Tim Pawlenty Speaks On Remaining Competitive In A Global Economy

I am attending the American Legislative Exchange Council's annual meeting, and listened to VP contender Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, deliver a speech over the noon hour.

Pawlenty laid out a plan for America to remain competitive in a global economy. He believes we can't compete in regard to either cost (other countries pay too low for labor) or volume (other countries have a far bigger population).

But he believes we have a competitive advantage when it comes to intelligence and innovation as long as we reform our education system and maintain a commitment to freedom.

Among the education reforms he proposed: scrapping the "1940s industrial model" of paying teachers based on seniority, recognizing that seniority has no relation to student performance; and paying more for teachers in shortage areas such as science and math.

He touched on other topics, such as providing greater options for producing energy, and controlling health cares costs by allowing consumers to choose based on cost and quality.

It was not a speech meant to inspire applause--he began his speech detailing challenges, then offered specific solutions in a clear and articulate manner.

I was impressed.