It is private businesses, both large and small, that provide the goods and services that constitute our standard of living in the United States. Without private business, we would not have jobs, and that goes for those who work in government as well, since the money for their jobs comes from taxes paid by private businesses and the people who work for them. If our President is to preside over the economic situation of the country, then he must understand business intimately and see it as an ally, not a threat. He must understand how government can help businesses, and how it can hurt.