Finger Snaps

   Corporate moguls, politicians and military leaders are accustomed to getting their own way, snapping an order and expecting it to be carried out immediately and without argument or discussion of any kind.
   Some members of this breed are so used to this practice that they forget that journalists are not in their employ, to be treated as recalcitrant underlings who instantly leap when told to jump.
   The most pushy of this breed often resort to threats, blatantly warning others, "I will be so angry" if a certain task is not done quickly and to his satisfaction. And he will call out publicly by name those who do not conform to his wishes.
   This name blame tactic may work in the private sector, where the designated leader can say, "You're fired," and there goes the career of someone who does not conform.
   Sound familiar?
   The lesson here for anyone in government is that insulting journalists just for doing their jobs has little effect, except that it is more likely to increase the negative coverage. Reporters learn early that the more someone protests "negative coverage," the more likely the story is right on.
   In addition, calling out legislators from your own party and warning them that you will be angry if they don't do as they're told is simply not a good idea. In its way, this tactic has greater consequences than insulting journalists, because a government or political leader needs the support of others in his party more than he or she needs the support of journalists.
   In fact, warning others to behave themselves and do as they're told or face an angry leader is the kind of tactic parents use to bring naughty children into line.
   Sound familiar? The current president of the United States used just such language over the weekend against two congressional representatives from Pennsylvania, warning them, "I will be so angry" if his proposed health care bill is not passed quickly.
   Members of Congress must keep in mind that they answer to the electorate, not to whoever happens to be president.
   At least, that's what the Constitution was designed to arrange.