Competition By Charles Payne

"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group: there was much less competition."- Indira Gandhi

There are forces out there trying to limit competition, or the competitive edge, that has made America the best nation on the planet. Competition is great; it not only brings out the best in people it makes them achieve things they didn't even know that they had within themselves. For those that say it brings out the worst and use someone like Bernie Madoff I say they're off base. Crooks exist in all systems from capitalism, socialism, and Marxism. The fact is that crooks, poverty, and mismanagement actually thrive even more in systems that aren't free market. Just think of the direction so many African countries took upon gaining their independence. The majority became socialist nations. Those decisions have been disastrous. The system just holds back human creativity and individual desires. It's easy to romanticize the notion of a grand place where everyone is working hard and sharing wealth.

The problem though is that these political systems and ideologies are flawed even on paper, and have no chance of hitting the mark in practice. In the end, we know that Indira Gandhi's father was right about people who don't work but want the fortunes of work, including the credit. There is part of the human psyche that if given a chance to become or learn how to be lazy that would adapt to it very well. I've seen it, and the real sad thing is such behavior is justified by those on the receiving end of a free ride. Still, we all understand survival so let's begin there with the premise that there is a minimum amount of work we are expected to do to keep the species alive. It goes back. I can imagine some enterprising caveman finding a way to whittle extra spears in exchange for goods and services. Could you really envision him going the extra mile and then heading out for a hunt while a couple other cavemen stayed behind in the warmth of the cave? I say absolutely not.

Those cave dwellers didn't have congressmen back then and the negative feedback loop that has become politics of payoffs and cowardice, after all.

Right now, the political winds are shifting in America, thank God. But, things are still fragile enough that the masses could be persuaded to flush it all away: the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and capitalism. So, this morning, I want to remind everyone why competition works. Why our children should come home from school every now and then with a bloody nose from dodge ball or taking on the class bully. It's what makes us strong. Competition isn't just about financial enrichment; in fact that it's just a byproduct of a greater personal enrichment that can't be quantified but you know it when you achieve it. And, not only does the journey make it all worthwhile but also the fight to maintain traction and reach for even greater heights. It's wonderful.

It builds character, it builds determination, and it builds a foundation for widespread greatness. It's infectious, and it shouldn't be abandoned. There should be competition in real healthcare reform, but it can't be the same as your kid fighting, coming home with a bloody nose from the fist of the school principle.

Bring down state barriers to competition, enact tort reform and watch how quickly things get better with respect to healthcare reform. If you really want cheaper health insurance let Wal- Mart (WMT) get in the business. But, let the public option die as it's a farce and will only become another expensive black hole. It's not real competition.

Competition before our Eyes

I bring this up because I watch a fair amount of television and consider myself a connoisseur of television commercials. When there is no competition the commercials can be very boring or not engaging.

Well, I guess that those old Soviet posters were engaging but reinforced fear not desire or joy. Be that as it may, so many are Americans still enthralled with the idea of moving away from competition and just letting the government be their nanny. Don't give up; just think of a couple of great commercials on the airwaves these days. I think that competition is innate and should be urged and nurtured. I guarantee you that many of the biggest innovators these days were the kids that lost at dodge ball...so make sure you don't let your children's school ban it. Maybe I'm silly but I love the State Street and Travelers commercials using dogs and music.
This is competition at its best, and the winner is the viewer.

Send me an email and let me know your favorite. http://webmail.fuse.net/webedge/do/mail/message/mailto?to=Charles.payne@wstreet.com