Robert Reich is a very short man. He has learned to deal with that in various ways as he lived his live. When you see the film, you will hear both humorous and emotional anecdotes about his height directly from Mr. Reich.

Maybe because he was bullied when he was young or maybe because he simply cares about ALL Americans, Reich has spent a life time fighting for all of us – even the little guy who has no one else to help him counteract those with more economic or political power.

The documentary “Inequality for All” is now out on DVD, OnDemand, iTunes and Netflix DVD by mail. I have seen the 87 minute film in a town about 60 miles away – and have watched it once the DVD was delivered earlier this week by Amazon.

Regardless of from where on the political spectrum you hail, you should see this film. Reflect on the information it presents and consider what it may mean for our economy and even more importantly our national security.

It will show at the Ross Theater in Lincoln, NE starting Friday, January 24 and thru Thursday, January 30. The film is targeting being shown in all 50 state capitols on its current tour.

Did you know?:

– that the median wage for Americans, adjusted for inflation, has stagnated since 1978 – and is actually a little lower today than it was way back then?

– that the American economy is dependent upon consumer spending for 70% of its total?

– that the decline in the median wage is directly correlated to the decline in union membership?

(Note: whatever may be the cons of unions, it is readily apparent that they helped represent employees in dealings with businesses.

An individual is pretty powerless against companies and economic policies. Banding together can often help offset some of that powerlessness.

– huge numbers of American jobs have been eliminated by technological automation? Many of these jobs were middle-class-sustaining jobs.

– huge numbers of American jobs have been off shored over the last 40 years?

The trends started in manufacturing – but with the hyper connected world, ANYTHING that can de digitalized, can be “shipped” anywhere in the world. Tom Friedman in his “The World is Flat” spoke about USA tax returns being completed in India by well trained folk there. He talked about digital scan results being sent anywhere in the world to be read by a trained and smart technician or doctor.

– that in August there were 3.9 million open jobs in the USA – and 11.9 official job seekers? Add to that millions of “unoffical” or not counted job seekers and it is obvious that there are not enough jobs.

So – what to conclude?

With the purchasing power of the middle class eroded by both job loss and wage stagnation, should we expect consumer spending to continue to drive 70% of our economy? Will that be 70% of a much smaller total?

Employers typically hire because of market demand. There is no economic incentive to hire if there is no revenue to be had as payback for the added labor expense.

If our economy is now looking at a new and lower level of demand, what might be the effects over time on the security and “greatness” of our country?

Governments make the rules of their ecomonies. Should we consider tweaking some of the rules to make adjustments for and strengthen our economy?

As usual, I sure don’t have the answers. But as Socrates taught us: the wise person (OK – in his time it was wise “men”!!!) knows one thing – and that is that they don’t know everything and don’t even know enough.

PLEASE SEE THIS FILM – and with an open mind. Then reflect upon it and decide for yourself if you agree or disagree – and if you agree, what, if anything you wish to do about it.