Friedman is warning us that THIS IS NOT A TEST. This quiet crisis we are going through is the real thing. If we don't begin to shape up and make changes, we will fail the test. Meaning we will lose our place as the #1 country in the world in terms of power, innovation, and economy. As a fellow American, I would like to see us stay at #1. Friedman has came up with 5 factors on how we can PASS THE TEST. I'll briefly comment on the 5.Leadership - I agree that our leaders, especially The President, should be smart and knowledgeable in how the world is working. George W. has gotten slack his entire presidency for not being the brightest crayon in the box and lying the public (ie. weapons of mass destruction)
Muscles - Some of the reasons that Friedman gives to what he says has more to do what HE BELIEVES then what is BEST FOR AMERICA. However, his wanting college to be free to allow everyone to get a higher education is fully supported by me.
Cushioning - This is where I saw through his "Helping make the world flat" speil. He wants America to keep Social Security, but get rid of welfare because it discourages people to work. While I do agree that welfare is sometimes misused, many people really NEED welfare to help support them and more importantly their KIDS. Don't try to push your political agenda on us Friedman!!!
Also he made up a stupid "wage insurance" plan that is so complicated I'm embarassed the editors kept it in the book. If a person ends up making less than what they did at their previous job, he wants the government to give them the difference. However, there are certain rules your must follow.
1) Must have worked at job for at least 2 years.
2) Must have lost job to downsizing, outsourcing, or offshoring
3) Not paid until worker had found new job
4) Cap of $10,000 year
Man that is way TOO complicated and is just another form of unemployment or welfare. Focus on the facts and stop trying to be a senator and pass bills, please!!!
Social Activism - This was just boring and pointless. This is just another form of social responsibility that most companies are already doing. It looks like he was trying to stretch his list to a nice, round five number.
Parenting - The most interesting factor as he mentions the infamous Bill Cosby rant to black people to be "better parents". His speech caused lots of controversy and an uproar in the black community back in 2004, but many agreed what he was trying to say. Friedman said that Cosby's speech should be applied to all people (black, white, red, brown, green...) and remind parents that they should try to get their kids to do less playing games and studying and learning as they are the future of our world.
1 comment:
I have to disagree with Friedman in this chapter, like most chapters. But I do not believe we are falling way to far behind, and that we must drastically do something so we don't lose our #1 power status. Globalization is a result of America, we are the one's taking advantage of this flattening world. Once again he contradicts himself because in chapter 12 The Unflat World he talks about how we dominate this new world and less then 10% of other countries can even get online. China is to communist and controlling, and wouldn't be a good world power b/c they are homogenous culture. Russia is to corrupt, and Europe is basically our allie. One of the five factors that Friedman says we need to change is leadership and I agree. We need to get Dumba-- and his admin out of the house.
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