Worth Sharing #7

May 9, 2016

Mike Rowe’s Senate Testimony

On May 11, 2011, Mike Rowe appeared before the U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to advocate the importance of skilled labor. And not just the importance of skilled labor but also the size of its dwindling workforce in the United States.

It occurred to me that I had become disconnected from a lot of things that used to fascinate me. I no longer thought about where my food came from, or how my electricity worked, or who fixed my pipes, or who made my clothes. There was no reason to. I had become less interested in how things got made, and more interested in how things got bought.

—Mike Rowe

Rowe makes a salient point: American culture has caused the skilled labor shortage by looking down upon it. Vocational arts have been largely removed from our school system with the emphasis on STEM. The default and expected behavior after high school is to get a four-year degree. Anything less is considered second class.

The skills gap is a reflection of what we value. To close the gap, we need to change the way the country feels about work.

—Mike Rowe

I agree with Rowe’s message. We should place more value on skilled trades and promote them as equally compelling work in our society.

Hat tip to Noble County Gold where I first ran across Mike Rowe’s Senate testimony.

Also check out Mike Rowe on The Tim Ferriss Show.

Kobe Bryant: Dear Basketball

My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.

And that’s OK.
I’m ready to let you go.

—Kobe Bryant in Dear Basketball

Kobe’s love of basketball has always been apparent. One aspect of love is knowing when to let go. Kobe had an incredible professional career. Kudos to him for acknowledging it was time to retire and enjoying his final season.