The United States of America now has a new President. I have to say I'm impressed with what has been coming out of this new administration so far. Not so impressed with what has been coming from many different political figures, both in the US and around the world. Equally less than impressed with many of the things happening from the perspective of different business leaders.

With the current global financial meltdown, the need for sharing of ideas and opinions becomes even more important than ever. The sense of anger and frustration felt by so many continues to grow and is magnified. Thousands of people daily learn they are about to join the ranks of the unemployed. Why? Ask yourself that question honestly, you won't like the answer received.

This website can go in a number of different directions. One choice would be to lurch to one extreme or another. This would perhaps raise interest for those agreeing with whichever extreme I choose. It would alienate almost everyone else. I could comfortably stay firmly in the middle and make "nice nice" with everybody so as to not hurt anyones feelings. This would guarantee we serve and help nobody. What has happened that causes me to re-evaluate the direction this website is taking? Fear. There is an increasing level of fear spreading among all groups and members of society, from the wealthy elite to the janitor in our local schools, with everyone in between finding themselves part of events unfolding that nobody wants.

The "talking heads" within the media are more interesting to watch from a comedy channel perspective than as a source of useful information. President Obama has been encouraging people to find ways they can volunteer or contribute. This is a promising direction, so different than the policies of the previous administration in the US. In Canada, we have a new budget brought forward by the Conservative party, one which is significantly and radically different from what was promised only a few months previous. Perhaps our politicians will be able to put aside petty differences and work towards helping solve and reverse the economic nightmare unfolding and growing.

The focus of Resolving Unfair Business is going to be more "behind the scenes". Education is key. Until such time as enough people have awakened to what is happening around them, legitimate and beneficial change will not occur. A manager needs buy-in from his employees before new policies and directives can be effective and successful, our leaders need buy-in from the people. Not just a few sharing the same luxury offices, but people from all walks of life.

Resolving Unfair Business will continue with what has been going on. I will continue to put my ideas forward in the blog: On The Radar. The Discussion Forum will continue to grow as people discover the website. The Supreme Court lawsuit against Ford Credit Canada Limited proceeds. Oh, I forgot to mention, Ford Credit has been served and the lawsuit is proceeding. Read about the Cranbrook Supreme Court File #19101 here. Another topic of concern to consumers has been brought painfully to the forefront, courtesy of bad behaviour by a local business. The issue of retailers policies when the scanned price of an item does not match that of price displayed at the shelf. It is my intent to research this subject, seeking input from numerous retailers before publishing more of my opinions and ideas. Have you had an issue with scanning problems at a retailer? If so, please give us your opinions and ideas by using our Discussion Forum concerning the Scanning Code of Practices.

I see much that needs to change to have a just and fair society. Everybody will need to make adjustmentrs. The corporations can only do so much, as they only have a part of the equation within their control. Individuals must also make changes, accepting responsibility for their actions and lives. This attitude does not sit well with those expecting and demanding everything be given to them. There is no "free lunch", no "free ride". For too long decisions have been made that only take into consideration short term costs and benefits to a few, without considering consequences and costs to others or the environment. We all must begin making decisions incorporating the long term effects uponour neighbours next door as well as around the world. We must take decisions that take into account the true costs of everything we do. The environment is not a garbage dump for free use. Pollution, waste disposal, overuse of natural resources, all these things and many more can not be ignored. We are seeing the effects of greed and mindless consumption averyday. If we do not make changes to fix the very problems we as a species have created the environment will. We will not be happy with those changes. Neither will our children and future generations.

I’m in this for the long term. Doing what I can to improve my corner of the universe. If others choose to join, working together in improving increasingly larger portions of our respective worlds, great. Not being a saint, there will be no sanctimonious sermons making each of us feel miserable about our contributions in society. Communicating with each other, finding common ground, seeking solutions to the problems we face together. I've identified most of the necessary changes sought will benefit not only myself, but everyone else. Cooperative and responsible business is not only "socially responsible" but also a lower cost way of doing business when all factors are given the consideration deserved.