The Economy

Wouldn't It Be Nice...

March 16, 2012

People seem to be looking for a knight in shining armor to rescue the U.S. There must be a presidential candidate who will provide the leadership and answers we need. Unemployment and jobs are top subjects in the news. People have lost confidence in the government as their investment in their biggest asset, their home, looks like it will never bounce back to where it was in 2007.

All of the would-be knights running for the highest office in the land are promising that they will improve things if elected. I am waiting for a real candidate to speak the truth, but of course, he/she would never be elected. Imagine a candidate speaking the truth during a campaign speech. It would go something like this:

There is little I can do to impact the economy in a direct and meaningful way. I cannot push a button and create jobs. I cannot push the price of gasoline down to $2/gallon. I cannot make it possible for everyone to stay in their homes. I cannot continue to spend on everyone's favorite program while fixing the national balance sheet.

I cannot pass legislation. All of that is really the responsibility of Congress, and they cannot make things better quickly either. Sure, they can do things to get the economy moving in the right direction. They can also make things worse. Either way it takes longer than the two-year election cycle. So please don't give me the credit as president when things go well and please don't blame me when they don't.

I have a feeling that the electability of our honest candidate is about nil. We vote for knights who will magically make things better, but the magic just is not there.

About the Author

Alan Beaulieu Blog | President

One of the country’s most informed economists, Alan Beaulieu is a principal of the ITR Economics where he serves as President. ITR predicts future economic trends with 94.7% accuracy rate and 60 years of correct calls. In his keynotes, Alan delivers clear, comprehensive action plans and tools for capitalizing on business cycle fluctuations and outperforming your competition--whether the economy is moving up, down, or in a recession.

Since 1990, he has been consulting with companies throughout the US, Europe, and Asia on how to forecast, plan, and increase their profits based on business cycle trend analysis. Alan is also the Senior Economic Advisor to NAW, Contributing Editor for INDUSTRYWEEK, and the Chief Economist for HARDI.

Alan is co-author, along with his brother Brian, of the book MAKE YOUR MOVE, and has written numerous articles on economic analysis. He makes up to 150 appearances each year, and his keynotes and seminars have helped thousands of business owners and executives capitalize on emerging trends.

Prior to joining ITR Economics, Alan was a principal in a steel fabrication company and also in a software development company.