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Bob H's avatar

So you bring up several thought provoking subjects. First, why did Detroit get decimated? Why do jobs leave the US (not limiting the discussion to the US but this conversation originates here). Where do the jobs go? Who is doing theses jobs? What roll does or should the government play? How do we prepare avoid socioeconomic meltdown?

The smart ones seem to survive. Either by side gigs or protecting themselves with irreplaceable talent. In the US I believe we are doing a poor job of preparing our youth. Many presidents tried to promote education. Bush, no child left behind. Obama, Every Student Succeeds Act. Both of these failed. They simply moved the bar so teachers taught to a standardized test. Or they moved the bar so low that no child is challenged. Combine this with Colleges and Universities creating entrance requirements based on many factors other than aptitude, combine this with many companies like United Airlines hiring based on diversity rather than talent. Creates a set up for failure, a glass ledge.

It is not an easy problem to fix, proven by the continued problem.

What role should government play? This unfortunately comes down to political affiliation. The sad part here is how polarized politics has become (thanks social media). Where are the days where people could speak and debate freely? Where are the days where we could voice our opinion and listen to others with an open mind, vulnerable enough to be persuaded? It seems we now draw a line and are all in on one side or the other. I never met any one person who had all the answers and I am sure no one political part has all the answers.

Government needs to play a part. Needs to prepare our children, needs to create job training, needs to incentivize workers to work, needs to provide a safety net for those who can’t work, needs to incentivize companies to keep jobs in the US, needs to tax companies to continue the US leadership around the world. Or, maybe not. Every empire has come to an end.

AI needs to embraced. Hopefully it can be used to help teach our youth to be the best that they can individually become.

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