Perhaps US business people, that run the country now, could also learn about the seventh largest company in Spain, that is also worker owned, the MONDRAGON Coop, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mondragon_Corporation
These same people would also gain by contemplating the story told in KS Robinson’s book, «The Ministry of the Future ».
At the same time, there have been protests against the increased tourism, plus the lack of housing in a backlash against short-term rentals. A move taking place in many popular destinations.
Thanks for the article. Immigration is essential to our survival.
I get it! Maine is one of our favorite places. The last time we visited was post-COVID, in the fall, and we were shocked that we had to make reservations for dinner nearly everywhere. We'd never seen it so crowded, especially in the so-called off-season!
Right there with you Bill. I've long argued that people willing to risk their lives and such fortunes as they might have to come here should be welcomed with open arms as potential and highly motivated contributors to our economic growth and societal development. Most of them are much more committed to this country and the opportunity it provides than the so-called leaders in both of our political parties. (Full disclosure, I don't suggest that there's any equivalence between the MAGAts and Democrats or, for that matter, such traditional Republicans as may still exist in hiding somewhere because there is none; only that few people in any party are willing to subordinate their personal interests and re-elections to what is best for the country as a whole.)
Slartibartfast makes an excellent point about the potential of employee owned companies, a concept that venture capital and a focus on short-term gains has largely destroyed here.
Excellent points, as usual. Of course part of the recent Spanish economy was the revitalized post-COVID tourism. Our son Kyle was in Spain last May and it was v.crowded (but it was his first time there so no point of reference). Later in the summer there were anti-tourism protests where he had been in Barcelona, amongst other locations, due to overcrowding -"tourists stay home". Living in a tourist destination, I say don't bite the hand that feed you!
Unfortunately, Bill, I believe we will need a purge before we can even begin to consider letting immigration open up in the area once called the United States of America. Something new has to emerge, because this place is broken.
Yes. Broken by greed at levels never witnessed before in human history. And never have so many people believed so many lies. And the problem with lies that are repeated over and over - and echoed among friends - is that they become reality for those who are swallowed by them. It is a hard bubble to break.
But break it will. We are just beginning to receive the reports of true pain across America caused by Musk the Destroyer. Not hiring Air Traffic Controllers, firing people who care for Veterans, grain and other crops not purchased by USAID...the list grows daily.
The pendulum will swing back with much force. But it will take too much suffering first. In a few years there will be a lot of people who won't admit they voted for the Orange Menace.
Perhaps US business people, that run the country now, could also learn about the seventh largest company in Spain, that is also worker owned, the MONDRAGON Coop, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mondragon_Corporation
These same people would also gain by contemplating the story told in KS Robinson’s book, «The Ministry of the Future ».
Thank you for your essay today.
I had no idea. Mondragon is amazing. I'll learn more.
Thanks for the book tip! I read a bit of science fiction as a mental health escape tool. I just downloaded the book :)
I wrote about employee ownership last year. Maybe some day Americans will understand its power and value.
https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/tell-me-something-good
At the same time, there have been protests against the increased tourism, plus the lack of housing in a backlash against short-term rentals. A move taking place in many popular destinations.
Thanks for the article. Immigration is essential to our survival.
We used to be in the hospitality business in Maine. The town's economy was tourism based. Yet many whined about "too many people".
A catch 22. The more people, the more money, the more whining :)
I get it! Maine is one of our favorite places. The last time we visited was post-COVID, in the fall, and we were shocked that we had to make reservations for dinner nearly everywhere. We'd never seen it so crowded, especially in the so-called off-season!
Right there with you Bill. I've long argued that people willing to risk their lives and such fortunes as they might have to come here should be welcomed with open arms as potential and highly motivated contributors to our economic growth and societal development. Most of them are much more committed to this country and the opportunity it provides than the so-called leaders in both of our political parties. (Full disclosure, I don't suggest that there's any equivalence between the MAGAts and Democrats or, for that matter, such traditional Republicans as may still exist in hiding somewhere because there is none; only that few people in any party are willing to subordinate their personal interests and re-elections to what is best for the country as a whole.)
Slartibartfast makes an excellent point about the potential of employee owned companies, a concept that venture capital and a focus on short-term gains has largely destroyed here.
Excellent points, as usual. Of course part of the recent Spanish economy was the revitalized post-COVID tourism. Our son Kyle was in Spain last May and it was v.crowded (but it was his first time there so no point of reference). Later in the summer there were anti-tourism protests where he had been in Barcelona, amongst other locations, due to overcrowding -"tourists stay home". Living in a tourist destination, I say don't bite the hand that feed you!
You know better than anyone. We always looked forward to good weather and good income...but we were thrilled when it was over :)
Unfortunately, Bill, I believe we will need a purge before we can even begin to consider letting immigration open up in the area once called the United States of America. Something new has to emerge, because this place is broken.
Yes. Broken by greed at levels never witnessed before in human history. And never have so many people believed so many lies. And the problem with lies that are repeated over and over - and echoed among friends - is that they become reality for those who are swallowed by them. It is a hard bubble to break.
But break it will. We are just beginning to receive the reports of true pain across America caused by Musk the Destroyer. Not hiring Air Traffic Controllers, firing people who care for Veterans, grain and other crops not purchased by USAID...the list grows daily.
The pendulum will swing back with much force. But it will take too much suffering first. In a few years there will be a lot of people who won't admit they voted for the Orange Menace.
Terrific article Bill!! I will try to share it.
Bill, this is fantastic! Thank you for sharing this article. I've long believed that immigrants are essential for economic growth.