Ch 9: This is Not a Test

Friedman talks about compassionate flatism that has the goal of changing the old welfare state to give Americans the outlook, education and skills needed to compete across the globe. He says that the main objective that we have is to build strong individuals. This is imperative since one of the themes of this book is that we are competing as individuals against other individuals. There were five action areas that he suggested that are imperative for the government to help Americans remain competitive.

He says that politicians should help educate and explain to people what world they are truly living in and what they need to do if they want to thrive in it. He says they are our leaders that should lead us to reality. I agree with his point. Instead of just making empty promises and what they are going “to do” they should try to make us rise and become better citizens.

With Muscles he is talking about creating a legal and institutional framework for universal portability of pensions and healthcare. It is sad that 50% of Americans do not have a job-based pension plan other than S.S. They should make a universal plan like the author suggests. I like his suggestion that when on worker moves to another job, the investment in that particular 401 K would automatically dump into his universal pension account. Also education was brought up by Friedman that the government needs to improve it. Dr. Christiansen said before in the summer that government has a role to upgrade the educational level system of the entire workforce. Everyone should have a chance to be well educated. I agree with Friedman's view that instead of putting bad teachers to teach a class, why not project the good teachers on a flat screen. I mean, what is the purpose of suffering with bad teachers if the technology today can help us to be at an advantage?

Friedman also made a key distinction that some "good fat" should be kept. SS is good, but a welfare system that discourages people from working needs to be changed and gotten rid of "bad fat." I agree with him because again back in Dr. Christiansen's class, he opened my eyes that the current system is not good, and if it is not good, why keep it around? I also agree on Friedman's parenting section that parents should motivate their kids to make something of themselves and not just sit around all day and play video games.