Tackling Questions of the Day

摘要

In the Editors' Blogs section of Sept. 1, Mark Skaer asked 9 questions. These are my answers, for what they are worth. 1. [On wanting your children to work in the trade] My son does work in the trade, but I've made it clear to him that there are easier ways to make a living. It's not for everybody, but I love it. 2. [On why so many HVACR-related skilled trades jobs are going unfilled] Let's see, you need the technical expertise of an engineer, the physical stamina of a football player, the flexibility of a yoga instructor, the bedside manner of a family doctor, mechanical aptitude of an auto mechanic, be willing to endure working conditions of an oil rig worker, and collect the wages of a mailman. Does that sound like a great deal to you? 3. [On why there's so few women in the skilled trades] Why don't you ask the women? I'm a little afraid to answer. 4. [On making carbon monoxide and smoke detectors mandatory in all U.S. households] Why don't we make helmets mandatory for walking? I'm sure that would save a few lives too. But just because something can save lives doesn't justify making it a legal mandate. I'm a big fan of the old-fashioned idea of personal choice.