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« on: September 26, 2009, 03:51:28 PM »
So the interesting thing about Hyde and the concept of character, is that the founding family are the people who lack character the most. And their unique potential has never been truly discovered, unless Malcolm's unique potential is to write a blog and play basketball all day. Surely he must have more potential than that, he's certainly getting paid a lot to just do that.
The issue with character and the founding family, is that if you want to sell it, you have to practice it. And if you want the kids to practice it, you need to model it for them. Instead, the "non-profit" institution is all about making a profit for the family. It's no different than any other corporation in America, with big executive bonuses, screw the underlings, who cares about the investors, as long as I get my money at the end of the day.
A person of character would recognize that in financial times like these, if you believe in your business, you must sacrifice to make it survive and make sure that the mission is first and foremost the priority. Take care of the business i.e. the students and the employees. Pay them first. Pay yourself last. Take care of the people who are putting money in your pocket- the students and faculty. How do you pay the students? Provide them with decent living conditions, quality instructors, a healthy environment.
People want leadership, integrity, courage. Who at Hyde is going to step up to the plate to provide it? When will the family stop taking from the institution and give back to help it survive? It would be the smart thing to do. It would demonstrate character and integrity, a commitment to the cause, not just the bottom line. Why is Hyde in financial trouble? (See thread about selling Crow's Nest) Because the family can't afford to pay themselves the overinflated salaries they get (and this doesn't even include everything the "business" provides for them that they don't pay any taxes on) for not running their business properly.
And where is the board of trustees who should be overseeing all this? Too afraid to challenge the family, I'm sure.