Sunday, November 28, 2021

Gallop Poll Indicates Americans are Concerned About Economy and Government; Not Pandemic

Apparently Americans are more worried about the economy and government more then they are about the pandemic. This is caused by some shortages and inflation. We might also find there are concerns over leadership and perhaps in some way our ability to handle problems (See Biggest Post Afghan Risks). Its important we start working together to start solving problems. Because almost nothing stays the same a few curve balls might find us unprepared (We are running rigid, polarized, low morale, and dig heels opinions so if our environment/challenges shifts it will be our leadership that will master the art of change. )

Here are some of the highlights from the poll......

Gallop Poll
  • 26% name an economic issue as the most important problem
  • Government is the top specific problem at 21%; coronavirus next at 13%
  • Gallup's Economic Confidence Index mostly steady at -29

There was a pretty solid explanation in the Santa Barbara News by Casey Harper entitled, 'Poll: Americans more concerned about economy, government than COVID' Its worth the read and provides some insights from the author. 

There is a side to this that is important and it still should be said as a one limited perspective that could be important on understanding change on a more macro level. Many of our politicians have been raised (not all) with opportunities while most Americans have never experienced similar opportunities (nor will ever become a Senator or Congressman/woman). Where we need change we often receive partisan arguments and when we long for insight we sometimes hear similar root answers (Foresight, insight, hindsight and blindsight are different constructs.)  You can see those logical holes and how they might work within one instance but might dissipate during novel situations (See Cognitive Fluidity). Seeing all the sides from different cultures and lens fills in the "grey" gap and creates clarity where uncertainty exists. 

Ideological and cultural blindness comes from being indoctrinated within a certain view of the world and in turn never having to break the mold to get over a hump (Comes from being protected and insulated with resources. It applies to any lifestyle and vantage point. For example, if you were born poor your viewpoint will be completely different and often just as limiting because of a narrow "world view".). Wealth brings opportunity but also comfort that doesn't always force one to adapt and that is not a luxury most Americans will ever experience. Effectively managing change and being flexible in strategic thinking often leads to options and the highest chance for overcoming environmental pressures. For some who grew up in a different world....one in which you must adapt or perish.......the limited focus and lack of exposure might feel like a speeding train longing to merge with the open arms of a brick wall (Large nations like large companies must rejuvenate themselves with a new shared sense of purpose or they will splinter. The USSR as an example. See Strategies International Business Environment). 

Charles Darwin stated, “it is not the strongest species that survive, not the most intelligent, but most responsive to change

I would guess intelligence, strength, and adaptive are all important. 🤷

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Keeping it Civil in Congress: Sign of the Times....Forgiveness Can Go a Long Way!

Words have meaning and I believe the leadership on both sides should push people toward the center. But that is just my opinion. Sometimes we say a little too much and we walk that back. It happens  because people are passionate and sometimes fail to role reverse. However, right now as things stand in our nation keeping the inflammatory rhetoric to a minimum is important. I kind of watch the news and see how people are acting and reacting to each other and scratch my head. We see how these beliefs play out in our hometowns all across America. Words have meaning. 

I consider myself an "Old Guard" Republican that sticks closely to the central values and beliefs that made our country great (Perhaps I'm not far right enough for some people's tastes but I think the rational center is where we should be and likely where the best solutions come. So I guess I'm a light right). My believes include the sanctity to practice any religion you want (why we started this country), fiscal responsibility, the right to responsibly bear arms (meaning for hunting and peaceful purposes and not for intimidation or antagonism), support our police with accountability for "bad apples" to maintain societal trust, diversity in people's and human capital, local governance that is in line with our Constitution, civil rights and freedom, a strong military with the best (equipment, people, tactics, training), creating economic opportunities among ALL our people, developing an American "family", leading other nations through example, as well as the right to voice one's opinion with good taste in mind. Of course one side could make jokes of "backpacks" and another of "swastikas" but at the end of the day it gets us nowhere....and makes it difficult for people to compromise on important issues. 

I'm happy Rep. Lauren Boebert apologized because we are human and we all make mistakes (I have made so many I can't even count them on a 100 hands). Its time for us to sort of agree that our nation has a bigger purpose than the anger and rhetoric of the times. We should work on focusing on our future and the ability to create a stronger connected nation for the the next generation; no matter what their religion. We are going to need all types of people to face the challenges the next 20 years is likely to bring as radical change and technology merge to transform our world as we know it.

www.postermywall.com

Rep. Lauren Boebert
I apologize to anyone in the Muslim community I offended with my comment about Rep. Omar. I have reached out to her office to speak with her directly. There are plenty of policy differences to focus on without this unnecessary distraction.

Friday, November 26, 2021

Honesty, Respect and Collaboration in Politics (What?) Its the Holidays! 🎄 🎅

Twisted "Grinch" Tree of Wisdom
When we read through the news we seem to run into the sensationalism, hyper politics and a laser focus on conflict. At times we come across what appears to be a "feel good" article that is easily discarded as news rubbish. Religion, civil behavior, and reflection are about thinking before acting and learning to treat each other in a way that leads to "togetherness". Everything else lacks time honored wisdom and leads to conflict in its subtle or overt form.

Its hard do sort of get it through people's head that the best way to lead is not always to be louder and demand that either "you are with us or against us" mentality that seems to pander to the radicals on both sides of the isle. Sometimes its about leading people to new conclusions through new knowledge...and a reflection on old knowledge.

Long-term solutions almost never come from galvanizing sides and hyping up distorted beliefs to get one's way. (I have seen that false rhetoric play out through radicalization and spreading of rumors that still create risks for my family and I years after the people intentionally spread them. Laws are sort of thrown out the window when convenient!👿 No embarrassment, no apology, no accountability. Shifting of Risk). We have seen that on a national scale when people busted down the doors of our capital, attacked our officers, and nearly set the nation ablaze. Others are damaging property and getting violent in protest while others are bringing their "guns" to create "peace". (It happens in the context of hyper politics so both sides own some of the blame. I understand that some think its "good fun" and "tail gaiting"!😮)

There are still people in the news today talking about civil war and not embarrassed to say it publicly (Democrats and Republicans). There are people out there trying to "set each other up" with no accountability and even worse social approvals. Language and behavior has consequences, that lead to more consequences, that lead to different kinds of end results. Of which most are unlikely to be helpful or fruitful in the end. So its helpful to change the narrative and the rhetoric to a more positive future. 

Its the holidays and I think we should step back and take a look at where we are and whether or not there truly is going to be a positive outcome to the rhetoric or whether we are sort of stooges in someone else's (in this case some of our politicians) obsession to feel "validated" (Not party specific). 

Anyway....contrary to the normal headlines....there is an opinion article that has a positive message in the Gainesville Sun by Michael Raburn entitled 'Honesty, respect, collaboration and joy should be core values in our politics' that is worth reading. Some might think of it as "feel good" and others think of it as time honored truth. Your personality will likely determine how you interpret it. Just think about the kind of nation you want, how you want your family treated, and what strategically makes sense.

I wonder if our news outlets took a minute to think about subtly promote positive thinking while still being accurate if it would have an impact on our political environment? It sounds stupid but its sort of a social psychology thing. A study entitled 'Plain Texts as an Online Mood-Induction Procedure' seems to believe that what we read  and the language in which we read it does impact our mood.

I know, I know, being thoughtful and saying the truth doesn't win political games! The problem is The United States and our future isn't a game (nor our lives)! Its serious business with serious consequences not only for us but also for the direction of humanity (We are supposed to be a nation of higher order thinking and values.). Where one person wins, everyone else seems to lose. Just a thought. 🤔 Happy Holidays! (Sorry playing with Gifs)

 

The Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program. Can it help communities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

Upper Peninsula homes and business don't always have the best connection. Beyond being isolated by geography they are also sometimes disconnected by lack of Internet. As someone who does a lot of work in the virtual world I can say that slow Internet causes problems and that includes being kicked out of Zoom meetings, slow download/upload, and lots of other issues. I have the fastest Internet service in the area and still there are times when I get kicked off!

For small towns around the U.P. they may want to consider the benefits of the Rural Development Broadband Reconnect Program by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that has a $1.15 billion loan and grant opportunities for communities just like ours. 

"The Broadband ReConnect Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window for the third round of funding is now open. Follow one of the links below to learn more about the program." (USDA, 2021, para 1.

You can learn more about that on the USDA website click below.....

St. Ignace Click Here jpeg. 
Linked to USDA site.


Michigan Has $18.5 Billion Coming-Lets Do Something Beyond Buying Christmas Presents! (Delta County Innovation Model)

Michigan is receiving $8.5 billion Covid Money and $10 billion or so from the Federal Infrastructure Bill. That is a whopping amount of money! What we should do with that money is highly depending on where we want to go and I'm sure there are lots of people out there that want to have a field day with that money. Putting more Christmas presents under the tree might not be the best use of the money if that spending has limited long term impact. 

What kind of presents
should we put
under Michigan's tree?
I have a couple of ideas on where I think some of that money should go and how that might help create a solid model of future prosperity (Trying to find a Christmas present that keeps on giving. Its kind of like giving a nice ham/turkey/lamb for Christmas which helps a starving family one day or giving someone tools, knowledge, and a job to help them feed their family everyday. Not that there is anything wrong with helping on immediate needs but long term plans are highly beneficial). Not that its a perfect model, or even a finished model, but that it may be one in which once successfully created and implemented could lead to reapplying in other areas.

I advocate for use of the money to develop hard infrastructure that leads to the fundaments that attracting more business. All of that is important for long term health. Putting that money into net positive returns can be helpful for state coffers.

For some time I have been working on a innovative transactional theory to help build a stronger society and have used Delta County Michigan as a focal point because of its unique characteristics (See innovative transactional cluster theory). Its semi isolated and many of the ideas and concepts could be observed developing in real time because of its smaller size. Large enough for some variability in industry but small enough to connect them to together into a shared brand.

Delta County has advantages that include infrastructure, a couple of anchor business, tourism possibilities, outdoor recreation, green living, small-medium town aesthetics and a skilled workforce. One thing that sets them apart is that the community supports each other (save a few selfish individuals) and have an active stake in each other's lives.

However, not much attention has been placed on the city and a little money in the right place could be used to attract businesses and ensure that the model could be applied and used in other places. While our economy is doing well today it doesn't mean that it will do well in a few years so we should think of long-term growth with this money. Trying out something new may not only be helpful but necessary. 

The Detroit Free Press put together a great article by Dave Boucher discussing how some of our officials want the money spent. Whitmer, Michigan lawmakers must agree on how to spend billions in federal aid

I understand its Christmas time but lets do something that could positively impact the nation for the next 50+ years and help to put our country on the path to a leading nation (assuming we can keep our politicians from splitting it.)!!! That will require more than just slamming our hands down and demanding our way louder and louder and louder. It requires a level of foresight and leadership that says, "Hey, if we can make it work here we can make it work in other places within the state...maybe the nation."

Possible answers usually start with a question!

via GIPHY

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving: Delta County Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy and spend with family and friends. Let us not forget the Native Americans that helped the new comers to shore and fed them. Do something good with your time. You can read about the history of Thanks giving HERE

Escanaba Community Thanksgiving Dinner had 300 people. They don't have an official website other then Facebook HERE

If you want to donate do so at .....

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

912 7th Avenue South

Escanaba, MI. 49829

Facebook Page


Data Bus brings people. :)




Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Department of Defense Establishes the Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (UFO Hunters)

DOD Announces the establishes the Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group. You can read the official memorandum HERE. Cool stuff! Nano Nano! Congress Electro Propulsion  

Just for fun you can see our half joking UFO video in Escanaba. Its probably a drone or balloon but fun to think about. 👽👾 Someone said maybe Chinese lantern. 🤔 Only one problem the wind at 9:30 pm was 4.6 mph NNW. These "UFOs" were heading easterly. However someone from our Xfile Community Team (just kidding) said that they let off some Chinese lanterns at that time so likely that is the leading theory. Its just good fun.