Busy, and noticed recently that I'm not writing as much or as well. But I'm focused on the next phase of the company and really excited to get started on a new project that should have significant impact on us. And customers, I hope. So here's a dribble...
- New investment closes this week. Lots more documentation to work through to get there, but we should be ready by Thursday. And then we expand, carefully but aggressively.
- I brought up the issue of the Democratic Party sponsoring religious events in a group email, and got a few reasonable responses from some friends, but the chair was silent on the issue and there has been no guarantee of what they will do in the future. Not sure what to read from that, but it seems they want to be able to sit on the fence until another opportunity comes up. Setting a principle and following it would get more consistent results and is an easier way to govern. I'm fairly certain there's a bit of freezing out going on, but I'm too busy to care. I'm a voter, not a party insider.
- Excited about taking a bit of a break; Amy and I are going on vacation to Central America. I'm pretty sure I can't surf yet but it'll be a blast anyway.
- Rendell's comment about some whites not interested in voting for a black candidate was simply crass and political crap. He should have instead added that voting on the basis of race is wrong and un-American, but he very noticeably did not.
- What would Lancaster look like with 600 new $10.hour jobs with healthcare? Much healthier. So what industries can we attract to reach that number? Food processing, manufacturing, hmmm...thinking it over.
- Weekly traffic to this blog is about 210. About 60 get RSS feeds. Thanks for listening.
4 comments:
Looks like a good week ahead, Charlie! Busy one for us, too - big show in Miami. I'll be sure and catch up with you next week.
Charlie,
As someone who leans more toward the Christopher Hitchens school of thought, I personally agree with your concerns about sponsorship of religous events. However, while that position was easy for me to take and offer no quarter to back home in CA, being a transplant here to Central PA and a lonely progressive my thoughts have become more muddled. In "red" areas like here I do see a need for Dems to reach out to the religious community to offer a hopeful alternative message focused on social needs that may resonate. By drawing a strict line of not participating, does that not cede that "market" to the right and their vitriol of exclusion? Not that participation should be simple pandering (although as the right has proven, pandering does work...sigh) but some level of engagement to better get out the message voting democratic does not equal an anti-religion vote and is in fact more consistent. What are your thoughts on the alternatives for the local party?
Regarding attracting industry, sounds like your doing your part with the expansion of Mission Research! As a software professional (he selfishly says) I'd love to see more high tech firms in the area to diversify the economy and keep talent local. And you've got to love the symbolism of a high tech hub in the heart of Amish country!
We happen to be hiring product managers...
On to politics: I don't think you win religious voters by sponsoring religious events, which shows only the ability to pander and ignore fundamental principles. That feeds into the notion that the Democratic Party will do anything to win.
Serve. When Democrats truly serve their community, people will see that Democratic values are more in line with religious values than the Republican Part. That's how you get votes--be consistent, stick to your values, work for the greater good, isntead of just talking about it and trying to get votes.
Manager(s) as in plural?
As far as politics, I don't disagree that there needs to be substance - at least by my own personal ethics and as someone who is (relatively) politically astute and recognizes and abhors pandering. Quickest way to lose my vote.
However, having the superior "product" isn't always enough - it has to be marketed and that marketing has to be tailored to and heard by the target audience. In addition, to improve the "product" it's important to hear from potential buyers what their concerns and needs are (sorry, can't help the product manager in me!).
So, if sponsoring relegious events is only done as a talking point - "we're sponsoring this so that means we're on your side" then I completely agree it's just pandering and antithetical. However, if it's done for the purpose of gaining access to a particular audience to hear their concerns and there's an opportunity to give a substantive targeted message that highlights why the parties values and actions are more aligned with the relegious community, then it's worth considering.
Back to the hiring, you should already have my info. It would be great to continue these conversations in person!
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