President of the United States: The LEAST Powerful Person In the World
Submitted by chris cudnoski on Wed, 08/29/2012 - 01:49This isn't my original idea. I either read this or heard it on an audio book some 10-15 years ago, but here's the gist of it:
THE PRESIDENT IS THE LEAST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD.
THE WHITE HOUSE JANITOR IS THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD.
The logic went something like this:
A president rarely does anything that isn't under a spotlight. The people of not just this nation but the whole world are on him, all ears at attention. Thousands of public voices immediately vocalize the reactions of the millions, even billions watching and listening.
And, these decisions and actions themselves have plenty of scrutiny in just the early and middle stages. Lobbies, focus groups, protestors, all give their input and expectations at all stages of the processes leading up to the eventual press conference.
THE WHITE HOUSE JANITOR, ON THE OTHER HAND...
Works with nearly complete autonomy. With a simple plastic easel 'caution wet floor' sign he can direct the movements of tour groups, diplomats, and entire delegations. Even the president himself must obey the 'out of order' sign hanging on the door to the men's room.
And scarcely one person in a million even knows his (or her) name.
So, tell me again. Who is the most powerful person on the planet? The president, or the White House janitor?
That is very thought provoking :}
Don't know how much clout the janitor has but will say I was shocked when I found out how far down the list the President of the USA was on the National Security Clearance List. How can the Pres. ,of all people, not have security clearance at the top? Think about that.........This is a WTF moment but will say, What the heck??? :-}
Deekey
I should rewrite this...
yeah. definitely.
Securing America from terrorist attacks, White House bombings, presidential assassinations, chemical weapons, sex drugs rock roll anthrax ricin protest march gun Fidel Castro
Just something more to think about...
On this the mother of all non-event days...
Securing America from terrorist attacks, White House bombings, presidential assassinations, chemical weapons, sex drugs rock roll anthrax ricin protest march gun Fidel Castro