“Economic focus neglects

people”

Friday, March 5, 2010

Letter-to-the-Editor: Brian P. Moore, Spring Hill, Florida

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/so-many-thanks-for-your-response-to-crisis/1077453

The emphasis on new technology, as well as on growth, is disturbing because the emphasis on humanity and social services has been left out of the formula. By doing that, we are ultimately doomed to failure.

Technological success does not mean communal success. It may only mean more profits for a select few while simultaneously affecting adversely our culture, our ability to communicate and to interact with each other or to improve our physical and spiritual health.

The market has prompted new forms of competition among counties in Florida as they seek to attract new businesses, new technologies, and even housing growth. The problem is that local government, the business community and the press urge favorable fiscal conditions for the businesses, but deregulation of the labor market. What then occurs is the downsizing of social security systems as the price to be paid for greater competitive advantage in the local markets.

Worker rights and compensation, along with any benefits, are usually endangered when this occurs. Labor unions have never thrived in Florida, and the potential for forming labor unions is almost impossible in the economic atmosphere that prevails today.

The importance of labor should not be underestimated. It can stimulate production and cultural exchange, too, but usually, in this budget-cutting climate and mind-set, we create psychological instability for workers.

This is a reminder to the business chamber and news media and especially the county commissioners and supervisors who will be making budget cuts and layoff decisions. Even though their attention is on economic growth, the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is mankind. That should be the focus of all economic and social life. Without integrating people into our economic and social plans, we ultimately doom our quality of life.

Brian P. Moore, Spring Hill