BUSINESS SKILLS -- POLITICAL SKILLS

Often, especially in the US, a businessperson runs for governmental office. The theory is that government should be run like a business, and he/she has the skills to run things correctly.

Unfortunately, the skills necessary to run a business are very different from the skills necessary to run a government. For one thing, a business person can say, "Do what I tell you or you are fired." It is not possible for the head of a government to fire another elected official.

The goal of a business is to make a profit. The goal of government is to efficiently provide governmental services, such as good roads, police protection, schools, help for the disabled, etc.

I am particularly trouble by businesspersons who try to buy their way into a governmental position. These people NEVER start small. The only thing that will satisfy an ex-CEO is to be a governor or senator. Usually, governors and senators have YEARS of political experience before running for such a high office.

It reminds me of the social climbers who want to buy their way into high society.