Ethics and Values in Business and Government Shouldn't be "Optional"

 The foundations of our society are based in trust. That trust comes from people who follow certain codes that relate to ethics and values. We trust because we trust that we share certain values that guide decisions on things like truth, fairness, honesty, best interest of society, fairness, equality, etc... When we make such values optional, and in turn have no social pressure to ensure people act within certain expectations, we will damage long-term trust in business and government (The connection between low trust polls and social disturbance hasn't yet registered with behaviors.)

A Couple of Scenarios 

Pretend one business steals from others and even though people within the business community know about it they don't say anything. When poor behavior becomes discovered people just sort of look the other way as though nothing happened (i.e. Enron.). Just because we pretended we didn't know doesn't mean the damage from the theft doesn't leave a sour taste in people mouths because of a lack of social and legal enforcement. Imagine we now do that across many businesses, we allow them to take from certain groups and we develop cultures that encourage exploitation. Short term profits can lead to long term declines in the entire economic system. 

The same thing for government and politicians. Let us assume that certain values are being swept under the carpet if there is an advantage for a party, group, entity, etc... As people watch they begin to learn what the "rules of the road are". What is stated and what is enacted appear to be radically different. Even if they say nothing they are learning that those in government might be different than those who are not in government (A major division of distrust emerges.). The cultures of those in politics and the cultures of the people are different as short term political gains lead to long term national decline. 

Supporting Ethics and Values in Business and Government

Its important to support the bigger picture of ethics and values within business and government. I have seen in my life horrendous displays of corporate greed and "wink nod" justice/law enforcement. The very roots of these behaviors all came from the same dark place within people. As long as no one challenges they will continue on and on because it is in their best interest to do so. 

What is the best way to challenge inappropriate behavior? Critical thinking and reflecting back as much truth as you can (It must be factual and evidence based. Values must be clearly defined and in the best interest of all of society.). Those who do these behaviors are unlikely to listen (remember they are selfish and already violated social norms so the "rules" don't count) but you can create the pressure for a healthier environment with the 90% non vocal members of society who have a stake in ensuring that the total economic/business and government system is functioning at its optimal state. 

I encourage young adults now taking leadership positions to think about their values and what they want their country to look like for them and their kids.  Then they can create the pressure politely and within their positions to make meaningful change. It is their time to lead and fix some of the muck we made out of it in our generation is becoming increasingly apparent as the U.S. moves into the #2 spot (..hopefully not...but that will depend on our shared sense of purpose and values. Some of our leaders are defaulting and some of our good leaders are being sidelined.).

Ethics and Values are not optional, they are always consequences to supplanting basic moral systems for too long (Its been that way in history for a long long time through the various national life cycles.)

The Process of Democracy and an Advancing Society Takes Sustained Commitment

Emerging advanced societies will be characterized by opportunities (across spectrum from small to large business), innovation, rule of law (equity), educational attainment, research, advanced infrastructure, democratic institutions (also a flip alternative), international influence and wise political leaders. That doesn't mean each person within the socio-political perspective will always do what is in the best interest of society, or have much conception of the environment they are in, but there are cultural expectations that encourage people to think about others and the long term interests of the nation before they default to their own needs. We are at that spot in history where people choose one path over another and that will make a big difference in our trajectory.

"You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink" as the saying goes ("Knowing" the answers without knowing the questions first is almost always a bad policy for leaders.). To build an advanced Digital Age/Information Age society means that current stakeholders must create the pressure that leads to unity of essential purpose and organizational action toward environmental mastery. While such a society does not yet currently exist there are a few societies that are likely posed to transform in the next 10-20 years (Some will collapse or revert to a lower level if they fail as it is because they didn't accept new expectations that lead to higher performance. The exact characteristics of this advanced socio-economic structure are in fluid definition but there are lots of secondary data and historical innovation trending that would indicate a major economic shift is coming....likely good for some and bad for others.). 

Whether or not we can sustain a commitment to something greater than ourselves remains to be seen. We went through a lot over the last few years as a nation and for some they now "get it" that not everything is about them. They have greater responsibilities to values and principles that connect society together (Economics is the macro study of human behavior based in very root values and assumptions of pro social exchange.). If societal rewards are going to those who engage in improper and self oriented behaviors (and decisions) across the spectrum (It makes no difference the long chain justifications we give for it) we will derail our development on philosophical course rooted back to the beginning of our nation. The best and brightest must be able to rise through the ranks to perform (Its a human capital argument. Nepotism levels, rigid social structures, lack of diverse wealth/opportunities, etc... are are all risks.)

Where we go from here may seem like purely a collective choice we have no responsibilities but as with all systems it is based on the micro choices by which we live our lives. (Think about it. Coffee, cars, houses, friends, behaviors, etc... all have a level of personal choice. They add up to build a culture and nation. Leaders are supposed to push people to higher levels of collective action and not just their leaders or party. )

The Digital Era/Information Age will heighten the speed of change because technology will increase the speed of activity and the frequency by which new ideas are created/spread. The social structure is slower to change as what is currently dysfunctional today will increasingly be misaligned and more dysfunctional in the future (We have seen this in Capital Riots, police-protestor clashes, lack of trust both of and between political factions {I actually have more faith in government than the large political polls that have come out in the past five years}, reduced national competitiveness, etc...). 

While we think that our values and choices are removed from the outcome they are a direct catalyst of  macro outcomes. As we start transitioning into the next developmental platform level (It will happen with our bow pointed into the waves with a sense of direction or we can capsize broadside because we were too busy arguing and rewarding poor behavior to navigate the ship.) If we do not adapt we become #2 (...our choices will be more obvious in hindsight when the the flowery words dissipate into something more factual), #3, #4, etc...to dissolution (No one can say what will happen but if we follow the development of all teams and organizations they work along the very same processes. Countries must also renew their purpose or dissolve even though the life cycles are long. The USSR wasn't "magically" immune and neither are we.) 

The only question the next generation will have is ,"Were you loyal to your nation (i.e. its people and Constitution) or were you loyal to something else (self, politics, rigid ideologies, racism/bigotry, social class, etc..)? It makes no difference what we say....unless those words lead to positive action to overcome our current national challenges. Whether we have the moral courage and evidence-based decision making skills to build something greater remains to be seen (I think we do...but that is not dependent on any single person.) Time answers all questions! Where you lay is determined by your inner values. 

Where do I lay? While I'm not a perfect person I will encourage people to think about something more important and create win-win situations where they seem possible (No stones left to throw!). Unfortunately, I am concerned that most of our political structure will fall back into previous failing patterns of thinking that got us to this point because they already knew "all" the answers until it becomes obvious there is a possibility "they didn't"! Unfortunately their choices will impact our generation, the next, and likely the one after that (I wonder if being in leading positions and not able to see the risks for hundreds millions of people because an appropriate risk analysis/environmental scan is low on the political field's priority list is considered selfish? 🤔 Maybe not, as one party wins blind votes over the other?🤷 )  Even if I'm wrong (that is a possibility as well...I think it would get us in the "ball park" where we can take a Babe Ruth swing. ⚾) what I have to say relates to togetherness, creation, human development/capital, loyalty to deeper universal values, organizational alignment, mission statement, entrepreneurial and competitive spirit as an untested but supported plausible path to scalability at a time when infrastructure dollars are hitting the market right at a time when the pandemic created transformational change capital. 😲😷 Thus far, in my lifetime I have been fairly accurate in my market forecasting 👀. Just sharing some of what I have learned over the past 22' years. 🙇⛲⨻ 10 Years is not much lead time for meaningful organizational change. My loyalty lays with my moral conscious. Whatever that means!

Coronado Public Golf Course-Beautiful View and Easy Play

Golfing is a great sport and as I get older I find it increasingly attractive. For a few hours (I'm a 9 hole guy...not an 18 hold guy! Entertainment.) you can get out of the house and in the middle of green grass and sunshine (or rain.). I think that is increasingly going to be important for digital nomads that work at home and need some outdoor time (It will likely put pressure on some traditional courses to include more visitor players.).

I didn't find the back 9 to be particularly difficult but I did find that the sights were beautiful and the facilities very well taken care of (I'm not a professional golf critic. I'm just saying I would play it again because I liked what I saw.🙃). You can see the historic Hotel del Coronado and the marina in the background. Not a lot of golf courses like that. 

Coronado Golf Course 

China Expected to Overcome the U.S. by 2030----Unless?

Reading the economic news I came across another article with great graphics that discusses the risks that China may overcome the United States by 2030 unless our leaders start working together to solve central problems (There is some indication in MI they are starting to do that but how long and how widespread is an open question.). In an article by Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe in Fortune Magazine (You might need to subscribe to get more. The graphics you can see are telling and a little chilling.) 'This chart shows how China will soar past the U.S. to become the world’s largest economy by 2030'

The American Spirit History
Marines Working Together
Semper Fidelis

We know we need to update our data infrastructure (functionality and security), adjust our infrastructure to manufacture, increase technology for competitiveness, innovate our military, improve our education, maximize our human capital, and improve the "investibility" of our nation. We also know that doing nothing no longer works....we became accustomed to being on top but now must get back our American spirit and develop our competitive conditioning. (Not out of Woods; Patents, Doctors & Discoveries; Reagan National Defense; Stats Connect China China Beats U.S. 2033)

Without unity of vision and purpose we run the risk of default be ineptitude. Meaning, we have difficulty making complex decisions as a nation because the political-socio structure is not centered around essential national purposes. Instead of using the power of politics and influence to achieve shared goals in different ways  the disease of division was allowed ample breathing room. (We can learn from difficulty and draw back towards universal truths. There are risks we can splinter further along the lines of multiple opposing truths. Remember that the vast majority of life is subjective and the vast majority of what we take as "fact" is socially constructed.)  

The Naked Truth
Botticelli: The Calumny of Apelles
1494

Of course unity of purpose would mean leadership would need a vision and the political-moral capital to ensure the needs of the country are not supplanted by their own, party, or social groups (Its hard when the arguments are more towards who is right and who is wrong as mirror images of each other while ignoring the 90% other possibilities unseen based on cognitive rigidity. For example, the very act of unification of long term economic goals is worth more than the implementation of a specific program as people throughout the social structure envision their place within the bigger vision-work. As the saying says "Many hands make light work. See Cognitive Flexibility in Decision Making). As we move into parity in influence with China we will also increasingly see with crystal clarity how our choices impact our outcomes. The hindsight criticisms of historians will be committed to electronic media (Was once stone, papyrus, paper, etc... Believe it or not this is history in the making as digital transformation marks a point in history like other major societal changes. i.e. the Renaissance. 🤓. "So it be written, so it be done." ✒️📐 jk  Leadership & Moral Reasoning, Hegel History Reason, "Common Sense" and Exploration & Exploitation). 

Side Note:

I have been working on this theory. Its untested, founded in supporting research, and focused around creating innovation clusters. It may be a good theory in line with other cluster theories or it may be a complete waste of effort (I don't think it is an actual waste of effort and I suspect it will someday be fruitful. The platform is "shadowed" in the macro data.) However, it helps me formulate an understanding of our economic environment and one way to move from one working platform to a higher functioning platform. If a nation could bump upwards using its current infrastructure dollars to create large scale national innovation we may be able to change the name of the game. See Level K Game Theory. That requires coordination and politicians who put the country before their careers. Just saying! 😮🙃 Unfinished, unedited, unorganized but paper in process....Theory of Innovative Transactional Clusters

“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Ben Franklin

The Sacrifices of Society: Ensuring We Keep Our Nation Moving Forward (Memorial Pictures)

The sacrifices of society to keep our nation moving forward are many. Throughout its history the U.S. has pushed for a freer, more fair, and just world. Our values of maximizing human freedom to ensure that government (and its politicians) are aligned to the needs of its people are what has maintained the social contract from generation to generation. We honor the tens of thousands who sacrificed for our principles over the years because we understand that the society that we live in now would not be possible without them. 

Each of us has a duty to make our country stronger, more functional, and more inclusive. Those who lead others rally around their universal principles while those who follow rally around their politics. Our nation has a large emerging batch of young adults who will be tasked to care for that torch. It is our responsibility to clear as many obstacles, hurdles, and trip hazards we can to ensure our principles continue to illuminate the world around us. See Greatest National Risks

I pledge allegiance to my Flag 

and to the Republic for which it stands: 

one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 

The Pledge of Allegiance 

Walked through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Its a beautiful place. Visitors become aware of the
magnitude of loss and sacrifice.

Escanaba Town Hall (Thursday January 20th, 2022) Art, Engineering, Roles, Recruitment and Skating!

Another zipping meeting at Escanaba City Hall. Things are getting done, grants are coming together, and new equipment is in the works! You can also get a feel for how towns this size run and function. Whether your a bigger city or a smaller city there will be similarities. Smaller budget and smaller scale but its still the same general process. However, smaller rural high potential towns like this have their own unique challenges as they are somewhat isolated and stand alone. That can be an asset for the right kind of tourism, industry and digital worker. The city is open for investment. Its interesting watching a town in the process of becoming.......

Arts and Culture: Bonifas Art Center does a lot of great things and helps kids and adults. In a small town/city like this its important to provide cultural outlets and exposure so kids can grow in a healthy way.  Fun creative activities are going to be more important in develop creative adults that can work in the Digital Economy/Information Age. This is one organization that should continue to be supported as it is enlightens and develops the mind and the positive social networks. Watch out the mayor was the Grinch so make sure you don't litter and do your homework kids (Eat your veggies as well)!

Engineering, City and Infrastructure Services: Some discussion on engineering of water plant. Total amount not to exceed $97K.  There may be $3 million grand and loan forgiveness back on the program. Its not a bad idea to break projects up when needed to ensure that each stage and financial outlay is completed in an orderly way where options can be found. There has been a lot of work on the water plant project so far. I would say if it is time sensitive and has been in the works for some time I would rely a little heavier on those who were aware of the project but certainly would want to have a full packet and/or understanding of the project soon after. It takes time to work through complex issues so one just has to make a judgement call based on the information they have at that time. (Tactical and Strategic Management)If there are any problems it isn't going to be resolved in one sitting (not saying there are any problems at all.) $131K approved lead service line (There is a big push nationally to replace lead lines.). There is $50 million loan possibilities so they are seeking loan forgiveness for a SRF loan. Good points on just out there searching for money. Its important to obtain resources for a rural town like this. We are sort of stand alone out there with many of our own services. Thus anytime we can get money that aligns with our needs we should give it consideration. New water utility meters are needed. Purchase of a John Deere for local work.

Roles: Patrick Conner will be on the planning commission. New local police officers. That is great! I support our local police and the good work they do (Covid Masks). Nice to see they are able to recruit in a difficult recruitment environment. There is a national shortage in law enforcement recruitment and retention right now (Its a shame. Its a great profession and is transforming and changing and needs bright young cadets. All professions go through change and this one is as well. The need for public servants rises.). See National Police Recruitment. It would be interesting if they considered engaging in short officer exchanges/swaps with other departments for training and recruitment practices. Sometimes allowing for short term 6-month swaps brings in new knowledge (i.e. new tactics/strategies from other departments), partnerships to help expose officers to different styles and environments, encourages those officers that want to get out of the city to come and stay in a small town for a little while (maybe longer if they like it. It helps those officers when they can work in a less stressed environment. Also consider visa versa young officers that want to try a city for a short time but don't want to move long term.), improves diversity in the area and can open the doors to lots of other things (equipment, training, new people, exposure, non-lethal styles, etc...). It would be interesting to see. If your a department from a bigger city you might want to give them call and see what they say. It might be a win-win solution and benefit (I think it could be worked out if its only for a short term stay for tax and other purposes. An attorney can probably write out a fairly quick mutual agreement to be used with other departments. As soon as we get a new city attorney. Esky City Attorney Job Opening. 🤔). 

Ice Skating Rink: Seriously, go down and get your skates and grab some hot Cocoa. Its fun and I remember doing that since I was a little kid. That is one of the beautiful things about this city is that its size allows you to build history of people, families, and institutions into the area. If done well there can also be happy tourist locations with people who can enjoy the flavor of a town embedded on the Great Lakes. There is more of a draw when visitors can easily find the information on local events and there are fun activities going on (When I looked around there was lots of stuff on Facebook but that isn't what visitors are going to find. A list of activities and events that is easy to find might be helpful. Visit Escanaba) 

Torrey Pines Hiking (Pictures)

Torrey Pines is a very nice hiking area in La Jolla CA. Lots of visitors from all of the world have hiked this area. Avoid the weekends as it gets busy. Descent surfing on the beach.  Initially I was thinking of going out into the mountains but alas time constraints got me!

Good Year Blimp

Want to climb these but I think
state park rules apply. 
I doubt they give permits for them. :(