The Right Man For the Job?
Re: "A To-Do List for the Manufacturing Czar," November 2009
Ron Bloom's role with the Steelworkers Union does not ensure that he understands what is required to capitalize on American manufacturing's emerging growth markets or grow the GDP no more than my representation of the pilot's union qualifies me to fly an airplane or facilitate the growth of global air operations. Leaders who develop a global growth vision for their industries do not generally follow a career path and view of free-enterprise markets as he has done.
Rather than focusing on a to-do list, I think we should challenge whether he is the right guy for the job or for that matter, American manufacturing. I experienced the failure of FEMA leadership during Katrina that was largely the result of the wrong political appointee in the job.
With 68% or greater of American manufacturing being small to medium-size operations, I do not see in Ron Bloom's background and philosophies the experience needed to expand the market opportunities, reduce tax burdens and free up commercial credit for these operations. I have worked firsthand with my clients who have struggled the past 18 months to increase operating capital and obtain commercial credit.
I would like to see a list of the best minds, leadership and talent that would produce the right person to lead American manufacturing out of the economic wilderness and into the next generation of world manufacturing leadership.
Sam MacPherson
President
MacPherson Business Advancement
The Lean Leadership Academy
Whispering Pines, N.C.
Cap and Trade Not the Answer
Re: "First Up: The Two Sides of Climate Change," November 2009
An industry magazine making deals with the devil, so sad. That won't save industry from the taxes and regulation of the U.S. government. The only answer is to stick together and fight it.
Truth is, man may or may not be causing climate warming. Truth is, if man is causing warming, there isn't really anything we can do about it short of getting rid of most of the earth's population or living in squalor.
Cap and trade is a big tax and power scheme. That IndustryWeek should buy into it puts IndustryWeek's support of industry in question.
To think you can deal with the likes of the Obama Administration and not get burned makes you delusional. Just look at GM and some of the banks and you can see that the government is power-crazed.
I believe in being a good steward of the planet and that we shouldn't waste resources, but to let some carbon tax scheme take our freedom is foolish -- particularly when it won't solve a thing.
Jim Jenkins
Owner/general manager
WAGS Radio
Bishopville, S.C.
