Checks and Balances

I have two passions: a love for good food and a love for the game of soccer. Now that the Paris Summer Olympics are over, so are my many evenings of spilling dinner on my lap while enjoying my favorite Olympic sport, soccer.

In every soccer match, the head referee is a focal point, often receiving either praise or criticism based on how their calls affect our favorite teams. Behind the head referee is a team of assistant referees, and in recent years, technology has introduced VAR (Video Assistant Referees). This team, working from a separate location entirely, reviews multiple camera angles to offer advice or overturn decisions made by the head referee.

As the election approaches, I see the Presidential candidates as like these central referees. Their decisions can steer the direction of the country, much like how a head referee influences a game. Just as each referee has a team of assistants, each President has Congress—comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives—to act as a form of VAR. They can challenge and alter decisions, shaping policy just as significantly as the President.

While it's easy to get caught up in the debate over whether the President's decisions are "good" or "bad," the real impact lies in the policies they enact, which can affect various sectors. It's crucial to also pay attention to the Congressional elections, as this “VAR” team plays a key role in influencing and filtering policies.

I’m grateful for the checks and balances VAR provide because, instead of arguing with the TV over controversial calls, I can calmly clean spills off my favorite shirt, knowing VAR will review everything from every angle and make the right decision.

Esai Easley

Client Service Associate

Any opinions are those of Esai Easley, are subject to change and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only.