Doing The Backstroke In A Septic Tank

For those who don't know what a septic tank is, ask your grandparents.  For those who do, contemplate this.

A respected executive in a leading regional economic development agency was recently asked how important the oft-lamented SCM talent shortage is, in attracting new business to the area.  His response, " Number One!"  A natural venue for national and regional distribution is losing out for want of associates, managers, and executives in the profession.

So far, so good, but he went on to say that the shortage is the biggest obstacle facing every development agency, so " we are on a level playing field."  No one gasped in horror, but my head exploded in public view.

How difficult could it be to grasp the straightforward concept that educating, training, and preparing the young workforce of tomorrow, whether university-bound or ready to go to work immediately, for the range of opportunities SCM offers is the key to economic competitiveness and success?

And, what on earth would be morally corrupt about creating an un-level playing field for the betterment of all residents of a given geography?

But, time slips away, excuses pile up like last Fall's leaves in corners of the yard, and jobs erode.   Enterprises seek greener fields, and the same drivers that put the wagon in the ditch in the first place are re-elected or re-appointed.

It really doesn't matter whether the fundamental weakness is stupidity, ignorance, complacency, or arrogance - or cowardice - we are all being led to a bad place disguised as a swimmin' hole.  We wind up flailing and stroking like amoeba possessed to escape the inescapable in  a glorified chamber pot.

Maybe we need to start a pool on how long it will take us to figure out the obvious solutions  - and hope against hope that an epiphany does not arrive too late to evade the honey wagon, as it is called in some nations.