I admit it. I consider myself pretty smart. OK, wickedly smart. But, that does not mean I’m infallible. Nor does it mean that I know everything (even if I try to do so).
Which is why I have always insured that I have an outstanding Board for my corporate entities. Comprised of folks I respect for their intellect, their business acumen, and their integrity. But, not because they agree with me.
That was one of the problems that hit the Romney campaign between the eyes. He believed that it was his managerial excellence and analysis that rendered him absolutely the perfect candidate for President. (However, buying and stripping cash and employees from companies is not managerial excellence, but that’s not the subject for today.) And, he surrounded himself with CEO’s and Upper Class folks. (Note: most executives of large businesses are part of the Upper Class, so that is slightly redundant). Who by and large were absolutely positive that Romney would win the election- and had to leave Boston on the 7th of November with their tails between their legs. (Many of them were clearly shell-shocked.)
Most of these folks convince themselves that they are job creators. And, then try to sell us on that subject. You see, most job creators are small business folks, not those in big business. Moreover, that does not include the fake small businesses, like lawyers who form S Corps and own a share of the partnership of some 1000 lawyer entities. Or, those who control the various large accounting and Beltway Bandit entities. No, as analysts at the US Treasury Department found, a tax increase on those making more than 250K of taxable income would not affect many jobs. As a matter of fact, it would, at best, affect, way, way less than claimed by a specific party.
How did they do this determination? First, they stripped out any small businesses grossing more than $ 10 million. (By definition, they are not small business- actually, the definition is usually $ 5 million.) And, they stripped away all small businesses owners, who really were employees of other entities. (That determination was based upon their having large salaries as a W-2 employee from one entity, and a small business income on the side). This lowered the true census of real small business owners among the top brackets to 1 in 5. Still pretty high. But, it turns out, only 1 in 16 (7%) in this higher bracket derive their primary income from small businesses.
So, when these Upper Class/Business Class folks try to tell us that they create the jobs, ask for proof. And, the fact that they are convinced that what is good for them is good for America doesn’t make it right. It just means they are all drinking the same kool-aid. After all, they are the same folks that were convinced in 2008 where the market was going- and took our country down with their folly.
Contrary to their own self-belief, having a lot of money does not make their views more valuable, more interesting, or more intelligent than the rest of us.
So, go out and create- new jobs, new opportunities, and new vistas.
Ahh Roy, this is probably a post that I’m better NOT to leave a detailed comment LOL. You don’t want to get me on my ‘political soap-box’. One thing I will say is that until the government realizes that this world is made up of, and suceedes by CITIZENS, and not government employees, we will begin to prosper again. Right now? I believe we have a little too much government trying to take too much control of it’s people. They seem to forget that they work for the PEOPLE of the US, not the other way around. Doesn’t matter which side of the spectrum they are on.
Okay, that’s it! Naughta going to say any more 🙂
You and I are on slightly different planes. If we relied on our citizens to accomplish the tasks at hand, I doubt the situation would be any better and probably a lot worse. Too many “citizens” don’t follow through; don’t follow the law; use the “what’s in it for me” principle…
Yes, government employees do not always seem the most astute or polite, but most of the locals are hired at wages akin to what flies at Walmart or Target- and those customer service agents are not one iota better or worse…
First I have to say, *WIDE EYES* You are not infallible?! Oy, how my heart breaks…I believed it to be truth! 😉 Now that the teasing is over let me comment to the rest of the post…
I think you hit the nail on the head in this post. People tell us that because they have more money, or fame, that their opinions are more valid and true. We’ve bought into this modern mythology. If you are on T.V. or you live in a large home or you have *fill in the blank* some how their opinions, live, and thoughts are more valid, more important and we should have and agree with them. It’s a part of that celebrity culture (using the world celebrity to encompass the rich as well as what the traditional sense of the word means) that I am against. I’m pro thought, and the best people through history, the thought changers have always been much different than now. It’s one of the reasons why you are a hero of mine, because I see your work here and know you are the type of person that is a true game changer. We need more of you, and a lot less of the people in control now.
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Alien Face by Lisa Brandel
Yes, that “We have it under control, no need to pester your little brain with the issues” mentality drives me nuts, Lisa…
Thanks for the comment- and the rejoinder!
Keeping politicians honest has never been harder has it? Statistics can be skewed sure but my goodness it seems that what they are saying is bordering on flat out lying. I wonder how much they count on the average person not having the time or knowledge to seek out the truth of the matter?
Thanks for sharing what you know Roy.
Bonnie recently posted..Self Love – It’s not what you think!
Actually, that is one issue, Bonnie. But, it also goes that many businesses surround themselves with advisors who don’t spit out the truth. Or, they surround themselves with folks who agree with them- so they can never see that there is another way, perhaps a better way, to effect the tasks at hand…
You bring up some excellent points – what is a small business, what is smart and what is good advice? Different opinions and ideas always contribute to the mix and what happens if we delay on decisions today will be different tomorrow. You are a very special person who shares so willingly with all your audience and I imagine your clients too
Thanks so much for those kind comments.
And, yes, it is critical to consider a variety of ideas to insure that we can reach the very best solutions- and not miss one that our “way of thinking” would never pick up- even if our clients/customers would.
I think many politicians (and others) live in their own little perfect world and are surrounded by people exactly like themselves. They don’t think they can lose. The thought never enters their head.
The problem is that their world of abundance, power and high-society is not the same world that the majority of the world lives in. These politians need to get a grip and face reality. The demographics of the United States is changing and our leaders must understand the real problems that are facing the majority of the citizens.
Excellent post, Roy!
Janette Fuller recently posted..Book Review: The Viral Video Manifesto
It’s not just politicians, Janette.
Business folks do exactly the same thing. And, then, don’t realize how their markets have passed them by. Or, that they failed to provide something their customers/clients wanted- and they did not so discern.
It’s dangerous when we all drink the Kool-Aid.
Thanks for your comment, for reading the blog, and your approbation!
One thing the world over (and the government everywhere is failing to realize) is that creating newer jobs might just be the key. Not having employment drives and collecting CVs and opening job sites to make it easier to search jobs. Also, I don’t understand where the truck loads of money sanctioned by the government (this is India I am talking about) for creating employment opportunities and small business owners is vanishing.
Hajra recently posted..Inspiration, Laziness, Secrets
Thanks for bringing those great points to the fore, Hajra!!!