Update on Hate: Hate as a System (Economic and Social Renaissance)

Hate is destructive to our society and to the world at large. It has caused a lot of mayhem and warped outcomes that could help humanity. Those who relish in using hate for personal and political power risk galvanizing the rest of society/humanity. Engaging in hate on an unofficial and social level still exists creating difficulties so we have some work to do (USA Today-Hate Crimes Up) Worse, mix that with some corruption and you might find that charging up that metaphorical hill to protect universal American values is challenging at best (Protecting for all Americans no matter their race or religion.). The good news is that the tide is turning and the winds have changed making hate a lesser worthy and strategic path. 

As a nation we must stand together to ensure our generational values are carried forward. Protection of democracy, broad based capitalism, and an inclusive society based on human/civil rights are central to what defines us as a people and a nation. This is why we have the longest running experiment in history. The young now have a firm hand on the torch (The other hand by the older generations) with their new ideas, still developing skill, and love of freedom. They share a commitment to our national strength, embedded deep values into their generation's collective conscious and stand united in furthering our universal American values. 

United We Stand Photo in
The Wooded Pathway Gallery

(Universal American values are related to a universal democracy that could be the next stage of national development in a highly diverse society where human capital from all different types of people are maximized for the benefit of the whole. Hate groups and distorted politics impact that but also provide opportunities to overcome such challenges. We learn from adversity. If we overcome that challenge with an upswing on technology we might be the first nation to achieve two fronts; economic renaissance and social renaissance. As the resilience of our economy has shown, we may have bumped up in an economic platform. Now we must do the same socially to create an inclusive society not based in the hard rules of law but on deeper natural connectivity. Socio-economic growth comes from maximizing human capital, and technology tools thereof, to help economies grow while hate breaks down the foundations that allow free commerce to thrive. Most would opt for an inclusive thriving society; a destructive few would not.)

First read, Hate as a system: Examining hate crimes and hate groups as state level moderators on the impact of online and offline racism on mental health

What you often find is that hate is social and it designed to raise pressure on the targets through group bullying and other types of nefarious behaviors. Once a hate narrative is created such groups act through chatter and microaggressions (if macro aggressions didn't work well). Normal defense and avoidance by targets are used as justification to engage in further hate, ostracization, and blocking of opportunities. (The central point is who is causing the problems? Try avoid blaming the victim even though that seems to be the most easiest bigoted choice.)

Let me give you a hypothetical example for illustrative purposes only. A group associated with a number of corrupted officials spread hate rumors, launched a 100 person plus group of supporters. damaged kids, engage in threats, manipulate the sick to enrich themselves, violated the rights of the targets and much more. They tried to restrict targets from employment, social connectivity, and public service to further their homogeneous distortions. In this example it went on because there was a lack of respect for deeper American values (This is why it should be illegal and enforced on people who continuously further the hate narrative or act on that hate.).

In this example normally such behaviors would not be acceptable but there were a number of underlining catalysts that were not addressed for years (even decades) because of spotty oversight. Those that came forward with complaints were quickly retaliated against making it appear that the concern was not the safety of the community but the protection of a clan. Rights of their fellow Americans (60% of society they view as second class) were mocked with a roll of the eyes and wink & nod justice. Corruption in this example made them immune hinting at two different systems and legal structures based in race, religion and social connections (There are good people in the world reconnecting these groups back into one.). 

Here are my thoughts and they may not be popular. I believe that our American values transcend all groups and people and that the quality of a person is based not in their racial, religious, or political affiliations but in their inner values, their contribution to society, and their willingness to do what is right and good for society. That is not something all of us believe, but it is something most of us believe and when we don't walk the talk, trust in institutions may decline (There are many seeking to protect these institutions through adaptive enhancement for the next generation. Do good and it will always turn out well). We as a nation and those in the next generation are standing firm to the commitment of a greater American cause.

Our society needs new ways of looking at problems and they need to reorient toward our central true north values. It is not always easy to think for yourself or do the right thing (the American thing! 💁) and that comes with great benefits for society but often detractors for those with a moral conscious. Our nation will overcome hate because the other options are not so positive. I have great faith in the value of most, but am cautious of the values of some. There is a type of curse for thinking for yourself and not acting like an animal (Business Insider: The Curse of Intelligence)

The economic and social renaissance is at our doors step? I advocate for embracing the future, understanding our present, and reflecting on the past as the greatest path to wisdom.

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past!"

Thomas Jefferson 

*This is a hypothetical example and discussion for illustrative purposes only. It is meant to encourage thoughtful idea generation and greater awareness for living by our values and connecting communities around shared principles and goals. A type of thought experiment on freedom of religion and freedom of helpful speech. It makes no distinction among different types of people or one political party over another. It is meant to be a discussion on universalism. I thought this article on Universalism was interesting and how our values can appeal globally.

Small Business Filings Up Nationally: Escanaba as an Example of Growth Opportunity

U.S. Small business filings are up significantly and that could have an impact on the overall success of communities as well as the long term innovative health of the national economy. For example, towns like Escanaba Michigan are swinging upward in investment, infrastructure and growth. That could be furthered by drawing in entrepreneurs and investment. As an example, Escanaba's downtown could benefit by using the upswing in small business to further local growth.

Keep in mind that our country does need to encourage new wealth generation among the middle class and working class. Concentration of wealth can be dispersed in a capitalistic society by helping entrepreneurs and hard working individuals maximize their opportunities and outcomes. It creates a win-win for social mobility and long term national economic health. 

Build Your Sand Castle Escanaba MI.
In Wooded Pathway Gallery

Sometimes reaching out to people with a certain amount to invest, i.e. 100K, finding them a reasonably priced building downtown, and providing some grants, low interest loan access, can go a long way in spurring economic revival. Of course all of that would come with a few guarantees they maintain their business and develop it locally. 

One of the essential issues is finding mechanisms to reach out to these entrepreneurs using social media, targeted advertising, investment outlets, government agencies, etc. The same could apply to any small town with similar attributes similar to Escanaba's. See Delta County Chamber of Commerce and Escanaba

Some General Small Business Stuff: Small business improves innovation. It appears small business owners are optimistic.

-Small business index is steady with some optimism. Concerns over inflation. Index Remains Steady As Views of Economy Drift Upwards

-Small business owners are feeling more optimistic in 2024. As long as we’re in a vibe economy, at least small businesses are feeling more optimistic in 2024

 -Good ideas can come from anywhere and encouraging more inclusiveness and new ideas from diverse socio-cognitive levels leads to drawing in unique ways of looking at problems and solutions. Inclusive Innovation for U.S. Economic Growth and Resiliency

-Small business can help in creating innovation and stronger national defense. The Small Businesses Leading In Defense Innovation

-If you have a small business idea and would like to submit for funding consider National Science Foundation Seed Funding

U.S. Small Business Filings are Up: Upward trending filings should lead to further innovation and growth in about 3 years as such businesses gain footing and clients. It take some time to move from start-up to profit, to maximization. See Research on The 5 Stages of Small Business Growth

You can read some interesting Business Formation Stats to obtain additional details.

-Monthly average new business filings is 440,000

-Business filings are 90% higher than pre Pandemic levels. 

-Substantial growth among women, Latinos and Black business owners. 

-Agriculture down. Retail trade, management of companies and utilities up. 

Census Gov. has lots of information that includes inventory, trade, manufacturing, etc. so one can gain an understanding of the key points. Of particular interest in the overall economic indicators HERE. (You should really check this stuff out because you can get a snap shot of the economy.)

I have been talking a little about the platform change that may have occurred during COVID. New technology and shifts in infrastructure often spur economic renaissance in history. I'm making a mental note of the change in business applications and how that might impact future innovation in the mid and and long run. You can check new applications by state HERE.

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Source: Harvard 5 Stages of Business

Factors Impacting Volunteer Firefighting: Balance to Serve (Some Advice)

“Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”

 Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, April 18, 1942,

Volunteer firefighting is very important for our nation and is becoming increasingly important as global warming and weather patterns change. Much of the nation is loosing its volunteer firefighters and some of the reasons likely relate to the overall competing commitments but it could also be part of how these volunteer firefighters are seen and managed. A few tid bits of knowledge below as a firefighter. You can see the psychology of management kick in. 

First, read the 2022 dissertation on firefighting and the basic discussion points.

Understanding Factors Impacting Volunteer Firefighters' Work, Family, and Volunteer Balance to Serve Family, and Volunteer Balance to Serve

A few discussion points in the study:

-Volunteer Firefighting is on decline. 

-Work and family obligations get in the way.

-67% of all firefighters are volunteer/part-time.

-Volunteer firefighters move beyond expectations and have internal motivation.

-(Side point: Volunteer firefighting isn't a paid occupation which means it is a labor of love. Others studies have shown that such fire fighters come with prosocial values and want to help their communities. That is a strength and it should be showcased.)

A few recommendations for organizations in the study: 

-Consider individual firefighter needs.

-Over strictness may cause issues.

-Recognize triggers such as work and family to keep them involved even if they have competing activities.

(Let me also add that personalities are important. The news is full of fire departments that dissipated because of toxic personalities and interpersonal conflict. Improving management abilities and people skills can help in ensuring the best managed departments and retainment of fire fighters. Make sure everyone has the same goals and is willing to build an environment where others thrive. )

A few recommendations from the study for the community:

-Many organizations may be strong on management and poor on leadership. 

-Recognize the commitment that volunteers make and support that. 

-(I'm going to add that it is important to include as many different people in these organizations as possible because the world is much more diverse than the typical talent pool. Reaching out to these large communities opens a whole new fertile recruitment grounds. I know from experience these groups will engage if the culture of departments are inclusive and they were encouraged and welcomed. If your departments are not diverse in a diverse area than something can be improved.)

-(Let me also add that many organizations do not know how to market and inform the community of their positive actions. There is official and unofficial marketing. All departments need policies and those policies should encourage community engagement and connectivity through social media, marketing, events, fund raising, parades, etc. Where policies are not aligned with the needs of the community by being too strict, we may find support waning due to lack of openness and lack of community connection. Basically, get out there and share your stuff but be respectful of scenes, privacy, good taste, and other. Being a fully develop person means you know what is appropriate and what is not.)

A couple of other points:

The study helps highlight the deeper motivations of firefighters. If you have management abilities and reasonable physical ability you may want to consider joining your local volunteer fire department. Its a very rewarding experience. With new thoughts and ideas we may be able to reverse the trend. It is one way to train on leadership in a real life scenario. Put your leadership and management skills to work. 

I'm looking for grants for a local fire department so if you have corporate donations monies and would like to help fund firefighting and training equipment let me know and I will point you to a great organization that could use it. Reach out to the right contact form. You can do your part and ask your corporate liaison if they donate to first responders. Consider those in your area or an organization like ours. 

Can Human Capital and Technology Improve Economic Prosperity? IMF Thinks So! (Innovative Transactional Theory Development)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects that GDP will decline for some nations in the mid term future. On a global level, there appears to be a slowdown in growth, and could impact investments in human capital and technology. Further, low growth and high-interest rates might make some debt unsustainable. The IMF suggests tackling labor, capital, and allocation, known as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) because it was responsible for approximately half of the declines since the pandemic. 

But wait...there is a silver lining......

(While they don't say this the U.S. was somewhat of an outlier because it is growing and with the right policies can grow further past a 5 year projection. i.e. midterm.)

As a person working on a rapid innovation transactional theory that relies in part on technology and advanced skilled labor (education or training), I agree with the concept that access to education and technological advancement (innovation) to better to allocate our human capital talents with emerging technology is important. Thus, we start seeing a similarity in concept forming across various entities and different research pieces.

To me, we can improve labor capital growth by encouraging accessibility, cost, and quality of education to help people update their skills for rapidly changing jobs that will emerge from new technologies. We should also focus on innovation (i.e. things like transactional cluster theories and other innovation supporters such as grants, research, academic-industry-community growth, etc.) to build on top of our updated infrastructure so as to boost the productivity of the whole nation in a way that fosters upward lift in the nation's advanced manufacturing global value chain.

World Must Prioritize Productivity Reforms to Revive Medium-Term Growth

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What is it like to be a target of a hate group? (Update on Hate Theory Development)

Hate is a growing issue in society and we are struggling to find an appropriate pathway on protecting people's rights to have opinions while still ensuring they are not being destructive to their fellow Americans; including the long-term health of democracy. To me, I pick no side other than the side of good moral conscious and the strategic options and value systems needed to encourage togetherness as a people (You don't have to be a saint to have moral conscious, you just need basic values and a willingness to think prosocial.). Sometimes protecting freedom requires challenging hate with win-win arguments (...again assuming the goal is win-win).

Keep in mind it is never a 'better than you' or against reasonable mistakes. We have a moral obligation to society, at least those who believe in it, to challenged shortsightedness, bigotry and hate in a constructive way. While not each person can hope to have a positive outcome when challenging hate, we do know that if we don't challenge hate, toxic souls will spread the narrative to infect our society with mayhem. If we say nothing because of fear, than we become part of the problem (Also be kind and helpful even when challenging because we are still in the same ship together and things do change. You can have constructive conversations without being dragged into the mud with the haters....the key power hate groups have.)

You can consider reading, Cause for Concern 2024: The State of Hate (I don't know the organization but the information seems beneficial for understanding. I have been using Update on Hate as a series of hypothetical discussions to explore the topic in a politically and socially neutral fashion as is needed when the same moral values apply equally across peoples. i.e. Universalism.) 

The following are based on a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. They are theoretical in nature so may not actually be true but certainly could be true in some situations and places where the central tenants of our nation are not fully upheld. Hate is usually connected to other poor behaviors because it is a tool to cover inner distortions that lead to chronic poor choices for them and those within hate networks.

Those who complain about such behaviors are often sidelined as some people mock "rights" with a rolling of their eyes. I believe that victims have rights too no matter what anyone else thinks about it (Rolling of the eyes is an attempt to minimize its importance and the hard earned freedoms of our society.). Those earned freedoms are what makes us free and that is fundamentally what people support and protect. We are free because we positively challenge hate to maintain that freedom (Republican, Democrat, or Independent it makes no difference! You should never sell out your nation for your politics.).

Sometimes these groups working in social networks and chatter and as they act on their distorted beliefs in a way that creates increasingly more issues for others because they can't manage their bias. For example, what is a microaggression such as rude behavior and what is overt displays of extremism? We don't have a good grasp as a people so these groups are somewhat immune.  

The following is an attempt to start defining what these behaviors look like and what should be avoided in a universal democracy where each person is seen as having full rights as a citizen and valuable contributor to society. Where we fail, we morally fail, and where we win, we strengthen the roots of democracy. Leadership should manage for all of society and not partisan or extremist groups that use hate and intimidation as a tool.

This are just illustrative examples that I believe would apply to all different types of people such as White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, etc....its makes no different their color or their religion; at least it shouldn't. 

Concepts for Hate Theory Development:

Rumors/Hate Narrative: Rumors and false information is the first method in which they prepare the stage for targeting. That gets moral buy in among normally reasonable people.

Intimidation/Violence: As groups get hyped they engage in micro and overt displays of aggression that include incidents of attempted or threatened violence. It tests the boundaries and seeks to dominate fellow Americans based on unAmerican perspectives.

Subject to Corruption: Where such groups are associated with corrupted officials, the misuse of power may end up being used to further the hate agenda within social networks. Hate is a distortion in the mind based on illogical symbolism of self and society. Thus, hate is associated with other issues and problems through a pattern of choices.

Political Extremism and Hyper Politics: While this isn't direct impact we can find that part of the issue of corruption might be related to political extremism and hyper politics where divisions in society give cover for poor behaviors. Where race and religion are thrown into a discussion in a non-civil way, we have outward expressions of internal beliefs.

Dehumanization/Civil Rights: Where corruption and hate are associated we will find dehumanization and violations of human rights. Those who challenge hate were dehumanized before and such hate rapidly escalates to create more tension and intimidation to warn the victims their lives, opinions, contributions, and value to society are little to nothing; i.e. disposable second class citizens. The goal is to prompt others to harm.

Job Rejection/Enrichment: The hate narrative mixed with corruption allows hate group initiators to reject qualified candidates, manipulate the law and ultimately advantage themselves or their group. They will block people from jobs, pressure them to leave public service, use the hate narrative to damage their credibility, and seek to isolate them and keep them poor, uninformed, and not able to influence the assets of local governance and/its institutions.

One thing that targets of large hate groups should be aware is that it doesn't end just because someone said it should end. There will still be people out there that fall outside the normal line of correction and their microaggressions are lingering catalyst to again spark the waves of victim blaming and hate targeting. The lingering hate chatter creates long term risks of lone wolf actors, tension, and seeks to encourage interpersonal conflicts (i.e. the good old boy networks).

The long tail of hate occurs because the perception of minorities (White. Black, Hispanic, Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc. in a highly diverse society) has been tainted so the victims have few practical options. Complaining doesn't always work well so one must be constructive. Challenging poor behaviors with a toxic personality may lead to another wave of hate but in the long run it is well worth the price so the next generation doesn't have to deal with lingering segregationist perspectives that have held our nation from its true potential (Notice you need not make a distinction by race, religion, gender, or politics. It applies equally. i.e. inching closer to the ideal.). 

Theory development doesn't yet come with an easy solution because there are structural and non-structural aspects of hate that move across different social, political, and in the case of corruption institutional lines. Social and coordinated hate are amebic in social networks but when its found in institutions...it needs to be addressed quickly so as to preserve the integrity of such institutions. 

Hate should be rejected by all parties and peoples for the good of the whole. To think critically let us envision rejecting hate completely in our society and then let us think about what embracing hate fully in society looks like....to me I prefer rejecting hate and its supporters. It seems the most logical and moral thing to do. Just saying the truth....

"“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson

If you want to conduct research on hate there are some grants available from the National Institution of Justice NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation on Hate Crimes. Personally I think researchers should collaborate when conducting research on hate for general validity and protection.

*This article is designed for illustrative and learning purposes to understand freedom of religion and freedom of speech in our society.

CPI Inflation Up March 2024: Could it offer a few opportunities?

Inflation is pretty sticky at the moment and seems to be climbing a little which means we are operating at a much faster pace than before. On the surface that appears to be a negative thing based on a short stock dip. That can be a good thing if we can figure out ways to reduce inflation. For about 15 years I have been discussing human capital and Digital GDP through a rapid innovation transactional theory and how the U.S. may have moved into a higher performing platform based on a type of digital renaissance. 

(I checked my stocks the day after the CPI announcement and almost all went red that day except a few. Most bounced back the next day but there still is a heavy red going on. I am considering those greens on my watch list as potential hedges so if one market goes down those go up. Not stock advice but just an observation on fickleness.)

Thinking about human capital and the digital era (i.e. infrastructure, technology, etc.) I came across an interesting study on Asymmetric threshold effects of digitization on inflation in emerging markets that seems to discuss that investment in education and digitization leads to lower inflation if countries could reach a certain threshold. 

Let us play with this idea a little. If we improved access to higher education, the quality of education and the cost of education (I think the same can be said for training), along with new technologies (and infrastructure) we can lower inflation while still having higher growth rates (relative to the size of the country). 

(Bumping up into a new platform Economic-Sociological Platforms)

Maybe or maybe not? What do you think? We don't want inflation to rise but we do want the economy to grow...are there ways to do that?

 A couple of good articles:

Morning Star-March CPI Report: Why Is Inflation Still So Sticky?

Yahoo - Inflation comes in hotter than expected in March

Bloomberg- US Consumer Sentiment Slips on Dimmer View of Inflation Outlook

The BEA CPI Index:

BEA Consumer Price Index Summary March 2024  Quoted....

"The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.5 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose in March, as did the index for gasoline. Combined, these two indexes contributed over half of the monthly increase in the index for all items. The energy index rose 1.1 percent over the month. The food index rose 0.1 percent in March. The food at home index was unchanged, while the food away from home index rose 0.3 percent over the month.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.4 percent in March, as it did in each of the 2 preceding months. Indexes which increased in March include shelter, motor vehicle insurance, medical care, apparel, and personal care. The indexes for used cars and trucks, recreation, and new vehicles were among those that decreased over the month.

The all items index rose 3.5 percent for the 12 months ending March, a larger increase than the 3.2-percent increase for the 12 months ending February. The all items less food and energy index rose 3.8 percent over the last 12 months. The energy index increased 2.1 percent for the 12 months ending March, the first 12-month increase in that index since the period ending February 2023. The food index increased 2.2 percent over the last year. (BEA, March CPI Index, 2024, para 1-4)

Escanaba City Council Meeting (04/04/2024) Massive Advancements in Infrastructure, Engagement, Growth (Transparency)

The Escanaba City Planning Commission Report looked at the activities over 2023 and came to some remarkable conclusions. The City is on the upswing and is attracting additional interest as a destination and investment hot spot. The people in this area are generally committed to its success and I think it is helpful for entrepreneurs and investors to take a gander just in case they find a spot. Downtown could use a few new businesses.

Review the local agenda and information in May 4th, Escanaba Agenda and you will notice the town is very transparent. This makes it attractive for investment (Transparency in Local Governments: Patterns and Practices of Twenty-first Century). 

Escanaba 2023 City Planning Commission Report. "During 2023, Escanaba witnessed massive advancements in infrastructure, community engagement, and sustainable growth initiatives, highlighting our unwavering dedication to crafting a thriving and unified city."

-Culture Preservation

-Committee related to master plan might need to meet more often. 

If your interested in investing or getting involved in an emerging town see Escanaba.