I always thought successful companies employed a simple strategy: "Figure out what people want and sell it to them." Silly me! Here's an article from the LA Times that outlines how the Obama administration is leaning in their latest efforts to "help" the ailing auto industry: Stop giving the people what they want. Only offer them what Uncle Sam has decided they should want. Give them Renault Dauphines instead of evil F-150's and Corvettes.
What a great idea! We could use this approach in all kinds of areas. For example, we have an obesity problem in America, right? And most clothiers are struggling in the economic downturn, right? So why should the government waste a perfectly good crisis? Why can't Uncle Sam fight obesity while "helping" the garment industry just like he is helping Detroit? If he required all garment makers to produce only small and medium sized clothes, it would force the chubs to change their ways! The obese would be shamed (literally) or constrained into eating responsibly.
I wonder if a black market might develop. Imagine catching a voice from the shadows, "Hey, buddy. I've got large and (he pauses for effect) extra-large T shirts. (He lowers his voice to a whisper.) I've also got jeans in waste sizes of 36 and above. You ever worn clothes that fit? You're not gonna believe how good it feels. Wanna try 'em on?" Watch human ingenuity kick in when men are coerced into doing the right thing.
What would our world look like if God "helped" us using the Obama method? Forcing men to do "the right thing" by denying them all choices to do otherwise is not beyond His ability. But God has a better idea! Use grace to accomplish what force cannot. Give men a perfectly good reason to choose the right thing. The cross is that perfectly good reason. Grace respects me enough to allow me to make my own choice, but gives me sufficient reason to make the right choice. That idea suits me better than jeans that fit.
Like the poster you posted "If you think Government is the problem, wait until you see their solution"
The second to last line is my favorite. "Grace respects me enough to allow me to make my own choice, but gives me sufficient reason to make the right choice."
Jim, I am SO glad you are back in the Light Work saddle.
Looking forward to the book, but so glad to have you back.
Posted by: Scott Adams | April 01, 2009 at 03:13 PM
This post reminds me a lot of your insight into worldly leadership principles from the book of Daniel. Is this latest governmental foray into behavior modification an example of Wow, Wampum, Win, or Whack? (I don't think I remembered the last one correctly, but it sounded about equivalent to whatever the term actually was.)
Posted by: Austin | April 01, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Great question, Austin! What a memory you have. By the way, the last principle was "whop," and yes, "whack" is a suitable alternative. Since few have a clue what you are talking about, I'll comment in a full post on Thursday or Friday.
Posted by: Jim Fleming | April 01, 2009 at 07:23 PM