Memorial Day-Honoring the Warriors of the Past While Keeping an Eye on the Future (Budgets and Battleships)

We as a society have a lot of choices to make over things that range from domestic affairs to military budgets. Our soldiers and warriors of the past gave us an opportunity to make more choices today. They made sacrifices so that the rest of us could continue to have maximum options to create new opportunities. We should keep an eye on the future of our nation and how cyber warriors matched with advanced military tactics and equipment can blaze the trails need to give the next generation their chance to carry the nation's torch of freedom. 

Let us remember that freedom is not free! Its responsibility lay at all of our doorsteps and no one gets a skip over responsibility pass. There are some who recognize the work of freedom and there are others who desire to stifle it for their own self interest (Self-oriented behavior can get in the way of collective goals).  

The assumptions of the past no longer serves the realities of the future. We are in a transition stage where the work of freedom is complex and difficult to define. We must compete not only with our military but also with how we function as a society (Freedom is multifaceted. Without a free society based on equality we can't compete economically and scientifically to ensure military or economic readiness for our next stage.)

Every time we step up to meet the risks to our essential truths we become stronger as a society. When institutions and people don't step up to meet those challenges the wings of freedom are clipped. 

There are people all throughout our country who make the many thousands of small choices everyday to advance toward or away from freedom. Chances are they don't even know they are doing it but their choices add up to have big outcomes (Are you serving your country in small ways that range from volunteering to community building? Have you welcomed a new family in the community? It all ads up to create a national environment and culture for success.)

Most Americans are far removed from the horrors of war. It is all too easy to send people overseas without having to do the mental work at home first to ensure defined successes (The military needs clear purpose and sufficient support before tackling complex problems overseas). There is costs to war and should always use evidence based decision making before committing souls to our national causes (The bigger purpose should guide those decisions.).

We must keep an eye on the future and what we want this country to look like a few decades from now. This isn't up to our politicians, military, or "connected" but up to each of us to take those small positive steps to do what is right in honor of the past and in diligent effort toward a brighter future. When the dream of freedom is swallowed up by poor decisions and/or ineptitude the fault and consequences lies on all of us (We are a democracy.). 

There are a couple of positive articles our national leadership should consider before jumping to quick conclusions and costly mistakes. The very nature of our military and its leadership abilities are changing before our eyes. It is up to them to think strategically about creating maximum options and opportunities for the military in an emerging era before voting along political lines (i.e. not thinking for themselves).

A Commander and Chief at West Point stated, "We need your Honor — that inner compass that guides you, not when the path is easy and obvious, but when it's hard and uncertain; that tells you the difference between that which is right and that which is wrong." Honor has shifted toward the idea of an inner compass that allows one to draw from their own strengths and value systems even when there is no social kudos for one’s actions (See Changing Military Honor).

You may also consider how advanced leadership can be used in our civilian world to create beneficial change that helps generations succeed. That often requires our current political structure and institutions to be willing to adjust and adapt to develop a stronger more competitive society and military. Sometimes we have to partner industries and cross breed competencies to maximize efficiency and alignment (See Civilian-Military Leadership). 

"All Americans Are Free" by Geoff Livingston 

While I'm a Muslim-Catholic and to many people who sacked our capital don't believe people like me (or anything different than themselves) have a place in our society I don't recall seeing them in the trenches; or even their ability to discover and see those trenches. (See FBI Capital Riots Insurrectionist Search) I would like to continue serving my country in small ways in the second half of my life through generating new opportunities (We can't expect the spotlight and sound bite/byte seeking politicians to know all the answers. We must hedge all of our societal knowledge to come out on top of the challenges coming our way.). 

Freedom doesn't come from crushing a beer can on your forehead and waving a flag....it comes from people trying to help their country and doing meaningful things that lead to open doors and future opportunities. As we ponder the $715 Billion Budget the Pentagon (summary and official) we may want to ask, "What can you do to maximize the outcome of that budget through military-industry mutual development?" See Start-Up Firms for Space and Military.

Attracting Multinational Headquarters to Innovative Locations (Delta County Model)

Continue to work on the concept of allowing for greater intellectual draw to the U.S. along by finding a tax system that draws corporate headquarters (HQ) and its associated intellectual capital to the United States to better calibrate its tax system to the future of digital economics. You can read more about the overall piece of HQ and Infrastructure Invest (Which will be adjusted when new info arises) and the overall theory in which it will be placed Transactional Clusters. Its important explore modern and emerging tax structures to keep the nation competitive and moving into higher performing economic platforms. The problem of our growth and failure often is in the political realm and not in the ability to find new methods ( Why we should support R&D and allow science/evidence based to guide our decision making). 

There is a difference between a full functioning HQ and one that has been hallowed out to a shell. Unfortunately companies like to play legal games and keep their legal status in one place but have most of their functioning operations overseas. 

According to the study entitled Why Do Multinational Corporations Relocate Core Parts of Their Corporate Headquarters Abroad? companies analyzed 58 of 100 largest Dutch firms to find that the factors as to why a company hallows out their HQ is influenced by (1) an increase in the degree to which the HQ is internationalized; and (2) a decrease in the perceived attractiveness of the home country (Baaij, et. al 2015).

One of the reasons why companies keep a small HQ in their home country and but then gut it for other locations is because of strategy. Strategic considerations found in the study include the following:

(a) better quality communication and knowledge exchange with overseas strategic stakeholders (i.e. information spillover and diverse talent);

(b) access to higher quality international strategic resources, including capital, talent and services clusters (bettered mastered in a cluster where such environments can be created); and
(c) access to a lower-cost fiscal regime and a higher quality legal and regulatory regime (i.e. strong patent protection, legal structure, and law systems).


How that fits within my strategic cluster model includes 1. better clustered communications and knowledge exchange, 2.) focused capital, resources, talent spill over, and shared services, and 3.) lower costs and higher legal and regulatory environment. Putting the right resources within the right area raises value for firms in a way that moves beyond simple lower tax options.

The study seems to confirm the idea that headquarters can be attracted by a competitive HQ tax rate that also encourages greater access to the resources that create the highest value proposition. That also means we don't necessarily need to be the lowest taxable location but should provide tax flexibility (a calibrated option) as long as firms move/keep their HQ and percentage of operations (avoiding shell HQ) to the area (i.e. Delta County) in order to maximize industry related development. 

R2-1 HQ  can be attracted and retained through 1. better clustered communications and knowledge exchange, 2.) focused capital, resources, talent spill over, and shared services, and 3.) lower costs and higher legal and regulatory environment (Baaij, et. al 2015).

Here are a few things we might want to keep in mind. I'm trying to apply the ideas to a theoretical model for Delta County Michigan (See Start Up Firms Delta County) to see if it can attract diverse investments from the international community. Specifically focused on engineering/design firms that need access to advanced small batch beta and custom manufacturing. It is hoped that it will result in greater innovative growth in advanced technology (i.e. aerospace, military, outdoor, etc...) through new theoretical models (See Multi Clusters Delta County and Congressional 1st District News) and provide a framework for a national model (specially designed clusters to innovate key industries and in turn the national manufacturing chain). 

-A side note here. We are often limited by existing theoretical and philosophical works that led to current tax systems. Some politicians (I only say some) have more fun throwing food across the table then actually solving problems (Its their job to solve problems!). We have to break out of that mode in the next state of national development if we want to attract investment to the U.S.. What is written here isn't intended to disprove other tax systems but develop an option to consider further exploration. It might provide a middle route (top down and bottom up) where attracting HQ through a tax structure that maximizes intellectual capital draw (clustered industry innovation and tax rate) while at the same time maximizing tax revenue when innovative products butterfly supply chains throughout the country (mass production and bottom up skilled labor).

Baaij, M., Mom, T. Van den Bosch, F. and Volberda, H. (2015). Why Do Multinational Corporations Relocate Core Parts of Their Corporate Headquarters Abroad? Long Range Planning, 48 (1). Pages 46-58 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024630112000477

Florida Shooting-We Should be Getting Tired of This!

What is it with people who pick up guns to solve problems. In this case, it wasn't a single disgruntled person but a van carrying multiple people. Almost looks like it could be gang related or initiation related. A thorough investigation will likely uncover more information. They will look at things like ballistics, training, who was hit, who in the crowd had problems, videos/photos, car registration, type of equipment ext.....to build a total "file". 

We have this weird concept of manhood in this country. We think then men pick up guns to handle issues; instead of actually addressing root issues. It would be great if guns were used only for self defense and hunting. They are increasingly being used to "get back" and that is dangerous. So many possibilities and not enough solutions. 

I'm not sure what the solution is. The research Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of American Firearms makes sense for lone wolfs but not for a group effort. It would likely apply more to the California incident. 

Some people are stepping up to the plate and taking a swing. Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World and host of The Profit on CNBC is offering $100K reward for information (See TV personality Marcus Lemonis offers reward of $100K following latest Miami-Dade mass shooting). This is what good corporate citizens do...they take action...to send a signal that the business community should get involved and do what our political structure is having a hard time navigating effective solutions. 

In Michigan we have an opportunity to step up to hate (Not saying this is or isn't hate related. We have to see what the investigation finds) and violence through better tagging and intervention legislation. See Coding and Thwarting Michigan Strategy.

Targeting Children for Manipulation and Damaging Them for Ethnic/Religious Concerns

Money and prestige are important things for people. In this case, the money is so important that they were willing to target, manipulate, damage and finally discard a child when they don't have a use for him anymore. While this wouldn't be acceptable in most civilized nations it was acceptable in this situation. There are a few things that can happen here and I hope as a society we can overcome this challenge.

There has been a problem brewing for some time. An embezzlement and fraud issue that was in the back of my head but I never truly grasped that people would do such things so I bypassed it. When I saw my child being targeted for manipulation to spread rumors I became more aware of the wider purpose and intention. 

Its hard to protect your children in an environment where a larger social group views you as an outsider. Even worse, when members of the group refer to your children as "nigga babies" and have indicated on multiple cases they don't want Muslims near them or in their community it takes on a new form. 

In most reasonable situations people who don't know much about the targets and don't know the situation would stay out of the issue. However, in this situation they were more than willing to engage in intentional rumor spreading and intimidation tactics.

What really set them off was when I began to inquire as to why they were acting this way and why my child is involved. The answer I received was because you and family are "Muslim". I then demanded that my child be taken out of harms way and that is a non-negotiable line. 

Did they do that? No....they got their group together and as I frequented activities in the town their friends and associates began to harass, snub their nose, and do other coordinated intimidation tactics that resulted in a number of other dangerous situations. 

There are a couple of problems with this. 1.) My family is Muslim and I am more of a Muslim-Catholic so they know nothing of me or them. 2.) Their behavior appeared to create ethnic cleansing activities bent on encouraging violence and intimidation. 

Now I could be silent and say nothing. However, I'm just not built that way and bad behavior needs to be held to account. We can't just pretend it didn't happen or that they somehow are given preferential treatment under the law. We are not talking about a mistake but a coordinated effort to harass, intimidate, and exploit children for the financial an ethnic needs of the group. 

I'm the type who will face those who hate me simply because I refuse to bend to criminal intent. Yet, I'm also the type who knows there is a bigger purpose in it all and I will be very active in the community (I'm not easy to intimidate). They will know my presence and my presence will be peaceful and but forceful (I doubt such hate groups will stay silent if they see me and my children acting freely in what they deem as "their" community".)

My goal is to be as honest and open about this to see if we can find a better policy in Michigan that protects communities from extremism and criminal behaviors. The earlier we addressed the mental health issues in our communities the better we will be able to tag and derail certain extremist behaviors.  Crime Reform and Coding

White House Investigating COVID Origin Theories (Labs, Markets and Make Believe?)

The Intelligence Community is tasked with determining the origin of the COVID-19 virus. First, we don't want to make snap judgements or rule out alternatives until the data is collected. That will help researchers find other places to review for additional information. Leading theories should be provided with a "theory bucket" to further explore possible outcomes.

I would start with hypothetical bucket for each theory and then as new data comes arises it is placed buckets in which it applies (Its not mutually exclusive). Go through all of the data and continue to put them into the buckets. Eventually, you will move through all of the data and determine which theories capture the most data points. Extra information will likely be scrubbed to ensure its accurate and to see how the leading theories can be adjusted to explain the misc. data.

We talk a lot about conspiracy theories. The data either fits and provides the best explanation or it doesn't. There are just theories without enough data to support or reject it. Nothing should be ruled out until the data makes it highly unlikely.  

The following press release was taken directly from the White House. 

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Statement by President Joe Biden on the Investigation into the Origins of COVID-19

MAY 26, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Back in early 2020, when COVID-19 emerged, I called for the CDC to get access to China to learn about the virus so we could fight it more effectively. The failure to get our inspectors on the ground in those early months will always hamper any investigation into the origin of COVID-19.
 
Nevertheless, shortly after I became President, in March, I had my National Security Advisor task the Intelligence Community to prepare a report on their most up-to-date analysis of the origins of COVID-19, including whether it emerged from human contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident. I received that report earlier this month, and asked for additional follow-up. As of today, the U.S. Intelligence Community has “coalesced around two likely scenarios” but has not reached a definitive conclusion on this question. Here is their current position: “while two elements in the IC leans toward the former scenario and one leans more toward the latter – each with low or moderate confidence – the majority of elements do not believe there is sufficient information to assess one to be more likely than the other.”
 
I have now asked the Intelligence Community to redouble their efforts to collect and analyze information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion, and to report back to me in 90 days. As part of that report, I have asked for areas of further inquiry that may be required, including specific questions for China. I have also asked that this effort include work by our National Labs and other agencies of our government to augment the Intelligence Community’s efforts. And I have asked the Intelligence Community to keep Congress fully apprised of its work.
 
The United States will also keep working with like-minded partners around the world to press China to participate in a full, transparent, evidence-based international investigation and to provide access to all relevant data and evidence.

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Pretty good video. 

Thursday May 27, 2021 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

 I couldn't hear anything so the audio might be off or maybe its my computer. Hopefully, you have better luck. 

Hate Groups and Access to Social Media

Social media is a popular tool for hate groups and helps keep them intact as a social entity. People have become smarter with social media and how to spread hate like lightning. As a person who had to defend himself and family against coordinated hate behaviors I have a few things to say about it.

First hate can spread verbally, social media and text. The medium is less important  than the actual message. We have become much more sophisticated at using Artificial  Intelligence  to scan for key words and flag for review. When this occurs in a blatant manner authorities should take notice.

Aggressive people use social media to rally their supporters to do their dirty work through an extension of misaligned values. That constitutes an online crime by most standard of virtue. I say most because  laws are not always applied fairly across different  groups and people (If they were we wouldn't be experiencing social upheaval). 

The Capitol Riots taught us that just because someone "looks" American doesn't mean they hold central American values. It should also teach us that just because  someone seems a little different doesn't  mean they are not apple pie American. 

To many in the hate community American  is a certain look, color, race, brand of clothing, and image versus a deeper symbolic connection of the past to present (Notice surface versus deeper values. It's an important distinction to remember for later).

My initial dissertation taught me looks can be deceiving with people often see what they want to through their subjective lens.  Its exclusive thinking that knows no grey or alternative (You can observe this exclusive thinking in other areas of life.). There is a process to this thinking that leads to the same conclusion  through incorrect logical analysis that spirals past competing info.

When groups use the Internet to spread hate it moves beyond freedom of speech and into violating core values codified in the Bill of Rights of others. Just like we dont give someone who committed murder their weapon back we shouldn't  give full access to social media to perpetrators until they have shown they are reformed and healthy (Why mental health and hate legislation  need to work together to tag and intervene. I got some ideas on that but I'm not a politician and my focus is different  and for a greater purpose.)

As we ponder the options on how we deal with hate in this country one thing we can think about is restricting social media of convicted hate group leaders and perpetrators. We dont want them supercharging their base through additional misleading  information  and  coordinated activities among friends, group members and supporters when they feel they have a yellow light of opportunity.

I do need to utter a word of caution. Freedom of opinion is important for developing a free and innovative society. There are differences in sentence structure, verb usages, tone, word choice, tempo, etc... between someone who disagrees and someone who wants to cause harm. Add conscious and subconscious para language to a certain context and motive and you have a pattern recognition that leads to concern.)

The new America and Americans will likely  be more enlightened  than the ones of the past as science (pace of science and innovation  defusion) versus superstition illuminates the minds of our leaders and social influencers. We either get over the hate hump through teamwork or trip and fall on ourselves as other countries learn how to unleash the human potentials to the widest possible margins of their people (Its a shame because if we walked the talk of our national purpose it would have already been a problem of the past.)

Live Cyber Attack Map?

This is really interesting to have something that shows liver cyber attacks. I would like to know how they pull this data and how often is it refreshed. If this is a legitimate system then it would need to be able to update in near real time and that would seem very difficult to me. As a science guy I want to know how this process operates and works from a data standpoint. 

However, I can also say that we do in the U.S. need to update our infrastructure for competitive and protective reasons. We just haven't been able to muster the political influence to take a big step in to the next era so we will limp alone and lose market position until we do. 

Its like this...if what we have been doing....with the same policies isn't working we might want to try something new? At least test it out in a single place to see if it work for the rest of the nation? I guess I will leave to the experts....they seem to have a pretty good understanding of the types of trees in the forest in 1for1 but it may be helpful to step back and look at the forest (on a global scale) 🤷

You can kind of see who doesn't like whom by the cyber game.

Biden's Discussion on the Economy (05-27-2021). Bottom Up Economy?

 President Biden's budget isn't up yet HERE. but you can get some idea of what he wants to put into his budget. He mentions building the economy bottom up.  As a Republican I don't fundamentally disagree with building an economy from the bottom up (nothing in my personal ideology disagrees with that concept). There are different ways to build the economy and often there are different strategies that play out in the political field but I would imagine that everyone could agree that whatever strategy is likely to work is one that we should explore (bottom up, top down, a little of both, none, etc...) I think its important to find a way to attract manufacturing and resources to improve high paying jobs. That will also require changes in our tax structure and changes in higher education to meet those demands. I'm thinking about Headquarter Taxes and how to draw in additional resources and their suppliers to help increase return on infrastructure investments. You can read about it Exploring the Idea Of Lower HQ Taxes and Its Potential Impact on Supplier Networks   Also I'm sort of playing with an idea of an innovation system for foreign direct investment in the aerospace, military, outdoor gear fields through economic transactional clusters. 

Jobless Claims Ending May 22nd 2021 Decreased by 38K

Some good new on the job side indicating a labor market that is recovering. There will continue to be a shift in the types of jobs available based upon shifts to a more virtual Information/Digital Age. As pressure mounts on labor we should see wages rise. We we will also see is companies again thinking about outsourcing overseas. 

This is my suggestion. If you are a company that needs low cost production invest and partner in Mexican companies. I'm sure they would love the investments. (I have to put this plug in for the orphans of Mexico. If you do well you should give some back to the people who really need it through corporate sponsorships and grooming young bring minds in the area to produce greater good will.).

I would like to see companies innovate. Pressure on wages requires productivity to rise to maintain cost parity. When we invest in innovation we improve the productivity of of workers through new labor enhancing developments (i.e. suits, robotics, learning, etc...). Its the only real way of bringing people and the companies together. 

Having a low cost and a high tech option makes a difference. Hopefully, we don't continue to simply send everything in a race to national insolvency. 

May 22nd Job Report by Dr. Murad Abel on Scribd