Many in Central Pennsylvania are complaining about the economy, while much of the rest of the nation enjoys positive growth. Things in Pennsylvania are in fact getting better, but it is taking time and thus there are folks there who are not happy with the progress. Nevertheless we must also be reminded that some of the blame is indeed due to unions and protectionism; economic politics protecting inefficiencies of industry. Indeed, Central PA is like many other changing areas where Old Heavy Industry is being displaced. Service Sector employment numbers are rising and of course this is a heavy hit and growth is slow, granted. In fact I also see the back road two-lane highways and every five miles another small town with many stores boarded up downtown. But I also see changes, good ones too. Additionally, I see people making money at home on the Internet, I see innovators in their garages, I see many students from these small towns get high paying jobs. I see a lot of great things. Could I do better, oh certainly, no doubt, but since these opposing view and perception biases occur, which promote negative attacks, why would someone who could wish to be involved in the human blame game of primate politics beating your head against the wall trying to show people the light? First of all what needs to happen is that folks in areas that are challenged by change need to get busy and stop complaining and fix the problem. They should not turn to government for a handout or look to government to blame. Many communities are bouncing back and making things work. It can be done and should be done. I submit to the complainers, stop complaining and start looking in your mirror and make something of your community. Stop acting weak and helpless and get busy and do something. Consider all this in 2006. |
