Bob Gould: Think a businessman can run our government? Hoover, Bush II prove otherwise
Someone famous once said if you fail to remember the mistakes of the past, you are sure to repeat them. Donald Trump fans stress that he is a great businessman, so he should be able to bring these skills to government.
So, how has this worked in the past? Historians agree the greatest businessman to become president was Herbert Hoover. He led us into the decade-long Great Depression that almost resulted in the end of our democracy. A more recent president with a business background was George W. Bush. He led us into the Great Recession, presided over a stock market crash, created zero private-sector jobs and blew up the deficit.
Does history teach us lessons? Trump may well turn out to be another Hoover or Bush. This country cannot afford that.
Bob Gould, Groveland
This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Bob Gould: Think a businessman can run our government? Hoover, Bush II prove otherwise."