Odds and Ends

1. Commonly heard on the media: "To prepare for the 21st century ..." Imagine someone in January of 1901 talking about preparing for the 20th century. In his wildest dreams, he couldn't imagine what the world was going to be like in 1929 (depression), 1941 (WWII), 1945 (atomic bombs), etc.

2. Ever notice how major social issues are accompanied by little analysis? These days, the air is filled with discussion of three alternatives for government support of the Detroit auto makers: no aid, a bailout, or Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The threat of high increased unemployment seems to be foremost on the minds of those in Congress. But you hear practically no discussion of the fact that contraction of Detroit auto making would lead to increased demand for the Toyotas, Hondas and the other cars that are also made by car manufacturers in the U.S. -- along with their parts suppliers and other supporting industries. And the expansion of these industries would be accompanied by hiring of at least some of the former Detroit auto workers. How many people are involved, and how long would the shift take? All reasonable questions, but no one seems interested.

3. Americans express outrage when the Detroit Big Three fly in to testify before Congress on their corporate jets. How inconsistent for CEOs to plead poverty for their companies when their private fortunes are bulging! Well, it seems that some people can't decide whether they want a good leader or a Boy Scout. History offers many examples of people who were first-class leaders and third-class citizens. Not to mention the possibility that personal jets might be lots more efficient than travel on public airlines for people who lead billion-dollar businesses.