Checking references applies to election

Business experts often tout the wisdom of checking references by educational level, demonstrable skills, past work history and quality of character.

With the fast approaching presidential election, it is the American people who hold the power essentially as employers. As such, we are responsible for evaluating information to positively influence the future of all Americans.

So pretend for a moment that you are an interviewer for a mega-corporation with international ties. If you ask a candidate how he would protect the company’s interntional interests and he underwhelms with the mantra “you have to be tough,” wouldn’t you want more information?

And if the candidate says he knows more than the experts because of his “good brain,” and won’t reveal strategies in order to keep everyone guessing, wouldn’t you resent being played a fool?

And if you request a copy of a current tax return and the candidate refuses to reveal not only the current one but all previous ones as well, wouldn’t you be inclined to choose a candidate who respects the mega-corporation enough to comply with historical standards?

It is hard to sometimes differentiate the proverbial show horse from a work horse. That is why references are so important.

This story was originally published October 11, 2016 at 3:01 PM with the headline "Checking references applies to election."