I am so done with the cold weather...

 

There is something about an animal oozing into you that just calms you.  

On a side note, I think I have had that blue hoodie sweatshirt since 2001.  I have worn this hoodie for all kinds of things, playing outdoors with the kids, working on the yard, lounging around the house, and a host of other things.  

As I was thinking about this hoodie, I realized how badly we have all been sucked into the consumer economy and regardless of how you "feel" about the economy, we are a consumer economy.  Not an information economy, not a manufacturing economy, and not a financial economy, we are a consumer economy (Finance about 8% of GDP, Manufacturing is about 11%, with consumer spending about 70% of GDP).  Yes, it is extremely complex to talk about a national economy, but consider the fact that the only thing American consumers seem to be concerned with is the cost and consumption of goods.

e.g. New phone model came out, I must have it regardless of the functionality of my current phone.  On a side note, I hate phones and only upgraded last time because I dropped it and the glass broke.  To me, a phone is still a phone, and I don't really like talking that much (contrary to my socially uncomfortable can't shut up problem).  

I guess the point I am trying to make as I wander through my head is, all this talk of bringing back manufacturing and we should be looking at creating the most information economy we can create.  The US should be educating and bringing in (yes, immigration and H1B1) the best and brightest to work on the complex technologies of the future.  Items such as AI, quantum computing, and advance cyber security will be paramount for a nation to remain competitive in the future.  Let's face it, the manufacturing of goods will become a fully automated practice that will be able to take place anywhere.

Currently, a lot of the thinking and work around advancements in technology take place in universities and are funded through grants from the government (in most cases, but alas there are those that think research without a profit motive is waste :( ).  Yes, big companies like Microsoft, IBM, Google, and others are sinking billions into AI and quantum, but much of that is focused on making a profit and being first to market (note: a lot of this work is not taking place in the US, but these companies are looking for the best and brightest).

So, what about the hoodie you ask?  Well, this hoodie is an example of the fact that we waste money on things we don't need and the titans of industry are thankful about that.  Do you really want to send a message, stop consuming so much.  Don't buy the new TV, car, phone, or anything you don't actually need.  The reason the US imports so much and all the manufacturing moved out of the country was our endless need to consume (and profit maximization, low labor costs, and expanding markets outside the US).  We will not tolerate the prices that goods would be if all manufacturing was in the US, you know this.  You also wouldn't want to work in a factory for minimum wage, but you certainly would want your neighbor to go do that so that your goods can be low cost.

I could go on and on about this, but you know I am right.  We have been entranced by manipulative advertising and constant incentives to consume more than we need.  On top of that, we have been sold a narrative that if you just "work hard" you will be extremely successful and you all know that is bullshit because everyone that works 35+ hours a week "works hard", just ask them.  

So, as I sit and watch my 401K, Roth, etc... plummet in value, again, I for one remain happy that AT THIS TIME, my social security benefit can't be effected by this bullshit. I also have to remind you all, that we can't go backwards and if you think manufacturing consumer goods (shoes, cars, clothing, etc...) in country is the end all of economical prowess, you are seriously in the wrong generational mindset. 

Oh, and the title has nothing to do with the post, but I am sick of the cold weather.

For now, I'm good (MMGA)

- JJ