Founding Fathers and other Troublemakers

BY ELLEN ROHR,

contributing writer

Well, we are neck deep in the U.S. Presidential campaign. At this point, the gloves are off. It reminds me of another U.S. election. The incumbent president was a war hero, and extremely popular…for a while. He chose not to run for a third term, an option he had at the time. He recently had made a decision to ratify an English treaty and the citizens threatened civil war. Across the pond, France, up until this moment an ally of the U.S., was busy revolting against their monarchy. (The term, “Off with their heads,” was coined and frequently employed.) The competing candidates fought a ferocious battle for the presidency. There was trouble abroad and trouble at home. They were vilified by the press and condemned by town criers, while working with a hostile Congress to keep the United States…united.

Have you read the biography of John Adams by David McCullough? In 1797, John Adams narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson to become the second president of the United States of America. (Want to bet that someone clamored for a re-count?)

So, here we are again…reminded that politics is a messy enterprise. Still, like in 1797, when our election is over, the presidency will be handed over…peacefully. That is extraordinary.

When it comes to your voting choices, I encourage you to do some investigating. No matter your political views, if you count on the candidates to clarify the issues, you are going to go hungry on facts.

Wikipedia. Google. Do a little research on your own. Yes, you will have to sort through some nonsense. However, the information is out there. Search for specific legislation and proposed bills. Investigate the candidates’ voting records.  Probably you’ll find that each candidate misses the boat on one or more of your top issues. While you are online, send them an email or sign a petition and share your opinions.

The Internet is changing the way politicians campaign and win elections. Check out www.youtube.com/youchoose.  

This ain’t John Adam’s election landscape. People have cameras and they are using them. You can watch, listen and learn for yourself what the candidates have said and done…are saying and promising to do. Watch out for manufactured images. Not everything you see is true. If something looks suspect, verify the information with another source. And, anything with a dancing cat is probably a fake.

While you are online, search for the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Gettysburg Address. Remind yourself of what we can be, do and have should we intend that a government, as Abraham Lincoln put it, “of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

What an amazing time we live in, that we have access to such information…just clicks away on the Internet. You might read or listen to the audio versions of the book, John Adams. Also, check out Doris Godwin’s fascinating book, “Team of Rivals -- the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.”

Your voting decision may well be connected to the candidates’ economic and financial policies and promises. Yes, times are tough for small business owners. But, compared to…what? Other nations? Other times in our history? Other people’s situations?

Business philosopher Jim Rohn says, “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom.”

So, vote. But don’t hold your breath.

What you can do…right here and now…is build a successful business. And you can do that no matter who is in the White House. As long as there are people on this planet, they are going to find ways to trade with one another. Honorable, free trade is a path to prosperity and peace. You can do your part by making your business sane, safe, creative, profitable and expanding. Small business is no small thing. The impact on our economy is one benefit. And, every time we freely and peacefully exchange goods and services, we promote peace and well being across the globe.

So, vote. And do what you can to build a peaceful and prosperous business.

Randy MacKenzie teaches a Commercial Cleaning Class at the Davis Correctional facility in Holdenville, Okla. I help out when I can. Recently, my son Max and I went to the prison to work with Randy’s class. I know how smart and committed these students are, and I don’t lecture these guys. They present their business plans and together we pull them apart and “plus” them. It is for selfish reasons I go to Randy’s class. I learn so much from these business builders.

One of the students is days away from being released. He has been incarcerated for 27 years. He has a business plan and he is raring to go. What motivates him is creating a place, a successful cleaning business, in which he can be free, and safe and prosperous. His mission is to help other ex-convicts make a better life when they are finished serving their time.

Another fellow shared his mission statement and told the class, “My business will be a safe harbor for me and others who want to stay drug free and committed to each others’ success. We are going to work for customers who respect and appreciate that.” He presented his business plan…titled, All For One and One For All.

When Max and I were driving home, he shared his thoughts about the class. He was impressed with how polite, interested and engaged the students were. He has a college degree and has attended lots of extra-curricular training sessions and Max said, “That is the most focused group of students I have ever been in class with.” Not once did anyone complain about the economy, or the odds against them, or how tough it is to build a business.

You know, the students in Randy’s commercial cleaning class don’t have access to computers, the Internet or cell phones. Their business plans are written by hand, in ink and pencil. Our founding fathers used quill pens and cumbersome printing machines, and loud-mouthed horsemen. New tools make the process easier, however the process remains the same. Consider what you want and then craft a written plan for making it happen. Give thanks for your opportunity and dig in.

Consider…when the economy is great, not everyone is successful. When the economy goes south, not everyone loses. Don’t wish for the economy to change. Consider what changes you might make to turn your own boat around and sail with the current of peace, prosperity and freedom. Like our founding fathers, like Randy’s students and other troublemakers…you risk ridicule, contempt and criticism.

Consider what it must have taken to break away from Britain, at the time the world Super Power, and craft a new government. Consider what it took to spread the word and organize the effort and debate the approach, all the while knowing that you could be hanged for treason. Benjamin Franklin encouraged the Continental Congress to come to agreement by offering, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately. He was only using half a metaphor.

Consider what it must take to commit to a business plan, spending each day behind bars, on constant alert for danger and violence. I’m not suggesting that these guys don’t deserve their sentences. What I believe is that we can choose to make better decisions and improve our lives. And I so admire people who choose to rise above their situation and make things better. We get to do that in this great, albeit flawed, country.

Envision your ideal business and perfect life. Craft a plan. Use the amazing information tools you have access to. Do what you can.

So, vote. You are free to do that. Together, individually we can work towards world peace, one business at a time.

“Most people look up and admire the stars, but a champion climbs a mountain and grabs one.”

-- Raymond Carrasco, Commercial Cleaning, Class student

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