It's critical to be part of the political process - Column

When I entered the industry at the mature - or so I thought! - age of 26, I spent little time focused on government. Politics was just a course I had to pass to get my degree.

I don't know of another observation in my life that has been turned around so dramatically. Today it is difficult, if not impossible, for me to think of anything that has a greater impact on our lives, as business people or as citizens, than politics. We are free to choose people from our midst and give them the power to influence virtually every aspect of our daily existence - war, health, education and our business. And if we are not happy with the way the people we have delegated that power to are performing, we have the right to remove them at regular intervals.

What could be fairer? What could be easier? Yet, incredible as it seems, most Americans have chosen to be complainers rather than committed activists for change. Most of us, it seems would rather ignore the most important part of our government - building its foundation - than actively participate in it by electing people who are capable of acting responsibly.

Conventional wisdom say people are turned off by politics and politicians. People think their vote does not matter, so why bother? John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon for the presidency by less than 120,000 votes out of a total 69 million votes cast - two-tenths of 1 percent! Those few votes, or lack of them, changed the course of American and world history forever. During the last congressional elections, there were 16 seats in the House of representatives won by 51 percent or less. And many important pieces of legislation are passed or defeated by less than 10 votes. Every vote really does count. Participating does matter.

The real story, however, lies behind the close elections. There is a clear pattern of overwhelming financial resources on the winning side. The outline for success is clear. If good people are to win, they must have the financial resources to compete vigorously. In addition to encouraging employees to vote, one of the most effective ways any business can participate in shaping government is through formation of a political action committee - or PAC. Small contributions regularly given by people who share a common interest soon add up to large amounts. PACs give people a convenient way to make difference.

Despite all the "reform' rhetoric, PACs fill a critical need. The cost of running an effective political campaign continues to skyrocket, driven largely by the expense of getting the candidate's message out to the voters.

In 1976 Steak and Ale started one of the original industry PACs. We have since built on a long and proud record of assisting candidates at all levels of government. Several others in our industry also have been very active.

Today S & A management employees are contributing more than $60,000; Brinker International, $70,000; General Mills, $45,000. Smaller chains like Outback Steakhouse, with its 55 units, have a PAC. Sizzler, with more than 1,000 units, is beginning one. Many other chains also are involved. Add that to the $300,000 a year contributed by the NRA PAC, and you begin to appreciate the impact we can have if even more operators will get their management and franchisees involved.

Results of key votes in Congress over the next few years, for example, mandated health insurance, could put us out of business. We are in the real world now. The importance of getting a passing grade is behind us. Participating in the political process is essential to our survival.

COPYRIGHT 1992 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
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