Compassionate Flatism Rankings

1. Leadership: Need politicians who are able and willing to both explain and inspire.

Source – (Macro level) Government or public through votes.

As Friedman explained, compassionate flatism can occur from the government to a single American family. However, I believe that compassionate flatism will be most successful when it is a top down process. This means that it must “officially” begin at the highest levels in Washington. The word officially is in quotations because I believe that the American public has a great deal of power in politics and thus is the true driving force behind what goes on in Washington. Nevertheless, in the end it is our leaders that get us headed in a direction for better or worse, hopefully better, as in the case of compassionate flatism.

I do not believe that building a truly employable workforce will evolve efficiently or effectively at the micro levels. I do not believe that a large portion of the workforce deemed as non-employable has the tools and/or resources to improve their position. I believe that government programs and assistance is needed.

2. Muscles: Government and business must enhance every worker’s employability.

Source - Government through legislation or self imposed corporate “obligation”

Increasing employability by providing cross-training, schooling and other learning opportunities is extremely beneficial for both the corporation and the worker. More corporations are offering and even requiring additional learning to maintain employment. I do not think government legislation will be able to mandate training at the corporate level. However good leadership can help make a drastic paradigm change and make a large impact on corporate America.

3. Good Fat: The nation must develop and nurture “good fat” such Social Security, wage insurance, and other safety nets.

Source – Government in the short-term or public through votes.

I do not believe that the average Joe in the Working and Middle Class has the resources or even knows where to find the resources to increase their employability. I am also skeptical of big business which more than anything seems to always care about the bottom line. With those ideas in mind, I believe it is absolutely necessary for the government to support social programs and education. Both give the disadvantaged or just confused/unemployed the resources they need to help pull themselves up.

4. Social Activism: Companies need to sort out their own moral consciences.

Source – Companies will eventually need to do this to survive as the global standard of living increases.

As Friedman mentioned, McDonalds and G.E. is already taking steps to improve their global image. Given the history and nature of corporations and their lust for money and power I am skeptical that they can be expected to hold themselves to a high moral standard. However if a high moral standard benefited a corporation financially I believe it is possible for them to change. Like McDonalds and G.E. more corporations will see the benefit of a moral stance like and will slowly begin to change. This process, while effective, will occur much too slow to make a difference alone.

5. Parenting: Parents need to help by encouraging education and hard work.

Source – (Micro level) family and the individual.

In order for the family to be healthy so does the relationship between parents and children. While this is not the case in every situation it does help.

Closing

The current administration in Washington has turned back the clock to a time and age long past. In this age large American corporations ruled and the U.S. was standing on top nearly alone. These outdated politics build walls instead of flatten. Instead of reaching out to others and preparing our nation to be successful we are closing borders and spending billions of dollars attacking others. All while we cut social safety nets and educational programs. Consequently, our efforts to secure a new role in this global community have been severely hindered.

As current events has proven, the American voting public as a whole is too ignorant and short sighted to run the government efficiently. Therefore we elect people that (supposedly) are qualified to make good and moral decisions in our stead. The process is extremely successful but very slow to change course. It has taken that slight majority almost 6 years to see what damage is being done. However I believe that change is coming soon as our President’s ratings would suggest. The current administration has slowed the process but has not stopped it. Once our leadership changes I believe we will be on a better path.