"Where are the preventative measures and procedures to guard against economic crime? It's one thing to help victims, but what's being done to persecute and prosecute the perpetrators?"
We need to get to the bottom of the crisis and find ways to thwart it from happening again, says HOW Online contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. As it stands, we still haven't heard a sober answer to the question of what brought about the downturn and who is responsible. We need to see examples of accountability. It's time we send a message that crime actually doesn't pay.
More »"Darkness produces profit; when both sides of a trade know what the other holds, transparently, there go margins."
We'll never stomp out lying or cheating. The term "loophole" wouldn't even exist if we moved from a rules-based accounting system to an intent-based system, like other countries. That's why throwing a trillion dollars at a system that is broken won't fix our problems, says HOW Online contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. What we need is a new operating system, not version 3.0.
More »"It isn't doing without, or doing with less. The personal responsibility we all have to take on is being active — demanding with, and of, our share of the economic pie."
President Barack Obama has sent a message with his actions: There will be a new way of governing that embraces ethics reform and transparency, says HOW Online contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. Actions will be known; the days of operating behind smug indifference are gone. The key to solving the economic crises lies with us all. The next important vote we'll make is with our wallets and our investments.
More »It's the best of times right now, says HOW Online contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. Think about it: When in modern history can you have pointed to a bottom with such assuredness? We’ve cleaned the sewage system in the finance industry; we’ve purged the subprime mortgage bankers, brokers and borrowers; we’ve blown open the biggest Ponzi scheme ever. The worst of times is behind us; there is hope — and the emblem of that hope, President-elect Barack Obama, is taking office, says Kostigen.
More »"If climate change is such a grave danger and carbon pollution is the biggest contributor to that danger, then emitting excessive amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere should be banned."
— Thomas M. Kostigen,
columnist, author
There may be no better way to mitigate climate change and its effects than to make polluting illegal. Let's cut through the byzantine carbon-trading schemes, and let's get real about the pollution problem. Attach criminal penalties to those excessively polluting the planet and you'll see change happen fast — maybe even as quick as an industry bailout.
More »"It shouldn't be a matter of giving to one and not spending with the other. Now is when we can dig deep and do both. Otherwise, we might as well forget about the holiday spirit. We'll turn into a nation of Scrooges."
We've heard the phrase, "give the gift of giving." But in this economy, should we give to charities instead of product manufacturers? Profit and nonprofit organizations can both use our dollars right now. We have the responsibility of keeping society afloat during hard times — and that includes businesses as well as charities; our conscience as well as our economy.
More »"Without government policies telling them to do so, companies can take strong measures and actions on their own that will create a more sustainable economy."
Five major companies are taking responsibility for their actions instead of waiting for government intervention. The new business coalition calls for strong U.S. climate and energy legislation to spur the clean-energy economy and reduce global-warming pollution. Instead of looking for handouts, more companies should be looking for more ways to innovate.
More »"Here's where Barack Obama can become a genius: Link any auto industry bailout to increased fuel efficiency and therefore better pollution standards. Not only will he save an industry and jobs, he will set an example for other business sectors."
As Washington figures ways to fix the economy, a fix that amounts to billions of dollars a year is all around them: air. The drag of poor air quality on the economy is mounting — losses we can ill afford, especially now. Better air quality standards and a bailout package for the auto industry with caveats on fuel efficiency can reshape America.
More »"We need to declare war on natural resource inefficiencies and global warming — and draft our young as soldiers to help fight."
We often hear that the next generation must be saved from the effects we've waged on the environment. But how about teaching them to save themselves as well? We need a national natural resource curriculum that includes lessons on climate change for students — kindergarten and above — and we need it now.
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