Gabriel M Key  

On Tuesday night the Spouse and I went to a local networking event. Little did I know that it would result in both of us becoming engaged in a very interesting discussion involving the importance of education to the economy and our government.  The conversation started between two group members who are actively and intensively involved with national level policy here in DC and come from two very different backgrounds.  Of course they started off talking about their respective candidate’s positions on certain issues, however, when the conversation travelled to the fact that people voting in Michigan and Florida now have 1/2 a vote - I thought this concept of one man, one vote was decided a long time ago - the discourse changed radically.

Basically, it quickly came down to the kernel that most people outside of DC and throughout much of the country do not have the understanding of history or the education in civics, much less the interest to take an active interest in what is happening in their government or their economy.  When you have a society that can name more rock stars than historical figures, it is a society that lacks the educational foundations necessary to be vibrant and functioning.

If you don’t believe me, take a look at Ireland over the last 20 years and our own history from just after World War Two until the final years of the cold war.  You might notice that educational support precedes economic growth and both of those elements support or encourage civic engagement.

Now, using this context, remember that earlier this spring AT&T announced it could not find enough people with sufficient education to fill customer service call centers relocated from India to the US.  So, if you are upset about the economy or fear the US is loosing it prominence in the global economy, take a moment to consider how much time you spend watching Top Chef, Survivor, or The Colbert Report and not reading the newspaper or reading to a child.

Justin Fox writes an interesting and excellent column in the June 6, 2008 Time.  His focus is the economy, apparently attempting to enlighten his reading audience as to the fact that the US economy and workers can survive and even prosper when confronted.  

Here are some quotes from page 37:

“Savannah has been a raw-material exporter since the days of King Cotton ...”

“We’re sending raw materials to foreign countries, and in return, generally speaking, we’re receiving finished goods.” John Trent, Director of Operations for the Georgia Ports Authority.

“This country [the U.S.] is, believe it or not, still the world’s largest manufacturer.  Exports are at an all-time high, both in dollar terms ($1.6 trillion in 2007) and as a percentage of GDP (11.8%).”

“In recent years, the Southeast has experienced a manufacturing boomlet, with foriegn companies in particular setting up shop there to cater to the huge U.S. Consumer market.”