“At some point, his wildly entertaining, Don Quixote-like campaign for the White House is going to run out of time.”
- Jack Welch [Reuters (26 January 2012)]*
Contrary to Mr. Welch’s implication, the consequence of Don Quixote’s mission was not to leave a trail of destructive madness but to leave one of constructive sanity with people the better for having had their lives touched by his. Perhaps, something of the same can be said for Congressman Ron Paul, about whom Mr. Welch was writing a political obituary. Can it be said, however, for Jack Welch himself?
As Mr. Welch predicts, Dr. Paul may fail to be elected president, but, unlike every other candidate, he speaks what he believes and acts accordingly. Whether one agrees with the Doctor’s position on every issue, one likely would admit that he is not a tool of the Big Government-Big Business-Big Media troika. Can the same be said for Jack Welch?
Mr. Welch easily may bury Dr. Paul’s chances, but he can’t bury the issues that the Doctor addresses . . . and addresses without equivocation. No, Dr. Paul won’t lie to get elected. No, he won’t change his message to suit each crowd along the way. Yes, he has consistent principles. Can the same be said for Jack Welch?
So, one might not agree with Dr. Paul on every point. So what?
If elected, given his scientific background gained in becoming a physician, should he employ the Scientific Method to resolve problematic issues, Dr. Paul could make the kind of president whom this nation hasn’t seen since Cal Coolidge in 1928. Could the same be said for Jack Welch, were he in the race?
What Mr. Welch preaches is pragmatic politics mixed with sound management . . . think, “I’ll say anything to get myself elected then do anything to maintain my power.” It’s not what America needs. Dr. Paul comes much closer to filling that bill than does any other, current candidate or the incumbent himself.
Too bad for America that the voters likely will listen to the sort of advice that Mr. Welch blithely belches forth; likely will vote for a pragmatic politician whom Mr. Welch admires for his sharp practices; and definitely will suffer the inescapable consequences of that behavior while Mr. Welch enjoys the comforts bestowed by the kind of people whom he promotes. Is there is a better way? You bet (www.inescapableconsequences.com).
Note
*John Francis Welch, Jr. (b. 1935), former Chairman and CEO of General Elect, author, and commentator.