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Stateside
Sharon Harris looks at the US presidential race, and what the winner may need to survive – or excel…
Why would anyone go into politics these days? While I may love the recognition, the “spin” and distortions to defend the “party” line would drive me crazy.
I am sorry to say that the journalists are the only people worse than politicians in this endless campaign. Many have trashed their objective journalism rulebook via direct and not-so-subtle commentary and reporting. One cable network recently demoted two anchormen. The public outcry against their bias and on-camera fighting with those who disagreed with them about the candidates did them in.
Millions of American voters will make the crucial decision to elect Barack Obama or John McCain for president. Their philosophies on many topics are miles apart, and Americans are again divided. As a registered Independent, I agree with both of them on different issues.
Obama has promised help to “middle class” citizens, or what he calls 95 per cent of us, by cutting personal taxes. However, he also wants to raise business taxes.
Obama represents himself as an advocate for those in need. He says he ignored opportunities in big law firms and on Wall Street after Harvard Law School to work as a community organizer in Chicago’s notorious South Side. At the Democratic convention, his wife Michelle urged younger people to join local causes rather than join corporate America.
I agree that America’s youth should perform public service; it builds integrity and helps the country.
However, as a child of a small businessman myself, I do not completely agree with the Obamas’ basic premise about businesses big and small. Hard work and properly channeled ambition promote good character while highlighting individual talents.
Opportunity often knocks for savvy people who recognize it. Many gaming leaders began as dealers or in other lower-paying positions. They worked their way up the ladder, which is the crux of the American Dream.
Some of America’s largest corporations are casino operators that directly and indirectly employ millions. They also pay billions in taxes. Millions of Americans have profited from the stocks in their retirements pensions and personal investments.
Big corporations matter because they offer the money and the “political juice” to change people’s lives. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the resources and corporate citizenship of companies like Harrah’s, MGM Mirage and others helped thousands of their displaced Gulf Coast employee families survive. Using their financial reserves, these giants paid their employees for several weeks and helped them “weather” economic and emotional storms.
However, I do agree that big corporations throughout the US, including casino companies, have also created a negative environment for themselves. Executives routinely receive large paychecks and bonus packages, regardless of company performance, while salaried and part-time employees have seen their earnings decrease and working hours cut.
McCain sees a different economic landscape. He reflects traditional Republican theory that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and lower taxes generate greater employment. For instance, many casino suppliers are smaller, privately-owned organizations. Would higher taxes mean layoffs? It may.
Small businesses are also vital anchors for the residents of a neighborhood. Without small businesses to create opportunities, a community will deteriorate and young people will never return.
Native Americans Indian tribes have understood that since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) legalized tribal gaming in 1988. Operating casinos and diversifying into other small businesses has helped many tribes prosper. By creating a brighter future, many younger tribal members return after college to give back to their cultures for the next generation.
Solutions often require compromise. Historically, in his 26+ years in Washington as a senator, McCain has frequently joined Democrats to pass legislation. Several laws have both his and a Democrat’s names on it.
Obama cites his ability to unite people for a cause. Maybe, but his claims are tougher to assess. Obama has been a US senator since January 2005, but has been on the campaign trail for almost 19 months. So, gauging his bipartisanship is harder. However, that does not mean he can’t… he just lacks a long national record.
For me, the solution is blending the two philosophies to create a better working environment with more opportunity, a realistic tax base and a legitimate salary scale. Whichever guy figures that out may just win.
So, Mr. Future President, please do your best to combine the positives of both theories. American business needs you at the top of your game… casino employees of this country will love you for it.
