A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work with local, state and federal representatives on a Private Industry Council. The main purpose of the PIC was to secure employment for immigrants who had migrated legally into the United States. I found it to be enlightening in many ways. As I interacted with governmental officials at various levels, I quickly learned of their lack of knowledge regarding business strategy or economics. At first, I was surprised. Then, I was disappointed. These were people who were making policy and legislative decisions at city, county, state and national levels.
Since that experience, I’ve studied politicians to focus on their actual business and economic knowledge. I wanted a better understanding of my personal experience. Was it the norm or just a one-off set of circumstances? Sadly, my conclusion is; this is the norm. This is not to say there aren’t intelligent, well-educated politicians. There are. But my point is, many are not only lacking in basic business knowledge, but exacerbate issues by pretending they know what they’re talking about.
This isn’t a new phenomenon. Politicians have been hiding behind big money, charisma, nepotism and a variety of other facades for decades. Before the onslaught of social media, before television, even before radio, it was easier to hide lack of knowledge.
When former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill referred to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as “the next shiny thing” her characterization may have offended Ocasio-Cortez, but the moniker made an excellent point.
Alexandria has used social media to become that next shiny thing. Unfortunately, it’s a double edge sword for her. On one hand, it appeals to her base. On the other hand, it exposes her lack of business and economic knowledge. Her supporters admire her charisma, but those outside of her constituency see through her charm, lack of knowledge and factual data. Her proposed “Green New Deal” is a perfect example of my point. There are so many flaws and errors in her thinking. Trying to account for all the mistakes would be a graduate level economics class by itself. The lack of common sense within the document is only surpassed by the bravado and ignorance she displays when discussing the topic.
There are two things keeping her from being totally exposed. First is everyone’s fear of political correctness. If she is criticized, the person delivering the criticism is considered a bigot, racist, chauvinist or some other undeserved name. This feeds into the second thing. The media. Ocasio-Cortez has created the same hysteria generated by a community organizer in Illinois, back in 2004. The media was so enamored with Obama’s charisma, they overlooked, ignored, and refused to reveal his lack of true business knowledge. At the same time, they refused to expose his real agenda.
One-on-one interviews of Ocasio-Cortez, Robert (Beto) O’Rourke, Kristin Gillibrand, and others often reveal lack of depth of knowledge. They use sound bites, catch phrases and recycled verbiage to hook, enlighten and enamor their base. The media bolsters the “next shiny thing” with reckless abandon. It’s tried and true and has worked for years.
Politicians, the media, outspoken Hollywood types, and sadly, educators in our colleges and universities continue to try sell their ideas. unfortunately, few if any, have the business or economic knowledge or experience to support their points.
Either on purpose or through a series of circumstances, they found a job, (politician, actor, media person, educator) and never had to worry about understanding how to operate a successful business.
How do we combat this widespread mularkey and incompetence?
The solution I’d recommend is to hold all politicians accountable for their opinions, views and policy statements. Put aside political correctness for straight talk. Demand facts, not theory or ideology. Instead of defending your position, ask questions. Intelligence, knowledge and common sense are not substitutes for charisma. And they never will be.
Until next time…