There seems to be a name that at first intrigued, then confused and now seems to scare many Britons…….. Donald Trump. Don’t panic. This is not a political rant that sways one way or the other, just a look at what we call democracy.
Like most people from this side of the pond my understanding of American politics is sketchy at best. I have watched the West Wing and the US version of House of Cards; but I still only seem to have a vague idea. In the past I’ve not given US politics much of any thought as it’s out of my control, but I have to question if it might effect me?
In a world of Brexit and British TV becoming more ‘Americanised’ by the week, I find that I am now watching elections that are less about how good a politician is, but more about how bad the other side is! Imagine if Ford said in its advertising a slew of misleading factoids about Vauxhalls rather than promoting its own car, the public would likely go and buy a Toyota instead.
British politics has, or at least perhaps until the last election, been almost a 3 party affair with the yellow party (insert upto date name for Liberal Democrats or whatever they call themselves this week). American politics seems to much more an either/or system. Are you a Democrat or a Republican. I have a vague idea of what separates their policy and approach but don’t ask me to try and explain it to my children! Sitting where I do it looks like people will vote for their party in the US, rather than their leader. I heard one interview on US TV where it was said that, were Kermit the frog to run for either party it would have marginal effect on which way people voted.
Now in your head you may be thinking I’m likening Kermit to Trump, but that would be unfair, Kermit has always been a stand-up kind’a guy! That said, perhaps Trump is the right man, Hillary Clinton keeps telling us how bad he is but I only recall the bad things he is said to have done and not the ‘good’ policies he is promising. The whole thing seems to have become more of a laughable version of it’s own TV drama parody, perhaps even a dark comedy?
Where am I going with this? In our business at Schools Plus we want to show you the benefits of our collaboration with schools, not how bad things were before or how awful our competitors are. We want our clients and customers to speak about what we do in positive tones with a smile on their face. As a venue manager I have to interact with customers every day, ensuring I can show commitment in trying to meet their needs; gain their trust and understanding by showing integrity; be accountable when things don’t go 100%; and do it for them at a fair price!
P.S. Who would I vote for? Perhaps Richard Priors character had in right in Brewsters’ Millions……. “None of the above!” (A must see movie).