Thinking Future

Can we just stop talking about the past? Well, maybe not really; it is our story and how and what got us to this day’s situation. But no; I’m speaking of leaders, their identity, development and availability to lead us through to the future.

Example, republicans couldn’t figure out who should have run for president in 2016. So over 20 did. They say this is transparency and a good thing. I say rubbish. They had a posse of possible leaders and no disciplined way to weed out the weak and improbable. Slowly but surely, they did weed themselves out of the running until there were still too many reaching for the gold ring. In the end the most improbable candidate surfaced. And horrors of all horrors, he won the election and we have major problems as a result.

Democrats were not much better. More focused on fewer candidates. However, the players played for keeps and wouldn’t come together in unity to win elections. So, from a sure winner, they split the vote and refused to vote for an ‘enemy’. Result was failure to win the election for the white house. But more was in play.

It appears that both parties did not have a leadership development process in place. Some good people but no clear leaders able to rise to the top for the public’s inspection. Both parties. And now, republicans have the trumpeter only; no depth of field; no breadth, either. Just the pretender and con man. 

Democrats have some old people and some young leaders. The elders will not be elected. Their time has passed. The future belongs to younger leaders with more energy and inventiveness. Global issues demand it. Good sense expects it. So, Bernie, advise and consent your party’s leadership, but do not run for president. Hillary, your time is now past as well; help young people step up for 2020.

Booker is promising. So is Kamala Harris. But are they ready? Will the nation vote for another African-American presidential candidate? Will they support a woman candidate? I’m not sure, but then I am unaware of both these persons’ full talent, mettle and ability for the white house job. What is the party doing to help them?

It would help if our public discussion included defining what we hope for our future. What outcomes do we want as a society? How difficult will they be to acquire? How much collaboration and cooperation will we need to do this? And then, what kind of leaders will we need to help us achieve those outcomes?

The trumpet is not our hero; obviously. But who is? Who is on the horizon that can take the lead and serve the nation well?

A critical question for our times. It deserves an answer.

October 17, 2018