Social Darwinism prevails

The most dangerous place in America today is atop the polls of the
Republican presidential field. If you channel-surf, or read daily
publications, you will see that the only economic plan put forward in
the campaign has been Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 tax reform idea, which has
become the subject of ridicule and scorn. It was ignored completely
until he surged in the polls as the leading contender. Four years ago
the No. 1 candidate in the Republican poll was Giuliani at 30 percent,
with McCain taking a measly 14 percent. 

Remember the fable about the father whale and the son whale swimming through the whaling fleet. The father said to the son, “If you don’t blow your spout they won’t know where to aim the harpoon.” This is one of life’s less glorious lessons, particularly when it comes to politics and business. If you have success, you become a target not only of your competitors but of people who have succumbed to the sins of jealousy and envy. Your competitors are coming after you because they want to displace you as No. 1; the jealous get a thrill out of taking down those who are successful.

There is a German term, “Schadenfreude,” meaning to relish the misery of another, especially those who appear to be at the apex of life. It is an inevitable hazard of being No. 1, and you can see political examples in the GOP primaries. In European diplomacy for the last 500 years powers 2 and 3 have always ganged up on the top dog. In sports everybody hates the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. In business everybody is trying to find a way to displace Microsoft Windows. How many fans does Wal-Mart have in the liberal media, despite supplying low-cost goods to Middle America? Why is McDonald’s always criticized for good-tasting, low-cost meals? Remember, in the real world, social Darwinism prevails. Everybody wants to take down the winner, and when that winner successfully defends their place, we know they have earned it.