THE ENTERPRISE--TOO MANY THINGS TO IGNORE THEM ALL
IT'S HARD TO WRITE ABOUT ALL THE THINGS BUT...I'LL TRY!
What affects your life? What affects your business? What affects your future? It seems increasingly that the answers to all three of those are nearly the same...so here goes.
CAP & TRADE AND GLOBAL WARMING AND "CLIMATEGATE"
No matter what the outcome of the "Climategate" Cap & Trade is a lousy idea that will benefit a small group of politically invested Americans and hurt the country and the vast majority of its citizens. And it will do little good for the climate--if any at all. I've written in here before and would be happy to provide "evidence" that CO2 is not a harmful greenhouse gas as positioned by proponents of a "carbon tax" and Cap & Trade. There are lots of worse ones: Sulfur compounds, other pollution, particulates, etc. We do need to slow or stop fouling our planet, but this is a total hoax. Fortunately a small group of hackers exposed one of the centers of the hoax, and even the EPA Censors can't argue with that scandal. Cap & Trade should be dead, but this Congress has shown a remarkable ability to plow ahead with whatever it wants to do, regardless of what its constituents think.
FOLLOW THE MONEY TO TRACK DOWN CORRUPTION
There are tens of billions of dollars riding on the disposition of the scientific truth--not some manipulated data, flawed from its inception and then massaged to show what the "money" wanted. Tens of millions go to researchers (Jones of East Anglia picked up a cool $19MM in grants alone)who want global warming to be a cause celebre'. Even more--in the billions--go to government favorites if, or when Cap & Trade is passed (NASA will get $1.3B; the European Commission plans to spend $3B). It is a giant scam of Madoff-like proportions, or larger. Al Gore is complicit in this hoax, and is making a fortune from it. People only work on hiding or erasing emails when there is something to hide. Gore's entire campaign was based on fake data, and lousy science. He has been a "poser" both as a candidate (he lied and got caught more than once) and now.
A QUOTE TO PAY HEED TO:
"The notion that complex climate "catastrophes" are simply a matter of the response of a single number, GATA (Global Averaged Temperature Anomaly), to a single forcing, CO2 (or solar forcing for that matter), represents a gigantic step backward in the science of climate." —Richard Lindzen, professor of meteorology at MIT.
RIGGING THE SCOREBOARD, OR FORCING THE HARVEST?
Stephen Covey wrote in his best-selling book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" about how it was impossible to force a harvest to occur sooner without doing the advance work sooner: tilling the field, planting the crop, etc. The same goes for manipulating the "creation of jobs" that last. Government can spend taxpayer dollars to employ people "temporarily" but that doesn't solve what is essentially a jobless recession. Do not be fooled by the Nov. improvement in unemployment. It is very unlikely to hold, and unemployment will rise again--soon.
JOBLESS RECOVERIES ARE THE NEW NORM--UNTIL THE RECOVER BUILDS UP A "HEAD OF STEAM"
Jobless recoveries are here to stay. Why? Because many of the jobs that are being cut are being "replaced" by one of three irreversible causes: productivity (fewer people produce more); outsourcing (the jobs go where people will do them for less pay); and technology (the job simply no longer needs to be done, because some technological system replaced it--think "OnePass" toll collection systems vs. people in booths. Further, the nature of the work that stays in high standard of living countries like the USA tends to be high-value work, not menial or unskilled work--except in some service industries where that kind of work is the only kind of work. (Car washes, lawn care, etc.) Once a recovery builds up some momentum, then it brings new jobs back into play. But that is only after work week hours are increased, overtime is used, temporary help is used, and then, finally hiring begins anew.
EXPERTS WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING
President Obama had a good idea: Convene a "Jobs Summit." Then the invitees were announced, and excluded most of those who know how to truly create jobs. Obama's expert staffers and most of Congress' experts include very few people who have ever truly run a meaningful business and created jobs. Why? Because those people disagree with nearly all of the Obama/Democratic Congress ideas, plans and policies. So they are left out. Instead, the numbers of jobs created and saved are made up (just like the global warming data) to meet the needs of the politicians and media. I heard (but couldn't verify) of one instance where the jobs saved data was filed for a congressional district that didn't exist. That would not be surprise. As Covey said, "you can't 'cram" for the harvest." My way of saying it is that you can't win games by "rigging the scoreboard."
"WE'RE WITH YOU WIN OR TIE..."
Was the saying of Rubbermaid senior management to those of us running large business units, back in the "bad old days" of Rubbermaid's meltdown. This is what President Obama said to the government leaders of Afghanistan (and perhaps appropriately so?). I am far from expert on affairs in that part of the world. I also doubt seriously that any credible government effort and related military and police actions can allow Afghanistan to achieve much semblance of order or legitimacy in 18 months--no matter how many US troops are sent over there to sacrifice in hopes of achieving that goal. Obama was at first "channelling George Bush" (but then he has the same SecDef as Bush had, so why wouldn't he), then he threw in his own kicker--the time limit.
TO HOLD A JOBS SUMMIT THAT COSTS THE COUNTRY JOBS
Invite big unions who want jobs that pay much more so their dues collections will be higher; invite academics who have studied jobs; invite politicians who want to talk about jobs; and invite close friends and lobbyists who will never tell you how wrong you are. There you have it.
IF I WERE A TALIBAN LEADER
The Taliban leaders are sitting in their caves, homes, etc. today saying: "Heck, it's winter now, so why fight in this awful climate. Let them feel like they are making progress. Then, a year from next summer they'll pull out, declare victory and we can retake the country." There will be plenty of time after that to get what the Taliban wants--control of Afghanistan's opium trade, etc. George Will, the highly regarded syndicated columnist said it well in two sentences. I have posted it below. Be on the lookout for the next "new tax" to help offset the insanity in spending: A "War Tax" to pay for Afghanistan. Watch!
QUOTES TO PAY HEED TO:
"The president's party will not support his new policy, his budget will not accommodate it, our over-stretched military will be hard-pressed to execute it, and Americans' patience will not be commensurate with Afghanistan's limitless demands for it. This will not end well." —George F. Will
"The quickest way to end a war is to lose it. —George Orwell
OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY WITH ARABS IS FLAWED
According to Fouad Ajami, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International studies, President Obama's behavior is costing him respect with Arab leaders--on a large scale, and rapidly. Why? Professor Ajami explains: "No on told Mr. Obama that the Islamic world, where American power is engaged and so dangerously exposed, it is considered bad form, nay a great moral lapse, to speak ill of one's own tribe when in the midst and in the lands of others....The stranger who came into their midst and spoke badly of his own was destined to become an object of suspicion."
TWO HEALTH CARE BILLS AND NARY A WORD ABOUT TORT REFORM
Where are the heads of Congressional Democrats? Wait, clearly they are in the pockets of the Trial Lawyers Association. Until someone addresses the lunacy in malpractice settlements, health care costs won't go down. Of course the politicians have an answer for that too: once the "nationalize health care" you won't be able to sue the government. QED--problem all fixed.
SHOPPERS ARE BUYING MORE AND SPENDING LESS
Price deflation has resulted in more units selling for less dollars at retail. How do you think retail comp store numbers and profits will look come 1Q 2010? China is worried about the US$, and its investments. China will increasingly put pressure on the US. Unlike the Japan pressure of 3-4 decades ago, this is not some transitory thing. China has the land mass, the people, the history and is quickly gaining the knowhow to challenge the US on any front. GE, Toyota and GM just made huge investments in Chinese factories: GE for aircraft; Toyota and GM for autos. Chinese companies are buying brand names: Hummer, maybe Volvo, and who knows what else. Chinese brands will soon be in the USA en masse.
GLOBAL AUTO CAPACITY IS STILL WAY TOO GREAT
Expect more and more auto plant closings around the world. There is about 30% too much capacity (that's 30 million cars), and even if good growth occurs, in 5 years there will still be 15% too much. Once these plants close, they are gone forever. New plants will kill off more old ones, since they will be more productive, and more technologically advanced. Best way to save American jobs in autos: States must offer incentives to retrofit older auto plants with new technologies AND Unions must alter contracts for work rules that encourage productivity instead of featherbedding. Latest stupid move by the government: since it owns the GM & Chrysler, interfere with closing down excess dealers to make local constituents happy and cause the companies to carry still more excess baggage. That's what killed the railroads under Government control.
HEADS UP TO CAR EXECS AND CONGRESS (AND PRES. OBAMA)
Market share gains cannot be the goal. They must be the outcome of doing the right things, including making and selling better cars that consumers want. Do the right things and market share will go up. You cannot "rig the scoreboard;" you can only play the game better.
Ok...that's enough for one week. Stay tuned for one more before a lengthy Christmas holiday break.
Best, John
BONUS FEATURE: THE WISDOM OF CARTOONS AND CARTOONISTS
The Charlie Schulz Philosophy
(This is marvelous!! Scroll thru slowly and read carefully to receive and enjoy full effect)
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions.Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..
The most money..or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.
Pass this on to those people who have either made a difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart, like I did.
'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !'
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." —Thomas Jefferson
-----------------------------------------------------------
John L. Mariotti, President & CEO, The Enterprise Group, Phone 614-840-0959 http://www.mariotti.net http://mariotti.blogs.com/my_weblog/
------------------------------------------------------------
IT'S HARD TO WRITE ABOUT ALL THE THINGS BUT...I'LL TRY!
What affects your life? What affects your business? What affects your future? It seems increasingly that the answers to all three of those are nearly the same...so here goes.
CAP & TRADE AND GLOBAL WARMING AND "CLIMATEGATE"
No matter what the outcome of the "Climategate" Cap & Trade is a lousy idea that will benefit a small group of politically invested Americans and hurt the country and the vast majority of its citizens. And it will do little good for the climate--if any at all. I've written in here before and would be happy to provide "evidence" that CO2 is not a harmful greenhouse gas as positioned by proponents of a "carbon tax" and Cap & Trade. There are lots of worse ones: Sulfur compounds, other pollution, particulates, etc. We do need to slow or stop fouling our planet, but this is a total hoax. Fortunately a small group of hackers exposed one of the centers of the hoax, and even the EPA Censors can't argue with that scandal. Cap & Trade should be dead, but this Congress has shown a remarkable ability to plow ahead with whatever it wants to do, regardless of what its constituents think.
FOLLOW THE MONEY TO TRACK DOWN CORRUPTION
There are tens of billions of dollars riding on the disposition of the scientific truth--not some manipulated data, flawed from its inception and then massaged to show what the "money" wanted. Tens of millions go to researchers (Jones of East Anglia picked up a cool $19MM in grants alone)who want global warming to be a cause celebre'. Even more--in the billions--go to government favorites if, or when Cap & Trade is passed (NASA will get $1.3B; the European Commission plans to spend $3B). It is a giant scam of Madoff-like proportions, or larger. Al Gore is complicit in this hoax, and is making a fortune from it. People only work on hiding or erasing emails when there is something to hide. Gore's entire campaign was based on fake data, and lousy science. He has been a "poser" both as a candidate (he lied and got caught more than once) and now.
A QUOTE TO PAY HEED TO:
"The notion that complex climate "catastrophes" are simply a matter of the response of a single number, GATA (Global Averaged Temperature Anomaly), to a single forcing, CO2 (or solar forcing for that matter), represents a gigantic step backward in the science of climate." —Richard Lindzen, professor of meteorology at MIT.
RIGGING THE SCOREBOARD, OR FORCING THE HARVEST?
Stephen Covey wrote in his best-selling book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" about how it was impossible to force a harvest to occur sooner without doing the advance work sooner: tilling the field, planting the crop, etc. The same goes for manipulating the "creation of jobs" that last. Government can spend taxpayer dollars to employ people "temporarily" but that doesn't solve what is essentially a jobless recession. Do not be fooled by the Nov. improvement in unemployment. It is very unlikely to hold, and unemployment will rise again--soon.
JOBLESS RECOVERIES ARE THE NEW NORM--UNTIL THE RECOVER BUILDS UP A "HEAD OF STEAM"
Jobless recoveries are here to stay. Why? Because many of the jobs that are being cut are being "replaced" by one of three irreversible causes: productivity (fewer people produce more); outsourcing (the jobs go where people will do them for less pay); and technology (the job simply no longer needs to be done, because some technological system replaced it--think "OnePass" toll collection systems vs. people in booths. Further, the nature of the work that stays in high standard of living countries like the USA tends to be high-value work, not menial or unskilled work--except in some service industries where that kind of work is the only kind of work. (Car washes, lawn care, etc.) Once a recovery builds up some momentum, then it brings new jobs back into play. But that is only after work week hours are increased, overtime is used, temporary help is used, and then, finally hiring begins anew.
EXPERTS WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING
President Obama had a good idea: Convene a "Jobs Summit." Then the invitees were announced, and excluded most of those who know how to truly create jobs. Obama's expert staffers and most of Congress' experts include very few people who have ever truly run a meaningful business and created jobs. Why? Because those people disagree with nearly all of the Obama/Democratic Congress ideas, plans and policies. So they are left out. Instead, the numbers of jobs created and saved are made up (just like the global warming data) to meet the needs of the politicians and media. I heard (but couldn't verify) of one instance where the jobs saved data was filed for a congressional district that didn't exist. That would not be surprise. As Covey said, "you can't 'cram" for the harvest." My way of saying it is that you can't win games by "rigging the scoreboard."
"WE'RE WITH YOU WIN OR TIE..."
Was the saying of Rubbermaid senior management to those of us running large business units, back in the "bad old days" of Rubbermaid's meltdown. This is what President Obama said to the government leaders of Afghanistan (and perhaps appropriately so?). I am far from expert on affairs in that part of the world. I also doubt seriously that any credible government effort and related military and police actions can allow Afghanistan to achieve much semblance of order or legitimacy in 18 months--no matter how many US troops are sent over there to sacrifice in hopes of achieving that goal. Obama was at first "channelling George Bush" (but then he has the same SecDef as Bush had, so why wouldn't he), then he threw in his own kicker--the time limit.
TO HOLD A JOBS SUMMIT THAT COSTS THE COUNTRY JOBS
Invite big unions who want jobs that pay much more so their dues collections will be higher; invite academics who have studied jobs; invite politicians who want to talk about jobs; and invite close friends and lobbyists who will never tell you how wrong you are. There you have it.
IF I WERE A TALIBAN LEADER
The Taliban leaders are sitting in their caves, homes, etc. today saying: "Heck, it's winter now, so why fight in this awful climate. Let them feel like they are making progress. Then, a year from next summer they'll pull out, declare victory and we can retake the country." There will be plenty of time after that to get what the Taliban wants--control of Afghanistan's opium trade, etc. George Will, the highly regarded syndicated columnist said it well in two sentences. I have posted it below. Be on the lookout for the next "new tax" to help offset the insanity in spending: A "War Tax" to pay for Afghanistan. Watch!
QUOTES TO PAY HEED TO:
"The president's party will not support his new policy, his budget will not accommodate it, our over-stretched military will be hard-pressed to execute it, and Americans' patience will not be commensurate with Afghanistan's limitless demands for it. This will not end well." —George F. Will
"The quickest way to end a war is to lose it. —George Orwell
OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY WITH ARABS IS FLAWED
According to Fouad Ajami, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International studies, President Obama's behavior is costing him respect with Arab leaders--on a large scale, and rapidly. Why? Professor Ajami explains: "No on told Mr. Obama that the Islamic world, where American power is engaged and so dangerously exposed, it is considered bad form, nay a great moral lapse, to speak ill of one's own tribe when in the midst and in the lands of others....The stranger who came into their midst and spoke badly of his own was destined to become an object of suspicion."
TWO HEALTH CARE BILLS AND NARY A WORD ABOUT TORT REFORM
Where are the heads of Congressional Democrats? Wait, clearly they are in the pockets of the Trial Lawyers Association. Until someone addresses the lunacy in malpractice settlements, health care costs won't go down. Of course the politicians have an answer for that too: once the "nationalize health care" you won't be able to sue the government. QED--problem all fixed.
SHOPPERS ARE BUYING MORE AND SPENDING LESS
Price deflation has resulted in more units selling for less dollars at retail. How do you think retail comp store numbers and profits will look come 1Q 2010? China is worried about the US$, and its investments. China will increasingly put pressure on the US. Unlike the Japan pressure of 3-4 decades ago, this is not some transitory thing. China has the land mass, the people, the history and is quickly gaining the knowhow to challenge the US on any front. GE, Toyota and GM just made huge investments in Chinese factories: GE for aircraft; Toyota and GM for autos. Chinese companies are buying brand names: Hummer, maybe Volvo, and who knows what else. Chinese brands will soon be in the USA en masse.
GLOBAL AUTO CAPACITY IS STILL WAY TOO GREAT
Expect more and more auto plant closings around the world. There is about 30% too much capacity (that's 30 million cars), and even if good growth occurs, in 5 years there will still be 15% too much. Once these plants close, they are gone forever. New plants will kill off more old ones, since they will be more productive, and more technologically advanced. Best way to save American jobs in autos: States must offer incentives to retrofit older auto plants with new technologies AND Unions must alter contracts for work rules that encourage productivity instead of featherbedding. Latest stupid move by the government: since it owns the GM & Chrysler, interfere with closing down excess dealers to make local constituents happy and cause the companies to carry still more excess baggage. That's what killed the railroads under Government control.
HEADS UP TO CAR EXECS AND CONGRESS (AND PRES. OBAMA)
Market share gains cannot be the goal. They must be the outcome of doing the right things, including making and selling better cars that consumers want. Do the right things and market share will go up. You cannot "rig the scoreboard;" you can only play the game better.
Ok...that's enough for one week. Stay tuned for one more before a lengthy Christmas holiday break.
Best, John
BONUS FEATURE: THE WISDOM OF CARTOONS AND CARTOONISTS
The Charlie Schulz Philosophy
(This is marvelous!! Scroll thru slowly and read carefully to receive and enjoy full effect)
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions.Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..
The most money..or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.
Pass this on to those people who have either made a difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart, like I did.
'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !'
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." —Thomas Jefferson
-----------------------------------------------------------
John L. Mariotti, President & CEO, The Enterprise Group, Phone 614-840-0959 http://www.mariotti.net http://mariotti.blogs.com/my_weblog/
------------------------------------------------------------
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