Study, Study, Study

It sometimes seems that the only growth industry in Vermont is the production of studies.  We have studied everything and then, we study the studies and conclude that what is needed is more study.  The most recent of these undertakings is an

unprecedented statewide conversation on the values, visions and practical priorities of Vermonters as they look to the challenges ahead.

Okay.  And what have we learned from this "conversation?'

Well, we are now aware that

"With its small scale and strong values, Vermont is an incubator of ideas, a center of innovation, and a laboratory for creative solutions. A history of ingenuity allows Vermont to respond to local, national and global challenges in a unique way, and Vermonters want to embrace that leadership potential in many areas ...Vermont should be intentional in developing itself as a laboratory of innovation in public policy, education, energy and the economy, civic and community life, and act as a model and a leader for the nation."

But suppose after reading that passage, your response is, "Yeah, yeah, but where do I go to get a job?"

Well, the study is not indifferent to your need and it has concluded that

The Vermont economy should grow from Vermont values and assets.

And, furthermore

We need to build partnerships, to line up across our differences, and advance a common economic agenda today to build the prosperity of the future.

Which is a great help to us all and the last word.

Until the next study.

Comments

[GreggB]

Gotta wonder if the folks that commission and consume this stuff believe it themselves? I'd say no one is that stupid but I've lived in Vermont.

[txgordo]

The truly sad thing is that somebody will read it, nodding their head, saying 'Yes! Yes!'. To what? These are platitudes. They are not specifics. The producers of the report can hire themselves out to every state, print the same garbage, and those that paid for the study will pat themselves on the back for the good they are doing for the state.
Please tell us what the values and assets are that will cause said growth?

[Hiker61]

Values, ideas, innovation, creative solutions? Leader for the nation? Oh please. If nothing else we are the model for others on what not to do especially when it comes to digging ourselves out of this recession when ever that time will come.

[Jerold Martin Goldberg]

Geoff,

It is exhausting, isn't it?

Splendid piece!

Jerry

[RFC]

Just the same old, worn-out excuse for not taking any action on anything of consequence in Vermont.

Here's a study the costs of which I suspect many of us would be happy to partially underwrite:

Do we need a legislature in Vermont?

?

[T. Shea]

Vermont should advocate supporting innovative, vertically integrated, matrix organizations dedicated to leveraging synergies through its core competencies while adding value to its stakeholders.

The first thing they should do is develop a catchy mission statement that doesn't mean anything.

[Dennis Lukas]

Such sound great thinking sould make Vermont the great stoned thinking welfare state it is. Roll another dub and articulate your ideas.

[Chris Campion]

T. Shea hits the nail on the head. Somewhere there's an MBA student cackling at this "study". The only thing missing that Vermont should strive for is more unicorns and rainbows.

This was paid for by state taxes, correct? If so, it's nauseating.

[Ed G. Mann]

Don't be so hasty, they do have their uses.
One such study satisfactorily leveled my wobbling computer desk.

[greenmtnpunter]

Is there ever a minority/dissenting view report included in any of these so-called "studies"? Say, something produced by VT Tiger, EAI, VEP, and/or other quasi- public policy think tanks? I would think that this should be a requirement if public funds are involved. Right, how dumb of me to even ask.