A Failure of Imagination

Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash

We’re turning inward when we should be building stronger alliances.
We’re closing up when we should be reaching out.
‘They’re screwing us!’ rants Trump, referring to China’s export economy.
Okay, then deal with it in a rational way. Sit down at the table and get better terms in trade.
But screaming hysterically and going on a tariff raising spree that offends every country we do business with is a bad move.
Trump seems oblivious to the damage being done to our prestige in the world.
Our brand has a greater deal of intangible value and we’re squandering it.
A day or two ago I read about his holding back research being done to deliver an HIV vaccine.
What’s the point?
And then there is his war on our universities, raising barriers to the entry of foreign students.
Trump’s mind appears not to have the reach or depth to see the consequences of such move.
We have always benefitted from cross fertilization, from interaction with other cultures, other minds, and becoming a magnet for talent from all over the world, which makes us more productive.
The over emphasis on restricting immigration is a mistake.
Laws have to be tempered by reality.
Do we need the labor? Do we need the stimulus?
Yes.
Population growth is tied to economic growth.
Countries with low fertility rates have a problem.
Here in America we’re falling behind the fertility rate needed to replace the population.
Hispanics contribute the most to keeping up such rate…