The transformation

In 1941, the United States entered the Second World War.

Major manufacturing cities began sending their wives and daughters to screw rivets and wield sheet metal and the men went off to fight in lands far away. Factories switched from producing refrigerators to bombs and station wagons to tanks.

Why can't we do the same today?

The People of the United States are now the major shareholders of such flailing companies like GM. However, this is yet another spoiled investment. We've been robbed. The auto industry as we know it cannot continue to exist. This, however, doesn't mean the end of the great American factory. Let's revitalize our industrial capitals and once again turn Detroit into a name for quality and hard work.

Why are we spending our money and energy in the car industry? The Japanese, Germans and Ford has got this down solid. We should point our industrial power and research in another sector....public transportation. There is no reason why the factories in Detroit and across the heartland of the US have to close. Only the products should change. We should be producing trams, short and long distance trains, buses an other viable transport options which will better prepare the American public for faster, safer, cheaper and more environmentally sound transport options. Imagine not having the hassle of finding a parking spot or zipping through rush hour traffic in a street tram that shares the road. Hate flying? Take a long distance train instead. High-speed trains have been hugely successful in other parts of the world...why are we behind? Imagine the monthly savings you could pocket by taking a convenient, safe and clean alternative. The price of oil is only going to continue to climb higher and higher, lets not fool ourselves into thinking it will level out.

This is an excellent market opportunity for the United States as communities across the country will be requiring such alternatives. Why should we rely on the French, Germans and Canadians to provide street trams and our high-speed trains? Why can't they be proudly stamped MADE IN AMERICA? The most recent stimulus bill passed set $13 billion dollars over the next five years for a stronger national transportation strategy. I think its not enough but at least its a start.

For years Europeans and Asians have been whipping around their continents on highly developed, safe, secure, clean and friendly trains and street car systems. Why are we still behind?

Things that I miss in my life

As much as I like living abroad in Europe, I miss a few things about home. Here is a quick list.

1. NPR. National Public Radio. Public Radio in America is amazing. People do not appreciate NPR/PR enough. If I had more money, I'd really like to donate money to keep their programming amazing.

2. Sunday shopping. I don't need to go out shopping for clothes on a Sunday, but what I really need is for grocery stores to be open and a few other things (laundromats, etc) to be open as well.

3. Mexican food. Enough said.

4. I miss my friends. Really. I don't see them enough.

5. My car.

6. The ease of getting working permission.

In my ideal world, I'd be able to combine a bit of Europe and America together...but I can't yet. I'm working on it.

This list is by no means conclusive...and I reserve the right to change it accordingly.