Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Chapter 9: This is Not a Test


Friedman is saying this isn't another Cold War era where it is won without a shot being fired. That the other countries are not just going to lay down and collapse on their own. He is saying its a 75 question scan tron test with essays, the real deal. Its time for Americans to respond to the challenge and pro-globalization advocates to recognize the need for compassionate measures. Friedman outlines 5 areas of this compassionate flatism in which the goal is to give us the tools to compete in the flat world.

1st action - Leadership - Its time for politicians to get serious about globalization. I say just get Bush and his goon's out of house and we'll be find. He says they need not to encourage stupidity among constituents. But look who is in the White House.

2nd action - Muscles - How are we going to enhance each workers lifetime employability by giving them "muscle" that will make someone employable for life. Some examples are Universal pension plans, more stock options, or portable health care program.

3rd action- Good Fat - Wage Insurance, for people that have lost their jobs and will not make as much next employment b/c of our economy. Three criteria make you available for this : One, lost job through displacement. Two, held job for 2 years. Three, could not collect until he found a new job.

4th action - Social Activism - Relationship b/w the global corporation and its moral conscience. He trying to be a peace maker here and just say why can't everybody get along. He's killin me smalls. Also we need to do more for our citizens like educate consumers.

5th action - Parenting - The economist, technologist, and now parent counselor. He says parents need to do a better job at raising their kids. Every old person whine's about the younger generations, and that's never going to change. They give you the I walked up hill both ways to school and back.

1 comment:

Liz said...

Parenting styles are in my opinion the most important influence on a person's lives and value system. If parents are not teaching kids how to have a passion for learning then how will they be motivated to study? Not that every kid in this situation won't study, but for the most part, many will do the bare minimum. Maybe parents should turn off the TV and video games for their kids more often and send their kids to the library to read. Or sign them up for some book club like this.