During the course of the past election it occurred to me that most of the candidates possess little formal education in how to govern or be an effective politician. Instead, they learn their craft on the job and through the guidance of a team of handlers, including media specialists. Even though I find the concept of career politicians distasteful, there are a lot of people who appear to be bent on becoming one. With this in mind, I have always been a proponent of establishing a true college environment for becoming a politician regardless if it at the municipal, state, or federal level. Most politicians take too much time to learn their job and make a series of mistakes along the way. Formal education and training could greatly alleviate this problem. Other professions require certification, why not politicians?
Assuming such an institution of higher learning existed, I tried to imagine what kind of curriculum the school would have. Ideally, it should have a series of three types of courses in:
* Business - covering subjects such as management, leadership, economics, finance, purchasing, business law, ethics, engineering and construction basics, information systems theory and practices, technology, etc. In particular I would like to see them teach classes in how to prepare a feasibility study and budget.
* Communications - including speech, writing, debate, socialization, body language, etiquette, interviewing, persuasion, public relations, conducting meetings, media relations, and technology.
* Other - American and world history, law enforcement and national defense, emergency services, foreign relations and statesmanship, fine arts appreciation, and sociology. In this area I would certainly include a review of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and governmental rules and regulations. Drafting legislation wouldn't be a bad idea either
Teachers and professors should come not just from academia, but from the business world as well, building and construction, as well as retired politicians and statesmen, not to mention past presidents.
Such an institution would provide a priceless education and would provide an invaluable service for this country. Think about it, aside from college courses in political science, we have nothing like it. Instead, we have such things as: Mud Slinging 101, Character Assassination 102, Spin Doctoring 103, Brainwashing 104, Misdirection 105, Graft and Lobbyists 106, Good Ole Boys 107, and Political Correctness 108.
I think the country is ready for something like this new college I am proposing. Instead of opulent presidential libraries, money could be more wisely spent building such a school.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001.phmainstreet.com
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