I like this article, even though I am not based in the US, there is allot that us Small Business owners around the world can relate too. Small businesses over the planet can unite ( maybe even ‘occupy’) with the knowledge that we are not alone, somewhere some government is stuffing things up for others as well.
I am excellent at screwing up my business. I sell to customers who can’t pay, hire people who don’t work and rely on vendors who don’t deliver. I purchase outdated technology, say the wrong things to the wrong people and I’m terrible at making plans. But somehow and despite my best efforts, my company continues to be profitable.
Of course, we could be more profitable if I didn’t keep making so many mistakes. And I certainly don’t need any more help in that department. But the problem is my business, like most small businesses, is vulnerable to potential mistakes that could be made this year in Washington. Mistakes that could really screw things up. A few come immediately to mind.
Mistake #1: Gingrich becomes the Republican nominee. Please don’t misunderstand. I really like Newt Gingrich. He’s the smartest, most politically experienced presidential candidate we’ve had since Joe Biden. Just kidding on that one. Newt’s a thinker, a debater and a political savant. Sure, he’s a little chubby. And a “newt” is a kind of salamander, isn’t it? I’m not worried. A couple of turns on the treadmill and a bomb or two dropped near Tehran and even Putin will show a little respect.
Newt is very pro-business. But that won’t do me any good. Because if he becomes the Republican candidate he’ll have a hell of a time getting elected. He’s too polarizing. He has less business know-how than Romney. He has too much personal and political baggage. He’s going to be spending a lot of time defending his past actions, positions he took or things he said more than twenty years ago. When Nancy Pelosi says she “investigated” him and has “dirt” I believe her. Trust me, Pelosi hates guys like these which means that…
…with Gingrich as his opponent, Obama will draw the left back to his camp. Alec Baldwin and Barbara Streisand will be re-energized. Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen will write him campaign songs. Look, I think Obama’s a good man too. I voted for him. But I would never vote for him again. He’s proven himself to be way too big-government and way too anti-business. He wants to raise taxes and continue to spend on stimulus programs. As far as running the government and managing the world’s largest economy he’s shown himself to be inexperienced. The economy, the markets, the business environment and my small business in particular would suffer if he’s re-elected.
Mistake #2: With the retirement of Barney Frank, Maxine Waters is appointed to chair the House Financial Services Committee………..
Mistake #3: The Supreme Court declares that healthcare reform is constitutional……..
Mistake #4: The Fed eases even more…….
Mistake #5: More stimulus is approved……`
…………This is not something a small business owner would do. This is not something that any experienced business manager would consider. For God’s sake, even Greek government bonds would start looking pretty good. More stimulus would further exasperate the potential for inflation as our currency loses its value. For the business community, the downsides of stimulus are higher than the upsides.
Look, I can do a great job screwing up my business on my own. I don’t need any help this year. Especially from Washington.
I hope you enjoyed this teaser. Do read more on this article, it is one mans opinion and you can accept or regret, but it makes for interesting reading. Thanks to Gene Marks of Small Business America, I’ll be watching for you again
