America faces a skills shortage. Our technology is ahead of our capacity to utilize it. Jobs are being out-sourced to lower wage countries, such as India, China and

Tiwan. America is loosing its chance for more prosperity

Current employment trends show that baby-boomer retirements, and demographic shifts will cause a deficit of 12 million educated workers by 2010.

In the past, America has been a magnet for educated workers, offering opportunity and democracy. This gave us a competitive edge. The "brain drain" elsewhere in the world acted to our benefit. Now we are the nation affected by brain drain due to lack of skilled workers, baby boomer retirement, and exodus of the most creative individuals. Studies show that the most creative and innovative personality types tend to be "liberal" in their thinking and politics. Many are leaving America for overseas jobs, disillusioned by an America that, in this decade, has become less accepting of diversity of persons and thought.

What are the solutions?

Corporate and government training programs for workers in the skills and knowledge needed to meet the 21st Century needs

Expansion of professional and technical associations.

Immigration policies that encourage educated and skilled workers to come to the U.S. to lead training efforts and supplement the workforce.

Revamping the school system to ensure that students learn the skills need for the 21st century. This is much more than "Leave No Child behind." It means job skill training for high-tech jobs, teaching problem solving skills, and teaching applied mathematics and science.

Laws, policies, and regulations that ensure a diverse workforce and environments in which to grow and thrive.

Can it be done?

Yes, but we need a new sprit of cooperation towards common goals among employers, workers, unions, schools, colleges and the government. For too long, the "class warfare" exising concerning unionization, government involvement, and corporate interests has kept us apart. It is time to join together for the sake of our joint future.