P R O F E S S I O N A L . . . C O N T R O L L E R S
How Can a “Majority” Lose an Election? © 2001
by Adrian W. Hollander, C.P.A., CISA,
CIA, CBA, CFSA,
President of COMPLUS Inc. – Professional Controllers
“Minorities” usually complain
about “inadequate” representation. Our
country’s political processes were designed for “majority” rule, though. Many suburban communities have seen
political power change abruptly after construction of new housing
developments. The former leadership
group is infuriated to be outnumbered, but, too bad, majority rules. Large population shifts create new
“majorities.” The results of
redistricting due to the 2000 census may be interesting.
Just being in a “majority,”
though, doesn’t guarantee receipt of political power. The “silent majority” exercises virtually no power, except by allowing
“activists” to rule. Politicians often depend
on voter apathy, illustrated by low voter turnouts, to stay in control. Those politicians’ greatest fear is that
everybody will vote.
How can a “majority”
lose an election?
Choose candidates
foolishly. Are these people our “best”
and our “brightest?” Character
matters. William Kennedy Smith recently
was persuaded not to run for congress when his trial on a rape charge several
years ago again received media attention.
We desperately need to send messages to our children that juvenile
delinquency is not part of an easy path to successes in adulthood. The “majority” is not impressed. Majority rules?
Divide and be conquered. When a group with 40% of the population
unites around one candidate and the other 60% spread their votes among several,
the winner of a “plurality” rules.
Mayor Washington won his primary election for mayor with this
strategy. Do you suppose Mayor Daley
might have to employ the same strategy for his next election? Majority rules?
Do it yourself. This is the equivalent of violating the
Biblical admonition against “hiding your light under a bushel.” Without seeking help and supporters, a
candidate might be like the proverbial tree falling in the wilderness with no
one there to hear. Did it make a
sound? Majority rules?
Choose your allies
foolishly. When taking positions on
issues, pay attention to who else agrees with you. The two most notable groups favoring retention of Prohibition in
the 1930’s were the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and “organized
crime.” What’s wrong with this
picture? Politics sometimes makes
strange bedfellows (???). Majority
rules?
Ignore the
“king-makers.” Politicians are
representatives. Whose interests do
they really represent, though? Seldom
do we see the real opinion leaders appearing as candidates. Who do they support, and why? Majority rules?
Just raise large amounts of
money. Some say, “We have the best
government money can buy.” “Campaigns
are expensive,” also say the “experts.”
Do we ever ask questions about where the money goes? Goods and services are being purchased,
e.g., campaign advisors, media, printing, etc.
Are they from local sources? Why
should we contribute money to be “exported?”
After the election, to whom are we in debt? Majority rules?
Bring in the “carpetbaggers.” Do we not have local talent to do the
job? Do we not invite charges of
incompetence by importing outsiders to work on political campaigns? Local people should support local
campaigns. Majority rules?
Let your supporters stay at
home. The only votes that count are the
ones that are cast. Majority rules?
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Some good questions to ask
any candidate for a political office:
·
How will the candidate
be accessible before (and after) the election?
·
How are constituents
being involved in the campaign?
·
Who are the candidates
key advisors during the campaign?
·
What are the
characteristics of people who will be employed in key advisory positions after
election?
·
For what does the
candidate expect to be accountable after election?
Preserve your right to
criticize. Participate and vote!
send e-mail to: AHollan700@aol.com