David Brooks Column 4-16-2012

Letter to AJC 4-16-2012


David Brooks has pinpointed one of the biggest reasons for high unemployment; industrial efficiency gains. Even as our export trade grows by leaps and bounds, workers in traditional manufacturing and service roles find it extremely difficult to locate and keep a job. Brooks has labeled this new economy I (E-I) and made the erroneous jump of claiming that only the republicans occupy that E- I mindset. Thats a nice political spin move, but it just doesn't ring true, given the number of democrats spear heading large efficient corporations. Unfortunately Brooks did not offer any solutions.


It's clear that the normal process for job creation has changed. Large industrial corporations have developed ways to increase their output per employee by using sophisticated technology that reduces the need for people. This demands new thinking about our long term education and training programs to prepare for future demands instead of the current system that has failed our graduates in terms of career selection and skills. It also demands a new approach to job creation, something that no longer depends on the vagaries of the rich.

Tom