Who Moved My Smokestack?
Various organizations and groups believe that globalization is the cause and the root of America’s economic downturn. But is it really true?
Is globalization really the reason or is America just losing its focus? What is really happening to the American economy? Why is America failing to protect the people’s jobs? Is there hope to stop the erosion of the American Dream?
Find out why these questions bog everyone’s mind these days as author Don Holbrook, a Certified Economic Developer, explains and discusses in-depth these economic issues and challenges in Who Moved My Smokestack?
In today’s world, where everything constantly changes – and moves – one must learn to cope with whatever comes along. Take a brief look at the economic scenario of America, to know what’s really going on in the country and in the economy. Through these thought-provoking insights, presented in a practical and clear manner, you will see a vivid picture of the American economy in this century – and what challenges it is facing and dealing with. Discover the opportunities and challenges of globalization, and reaffirm America’s place in the world today. Learn how to take risks without threatening the economy. Find out how competitiveness can renew America’s confidence. Know how to plan, present, and accept reforms – for the betterment of the American economy.
If you want to join in the wagon of economic success and achieve economic development, then learn how you can benefit from globalization.
“In his first book, Holbrook declares that the United States needs to be at the forefront of globalization, or be relegated to the status of a once-great society.
Written in the summer of 2008, much of the book was completed before the worst of America’s current financial meltdown, so it is unclear how the current crisis will impact Holbrook’s assertions (if, indeed, they are affected). The author sees America at the edge of a great precipice, almost beginning its downhill slide. He contends that there are steps the country can take to deal with globalization, but immediate action needs to occur on all levels, from the local community to the national government. The author writes with great clarity about the onward rush of globalization, how it affects America and how Americans can make globalization work for them. While a layperson can benefit from this book in terms of understanding the effects of globalization, it is intended for community leaders and members of the chamber of commerce. Although Holbrook lays the culpability broadly (politicians, financial conglomerates and individual citizens are all assigned blame), he does not just point out what’s wrong. Instead, he offers a wide breadth of solutions to the problem, listing 50 of them near the back of the book. The author stresses that people must start at the community level, and that depressed areas cannot stand idly by as their jobs are moved to another country. Local business leaders and government officials need to take control and offer incentives to corporations to get them to relocate to their area, he writes. Incentives need to include not only money, but a population of trained workers. In return, these new industries can revive sagging towns. On the national level, Holbrook asserts the country must move in a new direction, rather than remain stagnant with ideas that are not only stale, but further cause the nation’s current morass.
A blueprint to help communities move toward the unknown future of globalization.”
- Kirkus Discoveries