You Sir Are Right, Again

The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues with him. – Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

War on Science

Just finished the Book the Republican War on Science. It was an interesting book worth picking up. I wish the arguments would have been framed differently as to lay the ground work for a more constructive all inclusive re positioning of science in our society. I fear that arguments in this vain do more to polarize the issue than cause the discussion that needs to take place but since no one is having this discussion anyway I guess it really doesn’t matter.

Those Who Fail History

One of the things I was most acutely aware of during the last election was the plethora of business people who said that if a specific candidate was elected they were going to be forced to lay-off staff. Some notable ones included Papa John’s CEO. It seems to be walking a fine line of voter intimidation and free speech.

In catching up on my DVR I watched the whole series of the Men Who Built America. (Great series BTW). It was interesting to see the same issue in the McKinley election. As Carnegie, Rockefeller and Morgan applied pressure to sway the election.

One thing I would have liked to do is write down all the CEO’s who made statements and compare the numbers of employees at 1-3-5-10 years post election but that seemed like too much work and I have been too tired lately.

Pleasantville?

For some reason when I ever stumble along this little movie gem on TV I can’t help but sit and watch. I think it draws a nice story about a longing for a perfect and the realization that that idealized world isn’t what you think it is. There is a scene in the movie when the towns leaders are convened in a bowling where they are safe from the changes going on around them on the outside. They are plotting strategy about how to overcoming this changing world. While I know everyone is sick of politics I think this is a good representation of the current state of the republican party which is despite a lot of chest thumping is now in its current form entering its twilight. The changing demographics of America long two particular axis will continue to erode the parties relevance each year.

1.) The largest growing “religious” population in the US is non-theists -- atheists. This population will start to have a larger and larger influence going forward. As we move from a more superstitious based culture to a more rational scientific minded culture how we think, vote and handle issues will change in a way I would forecast is not going to be favorable to the party.

2.) The diversity of the country is changing. As we become more multicultural you can no longer win elections based on appealing to one segment of the population. You will need to include people or all different backgrounds and here the party has some extreme challenges and may have to change its dogma considerably.

The party strategy then becomes one of two paths; suppress these changes or the population within these demographics from voting or fundamentally change the party platform.

My gut tells me that line is too hard, that number 1 will prevail and with that my prediction is that if the economy keeps flat or marginally improving we will never see another viable republican candidate for president.

Business Idea #32123 – Business Card Vending Machine

Business card vending machine for hotels, bars clubs.  Insert a few bucks. Pick a template. Enter a few details and bam a custom card pops right out. I would be willing to bet they might even do well as a novelty item at places where conventions take place etc..