Crisii?

Have you noticed how many crises there have been lately? These are points where action is needed immediately to avert disaster. No time to really think things over, just trust those in charge to react in the best way for us.

There are the financial crises (bond, banking, lending, home mortgage)
There are the manufacturing crises (automotive)
There are the heath crises (health care costs, swine flu)
There are the foreign policy crises (Cuba, Iran, North Korea)
There are the judicial crises (Guantanamo, torture)
There are the climate crises
There are the energy crises

Sort of reminiscent of the book 1984 where the populace is kept on constant alert and in constant reliance on the government because of one crisis after another. The only thing missing is a policy where to dissent would be wrong. Oh, yes, now we have Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano stating that returning troops and those who attended tea parties are suspect for becoming terrorists.

As we careen towards a government centered country, what will life be like here when the chickens finally come home to roost?

The Invisible Hand in the Information Age

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/PovertyNowComesWithAColorTV.aspx

Adam Smith coined the phrase "invisible hand" to explain how markets work. Assuming everyone uses self interest or enlightened self interest as their main drives, goods and services adjust their relative values and availability. Flaws in the system have been pointed out, mainly a disregard for the environment, which has no voice, and for those who cannot participate in the market (too distant or too poor). Also, the belief is that the market is ruled by the status quo, in that innovation will not drive the market.

These criticisms in my opinion have become irrelevent and obsolete in the information age.

• 99% of all US households have at least one TV. 98% have a color TV.
• 59% of all US households had a computer in 2002, likely higher now as computers have become much less expensive.
• Goods and some services can be purchased online, increasing the range of the market. No one is too far away to buy or sell.

As information becomes freely available, people can become informed about decisions that may effect their behavior in the marketplace. Those with a strong desire to improve or stabilize the environment will choose products and services from companies that are environmentally friendly. Those who want to see innovation can pay for it (remember the line for the first iphone?). The government provides some wealth redistribution so that those in poverty rarely suffer from hunger or deprivation of basic needs. Still, in order to direct the market, you need to play. You need to contribute. This is a strong motivation to be productive.

The attitude in America has and should be changing. The recent election clearly demonstrates that there are no barriers for anyone who strives to learn, applies effort and treats others with politeness and respect.

It is clear to DocBrain that the invisible hand has gotten quite a bit of help from the information age and does not need the heavy hand of government, which will only upset the delicate balance that keeps us moving forward.