What a complex dynamic it is that exists within a great leader. One that is truly blessed with the skills of potent leadership has the uncanny ability to influence, bind, direct, empathize and inspire. As with anything, skills that create greatness must be refined over many years, but to a large extent great leaders are simply born to be great leaders. After their genetic code has set the wheels in motion, “life” must come along and, like water over a jagged rock, smooth and mold the individual through circumstance and deliver unto mankind the polished, refined stone that has now morphed into true greatness.
These United States were founded 236 years ago and have been sustained every day in between on the backs of men and women who were born and bred to lead. Many obvious names come to mind, those whose calling in life was to wake up every morning, put their boots on and lead this nation forward. Through wars and depressions, victories and defeats, at the end of the day this great country is only as good as its leaders and as good as those leaders will ultimately allow it to be.
After the past six years I, just as you, have seen many things that have shaken my belief to an overwhelming extent in the leaders of our nation. Republican or Democrat, federal or state, one thing we can all agree on is that on both sides of the aisle, whether it be domestic issues or foreign, our leaders have largely failed each and every one of us. It has been my firm belief that the great majority of our recent leaders care much more about “their” next election than “our” nation. It takes no more effort than glimpsing briefly at the current state of affairs in which we find ourselves to prove my theory.
Where will the next generation of great leadership come from? Who will they be? While the current administration embroils our great nation in debates of class warfare and civil disharmony, as we gorge ourselves on fiscal irresponsibility, who will take the helm and redirect our course toward the ideals that created and have sustained the greatest country this world has ever known?
The time for forthright, honorable leadership to rear its head is now. The moment has arrived when the ideals upon which this country has sustained itself must be returned to. Self-serving crony politics and policies from weak-willed, self-centered leaders are taking this nation down a path from which there will be no return. So where are these men and women? Where are they who will lead from the heart with selfless ambitions and follow the blueprint created by great leaders of the past?
As I’ve seen the morally incapable pool of the leadership status quo during recent years, I’ve largely had a pessimistic outlook. There does appear to be a rising sun, however, and a growing trend of new “young” and inspiring, forthright men and women who are doing much more than simply carrying the title of “leader.” They are leading in the face of adversity. They are leading based on founding principles, and they are leading this nation in the direction it needs for the long run – not the direction their political career needs in the short run.
I’ve been inspired and felt promise in recent months as I’ve seen the direction men like Chris Christie and Scott Walker are leading their respective states. I begin to feel that all hope is not lost when I hear the dynamic character with which Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan and Rand Paul speak. I observe the efforts and hear the motivations of Gov. Susana Martinez and know that the characteristic of strong leadership is still alive in our nation. It’s always the darkest before the dawn. I think we are on the verge of a bright new morning in America.
Quote of the week:
In the beginning of change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
– Mark Twain
