A question of leadership
To the editor:
For several decades, we have been reminded that we are part of a global economy, and as such, we have to be concerned about our business practices as well as allies and enemies. The European governments have led their people down the road to austerity and have found that when you prepare and expect austerity, that is exactly what you get. Once again investment ceases and the words “Global Economy” means very little.
Almost all the leading countries in the world are sitting back and saying that they cannot invest in economies in a downward spiral. Some will say that many countries are providing stimulus to back up those countries who cannot exist without a helping hand. This is where I begin to lose the thread of reality that, I’m sure they see in their argument.
If we are indeed a world economy, does not some country, oh, I don’t know perhaps some country that considers itself a leader, owe it to the world to take charge and invest in the type of production that would stimulate sales not only in this country, but all over the world. Maybe investment in infrastructure with a “take charge” attitude would bring about the ripple effect in production and supply and employment that the name “Global Economy” infers.
America investors are sitting on $6 trillion worth of capital that could restore roads and bridges and our ability to retain our place as an innovator and leader in the world.
Some economists say that our investors fear that other countries are too broken for capital to work. A great deal of the products that we would need to rebuild our nation come from other countries which means jobs and upward mobility for those who supply us.
It comes to this: We can lead or face the same consequences as those countries that chose austerity over investment. Make no mistake about it; somewhere, someone is sitting on a pile of cash like “Scrooge McDuck” and greed not fear is what rules the day.
David Daniel Beckom
Mars Hill
