Where Are The Leaders?

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. " Those are the words of John F. Kennedy. They are true. Yet today's political climate lacks true purpose and direction. Instead politicians feed us sound bytes to elicit an emotional response. They feed our passions in an effort to gain our votes. Each day we hear nice sounding platitudes that lack any depth or substance.

The difference between today and past times is quite simple. Today we are led by politicians. Once we looked to great men and women who could truly be described as leaders. It's not a partisan problem. It's pervasive in both parties.

I collect quotes. I look for truth and meaning. If a statement or position is true it will remain true tomorrow and for the ages to come. It is usually also transcendent of the particular issue to which it was originally applied. Over the past few years, I have come to realize that my quote collection is heavily tilted to years gone by. It is demonstrative of the difference between leaders and politicians.

"As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also," said Thomas Jefferson. Barack Obama says, "I'm not afraid of negotiating with anybody. I fear no man. Or woman." Obama's statement is indicative of many of today's political leaders. It's about him, not the issue.

"Tax rates are prices for working, saving and investing....Too many....still believe that we can raise more revenue from the economy by making it more expensive to work, save and invest in the economy. We can't repeal human nature." That is Ronald Reagan explaining the affects of tax increases. What does John McCain have to say? “I don’t think Bill Gates needs a tax cut. I think you and your parents do.” Again it's not what is the best action to take, it's about what I think. This statement is designed to make you feel cheated and envious. It is not to engage you in the facts and discussion of tax issues.

"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." Margaret Thatcher said that from her position as a powerful woman. Hillary Clinton says, "If I didn't kick his *** everyday, he wouldn't be worth anything." She was referring of course to her husband. Once again, it's all about her.

This is just a sampling using the two presidential candidates and one former candidate. There are exceptions, of course. We do have a few, precious few, leaders in this country. Unfortunately, our society has bought into the sound-byte, feel good rhetoric of the politician. They get the attention from the media and then by extension the electorate.

Thomas Jefferson suggested that the people get the government they deserve. If we don't demand true leadership then we do deserve power-hungry, self-absorbed politicians. I leave you with the words of John F. Kennedy who said it better than I can:

"A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public life is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in its chosen leaders today - and in fact we have forgotten. "