Archive for April, 2011
Societal Myopia
Why is it that we’re always focusing on the wrong things? There is a clear human tendency to only see that which is directly in front of us, as opposed to envisioning the bigger HD picture. We love easy answers. I’ll take “Copernicus Was a Moron” for $500, Alex.
This myopia is universally pervasive. In algebra we were often told to find “X.” Perhaps it’s time to leverage those skills to find “why” (or in shorthand, “Y”). Let’s look at a couple of sample problems:
Inflation in China: Government Looks to Take Control
For the past several months, inflation in China has become a growing problem. Most recently the CPI was measured to be 4.9%. Due to rising prices of food and oil, inflationary rates have been surging much faster and greater than the government ever expected. In response, the government has raised interest rates several times since October. Most recently, the banks in China have raised lending standards, making it harder to receive loans in China. In addition, the Chinese Government has also taken stressed concerns over the lack of domestic food production. Adding to the dismay and scares, Chinese officials are now controlling the housing market. Could it be that inflation in China is growing out of control? Is the Government taking to many steps to control the economy?
Inflation
More Schools, Less Value
General Motors has plants around the world, but it has only one CEO. The University System of Maryland, on the other hand, has 12 institutions and 12 presidents.(1)
When a General Motors plant becomes redundant, the CEO shuts it down. When a University of Maryland campus becomes redundant, the Legislature debates whether to ask the Board of Regents to conduct a study.