DealerElite is a forum focused on the auto industry and I am hesitant to inject politics in a manner that might appear to have a particular slant or agenda.  However, as a business man I must deal with issues that may impact market demand reflective of the general economy, consumer confidence and of course expenses tied to taxes, insurance and interest -- including medical, unemployment, real estate, floor plan, consumer loans etc.. 

Add to that concerns over employee issues like unionization and it's related costs and effect on management, utility costs, Internet and media regulations and of course the value of the dollar and the question of including politics in your business projections seems obvious; or is it?

If you aren't sure as to how or if these issues could or should play a role in your 2011 business projections perhaps the following,list of current conversations and decisions being made by our administration and the world politic as a whole may be worth your review and consideration:

1) Monetization of our debt and its potential impact on inflation

2) Card Check and its potential to accelerate unionization in the retail sector - including the auto industry

3) Net Neutrality and its impact on Internet content, access and costs - see pending FCC vote on Dec. 20, 2010

4) Cap and Trade and the taxes imposed that will necessarily increase the costs of electricity and fuel -- see EPA and their declaration that CO2 is a poisnous gas

5) Cessation of drilling in the Gulf Coast while allowing international drilling companies to operate in the same area at increasing depths funded by US Capital Loans to PetroGas

6) The Dream Act offering qualified amnesty and its increased costs for education and other support services

7) Increased unemployment insurance beyond the initial 26 weeks -- now 99 and counting -- which further dilutes work skills with costs beyond insurance collections by ten fold

8) The change in Eminent Domain from requiring public "use" to public "good" allowing millions of acres of oil, gas and shale rich land to be taken from the states by the Federal Govt. in the last 18 months to build "monuments" along with personal commercial property given to private parties who promise a higher tax base to local governments -- 1,100 cases to date

9) The change of the definition of water owned by the Federal Government from "navigable" waterways to water including ponds, ground water etc. and its impact on agriculture.

10) The increased use of Executive Orders vs. Congretional/Senate and Judicial findings

11) The development of a civic organization answering to the Executive Branch with the same police power as the Military, State and local Police

12) ... well, frankly if you understand and consider all of the above when making your business projections perhaps your focus may have already shifted enough to answer the question.  If not ... NEVER MIND!!

Again, my intent in posting this question and my referenced issues may appear as if I am trying to direct your answer, however that is simply not the case. 

Of course I have already formed an opinion since that is what my clients pay me for ... but frankly I am hoping that my assumptions and conclusions are wrong and that I am missing something which your reply might provide.

After all, what are friends -- and Dealer Elite -- for!