I’ve worked in the business world for quite some time now. From private to public companies, startups to established corporations, employee to contractor. I even had my own company for a dozen years. So I think I have a fairly broad understanding. Still, I’ve never really bought into the idea that being a successful business person necessarily will make you a good public servant.
Sure, things like the desire to be in charge, being a good steward of resources, knowing when to inspire and when to delegate — those are going to be helpful whether you’re CEO or governor. But functionally, the two jobs are very different animals. An elected leader needs to embrace the integrity of a purposely restricted system (laws); private business owners are ultimately only responsible to themselves.
It scares me when those promoting the idea don’t seem to be aware of the differences (or willfully ignore them). Ironically, many of Donald Trump’s standard business practices align more readily with the worst behaviors of a government bureaucrat: reneging on deals, aggressive deficit spending, opaque and authoritarian rule.
I just don’t see how “I will run the government like a business” would be an easy sell to Michigan voters. Especially when Governor Snyder already seems to have, um, poisoned those waters.
John Auchter draws cartoons. Lots and lots of them. You can find them at his incredibly popular website auchtoon.com.
Sorry Andrew I hate to use the words “it sucks” he but it really sucks!!!!!!
Yes, Trump’s “reneging on rules…opaque, authoritarian rule…” doesn’t bode well for integrity. His obsession appears to be more about making himself and his family great again. Do voters really think he will look out for them when he’s never been interested in promoting anyone but himself? If only his supporters would consult fact checking websites. Unfortunately, his supporters don’t trust fact checking sites.
Trump preys on fears and spreads lies. Government is not a business and can’t be ran from a spread sheet.
I honestly wish Hillary had gotten the nomination in 2008, and already had served her two terms. That means that Barack would have had eight years more experience, in the Senate or as Vice President. And, Barack could be running now, still a young-ish man, but with better presidential skills.
I second that, I expected Hillary to win and if Obama had been Vice President, Senator or Secretary of State for eight years he’d probably be a shoe-in for the next eight years. I’m not sure it’s a bad thing for it to be reversed as I believe Hillary will listen to advice from Bill, Obama and Tim Kaine among others. I expect she’ll make her own decisions but she’ll listen to input.
One problem with using a business model in government is Trump will not have control of who works for him. Yes, he can pick advisors and cabinet members, but the bureaucracy that does the work and slows things down is not his to choose. The “people” he wants to whip into shape (law and order) are many and varied and not so easily moved from their learned dependence on government.
It will be interesting to see how he (VP Mike Pence) works with a Congress that has absolutely stymied Barack Obama and hurt the country the last eight years.
But as Trevor Noah said (on The Daily Show), “At least it’s not Ted Cruz.”
Trump doesn’t understand business other than the short term bottom line. Let’s make America profitable for the next four to eight years then sell the company at a discount. The entire idea of running the country like a business isn’t all bad, the problem is we have very few examples of business owners that value their employees and customers while looking at the future. That’s not to say all business owners have no conscience, many are forced to abandon their ideals or go bankrupt.
Great comments today!