve and become experts

Relevance - people want their work/project to matter, to be important.

 

if a worker is performing a cognitive or creative task, THAT is was motivates them, THAT is how you get better results.

Most corporations remove these three things from employees.

Individual business owners and the self-employed thrive on these three things.

 

And as the masses get a taste of it, they'll like it. They will be happier and more fulfilled by their work and compensated by a fair and acceptable salary, from the groups/communities that know, trust, and respect them.

[peenie 1,999]

the food is better at capital grille.

olive garden and red lobster are restaurants that have been cutting corners for years.

they put a large shrimp on your plate and red lobster calls it a lobster tail.

[drobeski 3,061]

Really?

 

Let's see...

I believe that Americans have a right to own guns and want it to stay that way

I was and still am against Obamacare

I believe in the death penalty.

I believe that illegal immigrants are ahuge problem and we should do more to crack down on it.

I do not believe that humans have any role in the warming of the earth's climate.

 

So, Gramps, reading those true statements about my beliefs, would you say I was a liberal or conservative?

didn't you say you voted for obama ?

[Recliner Pilot 61]

didn't you say you voted for obama ?

 

TWICE!

[NewbieJr 541]

Twice

[drobeski 3,061]

Twice

then those aren't your beliefs, or you don't understand them

[NewbieJr 541]

then those aren't your beliefs, or you don't understand them

lolol

[Recliner Pilot 61]

Really?

 

Let's see...

I believe that Americans have a right to own guns and want it to stay that way

I was and still am against Obamacare

I believe in the death penalty.

I believe that illegal immigrants are ahuge problem and we should do more to crack down on it.

I do not believe that humans have any role in the warming of the earth's climate.

 

So, Gramps, reading those true statements about my beliefs, would you say I was a liberal or conservative?

So, you disagree with Obama's Top 5 issues, yet sukk his cack here daily.