Alert: This is a political blog….
I wrote a piece that I sent to a few (ok, maybe 35) friends and family, because it’s that time of year…. Election time. And, I got back a reply (or two or 28) from a few folks. And, I recognized how many people let their biases override their logic. (I know, I wrote a blog about this already, too.) But, I still get surprised when folks just don’t consider the real facts.
You see, I wrote about the current controversy about “We built that”. I’m an entrepreneur. I’ve developed a slew of new devices- ones that never existed before I finished the design. But, I know that those designs all relied on research that was done before I was born. Even if the theory disagreed with what I wanted to do (and I had to develop new theories), I still relied on previous research, logic, and thought.
I’ve built companies- of my own and for other people. And, used the talents of folks that I sought to help me achieve. I didn’t teach them their technical skills- someone else did. And, being in the technical field, you can rest assured that the government was involved in funding their education- and the education of their professors. That isn’t hard to comprehend- as long as you don’t put your politics ahead of logic. So, here’s what I wrote…
OK, I’ll say it. Here we go again.
Yep, the Republicans and the Democrats want us to understand that this election is a “big” one. One that will set this country on the wrong/right course. I agree- because I don’t want our environmental laws gutted, science denigrated, and more Justice’s like Thomas who break the rules (doesn’t declare the lobbying money that comes into his household) and makes biased decisions. But, I digress..
Our vision for the future must rely upon the definition of the past. And, that means the true history. Not one we wish existed. And, that is exactly how Ryan/Romney (RR) want to define the past. No, I won’t mention how Ryan wanted Obama to start his time machine to affect the closure of the Wisconsin GM plant when Bush was president and not he. That’s way too easy. No, I’ll stick with the fact the RR ticket wants one to believe that the private sector is the enemy of the Federal Government and that the Federal Government stops private industry from functioning. Because the Federal Government has been (and still is) integral to the development and functioning of the private sector.
There is no way that any private enterprise could exist without the highway system. Started by the Feds way back when- and except when Republicans refuse to approve the transportation budget, still does today.
The Postal Service helped deliver the mail, packages, gifts, the news- no matter where in the US you were. Railway Express, UPS, and FedEx did not do that. And, even now charge MORE for delivery to rural and non-business sectors. (Tell me again why it costs more to deliver to my house- where there is no chance for a parking ticket (and where their vehicles won’t impede traffic) than to my office.
The phone company (back when it was Bell) had no desire to build communication lines across America. But, they had to do so to get the “cream of the crop”. And, the Feds subsidized this action (even though it did cost about $ 4K to get a phone line to Albemarle County in the 1980s).
The internet connections were not built by private industry. It may have found ways to make it easier for Aunt Sarah and Grandma Millie to use them- but it didn’t pioneer that aspect at all.
The railroads were built with Federal money. The air transportation system was built with Federal money. We also spurred on new airline companies (until that was subverted by a certain president and congress).
Most of the state universities are here because of federal largess (Morill Land Grant Act). My son thanks them. You should too!
One of the replies went on about the fact that the infrastructure might have been there, but not everyone took advantage of it. And, that’s what separates the “men from the boys”. The person went on that iron and steel companies were built by individuals. The government did not build the mill business. (I did so inform s/he that the mill business would not have existed without the canals built with federal dollars and its orders came via mail services designed, paid, and run by the government.)
And, let’s consider these new success stories folks like to bandy about. Like the great new Siemens facility in Charlotte. Yes, it employs plenty of workers (more than 800) at reasonable pay. Siemens considered all the usual places- you know, the ones that aren’t in the US. But, because government built a rail spur for them, because government trained the workers to understand new technologies needed by Siemens, because government financed the export of turbines to Saudi Arabia, they built the plant here. Just like Michelin did.
My company considered moving more than 3 decades ago. But, we stayed in Virginia because the state government – using Federal dollars- offered us special rates for new building. As long as we grew our company by 10 or more people. And, we did- and then some. Did the government show me how to build my product? No. Did it help me build a trucking company to deliver my products? No. But, their roads, their universities that trained my employees, their airports— they provided me with access to the raw materials (and some semi-refined ones) that I needed to build my company.
For that I thank them. My children who received money from me because of my company to go to great universities thank them. My employees who didn’t lose their jobs because I moved thank them.
I could go on- and will on another day.
Let’s just keep history to what really happened and leave the alternate reality shows to Snooki!
Yes, it was our governments that helped us. I thank them for letting me build on their assistance. You should, too!
Yes. I understand that it was my ingenuity that helped make the difference. I am not making light of my own contributions. But, I- and everyone else- must recognize that we all build upon the shoulders of others. Losing sight of that only proves that we will fail in the future. There are no leaders without followers.
The snarky Snooki comment took me by surprise. Great post. Retweeting now.
Marie Loerzel recently posted..Bruised
I didn’t think that was so snarky, Marie, but I am NOT a fan of “reality” shows (since they are not real…)
Roy, I don’t know for sure and can only speak for myself…I don’t discount that the government has provided many avenues in my lifetime. How I took his remark had nothing to do with everything that is in place now. All of the things that you mentioned have benefited more than just the small business owners. Being one of those ‘small business owners’ for 17 years, I was offended by the comment. I started my business and worked my butt off to get it going. I had no government support in the way of grants or loans. Of course, I had the roads and the mail…but everyone does, they are not just there for the use of business. I DID build my business and was very taken back being told I had not. But then, nothing that comes out of our President’s mouth anymore surprises me. I will admit to anyone that I don’t care for his tactics or style of running our country and feel that the road he is leading our country down is not the road I want to be on. But my mother always told me not to argue about politics or views so I will end with this…we can agree to disagree on this topic 🙂
Mary Hudak-Collins recently posted..Sweet Rice with Coconut and Pineapple
OK, Mary…
I don’t know what your businesses were that you started, but I can bet you still “built on others”. Yes, your efforts were critical, but they used skills taught to you by others (probably in public schools or in private schools that received government funding), you relied on the internet that was built with government funding, infrastructure also compliments of the government, prior learning that someone else made available to you, etc.
Yes, you were critical- but you did NOT do it all alone. No one helped me develop a new artificial kidney- but I used research in various areas to come up with the design. No one helped me develop water reuse facilities for the nuclear, power, mining, car wash (etc.) industries- but I did not develop every technology myself.
That’s the point that was being referenced. Since it seems that so many of those who think that they built everything themselves are unwilling to have our government fund the infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and extensions that are necessary to stay a strong nation- and let our entrepreneurs and businesses thrive.
Roy
I agree that our government has helped us in many ways. Most of us would not be where we are today if it were not for the benefits we received from the U.S. government.
There is no place in the world I would rather be. I hope the American people exercise their right to vote and let their voices be heard.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Texas Antique Weekend in Warrenton
I am with you, Janette…
See my further comments to Mary…
I dislike political discussions it seems I am always the one who is on the “other” side. I am so sick of republican/democrat politics. There has to be a better way a more intelligent way to solve the problems of our country. I admit I am for less government since we now pay large amounts of money to our government and they still don’t do anything more then what 5 yr old little boys do. Fight and blame the other one.
shawn recently posted..Virtual Assistants and Your Web Site
Shawn..
That is exactly why I don’t use this blog for those sort of statements. However, this concept that “I built that” is a critical issue for our nation- and other nations. If we don’t recognize the infrastructure requirements and don’t maintain, repair, and augment them- we will have no means to deliver our products, reach our customers, and obtain raw materials.
The thing that I don’t understand is that BOTH parties (but most often the Republican Party) try to sell us on how “big government” is so bad when big government is what has been most beneficial to us since this country began.
Angie Hottentots-Laurel recently posted..World Peace for a Day
Angie:
I am not a fan of “big” government, either. However, one side seems to think they are the “small government” protectors- as they try to control every activity they DON”T like (abortion, equal rights) by making rules to prohibit them! That’s not small goverment- it’s big government aimed to achieve smallness.
I love your last sentence “there are no leaders without followers”. I think any election time (any country) we lose that focus – we the public are just overwhelmed with a huge amount of information – not necessarily right, not necessarily facts. The decision remains in our hands, we need to know the right, wrong and the not so right and make the best decision. Things go out of hand, but that doesn’t mean we lose our decision making ans fact knowing skills.
Hajra recently posted..Two years and many blogging mistakes later
Absolutely true, Hajra…
We are reaching the age where folks do not obtain true information. Rumors are used to create riots, wars, and the like.
I could pick on China- who incites its people with territorial considerations against Japan- and then tries to control them when they cause problems beyond what they hoped.
I could pick the Imams who try to confuse those in their flock that a government approved and promoted a film that one person (ok, maybe a dozen) unrelated to the government developed.
That would be akin to blaming the country of Egypt for a sole terrorist act- if the terrorist made a film extolling what s/he would be doing and then posted it on the internet.
Gee am I really the first to comment. Roy, we do forget to be thankful for the things the government buys with our tax dollars. We fail to see that there is a correlation between our business, the roads, hospitals, schools, telecommunications etc. Yes governments sometimes forget that the decisions they make can affect a wider community but the truth is so much is interlinked. Now if only we could have a different perspective – maybe one that says – what did we learn from the past so we stop repeating the mistakes of the past. And remember that it is about people rather than just money
Roberta Budvietas recently posted..7 Things You need to Succeed in Business
No, Roberta, you were not the first, but even though this is no longer a “no-work” day, it is a synagogue morning. So, by the time I got around to my blog comments, it was late in the day. (Not to mention that major calamities that were left on my doorstep (literally) when clients could not reach me over the past days…)
I love your comment, Roberta. Yes, we do create and extend our businesses- using the resources available to us. These infrastructures, the previous knowledge, etc- they are the “natural resources” that businesses like ours need- akin the minerals in the earth that other firms need to mine and market products.
You go guy! Most of the arguments against government are specious. I do believe that the numbers show that the government is smaller than it’s been in a long time. Of course, numbers are all relative anyway. Take, for example, the arguments against unemployment payments, food stamps, social security and medicare. These are not entitlements, these are programs that we agreed to support with our tax dollars so that when we needed help, these programs would be there. They are our safety net, like any insurance that we’ve paid into for many years.
And just consider the interstate highways. This idea came from – wait for it – a Republican president who is probably turning over in his grave wondering what the heck happened to his party.
They all need to be taken behind the woodshed and have their knowledge of history reinforced.
Thank you for writing about this. And vote people, for whomever you favor, but vote.
Julia Neiman recently posted..The Sensible Blogging Checklist
All three of those are great points, Julia… especially the last one!
Thanks for adding to the discussion.
Hi Roy!
i am not happy with my Indian governments.because they don’t work for the benefit of the people and increase the corruption .so i hate politics.
anshul recently posted..Online Banking Software
Don’t HATE politics, Anshul. Work to change the system. It’s not quick, it’s not easy, but it’s the only way to make things better- for you, your compatriots, and your children!
hi Roy!
i think you are right .perhaps i will have to take interest in politics for the future or next generation.i respect your word.because if common man will not think about the changing of the right nature then how to finish the corruption .i like your advice.
thanks for the suggestion roy.
anshul recently posted..Online Banking Software
Keep us advised!
Wow! This post sure put things into perspective. I’m not the most knowledgeable on politics, but maybe part of the reason is because I haven’t been able to see the bigger picture as you’ve been able to show me. It really underlines how we need more knowledgeable voters and that includes myself. I had always thought that meant understanding economics and international affairs, but now I know that it means history too!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A Sisterhood Blogger and Expat in Peru
You know, Samantha… the shin bone’s connected to the thigh bone…
Thanks for the comment- and reminding us that things are not always as simple as one would like them to appear.