1. NY TIMES 6/16/13 Even pessimists feel optimistic over Economy: To quote the Times, Is the New Normal, high unemployment growing old and at long last we’re going to produce healthier more lasting growth? The evidence: the Times cites the rise of the stock market and predicts that innovation will over turn 50 years of depressed standards of living. A leap of faith? One week later, the US GDP was revised downward to less then 2%. Progress? Lasting growth? Where is the evidence? Today is JULY 2 nd, The sequester has begun, are we better off? Always a choice.
2. Last week I attended a Media Conference sponsored by an advertising company, catering to the health care and pharmaceutical industry. Their target audience was WBE (woman owned businesses) /Presidents of WBE media companies. An effort was made to explain to the educated creative audience the needs of the Advertising Firm. 75 women, sat listening, and eventually the group realized they would never meet the needs of the larger agency. Even doing pro bono work would not guarantee them a seat at the table. Though the ” large Ad Agency” admitted to having a lack of innovative creative, digitally savvy & empathetic talent, they were unwilling to take a risk and hire these independent contractors. We have choices. The status quo ? Or start moving forward with the talent that exists but remains untapped?
3. LOL The Financial Times, 6/19/13. A lone comment on the state of the UK banking industry. Philip Auger states: Reckless Banking Should be a criminal offense. Furthermore, he notes ” having laid the foundations for reform of a core industry, the government must not flinch. This is a unique opportunity to put right one of the UK’s most dysfunctional but strategically important industries.” Recently, topics covered on this blog have been in the fore front of Bloomberg News. Economists are stating what has been obvious for some time, Wall Street does not reflect the lack of business on Main Street due to the Fiscal Crisis of 2008. We have a choice and a voice. Change comes , if we care?
4. Student Loans: As expected, Congress recessed, letting student loan rates rise to 6.8%. Not a big deal for Congress since they are on vacation till next week and can revise the rates downward , at will. However, for the students carrying the 1+ Trillion in debt, this is a ‘ big” problem. I have a suggestion, “ask to be given a loan Re- payment grace period, one month perhaps”. Why should students assume more debt and angst, while Congress deliberates. Not being active in your destiny, has consequences. You have a choice and a voice.