I t was Thomas Jefferson who wrote the words “Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.” The words were written over 200 years ago as Jefferson weighed in on the virtues and objectives of businessmen. His observation had much to do with his times, but they had more to do with his understanding of history. Business has always prioritized profits while patriotism, love of country and the common good rank lower in concern.  In his words, Jefferson hit at the root cause of our countries current economic problems.

Our leaders futilely search for the magic formula that would restore jobs, wages and vitality to the United States even as they ignore the time tested recipe for economic stability. They fail to recognize the lessons of history as respects the prime motivation of business.  Instead they seem hell-bent on continuing the financial practices that has decimated the USA, impoverished many of her citizens and exported the opportunity for a better tomorrow.

At the crux of the problem lies the innocuous question of who is really in charge of the USA. Jefferson and history might claim it is the self-serving merchant who would, for a profit, sell out his motherland.  It’s the classic story of the tail wagging the dog – that is, a relatively few large businesses and their lobbyists influencing the future economic vitality of an entire country. And it will get worse as portended by a recent decision of the Supreme Court that has made it easier to buy the favor of our elected representatives.    

The genesis of globalism can be found in the unquenchable search for new profits. The free trade agreements that have emasculated the American economy by exporting the jobs, factories and industries of tens of millions of workers will continue to paralyze the USA unless action is taken to reverse this ill conceived practice.

Americans must demand a return to a sane economic policy. We can no longer afford the whimsical actions of our self-serving government officials.  We should all understand that businesses will continue to exploit situations and buy influence in the name of profit – that is their mission. It is the job of government to temper business so as its objectives are not injurious to our country. In the final analysis, the USA must begin to produce for her own needs if she is to survive as a viable and sovereign country.