Bi-Partisan COVID Bill Part of Re-Norming Our Nation's Leaders

The U.S. is a democracy and each person can cast a vote. However, their votes and voices are often drowned out by special interest groups and political influence. Our nation is at a point in its history where it must decide between two futures that will have a great impact on our lives as we know it. Nothing stays the same forever and success and failure is highly depending on our ability to compromise and work together as a single people with a shared sense of purpose. Any organization, whether on a corporate or a national level, we cannot avoid moving through the stages of change.  

New Political Norms Forming:

According to the 1965 paper by  entitled Developmental Sequence in Small Groups go through stages of forming, storming, norming and performing. Later Dr. Tucker added  dissolution/adjourning to his findings. We have come through an era of hyper politics and the pendulum swings a little more in the direction of bi-partisanship as people ponder the best path forward. National leadership must start working together to solve problems or otherwise face increased risks in ineffective legislation and dysfunctional engagement that could lead to national decline. It would be great if we re-norm and OUT-perform.

Senator Mitch McConnel States, "It is time for Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House to find consensus on COVID relief before the holidays. We hope our Democrat counterparts share our sense of urgency."(DeMarche, Dec. 2014, para 2).  From the language and tone perspective you can see he is seeking a more collaborative approach and encouraging the other party to engage as well. You may also gain a hint that the speaker is aware of the significance of not being part of a package deal.

Language influences how we frame our arguments (combative or collaborative) and creates a perspective that influence national discussions. With more collaborative mannerisms you will also find encourage more problem solving networks versus those that lead to increase combativeness (Focus on connecting versus disconnecting ideas). You can learn a little more about this in the article "Neuroscience and Collaboration: Understanding the Brain for Better People Management" (Gordon, 2017). 

Power in Proposals:

We cannot ponder the changes unless we first propose them. After they are proposed we go through a serious of compromises or rejections. A proposal will of course not be accepted if they are narrowly focused on the needs of a single sect of supporters. Thus, we must work together so as to select and own our collective fate; whether good or bad. The power of proposals can be used as a first to propose influence that leads the conversation and focuses more as a governing power on solving problems. One may also find that their popularity rises during a time of change as bi-partisan and well thought out proposals have a higher rate of success that leads to re-election.

Power can come from proposals! Consider a study entitled The Power of Compromise. Proposal Power, Partisanship, and Public Support in International Bargaining. The study comes to some interesting conclusions, " the author finds attitudes toward compromise are conditioned by the ideology of the audience and leader"(). The study compares reactions and approval ratings based on certain leadership behaviors. I wouldn't worry about which political party so much as the concept of how society is will to reward those who propose and compromise.

 The author states, "Drawing on theories of individuals’ core values, psychological processes, and partisanship, the author argues that leaders reduce or eliminate domestic public constraints by exercising proposal power and initiating compromises." (Brutger, 2020, para 1).

We are living in a complex world and its going to be increasingly so as the pandemic highlights our weaknesses We are also struggling with finding a viable future for ourselves and our nation that will likely have a significant impact on the success of the next generation. Success will require a different set of skills then what might have been needed in the past to secure national dominance. Yet in an era where technology is rapidly changing and nations must earn their spot they must find better solutions than others (Why diversity of thought is important). Success will depend in part on adaptive forming, storming, norming, performing and hopefully not adjourning (That depends on finding a renewed sense of commitment to our core national mission and settlement on how to achieve it) stages. 

Brutger, R. (2020). The Power of Compromise: Proposal Power, Partisanship, and Public Support in International Bargaining. World Politics, 1-39. doi:10.1017/S0043887120000192

DeMarche, E. (December 14th, 2020). Top Republicans seek COVID-19 relief before holidays. Fox News. para 2. Retrieved https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-republicans-seek-covid-19-relief-before-holidays

Gordon, K. ( May 13th, 2017). Neuroscience and Collaboration: Understanding the Brain for Better People Management. CEO Magazine. Retrieved  http://media.the-ceo-magazine.com/guest/neuroscience-and-collaboration-understanding-brain-better-people-management

Tuckman, B. (1965). Developmental Sequence in Small Groups. Psychological bulletin, 63, 384-99 .

How Hate Continues on in the Form of Microaggressions?

The whole point of writing about hate and justice is to give people a proper perspective of what its like to be a target of hate based behaviors and in turn how to eradicate these beliefs that hold us back from fulfilling our national destiny. We must choose to be a single society or to be multiple factions within the same society through the way we interact with others. It doesn't take much for people to move hate from its unacceptable form to its more acceptable forms of microaggressions that can further erode the concept of "togetherness" in society.

In other words, its that subtle form of hate that lingers on in the framework of society leading to further divisions among people who could have long ago forgot their differences. Bigotry is embedded into the language and social structure that pushes our society to be separate. The changes of tone, civility, and under the radar comments all contribute to in-out group dynamics and Us vs. Them mentalities. Just like dealing with passive-aggressive behaviors it is difficult to deal and not easy to confront for fear you could be misjudging.

Let me give you an example of how microaggressions are played out in the course of everyday life and business affairs. You are halfway through a sentence discussing a common house issue with a person who provides such services and they groan and hang up the phone. Yikes! That was odd....was it an accident or was it intentional? While they did eventually call back it didn't seem like a total accident. By the time you actually figure it was intentional rudeness its long after the conversation has ended and no longer easy to directly address.

The way we talk to each other and the way we use our language makes a huge difference in how we perceive and set up the structures of society. The subtle use of language to project hate is called microaggressions. Microaggressions are designed to impact the target and are not always conscious but yet play a big part of creating hostile environments. It is an indication of beliefs and method of interacting with people you see as a "foe" when compared to those you see as "friend".

It is helpful to have a definition of such behaviors, "Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups." (1) I'm not sure why the definition says "historically" as it could be toward any group but the main point seems to be aggression embedded in everyday language and is focused on groups or people seen as "outsiders".

You may want to read something a little more scientific about how they work in a study in the study he What, the Why, and the How: A Review of Racial Microaggressions Research in Psychology (Wong, et. al. 2014). I applaud researchers like this because they are highlighting issues that reverberate throughout our economic system and the choices and beliefs people make. These are the poor behaviors that are there if you know what you are looking for and research helps bring them forward so they can be recognized and someday addressed.

It should be understood that the group has been intentionally snubbing the target and this may have lead to other more serious problems in the community. Thus, microaggressions are not innocent and they are not without consequence to others who are not involved and are innocent bystanders.  Dividing lines and microaggressions are the subtle form that can lead to choices and behaviors that can easily become macro aggressions under the right circumstances. Further incidents by group members would be an indication of further intent (Let's wait and see).

We also can't forget that even though we have laws in place we have not solved bigotry, hate and racism in society. Its only when we look deeper into the problems to uncover latent variables that are just behind the more observable behaviors. The subconscious thinking patterns can lead to all types of other problems such as lack of integration in neighborhoods/business, creating hostile environments, and when widespread setting up different factions and societies; even in the same country.

Observation: Aggressive social groups continue on with subtle rude and social positioning behaviors. 

Observation: Because hate is imbedded in the brain it will adjust forms that create difficult to work in environments that are likely to lead to new conflict.

Observation: Macroaggressions help define group boundaries and encourage social factions.

Sure sure sure....one can live with intentional rudeness and immaturity from time-to-time but why should they have to? Its "In your face" nature is a problem with hate, it impacts social context and association that leads to segregation, different social networks, different business networks, and continuous risks encourage future conflict.  The environment dysfunctional social groups create is designed to socially signal their projected beliefs. You don't need to put on a hood and brandish a weapon to create hostile environments. 

Observation: Once hate and bigotry is embedded into a social group it is difficult to unroot because they are interconnection in interpersonal loyalties and similar mindsets of social consciousness (i.e. sharing a real or mythical enemy/target). 

Observation: Communities struggle with themselves to deal with the deep seated nature of bigotry, racism and bullying. It works a little like a debate where the group beliefs persist and seek to influence others who may or may not agree; an internal community debate.

Thinking about what might help in Michigan I have a few thoughts on the incident that may be useful. First, the laws on hate are too rigid and seem to focus only on high level threats and intimidation. It doesn't grasp how hate works in the brain and how it functions in every day social networks. Forms change but the intent and message don't. Second, hate is embedded into our culture and we will need to go beyond simple legislation and change the very nature by which view natural differences in this country. As long as such behaviors are acceptable, whether locally or national, we are going see these problems rear their head again and again.  As a nation, we will make choices as to whether we will reach our full potential or seek to arrest that development and split.

We can say that these types of actions help define the boundary of the group and their beliefs. While they appear to be somewhat homogenous in certain beliefs there does appear to be some differences that are starting to emerge. Those that are most connected to the core faction seem to be more likely to engage in such behaviors while others have gone another route. While it is easy to get into tit for tat behaviors that escalate that isn't really the point of what is going on here. I want people to truly choose who they are and what they believe without prompt so that these behaviors are truly theirs. Thus, my goal is to continue to be polite and continue to engage and integrate into the community to see what the actions and reactions are (Patience really is a virtue here!). It takes skill and practice to stay patient and be aware of what behaviors belong to you and what belongs to them.

Wong, G., Derthick, A. O., David, E. J., Saw, A., & Okazaki, S. (2014). The What, the Why, and the How: A Review of Racial Microaggressions Research in Psychology. Race and social problems, 6(2), 181–200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-013-9107-9

 

Latest Government Hack Highlights Need for Updated Data Infrastructure and Security

 We are moving into a digital world and we have not yet grasped the economic and security solutions we need to maintain and improve our national strength. Old paradigms are becoming increasingly insecure, ineffective, and costly. Updating our data infrastructure can help us on multiple fronts such as GDP growth and big data advancements. Successful strategic change pressures us to think more about infrastructure investments that prepare us for advance manufacturing and commerce while at the same way improving our overall data security (i.e. block chain and other fast data recall encryption and data dispersion methods). Successful adaptation is limited not by our will to overcome but by our ability to envision safe harbor through the fog. Solutions will require bi-partisan agreement on what coordinates we are going to point this national juggernaut. 

Florida Gets Two First Space Bases-Could KI Sawyer Have Some Strategic Advantages?

I'm watching the two new bases renamed in adopting process to start the Space Force. Florida is a great place for a new base. Yet I'm still thinking of the U.P. and KI Sawyer as potential base locations and air transport hub. Some type of feasibility study would need to be conducted but with changes in our manufacturing competitiveness and our new military technology needs may prompt us to consider this geographical important area. 

Congressional Activities that Impact the U.P.

 The U.P. of Michigan is a unique place with all the spender of small town living nestled between large swaths of forest and coastline. Being up here means we opportunities to enhance our lives and our areas in a way that is sustainable. Supporting our environment, shipping, and business are fundamental to maintaining a quality standard of life. 

The following highlights were taken from the Bergman Brief. You can sing up for it as well if you seek to have these updates. Below is quoted....

SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Michigan Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Drought

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in Michigan as a result of drought that occurred from June 29 through Sept. 26, 2020.

The loans are available in the following counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Roscommon and Wexford. “When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Michael Lampton, acting director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Except for aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, with terms up to 30 years.

The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov and should apply under SBA declaration # 16791, not for the COVID-19 incident. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Loan applications can be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 26, 2021.

EPA New Interim Strategy Will Address PFAS Through Certain EPA-Issued Wastewater Permits

Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment continues to be an active and ongoing priority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today, the agency is announcing two important steps to address PFAS. First, EPA issued a memorandum detailing an interim National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting strategy for addressing PFAS in EPA-issued wastewater permits. Second, EPA released information on progress in developing new analytical methods to test for PFAS compounds in wastewater and other environmental media. Together, these actions help ensure that federally enforceable wastewater monitoring for PFAS can begin as soon as validated analytical methods are finalized.

“Better understanding and addressing PFAS is a top priority for EPA, and the agency is continuing to develop needed research and policies,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “For the first time in EPA’s history, we are utilizing all of our program offices to address a singular, cross-cutting contaminant and the agency’s efforts are critical to supporting our state and local partners.”

“Managing and mitigating PFAS in water is a priority for the Office of Water as we continue our focus on meeting 21st century challenges,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. “These actions mark important steps in developing the underlying science and permitting techniques to address PFAS in wastewater where the discharge of these chemicals may be of concern.”

EPA’s interim NPDES permitting strategy for PFAS provides recommendations from a cross-agency workgroup on an interim approach to include PFAS-related conditions in EPA-issued NPDES permits. EPA is the permitting authority for three states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico), the District of Columbia, most U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Indian Country, and certain federal facilities. The strategy advises EPA permit writers to consider including PFAS monitoring at facilities where these chemicals are expected to be present in wastewater discharges, including from municipal separate storm sewer systems and industrial storm water permits. The PFAS that could be considered for monitoring are those that will have validated EPA analytical methods for wastewater testing, which the agency anticipates being available on a phased-in schedule as multi-lab validated wastewater analytical methods are finalized. The agency’s interim strategy also encourages the use of best management practices where appropriate to control or abate the discharge of PFAS and includes recommendations to facilitate information sharing to foster adoption of best practices across states and localities.

In coordination with the interim NPDES permitting strategy, EPA is also providing information on the status of analytical methods needed to test for PFAS in wastewater. EPA is developing analytical methods in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense to test for PFAS in wastewater and other environmental media, such as soils. The agency is releasing a list of 40 PFAS chemicals that are the subject of analytical method development. This method would be in addition to Method 533 and Method 537.1 that are already approved and can measure 29 PFAS chemicals in drinking water. EPA anticipates that multi-lab validated testing for PFAS will be finalized in 2021.

EPA Announces a $500,000 Community-Scale Air Toxics Monitoring Grant to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to receive a $500,000 Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring grant to help monitor and provide important information to communities on air toxics.

“Monitoring air quality is an essential step towards keeping people, and the environment healthy— an effort this Administration has prioritized, and the Agency has been proactive in,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede. “EPA is committed to protecting the human health and the environment of all Americans, no matter their zip code.”

“The grant will enable Michigan EGLE to conduct real-time monitoring of air toxics and ozone precursors at various industrial sites of importance to local communities in Detroit and other cities in Southeast Michigan,” said Mary Ann Dolehanty, Director of EGLE’s Air Quality Division.

EPA has selected EGLE for a $500,000 grant to conduct mobile monitoring to assess the contributions of certain industrial sources to concentrations of air toxics in the outdoor air in southeast Michigan. EGLE plans to assess the relative contributions of target sources to ambient concentrations of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), including ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and toxic metals, and distinguish their contributions to ambient exposure from other sources. Longer term outcomes include control strategies for HAP emission reductions, especially in Environmental Justice communities. Secondary benefits include supporting ozone attainment efforts. The University of Michigan will help to facilitate community involvement in the project.

Nationally, EPA announced the selection of 11 air toxics monitoring projects to receive $5 million in funding under the agency’s Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring grants program. EPA anticipates providing selected agencies funding for their work in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 using State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) Funding.

To learn more about the Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring grants, visit: https://www.epa.gov/amtic/community-scale-air-toxics-ambient-monitoring-csatam.

Biden Introduces Economic Team-Theories and Models

President Elect Joe Biden recently unveils his economic team. There are some heavy hitters included so it appears there will be a grander out rolling of new policies at some point in the not so distant future. Janet Yellen is a familiar face in economic news and her policy approaches are known. That doesn't mean she won't break her mold a little but she has certain philosophical underpinnings that help guide her policy decisions. 

The pandemic created a novel situation and no matter what economic plan the team develops it can't be cookie cutter because the economic situation and fundamentals have shifted. In other words, our current theories have some predictive validity (i.e. if the government does this it leads to that) but the accuracy of those predictions has gone down since Covid-19

We never lived through a pandemic or its economic repercussions at a time in history where technology is fundamentally changing just about everything we know about life. The data we are collecting now on a worldwide scale will open our eyes to how we function as a species. Because all economic theories relate to human behavior the advent of the Information Age (Big Data) will provide more information about human behavior but adjust many of these behavior patterns (rooted in the physical world) to center around the tools and products of an online world (We have come a long way since using a stick to get ants out of a log 😕).

What often happens is that new phenomenon change highlight the need for additional study and research. If old theories don't explain something well the intellectuals of society go out and look for other theories that seem to explain activities more accurately. It gets confusing so just I think of it like.....

1. Theories are explanatory so they explain a phenomenon based on the information we have. When a theory appears to be accurate it explains something in our world and can predict (with some statistical accuracy) a similar event/phenomenon. When a theory is useful it can be applied across a set of phenomenon with similar characteristics.

2. Models are precise and descriptive that can be used to support the validity of a theory. While a person can create a model based on an unsupported theory that model must be tested to see if it accurately describes how something works or functions. From a practical standpoint, a model should have some elements that can be broken down and tested through specific measurements. 

These definitions are based in philosophy so different people will use the terms differently. It can get confusing which one is which because the words are often interchangeable. To me a model is transaction oriented and descriptive while a theory explains and predicts phenomenon. An applied theory will need at least one functional model to be used in industry. 

From a research stand point one could break theories down and study them in a form of a model (i.e. something like I'm doing with Delta County). I suspect it is also possible to build a model from observation and create a general theory. Those models are then can be tested in other places to see if they are generalizable to other times and locations. If they are you have a working and functioning theory that somewhat accurately (I say somewhat because we are not "all knowing" so we will always need to adjust at some point until we have perfect knowledge.) explains and predicts events.

There appears to be a lot of knowledge in that room so let's just watch and find out what is going to happen in the near future. 

Delta County Michigan Advertisement as a Place to Vacation and Invest

 Delta County Michigan has a lot to offer for people who want a touch of small charm and still be able to reach into the modern world. If you are an outdoor enthusiast you have a lot of options ranging from dog sled races, historical sites, and outdoor activities. 

For me the best of both worlds is necessary. Give me portable Internet and some hiking boots (or snow shoes) and I have most of the things I need. 

My suspicion is that Delta County will become an attractive destination for Millennials that can work online and still enjoy getting in touch with nature. The post-Covid world may impact the county in ways that it didn't expect just a year ago.  

If you have some investment capital and want to put it into a growth market I suggest you explore some of the benefits of starting a business, building condos, or putting your creative firm here to balance the need for intellect and creative inspiration. Personally, I think it would be a great place for micro-tourism manufacturing, distribution, and small start up innovative capital firms. 

You can always contact the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and see what they have to say. 

CNBC Global CFO Survey-China Poised to Grow and U.S. is Missing Essential Competitive Opportunities

CFO survey indicates that China's economy is likely to increase and rebound faster than the U.S. The U.S. has some ability to start investing in their networks, advanced manufacturing, investment aspects of their cities, and align education to industry to maximize growth and prepare the speeding up of the Information Age. As of yet we haven't been able to get all of the stakeholders to start thinking beyond protecting the U.S. from decline to putting in place strategies that will lead to higher levels of growth that could outstrip that of China's. Our physical manufacturing infrastructure is there but decaying and in need of improvement to reduce business costs. At the same time, we have the basics for an advanced data driven economy but haven't fully pushed it with the type of policy and investments we need to launch ourselves back into competitive stance once COVID ends. There are opportunities to solve multiple problems on multiple fronts but often we think in the box which leads to a stable slow decline. 

$908 Billion COVID-19 Bill-Can We Do More?

The proposal is offered as a bi-partisan initiative to shore up funding support for a prolonged pandemic fall out. The package appears to be designed to be a slimmed down version to gain the support needed to get it passed. We are running out of time before previous packages are coming to a close and a new package would be needed if we are going to take an approach to propping the economy.

We may want to consider a second package focused on building competitive capacity.

What I do see in the information available is that it appears to be a couple of different facets to this basic plan that includes developing some infrastructure capacity, relief to individuals, and business liquidity.  Democrats and Republicans don't appear to get exactly what they want but could possible accept as a compromise.

The package appears to be about helping the economy stay a float and minimize hardship to small business and people. I'm not seeing the package as a method of advancing the economy. There are some components to transportation and Internet access. Appears to be main street and small business focused. 

What I would like to see would be a second package focused more on building our competitive capacity which will pay a return on those investments over the next few decades. Such a package would move more into developing businesses, improving the international investment climate of cities, pushing innovation climate, developing our data and export infrastructure, as well as improving human capital through university-industry partnerships. 

$908 billion proposal includes.... 

$288 billion in small business aid Paycheck Protection Program loans,
$160 billion in state/local government relief,
$180 billion to fund a $300 per week supplemental unemployment benefit lasting until March,
$16 billion into vaccine distribution, testing and contact tracing, funnel
$82 billion into education, $45 Billion Transportation.
$35 billion Healthcare provider relief fund:
$82 billion Education
$4 billion Student loans
$25 billion Housing assistance
$26 billion Nutrition/Agriculture
$10 billion U.S. Postal Service
$10 billion Child care
$10 billion Broadband
$5 billion Opioid treatment

You can take a look HERE at the list.

Pictures of Shelter Island

 Pictures of Shelter Island on coffee run! Get that speed walk in and experience the coastline.