Friday, February 25, 2011

USA Inc. Red, White and Very Blue

http://images.businessweek.com/mz/11/10/600/1110_mz_49meeker.jpg

Alexis de Tocqueville wrote: "The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults." Let the turnaround begin!

Mary Meeker studied the U.S. as a company with shareholders, a balance sheet, and competetive pressures. As shareholders, all Americans have emotional and financial stakes in the United States and "that stake is at risk." While her letter to tax payers takes no side to specific legislative proposals, Meeker proposes suggestions to make the U.S. operate like a well run business. Meeker believes "the first and most important step in solving a problem is communicating its severity." In her article she outlines inefficiencies of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security and stresses the importance of spending on R&D. Meeker concludes that ,"Instead of bickering about which deck chair to throw overboard to lighten the load, Congress should focus on getting USA Inc. growing again. The key to growth, in turn, is higher productivity through investment in technology, infrastructure, and education."

1 comment:

TJE said...

Some might disagree with the notion of a USA Inc. that can "grow the economy. For such a perspective, see Brooks, The Battle. Here's a favorable review by a kindred spirit:

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/06/15/book-review-the-battle/