Friday, February 16, 2007
Can The USA Survive Its Leadership Drought?
Watching the stupidity of the debate on the “surge” in Iraq, I am struck by the weakness of those charged with leading this country. Unfortunately, it is reflected in the field of candidates in both parties. It begs the question; what should be the qualifications for the highest office in our country? I see three:
Proven ability to lead in difficult situations. This requires that a candidate have served for a number of years and in multiple offices. There is no substitute for experience.
Proven ability to take tough decisions and stick to them. As an office holder, the candidate acts then follows through despite the ebb and flow of public opinion. If a decision is right when taken, it is right when opinion turns against it.
Quality of character. It is not what one does while others are looking that demonstrates one’s moral fiber but what one does when no one can see.
When looking at the slate of candidates currently declared and undeclared in both parties, is there one or more candidates with these qualifications? I say there is not and challenge anyone to prove the contrary.
My point? The American people should demand qualified candidates from both parties. Unfortunately, most people have long ago abandoned the political process. Which explains why the current slate of candidates are a pathetic lot, at best.
Proven ability to lead in difficult situations. This requires that a candidate have served for a number of years and in multiple offices. There is no substitute for experience.
Proven ability to take tough decisions and stick to them. As an office holder, the candidate acts then follows through despite the ebb and flow of public opinion. If a decision is right when taken, it is right when opinion turns against it.
Quality of character. It is not what one does while others are looking that demonstrates one’s moral fiber but what one does when no one can see.
When looking at the slate of candidates currently declared and undeclared in both parties, is there one or more candidates with these qualifications? I say there is not and challenge anyone to prove the contrary.
My point? The American people should demand qualified candidates from both parties. Unfortunately, most people have long ago abandoned the political process. Which explains why the current slate of candidates are a pathetic lot, at best.
# posted by Richard W Black : 6:28 AM
