"Many are familiar with the concept, regulatory capture,
a term generally referring to an industry gaining control over,
or capturing, those agencies mandated to regulate their business activities/conduct.
...a similar process applies to the entire American professional class,
those highly educated, advanced degreed group of intellectuals
designated –legislated - to administrate The System.
Except in this case, it is outside - corporate/government - influence
that has altered the dynamic of the “self-regulated” professions.
Although this professional capture mostly involves the professions’ elite,
once these “thought leaders” capitulate to the needs of the predominant external interests,
the bulk of their flock quickly fall into line,
understanding that these are not times when fighting The System
leads to highly satisfactory outcomes.
...these doctors, lawyers, accountants, educators, etc.,
have been - in many cases - manipulated, both from without and from within,
at times acting completely antithetically to their legislated responsibilities.
...the current corporate-government coalition in [accounting and auditing]
has created the worst of all worlds: distorted markets, incredible inefficiencies,
tremendous mal-investment, a system designed
in the primary interests of ROI [return on investment] in the corporate sector,
and a loss of professional control, i.e. professional capture.
...booming corporate profits and an ever expanding government presence...
have come at the expense of the [rest of the population]...
...The cost has been the obliteration of our national moral compass,
elevating ROI above personal ethics
to the point where not only have the professions been sacrificed
to the alter of maximum corporate profit,
but our very sense of who we are as Americans is being seriously questioned.
When it becomes nearly impossible to do business because of the plethora of laws,
regulations, fees, taxes, financialization, and all the rest,
highly trained, well-intentioned professionals succumb to the financial pressures
and subject themselves to the degradation/humiliation
of acquiescing to a system run by hooligans
adherent only to the legally mandated corporate bottom-line.
...It is time for the leaders of the professions to stand up and say,
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!”
It is within the power of the professions to bring serious change to this country
by acting in the direct interests of the American people.
Whether it is in health care, the legal system, corporate/government accounting,
education, or any other professions,
massive change is necessary to restore a balance to our national purpose.
It simply takes COURAGE and LEADERSHIP,
and a willingness to look at the simple truth
that it is time to make the interests of all Americans, PRIMARY.
It is time for those in positions of power and influence to put away the toys
and pick up the tools that will enable us to rebuild the foundation of this great country
so that future generations of Americans can enjoy
what we have almost completely squandered.
The American people need help..."
Lonn Gary Schwartz
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