They say history repeats itself….

1400's

"Absolute nonsense!"  The establishment said.  "No reason to do rash things, like explore new routes, the world is most definitely flat, and that's it."  
"No, I believe it's a bowl.   You can see that when you look at the horizon at the beach."  Said the shrill voices.
"I'm thinking we should be believe the scientists."  Said Chris C.  "I'm willing to stake my reputation and life on that." And he sailed away. 

2014 

"Absolute nonsense!"  The establishment said.  "No reason to do rash things, like explore alternative energy or conserve, there is no global warming, and that's that."  
"No, it seems colder than ever this year.  Look at all those freaky snowstorms!"   Said the shrill voices.
"I'm thinking we should be believe the scientists."  They said.  "To save our grandchildren, we're willing to________.

You fill in the blank!  It's your world, too. 


10 Questions Every Climate Activists Hears

Watering Down Dodd-Frank

In reaction to the news that the  US House of Representatives passed a bill that waters down the Dodd-Frank rules, I post the following quote from a former president.  


 “I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. 
A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit.
Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore,
and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. 
We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world. 
No longer a government by free opinion, 
no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority,
but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.”
                                                                                 President Woodrow Wilson: 1916

Think about it.  Constraints are good for creativity, right?  
I think some constraints are very good for financial institutions, especially those that have demonstrated that they cannot govern themselves.   

Hey, What's the Deal with Health Reform?

Pete, a friend of mine, who is a CEO of a small company, was complaining.

“We’ve just received a notice that our health premiums are going up 20%.  I don’t think we can absorb this -- now the employees are going to have to pay more.  Health reform has been a disaster!”

I understand his concern and imagine he’s got his hands full with strategic plans, budgets and balance sheets, so there isn’t time to research health reform.

So I’ve done some research and can assure him that his increase isn’t due to the health reform law.

•            First, most of the reforms haven’t kicked in yet, they are scheduled to be phased in.  2014 is a big year where we’ll see major changes.

•           But good things are in effect – one is the provision that health insurers spend at least 80% of premium on medical costs.  I don’t know what carrier he’s dealing with, but some of the big names can do this, some are not that efficient.   They've been forced to  look hard at their administrative costs and not just pass them along to the customer.

•          Creation of ACO’s (Accountable Care Organizations) are enabled by the law.  These begin to address costs by rewarding for outcomes, not by the test.  They deliver better care at lower costs.  These are new and their effects will be greater as they grow in popularity.

So, Pete, this may not make you feel any better about that stiff increase, but don’t blame health care reform. 

It will take time,  it could be improved (hopefully it will) as we see what works best, but it is a step in the right direction of doing something about spiraling healthcare costs. 

There are many articles on this, let me know if you'd like the links. 

all the best,

Tracy