Is the economy offering the right kind of jobs?

Economic growth and jobs are all good news right now. Any continued improvement in a bull economy is welcome. The numbers may not be telling the whole story and greater care should be given to long-term employment opportunities that help slow income gaps.

Those with significant education and technology skills are making more but most other people are not. Its a big problem for future sustainability if income distribution isn't fixed.

While jobs are great, higher wages depend on the fundamentals of economic structures. Manufacturing and technical industries have to be lured back into the country. That is a very complex problem.

I think that tax reform is a good step but there is more we can do. We can improve our data infrastructure and rethink government's hand in developing viable and self sustaining industry clusters. Government and business should be partners in coordinating their marketing and development for maximum economic growth.

Visiting the History and Grandeur of the Vatican

The history and majestic grandeur of the Vatican is amazing. Once the seat of the European world it has amassed a fortune of artifacts and statues that range back to some of the earliest known times. A virtual 128 acre museum itself people of all faiths come to see its wonderment for themselves.

It s definitely worth taking the tour and learning about each of the pieces. For example, Michelangelo was a 30+ years old before he picked up a paint brush and in his 60's before he started work on the Sistine Chapel. Your also not allowed to take pictures of it as as the copyright was part of the funding agreement by Nippon Television Network in Japan to restore the chapel.

What are "We" Americans Worried About in 2018?

There are lots of things to worry about but from a national standpoint there are some that seem to make the top list of Americans. It should be remembered that our national leadership and often the news frames what is important to us as Americans. I suspect the same process happens in every country and culture. According to the Pew's Research Centers poll of 1500 respondents the top ten things we are concerned about are.... 1. Terrorism 2. Education 3. Economy 4. Healthcare costs 5. Social Security 6. Environment 7. Jobs 8. Poor 9. Crime 10. Race Relations If you notice a lot of these things have been discussed in the news as a national dialogue. If I had my pick I would say that the long term sustainability of jobs, education designed for a modern world, and healthcare costs would be the top three. These have some of the biggest impacts on people's day-to-day lives.

New Mexico Invests in Entrepreneurs to Spark its Economy

Entrepreneurs create new opportunities but the process of moving from an idea to an actual successful business. It can be difficult for investors to put their resources into a company that hasn't yet moved to the point where they can make reasonable risk assessment and has a solid chance at success. States like New Mexico are trying new things but should not neglect the fundamentals of economic growth.

Personally, I love innovation centers and they can be hugely helpful for budding business people. We just are not sure what the relationship versus cost and benefit is. There should be more done than to simply build these innovative warehouses.

The state is cheap and it is cost effective to start a business there. Entrepreneurship is a mindset so failed ventures will often be followed up with another try. It is important to recruit the talent and keep things cost effective for them.

Regulation can be a killer. Making sure that regulation supports small business and start-ups will go a long way. People are often unsure of how to start a business and where to start a business. Too many difficult to understand rules will just destroy enthusiasm. Having people who can help and keeping things simple will do wonders.

Recruitment of talent is often about lifestyle. Entrepreneurs are people who live a little on the edge, generally like the outdoors, enjoy art and bands. They are particular to the night life and the outdoor life. Making sure these things are available will help in the long run.

Should we have a Strong or Weak Dollar?

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin recently stated the advantages of a weak dollar and this in turn caused the need for some damage control from President Trump that stated the U.S. policy is to have a stronger dollar. The problem is that there are advantages and disadvantages to a strong and weak dollar.

Strong Dollar Issues:
-More purchasing power internationally.
-Foreign products are cheaper.
-Supplies are cheaper.
-Foreign labor is cheaper.
-More international strength.
-Investment often moves overseas to cheaper alternatives.
-American products are expensive.

Weak Dollar Issues:
-American labor is cheaper.
-Additional investment in local markets.
-Improved manufacturing by American companies.
-American products are cheaper.
-Less purchasing power and less influence.
-Less purchases of foreign products.

Each as their own advantages or disadvantages. In the long run, a slightly deflated dollar by say 15% can make American businesses more competitive. But this can't be done overnight because we neither have the industries to service our own supplies nor are our businesses capable of adjusting that quickly in their purchasing and supply processes. A slightly deflated dollar can work to our advantages is managed over a 5 year period.