Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Trump Comment that Could Not be Ignored




Donald Trump recently state publicly state that Americans make too much money. Specifically American wages are too high. Yes. Someone has dared to argue that hard-working Americans get paid too much, despite the fact that their net purchasing power has remained stagnant or even decrease over the years. Mr. Trump apparently wants to be the only one on the wrong side of the income gap question. As the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, Mr. Trump thinks because should be making less in wages.
 
In terms of policy it's just bad. Mr. Trump claims that he reasoning for this is that our economy is “noncompetitive.” I tremble to think his idea of a “competitive” environment is one where people get paid dirt nothing for their work. People deserve an honest, living wage. End of story. Besides true threats to competition in the United States are not high wages but companies that are too big and too powerful. Furthermore, competition for talent is based on having higher wages and benefits.
In terms of politics. This was an incredibly dumb move. Most Americans work for wages. Most voters work for wages. The general consensus is that the economy sucks and people do not make enough. Why the heck would he dare come after the meager livelihood that many people carved out for themselves? Even people that make enough money do not feel like they make enough money. Saying that Americans get paid too much in wages is a great way to alienate low-income and mid-income voters.

Overall, a very poor move by Mr. Trump. In terms of policy it is something that should of never been seriously considered. In terms of politics these were things that should of never been said. It may be wish for Mr. Trump to respect people's time. He recognize that regardless of competition, power, or the corporate button line it is important to consider people. We should do right by each other. That means respecting each others time enough to pay a decent premium for it. Especially if at the end of the day your much better off than they are.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Ben Carson and Abortion


 
 
Republican presidential nomination candidate Ben Carson recently made a public proclamation that abortion should be banned in all circumstances. I think it is important that he voices his opinion on the matter because, as a presidential candidate, this issue will be brought up again and again.

However there is something that is important to keep in mind. Just because Ben Carson was a doctor and neurosurgeon that, by itself, does not make him qualified to speak about abortions authoritatively. Carson may have the expertise to explain how a abortion may be safely performed. He may be able to describe the steps of the procedure and any dangers that may be present.

He not authoritatively qualified to talk about the philosophy of abortion or its level of moral uprightness. Abortion as an issue is complex issue and everyone deserves their opinion on the matter. There is danger however in assuming that since Carson was a doctor that he can arbitrate on the issue.

Abortion is a complex issue encompassing medicine, theology, ethics, and philosophy. Any policy decision on this issue must be made with all these elements concerned. Given its complexity it is not a policy issue that can be solved with the input of one person. No one person can be considered an authority on it.