Speaker; David Schultz; his credentials are endless, with world-wide teaching, books and vast media commentary.

 

His talk today reached deeply into how we, or any society has in the past, does now, and into the future, govern ourselves. He gave us a brief exercise to answer 7 simple questions that actually tells us how we individually see ourselves. 

 

Current polls are reporting that different demographic groups, what he calls generational politics, have different views of Capitalism vs. Socialism. Younger people are more likely to lean towards a Socialist structure. He says these 20-40 year olds are far removed from the Cold War days of extreme repressive (Russia and China) governments and lean towards newer versions of a free society and also equality.

 

In the 1960’s and 70’s, Capitalism worked very well. Most people had a secure life, affordable housing, and exceeded their parent’s standard of living. There were many programs to assist the poor. A college education was doable, if not paid for, by one’s state.

 

Now, even land grant colleges, like the U of M, cost $40,000 or more per year. College debt is almost $ 2 trillion. Jobs and income are not enough to repay it.

 

The US has become more polarized between the wealthy and those with none, or even negative wealth. He mentioned several areas, e.g., health care, housing, education, day care, which are too expensive for many incomes. Over many years, the CEO income to poverty level ratio has gone from 30:1 to 400:1.

 

What is the most important need of a government if we were able to create one ourselves? Justice? Liberty? Equality?

 

Capitalism can be looked at in 2 ways;

 

1. A process, a voluntary exchange of goods and services with freedom to make your own decisions, and

2. To view it from the end state; is it fair to the society? Is the rich-poor gap too much?

 

Finding that middle ground, where ‘it’s fair to all concerned” is difficult, but the essential role of Government. It’s a big topic that could have continued on after our time today..

 

Thank you, David for making room for us on your busy schedule.