I watched President Obama’s job speech and thought there were some good things in there. I like continuing the lower payroll tax rate and hiring incentives for Veterans and the long-term unemployed. The infrastucture improvements are always needed, but thats only temporary work. Just like the last government stimulous programs.
What I thought was different is that Obama briefly touched on what companies used to do in America. I’ve worked for over 40 years and in the past, companies used to invest in their employees. They don’t do that anymore. Everyone is now replaceable, expendable, however you want to say it, people don’t matter. A company today has global resources, so who cares about you.
Whats wrong with that philosophy is that it doesn’t inspire greatness in anyone. It doesn’t inspire innovation, something America has always been known for. Our government needs to support companies that will bring that philosophy back.
I remember back in the early 70’s when people retired from their jobs. They had pensions and many other benefits that are unheard of today. Today, thats all gone, but that partnership between employee and employer is what inspired innovation in this country. People had something to work for, something to aspire to and it was compelling, to the point where they would strive to be the best they could be.
AV