Beijing More Stable Than Washington

I think this guy really gets it - Obama and the Democrats are not only foolish but fundamentally incompetent. In their attempts to use the force of government to manhandle individuals and every private entity, they shake the very foundation of what has made our nation great and our economy the most successful in the world. When entrepreneurs see more opportunity and confidence in the stability of China than of the United States, it raises (or should raise to the Obama Administration and Congress) critical questions about what is happening in Washington. I agree with him that much of the public has at least got the sense that things are being done that undermine our ability to be strong and move forward.

Go to this link and watch the 2 minute video of the owner of the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas being interviewed by CNBC reporter. Judge for yourself.

Another Nugget on the Shrinking Private Sector

From today's Corner at National Review Online: "Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year, a USA Today analysis of government data finds."

Do we really want a society dominated by government rather than individual citizens and the free associations of those individual citizens?

We Need Entrepreneurs!

Newt Gingrich: "Federal spending alone this year accounts for 25% of our nation's gross domestic product. If you add state and local spending, the number is closer to 50%. No economy can thrive when nearly half of all economic output is directed by politicians rather than entrepreneurs and small businesses." What do we do about it? We get candidates into office who understand this seemingly simple idea that Democrats in Washington either don't understand or don't respect.

More Signs Voters Not Heard in D.C.

When a Republican is winning in normally solid-Democrat Hawaii, something is afoot: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/10/AR2010051002125.html

Congress Tries to Duck Blame, Blame Others

From U.S. News editor, Mortimer Zuckerman: "The problem is that the Obama administration is eager to blame the economic decline on a bunch of “fat-cat,” “greedy bankers” from Wall Street who were bailed out by the government. The president himself stated to the bankers, “You guys caused the problem.” They did not. These particular problems were caused by the bubble in the housing market created in large part by Congress. Democrats who seek to cast Wall Street as the villain forget the congressional mandate they placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to put 55 percent of their funding into mortgages for people at or below the median income. This SEC civil fraud charge against Goldman conveniently fits into their political agenda."

A Different Feeling in the Air

I have a couple of posts planned based on my attendance at a medical record software conference the past couple of days, but I wanted to start with a note.

I've been coming to this conference for something close to 5 years now. Although the conference itself has gotten larger in that time, the energy level I feel here has diminished. It could just reflect perspective from my own state of mind, but I believe this is a valid observation.

My sense is that the fundamental reason the energy level and enthusiasm has diminished is that this conference used to be, in the true spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship, an idea factory, with people motivated and anxious to find better solutions and make them happen, and share ideas with others.

Some of that still happens, no doubt. And there are many terrific advances and improvements we are seeing, many of them the end result of this ongoing 'idea factory' process and development over the years.

But where before there was a sense that WE were involved in making a difference, and that our individual efforts could change things, the feeling I get now is more of resignation, more of taking notes on our marching orders from government as dramatic increases in regulation and government power and control take hold. This seems to be the message of this conference. My take home is: "the government is now calling the shots, and your/our job is now to understand those the best we can, and minimize our risks and costs in the face of the demands of government."

Why is that so deeply dispiriting to me? There can be advantages in terms of having consistent processes across many organizations. There are some requirements that can lead to some general improvements in medical care. But they come at a heavy cost, not least of which may be the lessening or loss of that vital, energetic, sometimes-chaotic yet amazing power of American innovation.

And yet, as evidenced by my efforts and yours in blogging, sharing, discussing, and spreading the word, it's possible all is not lost, that we can recapture that power in our society. But it will most certainly take sustained and intelligent efforts from all of us. We need to re-convert many of our fellow family, friends, and other Americans to the wonder and power that comes when government is kept limited, it's power applied only within specific bounds, and the government otherwise stays out of our lives, and allows us to determine the directions of our lives individually and together as we voluntarily choose, contribute, and work.

Be strong, folks! This is a critical year, and it must be OUR year.

Cool...the Spirit of Freedom Lives!

Not for every generation, perhaps, but I liked this...