Re: A Tale of Two Cities

I read this article today about the growing divide between Silicon Valley and the unemployed and crafted an email response to its author.  In addition, I decided to post my thoughts here.

It's interesting in that the article spends a great deal of time trying to generate empathy for the unfortunate situation that a great deal of Americans find themselves in, but I'm not sure the article is persuasive in encouraging people to do something, if for no other reason that it doesn't really outline actionable things people can do.

One could argue that many of these people are *justly *unemployed because of their lack of skills or lack of desire to obtain the skills necessary.  This is, of course, a very lurid view of the world, but how do you combat those kinds of attitudes when you contrast it with an industry that prides itself on being on the cutting edge, is continuously self-improving, and refining its skill set?  Or just maybe that opinion isn't too far off the mark?

Not everyone who is unemployed is lazy, but pretending they're all victims isn't quite the answer, either.  How do you grant reprieve to those that earnestly seek it, whilst creating a more enduring and long-lasting change?  I don't pretend to know all the answers, but I think Julian Castro, mayor of San Antonio, gets it.  Provide opportunity and I think those who are willing will rise to the challenge, magnificently.