Several times Republicans have stated that 250,000 small businesses closed last year, the implication being that President Obama's policies were responsible for each and every small business closing.
But why have these small businesses closed? Let me list the ways.
The owner died or retired.
The owner tried doing too much with too little resources.
The owner did not have enough potential customers.
The owner located in a low traffic area.
The owner did not have the personality to attract and keep customers.
The owner's business model was all wrong.
The owner's landlord would not renew the lease or changed the terms too drastically.
A large corporation moved in too close and drained the small business's customers.
A large corporation provided a service that outmoded the small business's service.
I have no idea what percentage of businesses closed for any of these reasons, but I see examples all the time that have no relation to Obama's policies.
Where are all the DVD stores? Netflix, RedBox, and streaming have taken many customers away.
Where have all the local pharmacies gone? Replaced by Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart.
Where are all the camera stores? Replaced by Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
I don't care which candidate or party makes some sweeping generalization, but I try to ask at least myself what is the bigger picture. Are things as bad, or as good, as this or that politician proclaim?
