Freedom makes America
The Envy of the World

America the Successful

Commentary for Monday 08/06/2007 American Success

Freedom a Simple Concept: Simply put; "Freedom is the opportunity to rise to the level of your ambition without interference from the governing process."

Motivation: The drive to achieve wealth is the regulator that manages a person's station in life. This drive can be so strong that no amount of wealth or power can be satisfying to an individual, or the drive so weak that a person languishes at the bottom of the heap, struggling day to day just to get by.

The Top of the Heap: Experience has shown that the naked ambition of some has had little regard for those with less ambition. Our historical past has been witness to the corruption and total disregard for humanity as a result of unbridled ambition. It has taken Government intervention to regulate business with regard to labor and monopolies. These regulations were meant only to stem the abuse of power without stifling the ambition to achieve wealth. This delicate balance of regulations versus ambition draws mixed reviews. Domestic application of rules to businesses has helped create a large middle class, and a safety net for those on the bottom. However, with a high earning middleclass, globally, we were at risk in the market place competing with foreign products.

Competition: Those developing countries were starting to produce quality products cheaper than the United States. The general working class in these developing countries made only a tenth of what our domestic workers were making. Our domestic companies couldn't compete without stiff import tariffs put on these foreign goods, but tariffs were not a solution that could be sustained. Answering the challenge posed by these foreign imports meant modernizing and automating our production plants. Those businesses that didn't have the money to upgrade began closing down domestic operations and moving their operations into those countries where production cost would be lower.

The Service Economy: It was obvious that the U.S. was not going to be able to maintain its high standard of living by depending on a faltering manufacturing base. What we needed was a solution that would maintain our liberties and living standard. Enter the 'Service Economy'. Basically, the service economy would allow the outsourcing of our manufacturing needs, and at the same time establishing a retail consumer based economy. Integral to the new economy was credit. Usury laws in most states were either abolished or re-written to enable credit providers to charge high enough interest rates to compensate them for the high risk of extending consumer credit to almost everyone.

Credit Ratings: How much 'stuff' a person can buy depends on his credit rating. And, a high credit rating depends on the ambition of the individual. The system protects freedom because it is still up to an individual's motivation to decide how far up the scale he wants to go. The United States is one of the few countries where a person has the freedom to make the choices that dictates his standing. This freedom is not limited to any particular group of people but to all with the motivation to decide that they want better for themselves and their family.

Shortcuts: Those who take shortcuts, i.e. thieves, cheaters, drug dealers and other such minded individuals are not welcome. These are the ones with 'the wants' but lack the patience to satisfy their needs. Our jails and prisons are brimming with those who chose to take the shortcut to wealth.

Political Tinkering: One of the greatest threats to the freedom we enjoy is 'Political Tinkering'. Our politicians are influenced by lobbyist and in turn pass legislation that favors one business over another. It is so bad that many businesses are forced to hire lobbyist just to protect their interest. The main tool used by the Lobbyist is the campaign contribution. When that isn't enough, the Lobbyists pay for trips, exotic golf outings, and some even resort to bribes. The cagy politicians work the lobbyist by letting it be known that he/she is undecided on an issue. This is the cue for a lobbyist to try and persuade the politician into voting the issue in their favor. The tighter a vote on an issue, the more a particular vote is worth. Politicians are our voice in what happens in this republic. Those who are only interested in satisfying their ambitions and acquiring wealth at the expense of governing should be exposed and booted. They more than anybody are an internal threat to our freedom.

The Labor Force: Not everybody is motivated to acquire riches. This group is satisfied with the security of their jobs. Our labor force looks forward to 'beer-thirty' in the afternoon and on weekends cooking out and watching their favorite sports team. All they ask is for employment and a reliable social structure including schools, fire and police protection, and responsible government. They are not the climbers who dance to any tune for a promotion. They are intensely patriotic and Christian whether or not they attend a church. They spend their spare income for personal pleasures that may include a new pick-up, evenings at the local bar, a boat, and whatever electronics that suits their fancy. They are the consumers that keep this economy going. They also make up the largest group in this country. They work in McDonalds, retail stores, as office clerks, construction workers, farming, and industry.

The Professionals: The college graduates that make up our engineers, doctors, lawyers, and business professionals make up this group. They run things generally speaking. They have their eyes on the prize, consume higher quality goods, and try to impress each other with their 'stuff'. A lot of this crowd lives above their means in order to look more important than what they are. Most are totally dependent on the labor force for their living. The leaders of tomorrow will emerge from this group. From our professionals will come the politicians, and business leaders. With any luck, before they assume their responsible roles as heads of the society, experience will be gained, and their idealism will be replaced with the practicality needed to be effective leaders.

Conclusion: Our economy will remain vibrant as long as we maintain the freedom that enables everybody that choice of what to do with his or her life. It is that freedom of choice that makes America the envy of the world.

Robert welcomes your comment to this or any other of my commentaries.

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