The age of Trump if there is such a time has passed him and his followers by. He is all over the media reports doing this and that with this executive order or another. Any President issuing an executive order draws attention and calls for a response. Better orders result from discussing proposals with Congress, all of Congress, and working to pass legislation. This is not now, never was Mr. Trump’s style. This may reflect his personal beliefs even more his corporate mentality.
This corporate mentality is why I suggest his era has passed. Despite our belief in the ability of corporate executives many of their actions and those of President Trump reflect a bygone era. Many of our corporations have amassed substantial wealth. That does not always mean they are advancing in the world it only means they are getting rich but at what price.
Many years ago, in college I needed an elective class to complete my graduation requirements. Looking for something I thought might require less work, I signed up for a class entitled the Environment of Administration. It was one of the better classes I have ever taken. This class taught the need to recognize the changing environment in which any business operates.
This changing environment of the outside world has mandated many corporate changes needed. Back in the early 1900’s trains ruled our travel around town and across the country, but the environment was changing. The automobile was being mass produced at affordable prices for many people. Our transportation environment was changing. The nation was moving from street cars to personal cars while the railroad industry wanted more trains. We know how that ended. Did the railroad corporate executives narrowly visualize their business as trains rather than transportation? Why were they not investing in the development of the automobile as an expansion of the service they provided?
In the current era of clean energy, solar power, battery power and electric cars change is needed. Mr. Trump and his supporters may continue to visualize their imaginary life of the 1950’s but the world and our country have moved on. The petroleum industry of today may be replicating the narrow corporate mentality of the prior railroad giants. I understand there is some cross over investments by the corporate petroleum types but why are they not investing millions into clean energy research? I am certain they can find a way to put a price tag on it. Their industry is not petroleum; it is power of all kinds to keep our country and the world moving forward. The choice made is to join the struggling railroad industry while clinging to the combustible engine. Mr. Trump is replicating this mistake.
Time is now to recognize the changing environment of our world. Some political types may fight changing for the sake of corporate political contributions. In the end both the corporate types and the politicians they support will end up out of touch losers. My primary hope is that our people recognize where our country needs to go and points it more firmly in that direction or there may be many more losers. Our current leader fails to see any change in the global world. His focus is back to the 50’s.
Phil's Personal Perspectives 