President Obama On Minority Business - Part One
With President Obama to be sworn in tomorrow, thought a two-day series would be in order. Thoughts on how President Obama will effect minority business. This will be a pros and cons dual piece with Con’s today and Pro’s tomorrow.
Essentially, there is no strong downside to President Obama being elected affecting minority business. The largest “con” would actually be diminishing expectations of his position in office. As with any President or political office, the office runs on political capital. Gain it were one can, spend it when needed. There is little political capital gain in supporting minority business, especially as a minority himself.
President Bush (or any white male politician) can have a political capital gain by championing minority business in the federal government. This is seen as progressive and tolerant of diversity, while at the same time supportive of the entrepreneurial spirit indicative of America. President Obama supporting minority business is a political capital loss as a minority as it could be seen as self-serving. Though not a reality, Washington and the media run on perception is reality. Just as President Obama’s choice of Joe Biden as a running mate, his choices for cabinet positions, he is very limited in what he can do for minorities. Being a minority, this places him in a unique position of being unable assist minorities as it is an expense rather than a gain.
However, we can expect that President Obama will not do anything to diminish what is currently in place. Just as he matched President Bush’s initial diverse selections for cabinet positions, he cannot far exceed previous administrations in the matter of affirmative action. Although, he will be able to maintain status quo and possibly nudge it higher, a bit at a time.
You may also enjoy The US Government Does Not Have Minority Set-Asides.
« President Obama On Minority Business - Part Two | Home | Dress For Entrepreneurial Success »
Comments
Did you get a chance to watch the speech today?? Millions of people turned out - it was pretty impressive!!
@Taris
I did see the swearing in and speech. Most impressed with the crowds reaction, very involved. Something different from most Washington events.
I watched from live tv at my home.agree with Taris ,it was pretty impressive
President Obama was an excellent leader and will always be the same. That is why they voted him for the country and have to manage a big obligation to support countrymen. We have to trust that he can and always be. We do not need to judge him if we see some wrong at him, and therefore everybody makes mistake and he is only human too. If he did wrong, we know he can make it for a second and better chance.
i wish he can bring us from bad economic like this…
Seems the stimulus is finally getting contracts out there!
Leave a Comment