American Idol....Pshaw!

Posted by Harry Hertz, the Baldrige Cheermudgeon

Okay, today I am exercising the "mudgeon" side of Cheermudgeon. This week we will crown our next American Idol. Now don't get me wrong, I am the first person to cheer for the come-out-of-nowhere person who makes it big. I have even been known to shed a little tear. But where is our sense of balance? How much money has been spent on these new stars? Private plane trips home. Police escorts. What has been spent just on text messages voting for your favorite idol?

But more importantly, as an American citizen, what praise and lavish expenditure do we bestow upon the best small business of the year that has created new jobs and new technology that might drive our future economic engine? What about the big business that has been a governance and ethics model for the country? Or the business that has saved its community in a time of trouble? Or the school district that has superb student learning outcomes on a low per student budget, preparing the next generation of national leaders? Or the health care provider that has donated countless hours on an innovative program designed to improve community health? Or the government agency that delivers effective, efficient services to taxpayers? These should be the American Idols we honor and revere.

And year after year the recipients of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award are these American Idols. In good times or tough times, aren't these the true heroes of our country? Shouldn't we celebrate them? And there is a further benefit...they have strategies that others can emulate. Who was the last singer you were able to study and then have perfect pitch yourself?

Okay, I haven't solved any problems today with this blog entry, but I sure feel better. Now I can watch American Idol with a clear conscience. I have shared the burden with you.....

 

Comments

[GreenDriver Las Vegas]

Perhaps what's missing from Qwest are tight-fitting red leather outfits?? Funny read this morning -- whole heartedly agree (though will instead be watching Biggest Loser finale tonight for people making a healthy lifestyle change).

[Bryan Zak]

Your right, but thank goodness we have wonderful leaders like yourself that see and understand the big picture. There is however a bright side to almost everything, for instance the boost to the economy caused by all the lavishness. Unfortunately, this all is for short term flash. The slow but steady Baldrige journey will have long term lasting effects.

[Kay Kendall]

You're right on the mark, Harry. I have long been frustrated by how easy it is to get the President (of any administration) to meet and congratulate the Super Bowl Champions or the winners of the World Series, but it's like pulling teeth to get them scheduled to meet with and recognize the role models of American organizations, the Baldrige Award Recipients. Bah humbug!

[Harry “The Baldrige Cheermudgeon”]

Kay,

Hard to believe isnt it.

Harry