Hillary and Business: The Key to this Country's Success

The United State’s has developed into what it is today because of various viewpoints. On November 6, 2012 the nation will come together and vote for the man they hope will run America for the next four years. The country is divided into political parties, each having a different belief system or view points on a cornucopia of issues. According to the 2010 United States census 308.7 million people are in the United States. Each of these people experience different life challenges. These different experiences cultivate through the best candidate being elected for the body of voters. Similarly, congress is made up of a diversified group of professionals that help them to reach the best decisions. In 2012, business experience is an asset to run for a seat in the United States congress, but is not necessary.

 In the past decade Congress has passed legislation concerning the ethics of business practices, an example being the Sarbanes- Oxley Act. In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act. By default this act impacted how business in the United States operated due to new energy requirements and restrictions. A vital member of congress behind these acts was Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton had a successful career as a lawyer before becoming first lady in 1993 (“Hillary Rodham Clinton”). Her background is not heavily weighed down by business experience and yet she has been one of the most successful politicians in history. If business experience had been a requirement in order for Hillary Rodham Clinton to run for congress she would not have made the cut and the country would have lost out on a great mind and a great leader. Therefore, if the constitution were amended to make business experience a requirement of Congress members, the Senate and the House of Representatives would be greatly weakened due to a lack of different viewpoints and otherwise qualified members.

Sue Kelly, who was New York’s congresswoman in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2007, did enter congress with business experience. She was a small business owner prior to becoming a member of congress.  She was involved with cutting Medicaid and student loan funds in 2006, issues not heavily impacting business (“Sue W. Kelly”). Her different experiences led to the congresses final decision on these issues. In Sue Kelly’s situation business experience was an asset and strengthened Congress.

In brief, there have been influential members of congress with both business back grounds and other back grounds. Similar to a presidential election, the diversity in viewpoints and experiences benefit Congress to reach the best agreement. It can be concluded that in 2012 business experience is an asset to congress but not a necessity to be an effective member.  

Works Cited

"Hillary Rodham Clinton." The White House. Web. 01 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies/hillaryclinton>.

“Sue W. Kelly.” Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, Women in Congress,

1917–2006. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2007. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. http://womenincongress.house.gov