A couple of days ago President Obama held an online town hall gathering, and a woman presented a question about why her engineer husband was still unemployed after three years. Seeing low hanging fruit, President Obama asked for the resume to see what he could do and opined it seemed odd as that niche of the economy is doing well. He's right, that niche of the economy is not only booming, but it is the future. For all the talk about controlling wind mills and sunrays, the most prosperous nations on the planet will be those with the most scientists, technicians, engineers and math professionals.

American kids are being left in the dust on this, and that was the perfect platform for the president to make a clarion call to the nation. Instead he's going to help one guy get a gig in an industry where up to a couple of million are available. For all the nonsense about building a community college on every corner and forcing businesses to pay high school grads like those possessing bachelors or even more advanced degrees, we need to build an army right now. I understand we are in the age of mediocrity, which can be rationalized for the stock market and even be good enough to win elections, but it's not good enough to win the day.

When I was growing up in Harlem, I was accepted to a few special high schools including the High School of Art and Design. The school is the best high school in the world for art and artist and boasts alumni like Ralph Baski and Calvin Klein. I decided to accept and attended the school, which was in a different world from the bombed out lots and burned empty buildings I was accustomed to. In fact, the school is located in the Sutton Place neck of Manhattan, which is where old money still resides. Across the street from my school were a Rolls Royce dealership and a Ferrari dealership. The entire neighborhood reeked of money. It was very intimidating.

When I passed the entire test (art test and other exams), my dream was to become an architect, but I was soon talked out of that because it would cost so much money that I knew we couldn't afford. I still love architecture and can only wonder.

Fast forward to a recent survey of students from sixth to twelfth grade, and we also see kids discouraged from seeking certain careers. According to ASQ, these students felt jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offer the most job opportunities. Yet, 67% are unsure if they would pursue such careers due to numerous challenges, chief among them cost and time to get a degree.

* 26% felt cost and difficulty of pursuing professionally qualifying education was too high compared to other fields.
* 25% felt these career paths were too challenging and involved too much studying.
* 25% stated their grades in math and science aren't good enough to pursue these careers.
* 53% of parents worried about the challenges their children would encounter pursuing these careers.
* 26% of parents feel teachers were not preparing children well enough for STEM jobs.
* 33% of girls feel teachers are not preparing them enough for STEM jobs.

Our children are intimidated by the excellence needed to get these amazing jobs. They love Dr. Dre headphones, but don't know that an engineer started the company and makes the really big bucks at Monster. Today, the world is abuzz over the IPO from Face book, another business built by geeks. Yes, it takes more work to go through school and learn how to be an engineer than stumble upon reality show star status, but it's worth it.

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America
-Neil Diamond

The woman that was pleading with President Obama suggested the US was allowing too many foreigners in with engineering degrees, and they are taking American jobs. That would be counter to the desperate pleas from Silicon Valley CEOs that there aren't enough qualified people for the jobs available. The idea these are simply ordained for Americans even when Americans don't possesses the skills falls into a political trap, and that generates anger; yet, it is flawed in economics and the real world. Either those jobs get filled in America or they go overseas.

We are a nation of immigrants, and I want the smartest people from around the world coming to America. They still are, and many are heading non-stop to great jobs that are too much work and study for our kids.

According to the Population Reference Bureau, foreigners are beginning to dominate the STEM jobs market.

* In 1994 there were 6.2 U.S.-born workers in science and engineering for every foreign-born worker.
* In 2006 the ratio decreased to 3.1 to 1.0 U.S.-born to foreign.
* In the U.S. foreign-born entrepreneurs helped to start one-fourth of all American engineering and technology businesses established between 1995 and 2005 - including GOOG and EBAY.
* In Silicon Valley one-half of business start-ups involved a foreign-born scientist or engineer.
* 40% of U.S. doctoral degrees in science and engineering when to foreign-born students.

It's not about xenophobia and protectionism but about stepping up to the plate. I hate the idea of kids giving up before they start because they think achieving a dream is too expensive, but the idea of them simply not trying because it's too hard is worrisome. Yet on the other end of the spectrum is the idea that few Americans of any age are willing to do real grunt work. In Alabama there was a period after the illegal immigrants fled when a lot of stuff like cleaning catfish wasn't performed. It's not about the lazy American in this case or the snotty American but the comfortable American that can make ... err ... get as much money visiting their mailbox twice a week.

"If you want to encourage something, reward it. If you want to discourage it, punish it."
Aristotle

I find it amazing we are leaning toward becoming a nation that punishes success but rewards sloth. Sure, there is legitimate misery and hardship, yet interwoven in that mix is the idea people can hold out for the right job and sustain themselves on the taxpayer dime until the moment/job is right. But nobody is angry at lazy people, and there is the suggestion that nobody in the nation is at fault for losing their jobs, buying a home too large or not having the education required to get a good job. And nobody is being called out for lack of hustle. The nation is encouraging contentment and punishing desire that leads to hard work.

How can it be that on the upper end of the educational spectrum more than a million jobs are begging and yet on the lower end of that same spectrum the same thing is occurring as well? A coalition of business groups in Kansas have begun a new program to help some illegal immigrants remain in their state and hold down jobs in agriculture and other industries. Yes, there is a labor shortage! The same kind of program kicks off in Utah next year where illegal immigrants get a waiver from the U.S Department of Homeland Security to work fields and do menial labor. But there is talk of also helping with things like roofing and construction, too.

This is amazing stuff. Even the Kansas Chamber of Commerce is part of this coalition. Kansas enjoys an unemployment rate of 5.9%, with some parts of the state at 4.0%, but that still means lots of people are able to work - if they want to.

Today's Session

Stocks began at the crack of dawn like bulls in a China shop but a so-so report from ADP on employment has tempered that early enthusiasm. Interestingly, while there hasn't been a 1% move since the first day of trading this year intra-day volatility is increasing as anxiety grows about Friday's jobs report. Once again, its small businesses that are carrying all the weight in this country, yet the best we can offer them is a break if they buy things like copy machines.

Comments

Boy, this commentary is spot on....I'd say commentary of the year award goes to you!!! John on 2/1/2012 11:14:30 AM

Who needs ambition or a job when the government provides for everything from cradle to grave? We can't fix ambition (mental toughness) but we can fix government and we can fix our educational system but to fix them we must fixate upon them. George on 2/1/2012 11:14:32 AM

Stop rewarding mediocrity. I've seen youth sports tournaments where everyone gets a trophy no matter how they finish. That's ridiculous. Let them know the bitterness of defeat and then show them how to pick themselves up to try again. Joe on 2/1/2012 11:15:34 AM

Kids today are are way to pampered. You can't legislate education. Teachers need to hold back poor performers in the first grade. Parents or parent if single need to be involved with their child, it's their responsibility to help teach,coach and educate their own children. Jim S on 2/1/2012 11:16:32 AM

Kids today arn't told to be leaders not followers. General Douglas MacArthur's single parent mother told him this every nite as a child when tucking him in. Look where it got him! I tried it with my children and it worked. But then I always challenged them to do their best and to face "piles of trials with smiles". That each new issue that came up was just a new challenge to be figured out, not a setback. What a difference that has made in their lives. Yes, I believe most kids are coddled too much. Many college parents are referred to as helicopter parents for hovering. Gus on 2/1/2012 11:19:25 AM

Yes, our kids are being "wussified"! I blame the media for giving so much credence to the liberal agenda, and politicians for caving in to their demands within the education departments. Deb Woodruff on 2/1/2012 11:21:47 AM

Let them play dodgeball! The day it was banned from schools was truly the end of kids learning the lesson of winners and losers in life and how to toughen up and become a winner. Our system has become squishy allowing kids to "feel good" but never pushing them to excel. Norma Varela on 2/1/2012 11:24:27 AM

I've never been a parent so I don't know if kids are coddled or not. But after 30 years of teaching and business consulting, I do know that people always perform to expectations, as long as the expectations are clear and understandable, are continually reinforced, and the value in attaining the expectations is deeply understood and accepted as true. Art Fox on 2/1/2012 11:35:52 AM

If we accept mediocrity that is what we will get.I wonder how many parents would have ask for Steve Jobs to be fired if he was a teacher instead of running Apple. I know many, that would have called him a nut job ,yet I bet his pupils would have made it in life without government support .They would have had self esteem and a desire to be the best and conquer anything they wanted to do. John on 2/1/2012 11:42:14 AM

I think that the answer is as it has been forever...you lead by example. When my kids and employees see me willing to do the down and dirty work sometimes required they are willing to join in. If I just tell them what I want them to do they will most times grumble, argue, and avoid the dirty work. They are what we have raised them to be after all.... Josh Epstein on 2/1/2012 11:45:03 AM

Charles, Both my kids (early to mid 20's) are working hard. My daughter works as a CNA while she goes to school and raises her family along with her husband who is doing same. My son had scholarships for his school and now works for his uncle on a "work over" rig. Not his vocation but a job for now... Your kids will pick up on their parents actions. Your hard work will be a witness and testimony to them. That, along with good, positive encouragement and your kids will follow suit. They will become a reflection of you. James Carr on 2/1/2012 11:54:53 AM

I believe students are too lazy, they want to play video games watch reality shows and social media. Schools have taken trade classes like cosmetology diesel mechanics and wood shops and they can't learn a trade in high school. Not everyone should go to college, too many start and do not finish. Parents always want better for their children than they had. I have a son who is a senior at a Christian University getting a BBA in Marketing and a BS in Bible and is studying hard to Graduate in 4 1/2 years. My daughter is in Cosmetology school and was a great student but not college material. If cosmetology had been offered in her high school it would have save us $13,000. All of this is just my opinion!! Tim Thompson on 2/1/2012 11:59:35 AM

I grw up 40's & 50's,, on a Iowa farm..We were expected to work our keep...Sad thing many were verbaly & mentally abused,, with no encouagement for our selves,, just for them. Each generation expected less but was nice & encouaged,,many still don't work, it's not expected from them,, some do...I watched Miranda Lambert story,, that was awesome... J. W. Gardner on 2/1/2012 12:01:34 PM

I believe a majority of the unemployed are now satisfied living on the pay checks in the mail box. Why work and earn a similar take home after taxes. This example is permeating the next generation for whom it is " too hard " to get ahead. And no they will not do hard labor to earn a living. Our society that rewards failure for fear of offending something/anyone will cause our downfall. I believe America has given up the fight. Neither political party or its candidates will produce the change necessary to fix our problems because the fixes will be to painful. Mark A Conter on 2/1/2012 12:02:04 PM

I have to say the situation is not good. The schools are bad, discipline cannot be handed out, too much distraction with video games, cell phones, etc., and then there are the drugs. I've seen this all with my own son who is a 19 year old delinquent who has been in trouble with the law. In regards to illegals filling the jobs... it doesn't seem to matter either for the employers of the unskilled or the skilled. The employers of semiconductor engineers are just as happy to fill their slots with foreigners as with domestic engineers; actually they probably prefer the forme because they are cheaper. I'm right in the middle of this and don't like it. I know if I was laid of now at my age, I would not be hired. I say this because I've taken a look at changing employers (no bites) and also have very qualified friends who have been laid off and are unemployed with no jobs in sight. And in my current position, communication (or should I say lack of) with the foreigners is a constant problem with their poor English skills, not to mention the impact on the quality of our product. I've no idea what it will take to turn this around... and God help us if Obama gets in for 4 more years. Dick on 2/1/2012 12:02:36 PM

I do think that our children are being coddled by the curriculum and teaching methods being used in the public school system. Unfortunately it seems that some teachers are more concerned with building a childs self-esteem rather than their knowledge and ability to meet today's challenges. Terry Fender on 2/1/2012 12:05:10 PM

Charles: "APPLIED CONCENRATION" is a term coined by a famous coach when asked why his football players could learn many complex and distinct football plays but have much difficulty in regular classroom settings. Fed up with the public school system I started my own school! I specialized in training "industrially injured workers". Using the coaches' philosophy at least one of my six month term students obtained a job at a major electronics firm that normally required an AA in Electronics Technology ( a two year process). Please find that coach. The hiring firm said they could not figure out how my student learned so much technology in six months. I know! And that coach knows! Most teachers who are trained to teach by other teachers have no clue! Thanks for listening. EPH Ernie Holden on 2/1/2012 12:12:12 PM

I agree with your premise. The truth is in a down economy the tech sector is lloking to pay as little as possible for skills. I am in the information tech market and most of us are stuck in jobs, because it does not pay to change jobs for most of the working class. Dan on 2/1/2012 12:16:45 PM

The principles taught by Napoleon Hill such as going the extra mile are not embraced in today's education system. Our educators slowly have become less and less educated and now the necessary work ethic for academic achievement has not been fostered in our education system. The benchmark of excellence is too demanding so the acceptance of mediocrity and the promotion of such is the norm. This has slowly been developing since the late 80's and now it has full generation of mediocrity to fall back on. Political correctness has brought us to the dumbing down of AMerica and it will only continue to get worse if we don't stand up and resist this malaise/ Karl Schilling on 2/1/2012 12:34:11 PM

Yes, texting and electronics have made them way to impulsive. Tell your kid they can't text over dinner and watch them squirm when then can't look to see who it is when they get one. Karen on 2/1/2012 12:50:57 PM

Our schools not only don't encourage the math and science needed for engineering, they actively discourage bright, inquisitive kids from learning beyond the very limited curriculum. In answer to Mr. Obama's issue: I have spent 45 years in engineering, and I have seen repeatedly at about the 15 year career point, those who did not study beyond college become unemployed. There is virtually no technology that I studied in school that is still relevant today. Learning must be a serious life-long activity if we are to have long careers! Earl Sutta on 2/1/2012 12:51:02 PM

We are doing our children a disservice by not letting them experience real work that reflects their stage in life...By learning work habits in steps we teach them appreciation of what people actually do and how to be self sufficient. Too many times I have seen young people placed in a position of management and are not well informed about the work of the people they are managing.... they never worked a job until hired by the company they are currently with! I am a business owner and when someone comes to me with a resume....I ask about what jobs they did besides the fields of insurance and financial services (my area of work) and I have found some excellent employees who at one time worked the fast food, lawn service, etc. while going to high school and college. They tend to be more realistic about employment and dealing with my clients (who are from all walks of life). Faye Winters on 2/1/2012 1:21:10 PM

I could go on discussing the subject for hours. So I will use the "Reader's Digest" method. Success can only be achieved by failure. If a child is not taught how to swing a bat and is not taught that swinging and missing will lead to a strike out, the child wil never learn how to hit a home run. In today's society, children are not taught to play to win; to keep score, to exceed expectations, or to excel. In other words they are not taught that they have to risk striking out if they want to hit that home run. A tremendous percentage of people who have been successful in business went bankrupt along the way. Edison conducted thousands of experiments which failed. Most of the railroad barons who built the transcontinental railroads went bankrupt at least once. How many Vanguard rockets blew up at launch before we learned how to put a man on the moon? What happened to Mitt Romney four years ago when he ran? However, millions will be watching the Super Bowl on Sunday--a show extolling those who have succeeded. Just a thought or two. Peace. Pete on 2/1/2012 1:42:38 PM

Schools no longer encourage nor reward effort and good work. Everyone is equal. Striving for achievement is discouraged. That starts the problem. Whether it is scholastic or athletic. Susan Polyak on 2/1/2012 2:12:55 PM

It's a little of everything, but I can speak from personal experience that the kids are discouraged from their dreams by "guidance counselors" who tell them they don't have the marks, or they are weak in a comb. of subjects, etc. No one speaks to what "passion" can do and does for those who dream big and those who can believe in themselves after the putdowns they receive in school. I experienced this with four of my children who went on to excel in their fields in spite of all, just because of their love of the work they chose. Parental support means a lot. Not all kids are ready for college or choice at 18...some have to be nurtured or experience the working world for a little longer. When they find what they love, they go back to school, are better students & go to heights their teachers never imagined. Marie C on 2/1/2012 3:35:07 PM

When aerospace companies like Lockheed and Northrop send memos to get rid of senior engineers to lower their rates it is no surprise anyone over 50-55 will be targeted and their resumes won't be selected for future interviews, all legally done of course. Ed on 2/1/2012 6:10:08 PM

Instant gradufication is the world we live in nowadays and it's a sad thing to see many of my peers fall into that lazy entitlement culture. I honestly stride to not be like that an I believe that what's gives me the push of excellence each Christopher on 2/1/2012 6:11:24 PM

Look at the ridiculous OWS movement. Need I say more??? Hand outs, priority one!!! Randy Moffett on 2/1/2012 9:17:23 PM

China turns out more engineers a year than all of our college graduates. And as the bridges show, they are as good or better with their designs than our folks are. Throughout Mexico, Central and South America I observed eight or ten Chinese brands of cars and trucks. Mercedes rules the world in over the road tractors, Freightliner is their brand in the U. S. They're getting a run for their money in those countries. Americans for the most part don't have a clue. The world is passing us by. As Steve Jobs told our fearless leader last February, manufacturing is NEVER coming back to the U. S. We're simply too far behind and our kids would rather be fitness trainers than take classes that require math and science. I'm happy that I'm not 21 or for that matter 40. The train left the station in 1992 and we can't catch it whatever the right or left claims. Doug on 2/1/2012 9:20:14 PM

Mr. Payne, I'm just dropping by the poll to say thank you for another great commentary... art school? Really? I wouldn't have guessed from your great writings - they have a "Federalist" flavor. You should run for public office. Ann Marie on 2/1/2012 10:28:05 PM

Our kids are not pushed to do their best. They sit in front of TV and screens like they see their parents doing in many cases. While violence and sex and scarcasim is what they are fed. When parents work hard or read or do good to others, kids see and learn. I fear for what this nation is becoming. debbie on 2/6/2012 11:09:15 AM

Yes, our young people are tough enough to accomplish STEM jobs, but, they must be raised by parents that do not put self esteem before mental toughness and discipline. Cheating is much easier than studying. David Groves on 2/6/2012 7:06:36 PM

Tweet

 

Home | Products & Services | Education | In The Media | Help | About Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | All Rights Reserved.