Leadership

A leader leads. Followers have a role to play. Without them there is no leader.

Simple statements. Related. Stark but clear in meaning.

Would-be leaders fear only one thing: no one will follow him/her when a step to lead is taken.

There are other fears, but this is the primary one. Another is if they are terribly wrong in the direction they have proclaimed. Yet another is what they will need to do if they are very right; what is the next move? And the next step after that?

Leadership creates reactions. People follow. Others complain and detract. Sheer numbers inform what history will become. Will the battle be waged against a supposed enemy? Will weapons of optimum value be space-based or land-based? Will missiles advance in accuracy? Will power be gained and expressed in any way other than we know of today?

Issues come with a buzz of controversy. Without the controversy there is likely no issue. The buzz is required to create attention. Then leaders opine. Other leaders weigh in and opine. Soon there is public involvement if the issue is large enough. Opposing views are played against one another until action is seen as needed. By enough people.

Then leaders step forward and press for solutions. The campaign for recognition is on. Leaders battle until public discussion and outrage lead to critical mass. What follows is a delicate dance of egos set on winning.

But what happened to the issue? Is it still important? Was it ever truly important?

Time to pause and consider this question. Is the real issue important? Are we focused on the important issue or a sideline distraction? Are facts being used accurately and fairly in debate? Is someone checking those facts? Are they relevant to the argument? Who does this sort of work to protect public discourse? The press? Media? Academics? Government? Who?

The who. The what. The how.

Elements of simplicity. Are they being addressed? Are we the people having the correct discussion?

I have my doubts.

I think leadership is the issue. It is lacking. In many places in our society leadership is lacking.

Time to reconsider a lot of things – a president, a congress, elected officials, roles, preparedness, courage. And the role of voters. How prepared are they to choose wisely?

Leadership is not a given. Pray God it is not an accident.

January 9, 2019