The advent of the automobile and electrification had far-ranging impacts and implications for our society.
Some of the trades and industries which supported horse drawn transport and farming were able to adapt and become part of the new economy but many more became virtually obsolete.
The demand for farriers, working harnesses and associated tack fell as the new market for chassis, tires and engines grew.
Electrification may have had even deeper effects because most steam-driven factories replaced boilers with electric motors, light bulbs displaced kerosene, and all manner of apparatus and devices were invented and improved by the efficiency of electricity.
These paradigm shifts came with a social cost.
People had to retrain and adapt to the new demands upon the work force.
This upheaval of technology has continued to be a feature of modern life.
The transition from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy is not without contention.
The further use of automation calls into question the very role of labor.
Resistance to change is often associated with job loss yet as old jobs are displaced the demand for new skills rises.
Is it just capitalism and the global economy driving us or is there a “manifest destiny?”
You can’t stand still or go back.
We need vision and leadership to move forward.
Now is the time for change.
The status quo belongs to the past.
It’s not easy to embrace change but it is a winning strategy.
That’s my choice, I’ll put an X by it.
Brian Grad,
Sequim