Michael Scott of the office once said in business college when confronted by a student about the Goliaths’ of Staples, OfficeMax, then cut off, “Yea, yea, you know who’s facing 5 goliaths’? America: Al-Qaeda. Global Warming. Sex Predators. Mercury Poisoning. (As fingers reach four in dramatic fashion) So do we give up, is that what we’re learning in business school?” “But in the big picture,” a student interjects and served the return of “Dunder-Mifflin is the big picture,” from the world’s best boss. “Can’t you understand that? No, you can’t. You’re too young. Ryan has never made a sale and he started a fire trying to make a cheesy pita; and everyone thinks he’s a tease. And you know what, he doesn’t know anything and neither do you. So suck on that.”
Today’s landscape in America as we approach the end of 2023 faces many challenges. The big 5 goliath’s of the present are Biden V. Trump, Wars in Europe and the Middle East, AI, Homelessness, and the Climate. The information streams seamlessly with the buffering taking form in our minds as we are bombarded by notifications through buzz’s and bells. The induced chemistry causes salivation and emotional response, mostly fear based. Lines of morality are drawn and you are with us, or with the terrorists. Being right is more important than understanding, peace.
Where to start, it’s like shooting yourself in the foot. I suppose climate should be the easiest to bridge the gap, for we all occupy space in nature. I’ve said before, I think John McCain’s stance was correct. He didn’t point the finger at climate deniers but simply said we should leave the planet better off for the future for our children. In other words, it was our duty to lead by example.
Even though ‘The Terminator’ was responsible for bringing Hummer online, he also set the bar ‘low’ for emissions. It was bold as a Republican Governor or anyone for that matter at the time in the world’s 6th largest economy. It was later adopted by President Obama nationwide.
The climate will continue, it always has. Earth is a volatile planet. Tectonic plates shift, hurricanes roar, fires burn, tornados tear, and floods drown; it’s something we have always known. And when we see devastation, specifically of Americans it brings out the best because we are united, even, and especially in pain.
On the ‘Date Mike’ episode Michael was confronted by the bouncer for his pool table air guitar antics, “we got a problem here?” “Yea, Homelessness,” Kango wearing ‘Date Mike’ responds. Homelessness runs hand in hand with mental health, physical disabilities, substance abuse, criminal records, and education. It’s become so rampant once proud cities on shining hills need to be hosed down and cleared before heads of state are motorcaded through, as was seen in San Fransico recently. This vulgarness of the walking dead should be a top priority because this is uncivilized but there hasn’t been anyone presenting a solution.
I suppose it’s difficult for the average American to feel empathy for their neighbors due to the stress that has been applied to the renting class. Any yes there are distinctions between home ownership and renting but with the rise in rates (30yr fix FHA 7%), average apartment rent $1,372; the difference between a mortgage payment and rent are not far off. Evicting a tenant shouldn’t take more then 30 days but taking back a house will be more taxing. But make no mistake, even if a property is paid for, the state, county, and city will want a piece every year in perpetuity. So how do we increase revenue with homeownership and house the homeless since the government has taken eminent domain on nature?
If we ask our elected official’s they’ll spend like the $650 million approved by L.A. this year. This problem won’t be solved by creating space but by inclusion. All of these individuals possess some talent and I bet it could be discovered in the process of building a home. Think of all the materials, professionals, planning, accounting, and design go into a house. Some of the less fortunate could find purpose, proudness, self-worth, an idea of the American Dream. And if they have no experience, give them some. Think of all the settlers that trekked the Oregon Trail, homeless, but they built together, united.
A.I. is predicted to cut into our job market substantially by decades end. The US already saw what free trade and NAFTA did when cheaper labor was available. And it only made sense from a capitalist perspective. But if homelessness is in a state of emergency today in Los Angles, what will it be when low wage retail workers are the first to go?
The military here and around the globe are producing killer robots that can autonomously decide if a human lives or dies. Sure, Skynet is scary but there is also the question of accountability. If AI turns on it’s own men or civilians how does a human reprimand a robot?
I presume a more logical unknown of ‘who’ will win the AI lottery and with that win how will they dominant over our everyday? It will be mandatory for business, schools, and governments to stay competitive. I hope it’s done in open source so all have access but honestly, I don’t know enough about AI to really elaborate.
Wars continue to take life over imaginary lines for revenge. Russia’s leaders want empire reborn to ensure their survival. And so the west stands with Ukraine, a corrupt and ineffective former government. Although most Americans ride and die for the cry of democracy, I don’t believe Ukraine stands for the United States of American principles. They do stand in the way of our NATO allies.
October 7th set in motion a continuing onslaught of humanity. IDF, Hamas, and the civilians caught in between. These events get stirred up every 5 years but with the brutality of murder, rape, and kidnapping on an unsuspecting public, unarmed or prepared for battle was broadcast to all smart phone holders, it gave the war-hawks what they needed. And more disturbing images are received causing outrage and protests over the 50 united to stand on one side or the other.
I have to ask why American’s feel the need to choose sides? Do you have to be right in order to be kind? To be seen? To be heard? Sure, there are injustices everywhere everyday but separation does not align with peace, understanding. Maybe we’d rather be right then happy.
Looming in the not to distant future, what will America look like? The 2024 election makes me think multiple pipe bombs and state capitals getting occupied. 70% of Americans don’t want a Biden V. Trump rematch, so why accept it? I’m not for amending the constitution but men or women over 75 probably don’t have the mental and physical capacity to be the leader of the free world. Those job requirements are stiff and the pay is only $400k. Not for a senior.
But the public doesn’t see the big picture, why, because we never get it. What we get is you know why you should vote for me, because the other guy will infringe on your liberties. They’ll take away your guns, raise taxes, cut Medicaid, or ban immigration. I know smart people who feel as if President X is elected it will ruin my life and America. This is preposterous! Democrats and Republicans have been trying to screw up the US for a long time and haven’t succeeded. Even as Michael felt betrayed by Ryan in his thesis that Dunder-Mifflin was doomed he didn’t fire him. “A good manager doesn’t fire people, he hires them. Inspires them. People, Ryan,” he says somberly. “A divided house cannot stand,” Abraham Lincoln stated but what can a united front accomplish? An idea that started 200 years ago and through the generations may get muddied but remains, it can be found easily in any soccer pub during a Team America match, U-S-A, U-S-A. States of union, united, hold strength with a common identity and never should live in lack. It only surfaces when one sees division.
