Jobs and Economic Recovery

The United States has experienced a recession with a profound and far-reaching impact. Too many Americans are still hurting from the Great Recession. Congress must work seriously in a bi-partisan manner to pass legislation that will truly and realistically stimulate job creation - especially by supporting small business growth. We must achieve a better balance of trade. We must also work - in a bi-partisan manner - to understand why this recession happened, modify regulation as necessary and inspire individual and business values and behaviors that will create a better and more stable economy.

One of the dynamics of economic activity that is rather unique to the United States is how we've combined an array of economic principles. We encourage entrepreneurial creativity in a market driven economy that works to minimize regulation. It is often observed that small businesses are the backbone to America's economic success. I believe that. It is in small businesses that so many great product and service ideas are born. It is appropriate to pass legislation that supports the real needs of small businesses. In this context, American public policy and business and labor leadership must consciously balance the needs of society with letting the free market determine the success or failure of good and bad business ideas and practices. We have recently seen the havoc that "too big to fail" and ill conceived - sometimes greedy - business and labor practices can cause for Americans.

Such events as the housing collapse, the stock market plunge, the number of banking failures and the decision to rescue two of our major automakers remind us that our economy is complex. Ethically competent leadership in the government and business/labor sectors is essential. I will initiate and support economic legislation that promotes these principles. The nation and its members in Congress must acknowledge that the United States nearly experienced an economic meltdown that could have brought our country to its knees. This complex event occurred for a variety of reasons - neglect, greed, bad policy, individual ethical lapses, and an unfortunate 'perfect storm' timing of events. Finger pointing should only occur to the extent we need to understand why the recession occurred so we can change policy and behaviors to reduce the likelihood that human weakness/incompetence and business and consumer lapses re-occur. Any who committed criminal actions must be prosecuted.

•Labor and business leaders need to 'come together' to balance profit expectations and distribution of those profits. Perceptions of employer and employee contributions to business success need to more honestly reflect the value of all individuals who produce products and services.

•Americans need to understand that seeking the 'quick and easy buck' is not an acceptable practice. An honest day's labor for an honest day's compensation needs to be the way we provide for ourselves and pursue happiness. We need to educate about and model this as an American value - a value that helped build this great nation.

•Congress and the nation must acknowledge that the United States is in a global economy that is no longer dominated by the forces that drive our business and public affairs policies and practices.

•Economic success in the United States can continue by utilizing policies and practices that encourage entrepreneurs, small businesses and a work ethic that is reflected throughout our business environment.

•Business and labor leaders must promote ethical attitudes and behaviors that acknowledge the importance of the success of the nation in partnership with 'bottom line' and business owner success.

•Greedy leadership is not patriotic.