Eco Optimism

Obama Names "Chief Performance Officer" and CTO: Fact or Fantasy?

In my eBook, I talked a bit about government's role in restructuring the economy.  Calling it "Outside-In Politics", I somewhat fantasized about an approach where the far left and right adopts some of the oxymoronic views of the the other to actually further their own agendas.  

Nice idea, but we probably have more chance of seeing a hobbit representing Massachusetts' 4th congressional district. (Wait a minute, isn't that Barney "Frodo" Frank's turf?) 

Today, another bit of fantasy comes to us via Barack Obama's weekly video address to the nation. As part of his pledge to "open up the White House", President Obama announced that Jeffrey Zients, a CEO, management consultant and entrepreneur, will join the administration as the Chief Performance Officer, and that Aneesh Chopra, Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, will serve as the Chief Technology Officer.

Congress needs to wake up!

I'm appalled.  With the wheels falling off the country, Dems and Republicans alike are still wasting OUR time finger pointing.  During debate in the House yesterday on the economic relief package, both sides blamed the other for this mess:  

Representative Virginia Foxx, Republican of North Carolina, said that former President George Bush’s signature tax cuts in 2001 had created years of growth but that the nation’s problems started when Democrats regained majorities in Congress in the 2006 elections.

Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, said that “the economics that got us into this mess” were the Republicans’ policies for the six years that Republicans controlled both the White House and Congress, through 2006.

WHO CARES? JUST FIX IT!!

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, but I can't believe these people are still so out of touch.  I wish there was a way to light a fire under their butts between elections.  This is bi-partisan BS.

Change: Be Careful What You Ask For

Business Week recently ran a story that the recent Washington bailout is a watershed moment, "a fundamental rethink of the proper boundaries between public and private sectors."

This may be true.  And normally, the government getting involved in anything that needs to move fast, provide innovative solutions, and (get this) turn a profit would be an enormously BAD idea.  In fact, it still is, to a great extent.

But consider this.  The recent financial crisis has debunked the myth that innovation alone can carry our economy.  We must couple innovation with a strong, modern manufacturing base.  So what is the best relationship between business and government?

Like most things, it's somewhere in the middle.  Conservatives need to give up on the idea of carte blanche deregulation.  And liberals need to stop thinking that helping businesses succeed is somehow awful at it's core. 

What the United States needs now is a true realignment of industrial policy that gives US companies a real advantage.  Tax breaks?  Of course.  But how about outright subsidies for new factories, worker training and research?  

The great news is that with Obama comes a filibuster-proof Senate.  Sweeping change is within our grasp.  But therein lies the danger.  If the democrats use this to settle scores and position themselves for stump speeches with liberal constituents, we're doomed.  

Now is the time to truly build the platform for a new industrial/economic/governmental axis.  And then get out of the way and let the private sector make it reality.  And the key to all of this is Obama.  If he can keep Congress honest through his direct link with the American people, we just may see the change we all hope for, regardless of what side of the aisle your on.

Politically Correct

I'm note sure what's better this morning, voting for a new president or knowing that we don't have to watch anymore ads bashing NH Senator John Sununu.  Based on his competitor JeanneShaheen, this guy is a skunk.  But that's not why I'm blogging today.

When I arrived at the polls slightly before 7 a.m., I could barely get a spot in the overflow lot.  People were alive and feeling generally in-it-together.  The last time I felt this sort of civic connection was during the Blizzard of '78 when Boston got slammed with about 47-feet of snow in about 28 minutes.  Seems trauma of any kind brings people together.

But in all seriousness, voting this morning made me feel good.  And I know that my vote is basically symbolic: I live in Massachusetts.  Do you think McCain has any chance here?  But still, the experience reminded me that while we have big problems, the basic rights we have in this country should never be taken for granted.  

So no matter what you're doing, take the time to go to the polls today.  No matter who wins, you will be heard and counted.  And if you don't, you'll have to keep quiet for the next four years...and that's no fun at all.

Obama Wins! ... Does the Eco-Economy, Too?

According to the Wall Street Journal, Barack Obama has opened a 10-point lead in the polls. I've felt for weeks that Obama would win in a mandate. Too much is going wrong for an incumbent party to hold onto the White House. So with Obama the next president, what does it mean for the eco-economy? At first glance, it looks good. According to his energy plan, Obama will "Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future."  This sounds great, but I'm afraid that Obama is missing a major issue: