Ask Mexico to be Part of the USA

So much of American foreign policy at the moment seems to be done looking in the rearview mirror.  The news is focused on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cuba.  As a country, we should be much more focused on China and Mexico and other areas of the World.  Hopefully, we can be friendly competitors with China for eons to come, just as we are friendly competitors with England and Germany.

The situation with Mexico is much more complicated.  During the Bush years, we’ve spent billions “getting tough” by erecting a wall / fence between our southern states and Mexico.  We’ve spent billions more unsuccessfully trying to staunch the flow of drugs across the border.  The effect is to keep pushing our neighbor to the ground.  Why don’t we try the opposite approach?  Let’s extend a hand to Mexico and put the country and it’s provinces, if they want to be, on the path to statehood.

In the process, we would gain access to the huge oil reserves in Mexico and help our neighbors.  After a transitional phase, it will become easier to control our borders, as the border between Mexico and it’s southern neighbors is much shorter than the one between the U.S. and Mexico.

The biggest threat is the rampant corruption in some parts of the Mexican economy.  In addition, there would have to be some sort of phased in approach to wellfare benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and so forth.  It’s only right that Mexicans help pay for their benefits.

If Canada wants to join the fun, so much the better.  A United North America would be a formidable force in the world many natural resources, creative people, and positive cultural, educational and legal institutions.

American Autobahn — A Hyperstate Highway System

The Obama Administration should use a portion of the upcoming stimulus package to start a Hyperstate Highway System (HHS).  The key goal of the HHS would be to facilitate very rapid transportation between distant states — to jump from California to Texas or Michigan to Florida.

The current Interstate system has become bogged down with too many on ramps and exit.  In areas like Washington DC and Los Angeles, commerce can sit for hours waiting for the LOCAL rush hour traffic to clear out.  What we need today is super advanced Interstate — a Hyperstate.

Key elements of Hyperstates:

1. a very limited number of exits — two or three per state, except for a few very large states like California and Texas
2. only connect to Interstates, no connections to state highways or other local roads; use the Interstates for local transportation.
3. give priority to commerce, especially trucks and other very long distance travelers

By starting the HHS, the Obama Administration can enhance its pro business credentials.  It can create a program who’s benefits will last for generations, much like the original Interstate program started by the Eisenhower Administration in 1956.  It’s pro-jobs stimulus package can do more than fill potholes — which while very important, will not solve our long distance transportation problems.

Start the Hyperstate Highway System today.  Or if you prefer the American Autobahn.

Why America Needs an Economic Strategy

Why America Needs an Economic Strategy
The Harvard Business School competitiveness guru, Michael Porter, offers his prescription for long-term prosperity.

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This is one of the most important magazine articles I’ve read in years. Please read about some of the key strategic choices America needs to make. Share the article with your friends and colleagues. If we work together, we can take the country to new heights.