Tornado Alley (PROG)

[SilverSurfer]

"Last week America started bombing Libya. Part of protecting the national interest. But, this is not free – reportedly costing Americans $100M/day. Two weeks is $1.4B (probably a lot more, to be honest.). Let’s not debate whether this is necessary, but rather recognize (as Roseanne Rosannadanna used to say on Saturday Night Live) “it’s always something.” There are programs, policies, military bases, agricultural lands, national parks and jobs to protect in every district of America – and its interests around the globe. And that’s increasingly where America’s money goes. Protecting the past. Not into innovation.

So why are Americans surprised that job growth struggles? When the head of GE, a company that has moved manufacturing, information technology, engineering and R&D to offshore centers during the last decade is made head of the U.S. jobs initiative is there much doubt? When the spending and incentives, as well as the selected leaders, have as their #1 interest preserving the past – largely in areas where American productivity lags – why would anyone expect new job creation?

America’s protectionist mentality is causing its lead in innovation to slip away. The President, administration officials, Senators and Congresspeople needs to quit thinking that talking about innovation is going to make any difference in investments, or job creation. If America wants to remain globally economically vibrant it requires a change in investments – starting with more money for R&D via grants, subsidies and tax breaks.

If America wants jobs, and healthy economic growth, it needs innovation. Innovation that will create new, highly productive jobs. And that requires investing in the future, rather than spending all the government’s money protecting the past."

http://www.thephoenixprinciple.com/blog/innovation/