I WORK RIDICULOUSLY LONG HOURS BECAUSE WRITING
IS MY PASSION AND MY PLEASURE—SO IT ISN’T WORK, AS SUCH, TO ME.
Even so, I don’t plan to continue my particular brand of craziness indefinitely. Right now, I’m somewhat excessively nuts because I’m in entrepreneurial mode.
But, I think Americans are crazy to work the way they do—for a whole host of reasons including health.
I love my American friends, but after 14 years living in the U.S., with some 10 years spent studying the U.S. economy and way of life on a daily basis, I have reluctantly come to the view that:
- The American Way of Life needs a drastic re-think. It has some good bits—but also some really bad bits.
- The American Business Model is corrupt, unfair, and inefficient.
- The U.S. is no longer a democracy but is now a plutocracy.
- Most of America’s problems are eminently solvable—because the solutions are out there and many are proven—but most Americans aren’t looking. The country seems to be gripped by mass inertia—and/or excessive social control.
When I think about all this, I can’t get over the following—which should evoke outrage and major concern—but, somehow, doesn’t.
- Americans live sicker and die 2-3 years sooner than the citizens of other developed nations.
- America spend up to twice as much on healthcare as other developed nations—and health insurance companies are currently seeking double figure price increases.
- The U.S. economy is growing—albeit marginally—but virtually all the increase in wealth is going to the 1%.
- The earning of most Americans, if inflation is factored in, are in decline—and have been for many years. And by the way, the government inflation figure is selective and does not reflect the full reality.
- Americans are leaving the workforce at an unprecedented rate.
- America is progressively losing its leadership position in market sector after sector.
It seems to me that Americans need more, and longer, vacations if only to think about all this.
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