6 economy stimulators

Enough playing politics; the stimulus didn't work to the extent it was designed to work, I think we can all agree on that, can't we? I'm thinking of a few things that might actually help put the economy back on track that involves changing a few things around in a number of places in our society. Let me know what you think.


1. Financial incentives and subsidies to bring outsourced jobs back home



Business is business and while most American corporations would love to stay in the U.S and hire American workers, it has become increasingly difficult to do so and enjoy their large profits, in result of international trade treaties and globalization. In the eyes of many, business in the U.S. has become increasingly unfriendly with more and more tax increases being foreseen for both major corporations and small businesses. Let's reverse that trend and give things like tax breaks, worker tax credits and government subsidies for certain industries that wouldn't otherwise expand their workforce in the United States.


2. Reform Criminal Justice policy



A major chunk of the billions of dollars we spend incarcerating non-violent prisoners is due to drug crimes. With drug addiction playing a major part of this staggering statistic, we need to realize many of these drug offenders are absolutely able to become rehabilitated and with sufficient resources, rampant drug use and drug crimes can become dramatically decreased. That is of course, with sufficient resources.

3. Legalize Marijuana



With reasonable regulation and laws, marijuana has the potential to become a multibillion dollar industry. You put a lot of revenue out of the hands of the major gangs and cartels and what you get in return is substantial business revenue.

4. Reward Education



Higher Education is no longer something that's just desirable; it's becoming more and more necessary in a competitive world market that demands more knowledge. If unemployment is rampant, part of that problem, although not all of it, may have to do with the levels of education employers are seeking or desire. Many of the jobs leaving the states are ones requiring college educated-workers who are willing to work cheaper than American college educated workers. Why not have deductions, credits and financial aid for parents who can't afford to put their child in daycare, homeowners who can't afford to go to school and pay mortgage, business owners who find it difficult to leave their business temporarily for school and other extenuating circumstances.


5. Health care reform



I'm no expert on health care but if you do the math, lower costs = lower premiums and lower costs would lower government payouts to physicians. That would result in a lower deficit. Get SOMETHING done, Congress.

6. Expand services of the Small Business Association



Government should be very business friendly and provide an increased amount of useful resources for future and current small business owners. This could mean anything from counseling, consulting, expertise and other services that every business owner in the country can enjoy; free of charge.

My 2010 New Years Resolutions

I'm never the type to pledge a brand new me at the beginning of every year. Instead, I think it's more appropriate to reflect on what's taken place over the year and draw from it to learn what worked and what didn't work. This year, like any year, teaches us a number of things about the world we live in, our peers and ourselves. Here's what I think I need to pay more attention to come 2010:

More Networking - I've learned more about networking than I've ever realized this year. I never knew how important networking is in this world; both in the social world and in the professional world. This upcoming year, I hope to meet more and more influential people that shape who I will become over the years. It's not what you know... It's who you know..

Career Plans - Everyone knows what they ultimately WANT to become; it's the road in getting there that should be more and more emphasized by us all. I want to become an expert in constitutional law; now I've got to focus on getting to graduate school to get a doctorate in constitutional law. I want to eventually run for office; now I've got to figure out how to get experience in campaigning and understanding the dynamics of what currently works for our political system and criticizing and doing away with what doesn't. I want to run a business; now I've got to make my business plans for 2010-2011.

Nicaragua - I've missed Nicaragua and it's been years since I've gone to visit my family there. The beaches, the people, the culture, the food, the weather; everything. Last time I went, I was in 11th grade. I turn 21 in May and it'd be great if I could visit Nicaragua to soak in everything I missed when I went in the past. I've always wanted to look into doing non-profit work there and like anywhere in the world, there's plenty of work to be done.

Time away with the Family - it's one thing to be at home with the family but it's much different to be away and have little to worry about. Like so many people out there, our family hasn't been able to afford a REAL vacation for quite some time... Some time spent with the family away from our troubles would serve us all well.

See; I'm a man of simple taste. I don't ask for or need much. I don't make a long extensive list of new years resolutions with cut off dates 52 weeks later. Lists of things to get done in just one year might not work well. At our age, we shouldn't talk about who we're going to become over the next year; we should already be who we want ourselves to be right now. If you tell yourself you're going to go under a renewal over the next year because it's your new years resolution to; chances are you won't. A new year of course brings forth new things in life, new people and new ideas. Best of luck over the next year to us all and Happy New Years.

- David Javier Solis

Home

So I've taken a hiatus from blogging for a while since I've come back home and haven't really reflected on what's gone on with me lately. To wrap most of it in a nutshell though, I'm back from D.C. and now trying to figure out my next thing step in my career. I'm looking into law school, grad school and opening a small business. Besides that, I guess I've really just been enjoying my time here at home with my family; the people that I enjoy spending time with most. With New Years coming up, I gotta figure out what 2010 has for me and what I hope to get out of the next year. New Years resolutions don't really do much for me like for most people. Hope Christmas went well for everyone. Take care and Happy New Years.

- David