Encouraging College Students to Critically Think Sources

 College is a time when people learn "how to think" versus "what to think". Any society must have people that are able to think for themselves and come up with their own conclusions. The lessons we learn from critical thinking can apply to different aspects of people's lives in and after college. While as professors, we want to encourage people to move down healthy thinking patterns it is not our job to tell students what to think; that is up to the student. We must only give our students the tools they need to come to conclusions using critical thinking skills to solve problems. 

In the business world it is the ability to overcome problems and implement new strategies that will make success. Some will always work for someone else, some will become executives, and some will start their own businesses. Each will have to make choices over lots of things in their field and they will need to use critical thinking to ensure they are being impactful.

Helping students to think critically is vitally important to our nation. We want healthy people that listen to different sides of arguments, explore possibilities, create new possibilities and then support their ideas with a level of credible data/sources. If your not critical thinking to solve problems your accepting the perspective of others without examination.....

Critical is “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action” (Scriven & Paul, 2007, p. 1).

Such level of thinking encourages metacognition which is thinking about thinking. It is a fuller understanding of our thinking processes and how we draw conclusions. Not everyone will reach a level of metacognition in their lives and thus will be more prone to misunderstanding themselves and the information presented to them. 

There is something students can use called IDEALS  (Facione, 2007):

I Identify the Problem: What is the real question we are facing? 

D Define the Context: What are the facts that frame this problem? 

E Enumerate the Choices: What are plausible options? 

A Analyze Options: What is the best course of action? 

L List Reasons Explicitly: Why is this the best course of action? 

S Self-Correct: Look at it again … What did we miss?

Notice that critical thinking is about exploring possibilities by defining problems in new ways and supporting ideas in evidence. It is also about looking broadly and widely among a number of different sources to find solutions that may have been previously skipped over. This is why one must review problems to find new angles and in turn go research the possibilities of such solutions. The better we are able to find and coordinate the pieces the better we are at thinking (requires a level of fluid intelligence).

For example, I'm going back to the calibrated tax plan that I'm working on (simply because it is in my radar of interests). The plan was generated from constant debate over taxes that attract and retain business while also ensuring companies pay their fair share. Having a calibrated tax rate for businesses who have their headquarters (intellectual capital) in the U.S. and a different one for those conducting commerce in the U.S. might be helpful in attracting business and converting them from system user to system builder (Attracting a business to move their HQ to the U.S. versus simply using the system to sell products.) It is a finished idea? No....but its a new way of looking at taxes in an increasingly digital global world that helps slow the race to the bottom because the rate is set based on the strength of a number of competitive factors such as infrastructure, labor availability, etc.... You can read more about it....See Hypothetical Delta County Calibrated Tax Model

In this tax example we can say there are many reasons why it might and might not be true (Just because its my idea doesn't mean its right and I should give equal weight to alternatives). We look at all of the different tax plans, we look at our history, the changing trends in society, the need for the U.S. to become the center of the supply chains and we ask ourselves, "How will we get there?" Chances are we will need to change a few things to do it. Critical thinking is about not accepting the previous answer (or the one's others offer) without some level of analysis and comparison. It is helpful when someone else looks at the same thing and comes up with differences based on evidence and logic. 

You can agree or disagree but you need to know why before you call yourself a critical thinker. That can be any topic or issue. It could be politics and it could be the leading social conversation of the day (Not that you want to spend time examining everything you read in the news.) Once you know how to think you can apply that thinking strategy to other topics and find there may be lots of different ways to look and resolve issues.  See Teaching Critical Thinking

Scriven, M., & Paul, R. (2007). Defining critical thinking. The Critical Thinking Community: Foundation for Critical Thinking. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/define_critical_thinking.cfm

Facione, P. A. (2007). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251303244_Critical_Thinking_What_It_Is_and_Why_It_Counts

Snyder, L. G., & Snyder, M. J. (2008). Teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Journal of Research in Business Education, 50(2), 90. http://reforma.fen.uchile.cl/Papers/Teaching%20Critical%20Thinking%20Skills%20and%20problem%20solving%20skills%20-%20Gueldenzoph,%20Snyder.pdf

Biden Townhall CNN (July 21st, 2021)

Keeping up with the political news. While I lean Republican I have no issues with Democrats and think sometimes they come up with some great ideas. We are polarized in this country and there is little to no reason we can't pull both sides toward the center. To me, the ability to solve problems is the most important functions of being in politics (I'm no expert so make your own judgements.)

One thing I agree with President Biden is that democracies must compete again and are challenged by other forms of government. While some might believe that we can't overcome challenges (due to our polarization) I believe we will adapt. Democracy is here to stay because as people gain access to information and education they want to be involved. 

Democracies are about empowering people to act in their and their communities best interests. We want people to go out and chase their dreams (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness) and do so in a prosocial level that helps their country (Its actually good for the country.). We have obligations to each other and that should transcend our specific political issues.

Parties are great and they should provide others with general guidance but we should never have parties that dictate straight line choices. Instead, we should have parties that recognize general alignment but provide wiggle room on voting. Politicians owe their loyalties #1 to the American people, #2 their moral conscious and lastly #3 their party. 

Basically being in government means you should be focused on the nation and secondarily to what they believe what is right/wrong. After that, one could line in with their favorite party. While this is likely to be the case we shouldn't' force people to vote specifically one way or another. 

One thing I'm going to say I agree that we don't want police to be viewed negatively and we need them to be on the street getting to know people. We also want policing to be a positive job that attracts some of the best our country has to offer. College students and social workers should be part of the process. 

I agree with the concept of disrupting disrupting drug networks, help addicts, and crack down hard on those who make the drugs. Mental health and addiction are related and we can't solve one without solving the other. Science should lead our choices and that wouldn't sit well with all people from both parties.

Officers in Philadelphia Rescue a Mother and Baby Spreading Good Will

We have seen in the news the actions of a few bad apples but we often don't see the wonderful things officers do! They are people who have a propensity to help and the vast majority joined with good karma in mind.  Actions like this should be shared as it prompts society to the positive side of policing and raises PR in the field that has been struggling to recruit (which could lead to more kind souls joining). 

The images we show and share with society create impressions and lead to long-term public relations impressions. Images also help employees within organizations view themselves and act on these impressions in a way that improves overall department performance (Through cultural adjustments and empowerment). 

The officers did a great job and deserve praise to let other officers see workplace expectations. Leading by Example and Group Performance 

Its a little graphic.😨😥

Old Homes and Abandoned Gems

We in the U.S. love to buy new houses and expand expand expand! Sometimes we leave gems behind in places that have experienced decades declines. I came across this house while driving today (keeping location secret for moment) and thought. That would be a great project! 

Assuming the house has a solid structure, proper zoning, and basics still intact (i.e. stair cases) it could be worth the elbow grease. I decided I was going to look up the owner of record and see if I can put in a very low ball offer in (...like really really low). 

Its in an ok neighborhood. Not good or bad but maintaining its value. Middle class in orientation and with a little effort it could be a great head turner. It also looks like it has a lot of land in a big town. 

Reinvesting back in some neighborhoods can keep them fresh and alive. Instead of pulling money out we should be drawing back in. I've seen some communities get popular again and spring forth new life. Great design for a house!

Teaching Youth Technical Skills (One Generation to Next)

We talk a lot about economics and business in this blog. Over the past few decades we have become every more reliant on others to do the work that we used to do ourselves. While specialization with one's work often improves income levels there are some benefits to doing some of your car maintenance (and other maintenance related to house, garden, etc...) ourselves. This becomes even more important for kids that will need these technical skills later. 

The other day my son asked if I could pay for him to get an oil change. The last time I paid it was $100 at the local oil depot. At this time, I'm teaching more about self-reliance and learning about how cars function and work than pulling out the check book. 

The total cost of completing the oil change was around $35 but the lesson learned was much more. 

Why change the oil together?

1.) Learn about the car and how it functions

2.) Learn basic mechanical skills

3.) The value of money and labor.

4.) To understand what the mechanic is doing to the car and how to inspect.

5.) Creating a connection from one generation to the next.

6.) Learning the right mindset for listening.

I think its important for one generation to teach the next generation valuable skills. Relying on others is great but knowing things yourself is much better. That doesn't mean you are going to get it right all the time. Fixing and working on your own car can really be a pain but it is definitely a learning process.

 Our next project will likely be an old truck and/or muscle car. Still thinking Harley. I will let fate decide.  See Apprentice Skills Youth

The World Inside and Outside Dysfunctional Groups: Distorted Mirrors and Social "Realities"

The world inside some groups and the world outside some groups are sometimes radically different. We are struggling with these concepts as a nation as we try to navigate a new world that is changing before our eyes (don't blink too long!). We are swimming in an era of increased diversity butting against social exchanges that sometimes utilize very rigid mental filters (Selective Attention and In-Out Group Bias. See Side Note A2. Martiny-Huenger, Gollwitzer & Oettingen, 2014). 

Group bias declines as we look at other outside anchors/perspectives.
In extreme cases, that can also lead to the discounting of rights and the value of life.

The problem we face is that once we have selected our friends and our lifestyle we may not be as open to others as we should be. Its an issue in a world where half of society society are "minorities" (...meaning statistic minorities of which ratios change in our future. That doesn't include access to opportunity, wealth and government/business decision making. See Notes A3). 

There are many different causes for these social barriers that include lack of exposure to "other", personality traits, lack of education, self-esteem, racism/bigotry, distorted group values, and comingled factors. Sometimes it could be as simple as mental health issues and an over inflated sense of self being projected throughout social networks to "punish" and cover misinformation  (Lots of grey areas that confuses law enforcement agencies. So many working parts that the truth can become distorted throughout the decision making chain.) 

What is a Distorted Mirror and Social "Realities"?

What we know about ourselves is based on what the world reflects back to us (This isn't always true if we grow up to develop appropriate outside anchors and references matched with internal self-awareness. Its an internal embedded sense of self through repeated sensory environmental interpretation. Psycho-babble. blah blah!). In the case of this group, their past sports playing recreational activities helped to form the groups core identity and in turn how they view themselves through their local network. Somewhat a self enclosed system and the information they share among members is based more in the opinion of "influencers" than anything particularly tangible. See Social Influencer Facebook Games. 

This wouldn't be a problem in most social scenarios but when information is designed to appeal to a particular race, religion, activity, and dominated by a distorted personality(ies) it can sometimes lead (not saying it has reached that level here) to an entire dysfunctional group (i.e. hate groups, gangs, terrorists, anarchists, ultra-nationalists, etc...). The far majority of people don't act on distorted views but it takes one disgruntled lone wolf to change the dynamics. We should remember these lessons from our past and how groups who thought they were "right" have done some horrendous things only to be shocked in hindsight when society condemns them (i.e. distorted mirrors and perceptual reality change.). 

To gain a better understanding you might want to look at The Looking Glass: Perception is Reality and a study on Racial Identity and Looking Glass

Fixing the Distortion with Shock Exposure!

Because this group formed their identities through a small social network within in a homogeneous community they see their friends as an extension of themselves (i.e. shared identity from a consistently similar environment and people.). Their boundaries are lower than healthy groups and members are often required to prove their worth to other members through attention seeking behaviors (Most of the time its good fun but other times it can be directed at individuals and families.)

To understand why its important to encourage members of this group to break out of their mold is because of shock therapy! (Wait....🌟 What? No mice please!) Thus far members have shown an overriding willingness to follow their leadership inching ever so close to sinking into the black hole of hate (Its important to keep in mind not a single member of the group can really say me or my children have done anything to them. Most of them we don't know and the ones we do know would likely say we are nice people. Boundaries were created because we were on the receiving end of someone else's distorted behaviors that intentionally involved/manipulated children with no regard for their health or safety. The crossing of boundaries and intentional misinformation destroyed any faith in the perpetrators ability to trusted in the care of minority youth.) What we can say is at the moment healthier minds have not yet stood up to self correct their social network (Really? Hating a father and kids just because someone told you to do it? 😲 Seriously, you owe it yourself, kids and community to take a more mature stance. Grow up!) Sorry...I digress..... 

To understand why people blindly follow others we have to look at a study that explores the concepts of the psychological propensity toward group aggression and genocide. The researchers set up a study to see who would follow another's direction to kill another person. What they found is that the vast majority (something like 92%)  would press a shock button until a lethal electric shock led to death. Only a small few from the subject pool had a healthy enough self concept to say "Nope! I won't do it! I'm accountable for my own behavior and am a healthy mature adult🙆 ). See Miligrams Study. 

Particularly, I like this quote, "The extreme willingness of adults to go to almost any lengths on the command of an authority constitutes the chief finding of the study and the fact most urgently demanding explanation.'

Kantian Senses and Philosophy of Perception

No one can predict the future 100% accuracy (statistically impossible) but we are able to draw inferences from other group behaviors experienced at other times and places through gangs, cults, extremist circles, etc... There are some shared characteristics between groups but it would be hard for members to see these similarities because of their limited perspective of "other" and themselves. The toxic environment often encourages the "bad apples" of the bunch to move beyond sociably acceptable behaviors and into what could be criminal in nature.

What we can say is that there has been intentional rumor spreading (looks like emotionally manipulate to encourage loose canons to act. A likely prior used offense and defense mechanism of some group members. I have seen what happens when core group members get angry with others. They all jump in like a gang.), false police complaint (corruption of at least one officer), intimidation behaviors (yelling, screaming, middle fingers, public embarrassment, group harassment, yelling out names, calling kids "Nigga Babies" and Muslims "terrorists", ostracizing, and a few other discovered (potential crimes....needs a forensic review.) that may have led to the "cover up" aggression to intimidate/silence the victim(s).

This is an obvious forgery!
I wish it was that easy. 😲

You can sort of get the picture that its a toxic social environment that is unhealthy for kids and adults. What the group doesn't realize is that perhaps their leadership has been feeding them false information to excite them to create separation between their support network and the people who have a legitimate complaint? (Maybe...maybe not?) I would suspect if you pulled each of the members out and asked them, "What did this guy and kids do to you?" they would likely say, "Nothing. They are actually nice. We were told by XXXXX to XXXXX because they are Muslim and XXXX"....or something like that.  In other words, they would struggle to find a real reason beyond blind support and rumors. 

Now...if we were to look at trends of prior patterned behaviors it would appear that artificially heighten emotional states are designed to coordinate aggressive behaviors.  Unless members peal off from their designated leadership they will have little reason to change course. See Group Sync. This will likely be easier if the target family refuses to be intimidated and/or simply lives their lives (not to be controlled or intimidated through dishonesty and group aggression) as a helpful presence to the community. (No matter where they go with this. Right is right and wrong is wrong! Standing up to hate and bullying is important for long term social and economic development of the town. I doubt many of the members understand the connection between societies that engage in hate and overall economic stagnation! See Conflict, Human Dev, and Economy). 

What is the final result of the group's trajectory........

Immanuel Kant was a philosopher and scientist that discussed the issue of predictive processing based on neuroscience (what we call it now) through perception and cognition...... 

(1) the emphasis on “top-down” generation of percepts; 

(2) the role of “hyperpriors”; 

(3) the general function of “generative models”; 

(4) the process of “analysis-by-synthesis”; and 

(5) the crucial role of imagination in perception.

Based on the way we see and interpret information we can come to a couple of conclusions...... 

What we can say is that some of the behaviors are aggressive and likely more theatrical than real (Our monkey cousins do this as well . See Primate Aggression. I guess someone in the group wants something and is using others to ensure they create an environment when it will happen. Yuck!)  It only takes one "lose cannon" to change the scenario for everyone. Since some of the members have shown a higher propensity toward intimidation/aggression tactics they are likely manipulated by false information, pre-existing bias, and a core group of "leadership" trying to rally them for their own causes by inventing the "Muslim" boogieman. Were not invading the town man! We are just going grocery shopping and hanging out. Something isn't making sense to me but am open to different explanations.🤷

Here is my present prediction (It will change as information becomes available. See Fluid Intelligence and Strategic Decisions). Most of the members will eventually learn when the wool has been pulled away from their dazed eyes "see" the distorted beliefs for what they are (Assuming they are capable of that level of development. See Plato's Allegory of the Cave Side Note A4). Since passive supporters are not directly engage in aggression, and more on the side of ostracism (because it shows support is non committal.), they are unaware that their behavior is a contributing factor to another problem of pseudo-ethnic cleansing (I'm still advocating for mandatory mental health for the leadership as a method of accountability and long term problem resolution 💓.)

Eventually everything will be ferreted out because truth will trump distortion (History has a knack for bringing out a proper perspective.). Why? because it is parsimonious, sophisticated, and plausible. Lies are intended to manipulate while the truth (...even the subjective kind as long as it is honestly subjective. Don't spend too much time thinking about it...its not really worth the effort for this article.😏) is designed to throw light on dark behavior. One seeks the best outcome for everyone while the other seeks to best outcome for only a few; regardless of who gets hurt and/or the consequences of its destructive path. See Narcissism and Deceit in Groups

The group will either self-correct or go to the next level. As some group members heighten the emotions of their easily manipulated "followers"  others will peal away from their leadership (at least on the more aggressive antics) based on "good moral conscious and aptitude.". Much of the perceived conflict will eventually pass but they will remain fearful of associating with the targets without a "permission slip" from their leaders (Free one above if you need it! 🙊). The line of reasoning will look like, "I'm not going to jail for you dummies! I will provide silent support instead." What would be more constructive is something along the lines of, "Hey...what you are doing is wrong and not a reflection of what I believe our society should look like! I'm out!"

There is a fairly high chance (28+% without correction) that a few of the male members (based on deep seated feelings of inadequacy) will escalate and cross the bounds from aggressive theatrics to actual aggression. See Big Macho Cry Babies (... likely through the prompting of key female influencers.💁). Because they are confused/ and somewhat fearful of the targets it will lean toward premeditation (We will wait and see if there is de-escalation or further escalation through rumor spreading and aggressive puffery. BTW this isn't innocent talk..it has a sinister purpose and all of it seems to relate around delegitimizing and encouraging aggression.👿)

Continuing the Process of Engagement

Most minorities would be frightened to death by coordinated aggression and leave but why would we hand over our communities and countries to those of miscreant orientation (I'm of the mindset its better to just stick to your values no matter how things turn out. You own yours and everyone else owns theirs. I'm not sure what else there is. )? They are forced to either allow themselves to be ethnically cleansed or stand up to the larger social network that has decided who will and who will not live in their community (now making them a social and legal risk). Refusal to be intimidated and/or have their boundaries crossed will likely be interpreted by some as "arrogant" and "uppity" (Yep...even non-cool people can be uppity in today's world) leading to more anger/rage (I'm just not impressed!😤). 

So the plan is to be visible and present within the community so members gain exposure to further encourage them to think for themselves and make choices over who/what they stand for as a people (While some of the members say they "rule" the town I say I prefer democratically elected leadership. While I might not like everyone we elect I can say we did it together through our agreed upon process. Why I don't like those who circumvent it for personal gain. Dictators, warlords, and sniffy socialites need not apply! See Hegel, Freedom and Advancement). It is their choice to determine their values and where those values will lead them in the future (Fate and choice brings me to where I am now and I have something to say about this. It might be inconvenient but I also believe it to be more reflective how disturbed the behaviors was.) Reflecting back to them another way of "seeing" themselves might lead to group insight...and perhaps self-correcting behaviors. See Cognitive Engagement

At what point will the group members become aware of their own behavior (i.e. what they think about the target as a reflection of themselves)? Their perceptual "reality" is distorted by lack of cultural exposure to others and "openness to experience" See Psychological evaluation of Crowd Personality. Perhaps more accurate reflection/feedback loops can bring other groups in alignment with American values and in turn save them from themselves (See Social Animal). I would suspect they are further unaware of who is using them and who is trying to help them (i.e. will the "leadership" care if a member(s) of the group do something dumb because they were hyped up by hate, smoke, and mirrors? That is called using others and part of mental health awareness.). That is why I'm always open open and respectful dialogue. 💗 Untangling the World Knot of Consciousness

There are two quotes I will leave you with (possibly to be explain later if an interesting topic for exploration.), 

“Let’s put it this way: Kant knew nothing about the platypus, and that should not worry us, but if the platypus is to solve its own identity crisis, it ought to know something about Kant.” Umberto Eco (2000), Kant and the Platypus

and....

The Treachery of Images 

"The famous pipe. How people reproached me for it! And yet, could you stuff my pipe? No, it's just a representation, is it not? So if I had written on my picture "This is a pipe", I'd have been lying!"  René Magritte

Side Notes:

A1: {.....that is not knocking local law enforcement because I have a fondness for them and their profession. I can only say that I met some great officers and I believe with all my heart, wisdom and logic the majority of the officers want what is best for their community; maybe even in a distorted way the "bad apple(s)" as well. Yet, sometimes we skip over important markers that would indicate there is an internal problem and needs some investigation and system adjustment. Hopefully it is a single officer and not an indication of other issues (Hold judgement please...I'm 100% in support of officers and corrections where needed).

Within any department there will be different people with different goals and thus some behaviors may move away from the main mission and purpose of the enforcement function in society toward individual/group goals (We get back to selfishness and distorted views later.) 95% of the officers I met are great people. It only takes a one/few to do damage to the entire field and cause lots of trust problems in society. Where they could have stood up they instead stayed silent (That is not officer empowerment!). 

Law enforcement leadership should think about the central purpose and goal of law enforcement and how focusing on key central values transcends the needs of specific officers. That anchoring of values will help limit the propensity to shield poor officers from their own behaviors as well as enhance focus on the public good (There is a difference between mistakes and intentional mistakes.). Department leaders would be protecting their communities (main purpose) and improving the functioning of the entire department in a way that impacts recruitment, public support, and effectiveness. Again, its important to not make too much of a judgement and/or read too far into what I'm saying here as it can lead to false conclusions about a whole bunch of things. Again, get comfortable with a little ambiguity and its application for societal improvement.

Keeping in mind the need to sort of ensure one social "reality" doesn't distort group perception. If we begin to anchor to other values and perspectives outside of our group we might feel a little upset at first but that leads to insight and doing the "sociably" responsible thing. This is one of the reasons why if we suspect there is a problem we investigate it (using different anchors and evidence based management) to find the roots of the problem. We might also do an internal feedback loop to help officers feel empowered to step outside their internal-social networks to report wrong doing. To further the discussion, we can also consider enhancing our internal affairs departments and ensure we "bump up" any serious problems that seem like they have "teeth" to the FBI, Homeland Security, or State Police where appropriate. 

Side Note A2 {Martiny-Huenger T, Gollwitzer PM, Oettingen G. Selective Attention to In- and Out-Group Members Systematically Influences Intergroup Bias. Social Psychological and Personality Science. 2014;5(8):936-943. doi:10.1177/1948550614541296

What we find with this study is that the more we pay attention to a diverse set of people the more likely we will begin to count outside values as important. We self select our friends, perceptions, and the world around us leading sometimes to lesser outside anchors and limited perspective. 

This can become a bigger problem if we are dealing with groups. When social networks do not accept outside anchor points and other perspectives they begin to devalue others. The more different someone, the more likely their values and rights are discounted. Not only their opinions and lifestyle, but even their very life leading to all types of potential abusive behaviors.}

Side Note A3: There are two publications I want you to look at. One is on racial aspects of religion. See Race & Religion in the U.S.. The group members have misperceptions of Muslims as Arab, terrorists, etc... without understanding that the U.S. has many White Muslims. I'm actually Muslim-Catholic but that might be confusing and further ambiguity angst. In other words, they don't know what they don't know. See Changing Nature Demographics 2021.

The only real way to make it fair to everyone is to create universal justice system whereby everyone is treated by the same principles. We can also use big data of the Information/Digital Age to better ensure we are treating different groups fairly. Its not individual decisions that would be of biggest concern as there are appeals processes but the larger scale data that indicates consistent bias in some law enforcement circles (i.e. acceptable variance in decision making with an eye on metadata outcomes. This is a general comment about the issues we face as a society and not specialized to any specific department. I have departments I love because of their leadership and culture and at least one bad apple that would raise concerns on another.)

Side Note A4: In Plato's Allegory of the Cave the freed prisoner goes back to save as many unaware souls as possible. However, they do not know what the do not know and in turn seem to rid themselves of a new way of seeing the world. Human development and our social structure is a little like that. Most cannot step out of their social circles and chart their own course in life and thus only see the shadows of their limited perception. Let's quote the story, 

"And the final outcome: SOCRATES: And if they can get hold of this person who takes it in hand to free them from their chains and to lead them up, and if they could kill him, will they not actually kill him? GLAUCON: They certainly will." It could be real and it could be metaphorical. Either way, its sort of the way people are sometimes.. 

When we use terms like "nigga" to describe Black people and "terrorist" to describe all Muslims we start seeing a bigger picture of the problem. Sometimes we have to spend some time looking at our own reflection in the mirror to see who is and who isn't a slave still locked in chains . You can't truly be free until you can think for yourself.  Do you kind of get the point? 🤷 All good Karma! Cheers! 🍻

Unemployment Claims Drop Week July 17th, 21'-Michigan Trends Rock! GDP Global Lift?

Looks like jobs are increasing and unemployment is declining. We might also start to see increases in wages as well in a way that improves upon income levels of different sectors of society. If capable of improving upon our labor wearable tech, education and innovation we might also be able to upswing our productivity (matched with improved cluster environments rip for development and investments) and draw additional investments as higher levels of skills, knowledge and abilities increase {..the purpose of creating investment ripe environments that lead the market with research and new products.}. That would have an impact on labor and the availability of highly productive human capital {...from a speculative stand point.}

I took this from the DOL press release below..... 

"In the week ending July 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 419,000, an increase of 51,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 8,000 from 360,000 to 368,000. The 4-week moving average was 385,250, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 2,000 from 382,500 to 384,500." 

If lean in closer to look at Michigan Weekly unemployment claims since the beginning of the year, you will find unemployment claims drastically declining leading to fuller employment {I wonder if 3-4% unemployed for entire economy is fully employment? Meaning....there is just enough wiggle room for labor fluidity but everyone can find a job and wages generally rise.🤔} See Michigan Unemployment 2021 Jan to July

What we really should look at is whether we are digitizing and our labor pool is adjusting. Which industries are laying off and which are hiring? That will lead to a better understanding of how the market is shifting on a state and national level. See US Global GDP Lift Projection. Stronger digital currency and digital GDP will make a big difference. See Govt. Mind GDP and Powell Goes Crypto!

You can also look at what business owners think about 2021. See Guidant Financial 2021 Small Bus Survey You may want to review National and Michigan business applications. See 2021 MI. Business Applications.