Ross Rosenfeld writes:

Of the top 10 richest men in America, not one of them has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris or been willing to condemn Donald Trump. These supposed business heroes are mostly business cowards, the first to stoop to obey.

Occasionally, we hear about the whispered condemnations that those in the billionaire class supposedly voice behind closed doors. Yet Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a Yale professor who heads the Executive Leadership Institute, told Forbes, “They don’t antagonize Trump because … they don’t want to alienate customers and employees and investors who think differently about the elections if they don’t have to. No reason to stick a finger in the eye and antagonize parts of their own workforce, parts of their own customer base, parts of their own investor base.”

No reason, Mr. Sonnenfeld? No reason at all? Mr. Sonnenfeld heads an organization, mind you, with the word “leadership” in its name. The more apt descriptor is “apologist.” What else should those who hide themselves away when it’s time to act as leaders be called? Evidently, what they teach at Yale is that leadership means never possibly sacrificing a single dollar, even in defense of democracy.

Let’s be clear: This is not to universally condemn all wealthy people. Mark Cuban has spoken out rather vociferously against Trump’s depredations. Bill Gates has been quieter but at least lets his wallet do the talking. Oprah and Taylor Swift are billionaires too.

But it’s more than past due time that we tore down these false and nonsensical myths about the executive god-kings in our midst. The actions of Bezos and Musk and Patrick Soon-Shiong shouldn’t shock anyone because—steady yourself—they like power and money. They will rationalize their choices, of course. But you’ll consistently find that that rationalization follows a simple formula: I am brilliant, only I can accomplish these things, and therefore whatever is best for me is best for everyone.

All of these billionaire cowards are really just trying to protect themselves and the reputations they know hang on a tissue-thin foundation, by placing what you might call a Pascal’s wager on politics. They know that Kamala Harris will do the responsible thing and act as an agent of the people if elected, regardless of who supported her or who did not. She will not award contracts based on patronage. Conversely, they know that Trump will be vindictive to those who opposed him, if he succeeds. So they have nothing to lose by betting on Trump and everything to gain for the people they truly care about: themselves. [Continue reading…]