Is Criticism Really Unpatriotic?

While this is somewhat politically charged, it does have a more general and widespread meaning. It has long frustrated me that anyone who questions the U.S. of late is deemed unpatriotic by some. It seems to go against the very meaning of the United States.

A recent editorial in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle sums up my view very well. It quotes a rather profound statement from William Fulbright: "Criticism is more than a right; it is an act of patriotism, a higher form of patriotism, I believe, than the familiar ritual of national adulation. All of us have the responsibility to act upon the higher patriotism, which is to love our country less for what it is than for what we would like it to be."

The editorial goes on to state: "And what should we call those in this country that try to scare away constructive criticism by calling many of us "unpatriotic?" What do we call those who, in all these ways, actually weaken our nation? Aren't they, in fact, "unpatriotic" — indeed, "un-American?" I would add more, but I think the job has already be done.

Is the American Dream Fading?

Intuitively, I've considered this to be a serious question for a while. With many of the good paying lower skilled manufacturing jobs disappearing, it creates a gap in society. Naturally, one might argue that you just need to educate yourself. However, given the polarity between some public schools and the increasing costs of college, everyone clearly doesn't have an equal footing. A recent article confirms the gap may be increasing.

In my opinion, if we are going to move to a more service based economy (not that services can't be outsourced, but that is another topic), we have to make education more accessible to all. A bachelors degree is a minimum now in so many fields. If people can't afford to get that education, the dream is clearly lost. I can only hope there is some adjustment that increases accessibility and restores the dream.

Wal-Mart's Impact on Society

In a write up in the business section, I discussed a few ways that small businesses might be able to avoid the big box threat. Needless to say, Wal-Mart is the biggest box of them all. There is often debate in regards to the trade off of low prices versus the reduction in wages due to their presence. In a relatively saturated retail marketplace, a new business will inevitably draw folks (and jobs) away from a different business. If that business pays better or brings significant wealth to a community, the question becomes whether there is a positive pay off even with lower prices.

The obvious example is if a worker at a grocery stores earns $10 an hour plus significant benefits. If that store gets put out of business and they head to a big box retailer for $6 an hour plus limited benefits, the cost savings for that worker won't equal the loss in wages and disposable income. There is also the trickle down effect that comes from suppliers feeling pressures to reduce prices that may in fact encourage further offshoring. There is no easy answer, and in the end, the consumer will make the decision. Even if that consumer is digging his or her own grave.

That's a very basic overview of the debate. The Christian Science Monitor had a solid article on the topic that is worth a read. Wal-Mart has a wonderful business model that they've executed to perfection. However, in my opinion, it's a zero sum gain. Their gains are offset by losses in other ends of the community. Regardless of that, I don't see their dominance in the discount scene being reduced anytime soon. I can question their contributions to local communities, but I can't question their business savvy.

High School Students Rarely Study

The USA Today has an interesting article that reports the results of a survey taken by high school students. 55% of students put less than three hours a week into homework, yet 65% still manage As and Bs. Needless to say, this has caused problems when students hit the college level.

These findings highlight the importance of real school reform. United States schools are lagging, and in a country that's rapidly losing its low skill labor, it's a dangerous trend. Even more dangerous is that if students aren't prepared for college, yet are admitted due to good grades, it'll water down the course work. This, of course, will force U.S. colleges to eventually lag behind.

Colleges in the U.S. remain among the best in the world. I hope this doesn't change due to our public school system failing many students. People won't travel to the U.S. for a sub par education, and if that happens, I think we know where the blame lies.

Job Growth: Kind Of

Since this could fall under business or politics, I decided to put it here. Today I noticed some positive U.S. economic reports. Of course, it's like anything else, when you delve into the numbers, you uncover greater insight. I found this in a Christian Science Monitor article:

"Since last May, when the economy began creating jobs again, average hourly earnings of nonfarm production workers have actually fallen - by 0.7 percent - after adjusting for inflation."

Until growth begins to be seen in areas where wages are solid, the economy will continue to struggle. If a computer scientist loses a job and moves on to a department store, she or he still found a job! Too bad that job growth represented a significant pay cut...

Sports: Sick of Greedy Overpaid Players? Try Pro Lacrosse On for Size.

Many hockey fans are a little frustrated over the greed displayed by the players and owners to cancel the National Hockey League (NHL) season. Luckily, there is a solid alternative. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) played in many NHL arenas this winter, it's the box or indoor version of the sport. Major League Lacrosse (MLL) is the field version that plays during the summer.

Not only do both leagues provide a great product at a reasonable price, their players are outstanding. The overwhelming majority have full-time jobs and play for a very modest per game amount. Keep in mind that many of the players, especially in the outdoor game, have Ivy League degrees and high powered jobs. The NLL has postgame parties where players can converse with the fans and obtain autographs. The MLL often has autograph signing sessions on the field immediately following each game.

The NLL Championship game will be on NBC at 3:30 on Saturday May 14th. Those of us in Rochester are a little disappointed the Knighthawks lost a close affair and the chance to host this game. Instead, it'll be played in front of a packed house in Toronto. You can catch the outdoor game on ESPN2 this spring/summer. However, the best way to see the game is live. So catch one if you have a team nearby, it's a wonderful alternative.