Campbell Soup Chief Financial Officer Anthony DiSilvestro has attempted to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiments and pro-free trade push back against the Trump Administration’s steel and aluminum tariffs after it announced “unacceptable results.” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross rejected DiSilvestro’s assertion. Ross pointed out the fact there is about 2.6 cents in a soup can, so a 25% increase in steel prices would translate into a 0.6 cent increase on a item that costs around $1.99. Although some might argue there are variations in the cost of Campbell’s products, which means a 0.6 could cut deeper into Campbell’s profit than what might be expected, and there might be multiplier effects from the steel tariff, it would appear Campbell’s representative was simply deflecting blame for the company’s poor performance onto government. Such a political move may seem like a minor deal, but it is common and harmful to government and business.
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PR: All Public Figures and Organizations Need to Effectively Practice Diplomatic Public Relations5/16/2018 Politics is the interactions between the governed and the governing. There is, of course, more than just the politics of government. While “office politics” and “family politics” are examples of the unique dynamics that exist within business and familial social environments, the unfathomably complex interactions of people within countless subcultures all have their own unique “politics.” Whether a politician, businessman, or community leader of any sort, the ability to navigate the politics of a community is essential, especially when interacting with multiple subcultures. Due to the complexity of politics, no one can perfect their statecraft, but what public figures can do is effectively communicate their views and intentions to the public in order to avoid costly and harmful interpretations. As such, all public figures need to practice and foster good “public relations” with members of the communities they serve.
“It doesn’t matter, he’s dying anyway….” are the words uttered by Trump Administration communication aide Kelly Sadler. These words sparked a national controversy. Sadler’s remarks were about ailing Senator John McCain and his opposition to controversial CIA Director nominee Gina Haspel, but the whole affair has become a symbol of how disrespectful the political system has become. The scandal, including the Trump Administration’s unwillingness to take responsibility for the words of the official and show some degree of collective shame, is being framed as a new low in civil discourse. The comments are clearly disrespectful and insensitive. What was said, however, is hardly the most offensive thing ever said by a public official. In fact, it is probably one of the least offensive controversial statements issued by a Trump official, especially when considering the President’s past remarks.
From High School Seniors to Ph.D candidates, graduating students undergoing commencement throughout the US and beyond are being released into the world. Some are continuing their education while others are joining the ranks of the labor force. Some know exactly what they will be doing after graduation; whereas, others are still trying to figure things out. Some will have more opportunities than others. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they are bringing with them what they have learned from their education, cultural schooling, and personal experiences. High School and college graduates will hear a great number of very diverse messages from those selected by their schools and peers to offer them some departing advice. There is, however, one thing all current, future, and past graduates should consider in all of their professional and personal doings.
Donald Trump and his supporters have framed the impending meeting between the US President and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un as a chance to avert a nuclear war. Some have even suggested he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. Improved relations between the US and North Korea could help reduce the likelihood of North Korea using a nuclear weapon on South Korea, Japan, or the US. Until a concrete agreement between the two rivals is signed and enacted, of course, everything in the news is just pleasantry and pageantry. Improved US relations could, after all, ratchet up tensions between North Korea and China, thereby making China a target of Pyongyang’s irrational ire, or inflame tensions between the US and China. Meanwhile, Trump’s policies toward Iran could eventually spark a nuclear war.
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