August 8 Edison's Mimeograph

Edison patented his mimeograph on this date. There is much research today on bringing back the creativity of the Edison period of 1850 to 1920. Most are focusing on shortcomings in our education system and lack of critical thinking today, but few look to the structural and infrastructure of our society. Edison often spent months researching the potential economic gains of an invention before launching a research project. Financial rewards drive invention, and taxes are a deterrent. Capital gain taxes are also a deterrent. Capitalism is the driver of invention. Edison like Westinghouse, Bell, Bessemer, and others of the period were driven by the rewards of inventing. Another problem is declining corporate income as imports flood in. Companies are not willing to invest in long run research as they struggle in declining markets. The great Republican tariffs of the 1800s assured a future market for glass, steel, electrical, and manufacturing in the 1800s, allowing companies invest confidently in the future.
A Manufacturing Manifesto ISBN 978-0741453310 go to Amazon --also search “skrabec” on Amazon

July 30 Henry Ford's Birthday

Henry Ford more than anyone knew creativity and capitalism had a symbiotic relationship---both dependent on each other. Ford created his own network of creative friends including Thomas Edison, Bucky Fuller, George Washington Carver and many more.
Greenfield Village remains today a "Mecca" for manufacturers, inventors,educators, and artists--- it should be an annual pilgrimage-- read my industrial biographies of H J Heinz and William McGuffey

Myth of the Month- small business "creates" most jobs in US---- yes but Big Business creates most small business-- for every one job in big business-- 10 are created in small business

Moon Landing July 20

The Founding manufacturing fathers such as Alexander Hamilton and Henry Clay believed government had two roles -- defense and promoting manufacturing!
the 1820 canal system, a National Bank, and a railroad system an our space program were successful applications of that vision.
see A Manufacturing Manifesto on Amazon

July 14 Bastelle day

all revolutions are not equal- the American Revolution gave us capitalism -- the French Revolution gave us socialism

thought for the day-- the only example of free trade is that between Michigan and Ohio

July 12 is the day Alexander Hamilton died! he was America's first manufacturing founders!