By the Toledo Tribune
I reckon I’ve spent the better part of my life viewing the world through the lens of a businessman’s eye, seeing everything as an opportunity for profit, efficiency, and accountability. It’s the way my mind works, and it’s served me well enough, at least when I’ve been able to avoid the snake oil salesmen along the way. But of late, I’ve found myself trying to understand where others are coming from, those folks who seem to think of government more like a nonprofit than a business. It’s like looking at the world through someone else’s spectacles, and I must say, it’s been a curious adventure—one that has led me to an uncomfortable conclusion: It’s a matter of perspective.
Maybe I’ve found the answer, or at least the right pair of spectacles. It seems the government, like a good ol’ business or a well-meaning nonprofit, could very well fit either model, depending on which side of the fence you’re standing. Now, let me spin you a yarn, as they say, and let’s explore the two views before we let the wolves in the henhouse and ask ourselves who’s really pulling the strings in our dear government.
Government as a Nonprofit
You see, if we think of government as a nonprofit, we’re saying that taxes—the hard-earned dollars of the citizenry—are a donation to a cause greater than ourselves. It’s no different than giving to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross, hoping they’ll do the right thing with what you’ve given them. This idea presumes that the government’s job isn’t to make a profit, but to serve the people, to run the schools, build the roads, clean the streets, and provide for those who can’t quite make it on their own.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Like any charity, we trust that the government will fulfill its mission—whatever that mission may be. And much like a donor handing over their money and walking away, we, the people, cast our votes, pay our taxes, and expect the job to be done. We don’t check the books or ask too many questions; we simply trust that the managers—the politicians—will run the show.
And that’s where we hit a snag. If government is a nonprofit, then debt isn’t really a problem. You see, nonprofits can run a deficit without losing sleep over it, provided they keep the services rolling in. They collect donations, spend them, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll end up in the black—who’s keeping track? But here’s the rub: there’s no real oversight, no investor accountability. Sure, you could raise a fuss if services aren’t delivered, but ultimately, the government does what it pleases, while we stay at arm’s length, thinking everything is fine until the check bounces.
Government as a Business
Now, let’s step into the other shoe, the one where the government is a business. Ah, now we’re talking something I can wrap my head around! A business doesn’t exist just to provide services; no sir, it exists to make money. It invests, it innovates, and it expects a return—and that return isn’t just monetary; it’s progress, stability, and better lives for its shareholders—the taxpayers.
As a business, government would be responsible for its bottom line. It wouldn’t just spend without thinking about the future. If debts begin to pile up, it’s not just a matter of running a charity; it’s a critical failure. And let me tell you, a good businessman doesn’t let his company go into the red without a plan to get it out. We, the citizens, would be the investors, demanding accountability at every turn. Where’s our money going? Is the product working? Are we getting what we paid for?
In this model, government would have to be constantly evaluated, checked for inefficiencies, waste, and, dare I say it, corruption. Because unlike a nonprofit, the government isn’t free to just run wild—it’s accountable to us, the people, investors who expect results. If the business of government isn’t thriving, it’s time to fire the manager—or at least, not elect him again.
The Hostile Takeover Investors: Lobbyists
But before we get too comfortable with our business mindset, let’s talk about the real threat to both models: the hostile takeover investors, or as they like to call themselves—lobbyists.
These fine folks aren’t content with sitting on the sidelines. They aren’t satisfied with simply voting and hoping for the best. No, they take matters into their own hands, buying influence and pushing policies that serve their own interests, not the people’s. They’re the ones who shape legislation, change the rules of the game, and make sure the profits roll in for those who can afford it.
Lobbyists come in all shapes and sizes—corporations, foreign governments, environmental groups, even tech giants. Each one has their own agenda:
• Corporate lobbyists want to bend the rules so their businesses can thrive, with fewer regulations and more subsidies.
• Environmental lobbyists push for laws to protect the planet, but sometimes at the cost of industry and growth.
• Foreign governments might want trade deals or military aid, trying to sway policies that will benefit their own countries.
• And don’t forget the tech giants, who lobby for data collection and less regulation while selling our information to the highest bidder.
In the end, these hostile investors are rewriting the rules in their favor, and they don’t care which side of the fence you’re on. Whether it’s a nonprofit or a business, they’ll make sure the government works for them, not you.
The Choice: Nonprofit Donors or Business Investors?
So, what are we to do with all this? Is government a nonprofit or a business? Both models have their points, and both are valid in their own way. A government can run like a charity, providing services for the people, but without the necessary oversight, we might end up with a whole heap of debt and broken promises. Or it can run like a business, demanding accountability, efficiency, and a healthy bottom line. But even in that model, the hostile takeover investors, the lobbyists, will always be lurking in the background, trying to pull the strings.
It’s up to us, the citizens, to decide which way we want to go—and whether we’re content to sit back and watch, or whether we’re ready to take control and make sure our government works for us, not the lobbyists.
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