Sorry, Seth, but I get it even if you don't

Note: Something is really wrong with me. Almost everyone of Seth Godin's posts lately have irritated the heck out of me. I have a theory why and may start an ENTIRE BLOG about the reason why.

In the meantime, I will now start rebutting each of his posts for my own amusement.

Enjoy!


Seth Godin wrote lately...

"It's common wisdom that government regulation is bad for business, and especially bad is regulation that requires change.

I don't get it."

Sorry, Seth, I do.


Here's the deal.

Politicians seldom create laws which are based upon "common good". They create laws and policies (and the fines, fees, tariffs and taxes which always accompany laws) based upon their supporters wants and needs.

I am sure that once in a while, a politician has sponsored a bill which truly was about "good". I just can't think of one right now!

The problem is that politicians today sponsor bills which are based upon input from their supporters and lobbyists.

So when a representative wants to increase emission standards for automobiles it is no surprise you find out that the Sierra Club or Greenpeace is one of the politician's larger supporters.

Or when a legislator wants to tighten up bankruptcy laws, you find his supporters include Chase and Citibank.

Why?

Because politicians are human and thus are susceptible to human emotions, wants and needs including fame, bribery and coercion.

Therefore, many of us are skeptical about the true motivations for most regulations and know full well behind every blustering politician is any number of focused special interest groups attempting to push their agenda on businesses whether it is truly "needed" or not.

The solution?

The market.

Case in point -
Drivers want fuel efficient cars, for instance, the market demand proves it. Fuel efficient cars have better emission standards than many other makes and models.

No legislation was needed only demand by the market place. Only the increase in fuel prices brought about by growing worldwide demand.

Legislation often impairs rather than facilitates business' ability to meet market demand by imposing standards and requirements which have little to do with the original problem.

Further, by the time legislators get around to dealing with a problem, crafting the language of a bill, appeasing their supporters and lobbyists, watering down the original intent through trade outs with other legislators and actually voting on the bill, the result is far from the actual solution needed for the problem and only serves to dishearten supporters and detractors.


Why did they bother in the first place? (Other than trying to look busy!).

Regulation has run a muck in American politics. Let the market decide before letting legislators muck things up further, Seth.

And that is why business gets it and you still don't.