Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Can We Just Get Down to Basics?
On Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted the work of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in formulating an "agenda" for creating 200,000 jobs by 2020. The agenda can, for what it's worth, be seen at Agenda 360. I am usually skeptical of these kinds of efforts for two reasons.
First, in order to hit the lofty goals set forth, there is usually a dizzying array of programs and initiatives that are proposed. It seems to me that it is better to focus on a few agenda items and see them through rather than having a whole bunch of spinning plates going all at once. The second reason for my skepticism of these efforts is that these things have a top-down feel and world view. I'm getting tired of various and sundry top-down centrally planned ideas for economic growth. I am becoming more attracted to the idea of emergent orders in economics.
In May, Tom Blumer at Bizzy Blog, wrote an excellent post explaining why Ohioans have moved out of the state. I would recomend reading the whole thing, but the list in short form: 1. High taxes. 2. High crime rates. 3. Lousy schools. 4. A desire for a house with a yard (read suburban nieghborhoods). Working backwards from at least three of these points would point people in the right direction for economic growth and development without the Rube Goldberg-like collection of programs and initiatives.
The only addition to Mr. Blumer's points listed above is that traditional arrangements of the family need to be recognized and strengthened. That means households with both a man and a woman raising children together in the bonds of marriage. Concentrating on a few items and letting people develop and flourish on their own is an idea worth trying. What do you think?
First, in order to hit the lofty goals set forth, there is usually a dizzying array of programs and initiatives that are proposed. It seems to me that it is better to focus on a few agenda items and see them through rather than having a whole bunch of spinning plates going all at once. The second reason for my skepticism of these efforts is that these things have a top-down feel and world view. I'm getting tired of various and sundry top-down centrally planned ideas for economic growth. I am becoming more attracted to the idea of emergent orders in economics.
In May, Tom Blumer at Bizzy Blog, wrote an excellent post explaining why Ohioans have moved out of the state. I would recomend reading the whole thing, but the list in short form: 1. High taxes. 2. High crime rates. 3. Lousy schools. 4. A desire for a house with a yard (read suburban nieghborhoods). Working backwards from at least three of these points would point people in the right direction for economic growth and development without the Rube Goldberg-like collection of programs and initiatives.
The only addition to Mr. Blumer's points listed above is that traditional arrangements of the family need to be recognized and strengthened. That means households with both a man and a woman raising children together in the bonds of marriage. Concentrating on a few items and letting people develop and flourish on their own is an idea worth trying. What do you think?
Labels: central planning, Cincinnati, economic growth, emergent order
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Quick Hit Item
Cincinnati City Council to allow deer hunting in parks I think this is a great idea. I think they should have been doing this all along to help control the number of deer in the parks instead of using police sharpshooters. More cost efficient to let private individuals kill the animals instead of paying salary and possibly over time for the work.
Labels: Cincinnati, deer, parks
Saturday, October 20, 2007
What will be Bak(ing) in the oven now?
On October 15, The Cincinnati Reds announced that
Dusty Baker would be their new manager. They have signed him to a three year deal worth approximately $3 million per year.
My initial reaction mirrored this, this, Which is to say "Dusty Baker?! Are you kidding me? Why him?" But after some reflection, I think the move was a good one by the Reds. His record does indeed speak for itself and it sounds better than what Dave Miley, Jerry Narron and Bob Boone all put out. It must be pointed out that some in the blogosphere wanted a "name" manager, not some johhny-come-lately like the aforementioned men above. Well, you have your wish. True, there were "bigger" names out there at the time, but I honestly could not see either Tony LaRussa or Joe Torre coming here to Cincinnati.
I think this is a big time move and I agree with Lance McCallister on this one: I will give Dusty the benefit of the doubt. According to Lance's stats, Baker stacks up pretty well with past managers. Let's wait and see what happens in the offseason and how Dusty goes about his business. He may surprise everyone and actually get the guys to play hard and to hustle, but you never know. The man can only do so much and it is imperative that the front office of the Reds give Dusty some players to work with, particularly pitchers. I think the Reds are starting in the right direction with this hiring.
Dusty Baker would be their new manager. They have signed him to a three year deal worth approximately $3 million per year.
My initial reaction mirrored this, this, Which is to say "Dusty Baker?! Are you kidding me? Why him?" But after some reflection, I think the move was a good one by the Reds. His record does indeed speak for itself and it sounds better than what Dave Miley, Jerry Narron and Bob Boone all put out. It must be pointed out that some in the blogosphere wanted a "name" manager, not some johhny-come-lately like the aforementioned men above. Well, you have your wish. True, there were "bigger" names out there at the time, but I honestly could not see either Tony LaRussa or Joe Torre coming here to Cincinnati.
I think this is a big time move and I agree with Lance McCallister on this one: I will give Dusty the benefit of the doubt. According to Lance's stats, Baker stacks up pretty well with past managers. Let's wait and see what happens in the offseason and how Dusty goes about his business. He may surprise everyone and actually get the guys to play hard and to hustle, but you never know. The man can only do so much and it is imperative that the front office of the Reds give Dusty some players to work with, particularly pitchers. I think the Reds are starting in the right direction with this hiring.
Labels: baseball, Cincinnati, manager, Reds
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A small call to action
For at least three years, the Rumping family has attended and been active in our church, The Church of the Covenant . I have become friends with the parents, Tom and Mei Ling. I have been blessed by their presence and their service in our congregation. To that end, they have had the grave news that their 2 year old daughter Hannah has recently been diagnosed with the "A.L.L." form of childhood leukemia. In the past couple of days, Hannah's blood pressure dropped as she has had to fight off a viral infection. She is in the Intensive care unit of Cincinnati's Children's Hospital right now. Hannah's condition has stabilized for the time being, but this trial has been tough on Tom and Mei Ling and Hannah's older siblings, Caleb and Sarah.
I ask for two favors from whoever may read this post or this blog: First, pray earnestly for this situation.
1. Please pray to the Almighty for peace, strength, comfort for the family.
2. Please pray for a healing of this infection and of this disease for Hannah.
3. Please pray for continued wisdom and discernment and dedication on the part of the medical staff at the hospital.
Second, I would ask readers to go the Care Page Portal and set up access and to leave a message of encouragement and blessing to this family. The words of encouragement have been a blessing to the family and will be appreciated. Please go there, log in and leave a message.
Thank you for your time and your support.
I ask for two favors from whoever may read this post or this blog: First, pray earnestly for this situation.
1. Please pray to the Almighty for peace, strength, comfort for the family.
2. Please pray for a healing of this infection and of this disease for Hannah.
3. Please pray for continued wisdom and discernment and dedication on the part of the medical staff at the hospital.
Second, I would ask readers to go the Care Page Portal and set up access and to leave a message of encouragement and blessing to this family. The words of encouragement have been a blessing to the family and will be appreciated. Please go there, log in and leave a message.
Thank you for your time and your support.
Labels: Cincinnati, family, leukemia, prayer
