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We all know that job creation is
a central issue in the current political climate, but the bigger issue is what
kinds of jobs. The Repubs want to point the finger at President Obama for the
low unemployment rate, but the problem goes so much deeper than that. The root
of the issue lies within our educational system. The future promises to be
bright in terms of technological innovations, particularly in the area of green
technology and renewable energy. Unfortunately, America’s educational system is
not preparing us for these types of jobs. Highly qualified tech professionals
are coming from outside of the U.S. and this won’t be changed unless we make
fundamental changes in our educational system. It seems as if public schools
have been teaching the same information for the past twenty years. Our
education must grow along with technological advancement, not behind it if we
hope to remain competitive on a global scale into the future. This article from
the Huffington Post takes the argument even further and brings home the adage that “as the rich get
richer, the poor get poorer”. The argument is that as the rich get even richer,
they are going to need more folks to clean their lavish homes, take care of
their lavish gardens, teach their children Chinese (it may not be offered at
their top tier private schools) and instruct them on the art of relaxation.
Last I checked, maids, gardeners, tutors and yoga instructors were not
millionaires. Thus, the current program is designed to train us (yes, you too)
on the art of service. Don’t get me wrong: there is absolutely nothing wrong
with choosing these professions. In fact, many of the individuals in these
industries are entrepreneurs and are quite successful. The key word here though, is choice. What we
need to avoid is people being forced into these industries because we aren’t
educated enough for the high-tech, high-paying jobs.
I heard a radio comment from a
man who lives in coal country. He was complaining about green innovations
because they would take the coal jobs from his hometown. My first thought was,
just because you live in coal country doesn’t mean you have to be a coal miner!
Gee whiz, man. Make the choice to do something different…there is nothing wrong
with that.
