Why the Sales Tax Debate Erupts in Washington State
Nov. 22, 2011 The buzz in Seattle and other Washington locales is over another attempt to raise taxes. Yes, Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to raise $500 million via a temporary half-cent increase in the state portion of the sales tax to offset continued budget deficits to prevent more state government cuts in spending. Either [...]
[Read more...]Is Economy Marginalizing Thanksgiving as a Holiday?
Nov. 21, 2011 As I work on my gratitude list this week, I’m mindful of a poll in a Seattle newspaper – and the reasons for the Thanksgiving holiday. Grateful for their religious freedom, 53 pilgrims enjoyed the first Thanksgiving 391 years ago in Plymouth, Mass. They were survivors of the original 100 separatists [...]
[Read more...]Lessons for Education via Penn State, the Need to Hire a Real Coach
Nov. 11, 2011 So Penn State promises to learn the truth. That’s commendable for the 156-year-old school. It has to re-earn the confidence of non-football stakeholders. The horrific events indicate it’s time for Penn State and all universities to hire the right kind of coach. Students and all of America deserve leadership role models. As [...]
[Read more...]Biography: Will President Obama Listen to Steve Jobs on the Economy?
Updated April 11, 2012 Toward the end of his life, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs – widely recognized as a genius – issued a warning to President Barack Obama. “You’re headed for a one-term presidency,” he said. That’s one of the intriguing details in Mr. Jobs’ authorized biography. Messrs. Jobs and Obama met in a tense [...]
[Read more...]No Lame Duck, Washington Official Enhances Economic Public Policy
Oct. 20, 2011 Like all inspiring great leaders, he and his staff are tenacious in delivering value for all of Washington. Who? State Auditor Brian Sonntag. Mr. Sonntag is a favorite on this portal, a sagacious Democratic, who has consistently delivered value to state residents, and has always been available to answer questions. Admittedly, [...]
[Read more...]Healthcare Reform – New Red Flags for Business, Workers
Even before the U.S. Supreme rules on the controversial healthcare law in 2012, the Obama Administration appears to be backing off on implementing a costly component of the law. A published report (“HHS suspends controversial program in healthcare reform law”) indicates the administration is conceding the CLASS program, insurance for long-term coverage, is too costly. [...]
[Read more...]Marketing Principles Needed in Wall Street Protests to Create Culture of Economic Patriotism
From New York to Seattle, people are wondering about the impact of the Wall Street protests. No one is asking, but if the protesters want to know how to win, they need to conduct a cohesive major-marketing campaign. So, if you can humor me, let’s consider this a review of marketing best practices. Along [...]
[Read more...]Cyber Security: Is Your Business Prepared with Precautions and Response Philosophy?
Oct. 10, 2011 On a daily basis, there are headlines about cyber crime. Justifiably, the U.S. Senate is again getting into the act: “Senate Committee Approves Data Breach Bills Despite Heavy Opposition.” Three data security and privacy bills were recently passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the face of vehement opposition from Republican [...]
[Read more...]Is Higher Education Doing the Job to Prepare Grads for the Workforce?
A disturbing headline caught my eye — US higher education failing to focus on basic skills. The 2011 Washington Post column by Pulitzer Prize-winning Kathleen Parker asserts that colleges and universities are falling down on their job – to properly educate our students. Ostensibly, she believes the nation collectively has an incorrect focus. And [...]
[Read more...]What Do Small Business Owners Need from Washington State Policymakers?
Updated Feb. 1, 2012 Washington state legislators are getting an earful from small-business owners. But will lawmakers listen in the 2012 legislative session? Washington state’s small-business owners have voiced their concerns over six major public-policy issues, as a result of a Seattle-area conference held by respected think-tank Washington Policy Center (WPC). Their economic-related issues range [...]
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