The name of the game is "Skill". You could say that the quality of life is the game, but "Skill" comes first as I will explaipay n in this blog.
A lot of people brag about the USA having the strongest or biggest economy in the world or that the USA is the richest country in the world. What they are saying is that we "now" have the biggest pie. What they don't tell you is that we don't have the biggest slice of pie. The USA is way down the list on our size of the slice. In the past I pointed out the significance of natural resources in determining the wealth of country and "Skill" is the next.
A lot of people take pride in the fact that the USA helps many other countries around the world. This is only possible if we have a strong economy and that means we each have a large piece of pie. In the case of China, they have an economy or a pie that is almost equal to that of the USA, but their people have much smaller slices of pie. For that reason China is not in as strong of a position to help other countries around the world.
Think of places like Nigeria in Africa. They have 206 million citizens which makes them one of the largest countries in the world. They are larger than Russia, for example. Why is it that you hear so little about Nigeria? Why are they not pulling their own weight in helping other Africans? The reason is that they are too poor. Their citizens have a very small piece of pie. Why is that? Mostly it is because the have so little "Skill". Skill is like merit. In economics they pay on the basis of "Skill". Why else would doctors make more money than bus drivers or postmen?
In the case of the USA, we have lived off our natural resources for so long that most are not even aware of it. They think that it is some kind of natural thing or that we just deserve being more wealthy. Well, the grass has been growing and many have not even noticed. That is, the economic model has changed and it is now rewarding "Skill" more than physical labor alone. Why do you think that computer programmers make more than the guy delivering the mail? Which job requires more "Skill". That is an easy one. Did you know that the USA has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. I think it is about 69% compared to many where it is 99%. As the world shifts toward rewarding "Skill" and merit, the USA is going to be left behind.
I could point out that many want more "equity". What does that mean? It means rewarding "Skill" or merit. If someone is Black or Brown, does that mean they have more "Skill"? Skill is upto the individual regardless of the color of their skin. Schools only provide the opportunity. It is upto the individual to do what is required to actually learn.
Much of the world knows that "Skill" is the currency of the future and are improving their "Skill". Yet, the USA is focused on all kinds of worthless activities that compete with our winning in the Skill" war. I am sorry to have to be the one who has asked if you will be able to "cut it" in this shifting world. Do you have the "Skills" needed for the future? Have you prepared your kids so that they have the "Skills" to compete? If not the world is not waiting. You, your family and your country will be left behind.
