Leaders, Born, Forged and Anointed.
Posted: Thursday, January 11, 2007
by straight talk
I think many of us will acknowledge that leaders are derived from a number of methods. Perhaps what we need not forget is that they are no more than any other human beings and subject to the same aspects we all are. They are however, thrust into leadership by any number of ways. Some make it via wealth, others ambition, desire, circumstance, determination or conniving.
Now any of the factors can create greatness or tyranny. Certainly the varied situations they are thrust into can create the same. However, in my opinion the qualities that make a leader loved, respected, revered and effective are those who utilize and demonstrate the attributes of respect, love, duty, honor, country, compassion and mercy.
My opinion is that except for those who attained their position through stealth, position, power, wealth or conniving will most likely have the best opportunity to attain this rare level in history. That is not to say that those who are “appointed“ through influence and being in the right place at the right time, or through subversion will not succeed. It just never seems to work out that way when we use the term beloved leader. Most may or may not make good leaders but in my opinion the man who has experience, suffered and worked hard is more likely to attain greatness if he adheres to the characteristics defined herein. One who has been forged in the crucible is the few that attain great things for their people and themselves.
That does not mean that they became a great leader of their people in their eyes while at the expense of other people. There are many glaring examples of nations who proclaim great leaders but enslaved or suppressed theirs and others. These are not great leaders in the sense of true leadership but they were successful in achieving the goal they set.
Now when look at the world leaders these are all strong men. Many in the poorer countries have fought their way to the top. Some like Saddam came out of a terrible background and became a tyrant. He ruled by fear. However, other leaders can lead by fear as well without applying physical means. Threats, fear and reprisal can take their toll as well. The loss of job or government harassment can do just as well.
However we can look mat Gandhi or King and see greatness of these men forged from poverty and welded solid through compassion, love and mercy. We can remember those like Mother Theresa of Calcutta who became great from simple roots utilizing the same concepts and principals. We can remember Lincoln as much of the same and those who helped forge this nation and others. The list is endless.
Now leaders are few yet they affect the masses in every walk of life. If they are care for their people they do that which they feel is best. Now most people are followers. Yet they learn for leadership. It is a truth of every walk of life and every aspect from business, to sports, to war to life situations. The people must be sold the concept that these are decent and good people with good intentions for all men of good will. They must be sold by example and actions. However and sadly many find out this is not the case.
The words echoed are hollow, false and have a double meaning. Murder, theft, corruption, greed, exploitation and conniving follow many of these people. They attain the greatness they think will last through their power and wealth and the use of fear. This of course is leadership in the most dreadful form. This is a fact of history and today. Yet the billions follow them for any of the reasons I mentioned above.
They will literally kill others in Gods name and peace. They will exploit in the name of democracy and freedom.
However, there are leaders who will foster just as true a belief in their own perspective and ideology who will foster what they think is best on the masses because they feel they are correct. Many will foster their beliefs for personal gain, to become great at others expense. However, is it what they do for people that make them great, rich, powerful or to fulfill their own ideology?
Now in my opinion I for one do not see much leadership in the halls of any of our state or federal legislative bodies. However, I do understand it is not easy to lead. It is easier to blow with the wind and what the masses are saying at any given moment. It is easier to patronize, to slander, and to use stealth and deception to kiss up to achieve the targeted success.
However, great leaders take the stand they must because it is right before God and it is right for people everywhere. Leaders must not foster their beliefs, agenda’s, perspective or ideology on anyone who does not wish to accept it, regardless if they believe it is best for them or it is what they perceive they want.
We might as well go back to the Roman imposition of their system on the world. They lived with it until they could overturn it.
So as we continue in this difficult time our leadership must be able stand for what is right and just for all and not what is just for an ideology, belief, or best for the few. If we do this we will attain that greatness that cannot be removed by anyone.
In my opinion if we are the true leaders in the world then, unfortunately, the word of the century, we must step up and acknowledge that all nations have a right to their own beliefs and systems. If we are so much for “democracy’ then why must practice it in its true sense with equality toward all?
Oh you say some want to destroy us. Well then what is the root of that desire? Is it religion, fear, hate of what? Regardless, then we as a nation must hear from our leaders that we need to have a military that goes beyond adequate so that those who wish our demise will recognize we are not soft. This is the price for freedom we continually forget. We must insure that we maintain the industrial might to stand-alone and defend ourselves. To cut corners and to “balance" risk is not what this world needs right now. In fact one might ask rhetorically if this borders treason?
In fact in all the wars we have been drawn into we were hurt significantly because of our approach during peacetime that we did and not need a strong and powerful above all else military. We were ill prepared for the events we knew were possible but thought could never happen.
We are now engaged in a World War for our survival. That is a fact. We have assimilated our strength to other nations, many who want to see our demise. We have brown our technical might while letting our military grow weak in critical areas. We have over extended our capability to fight even one war let alone multiple. We are now reduced to trusting in others to supply us our needs.
In my opinion no one challenges that victory is necessary. No one even finds fault with a Global order. What one finds fault with and is upset about is the logical avoidance of that which is obvious to them and yes, even us average Americans. If you’re going to fight a war fight it to win and decimate your opponent. Not kiss up with your political correctness or fear you’ll lose a sale or market or it will slow your Global ideology.
Once again in my opinion, in order to affect all we wish to accomplish we must have leaders that do not waffle like in my opinion the Democrats. We do not need leaders in my opinion who place business and profit first, like the Republicans. We need leaders, who speak the truth, to extend their hand and hold to their vow, who walk softly but carry a BIG STICK!
Regretfully, we have many who profess a lot but few who have what I said to speak the truth and get the job done!
Mr. President you seem to have the courage to want to see victory prevail. Then take a look at the total picture. It is yours for the taking if you implement what is needed. If you’re a “lame duck" then what better time then to get up out of that wheel chair and walk! Take charge, lead and speak just like the rest of us, eye ball to eyeball and let the rest be damned with their political correctness.
If you are a man of God as you profess then this is why you were put in the position you are. Not by power, wealth, family. These were just the vehicles God chose to put you there.
Americans are winners and want a win for Iraq and us. However, no more hair splitting if they want freedom they will need to pay the price more then us. We have already shown them with our blood and money. It is time we helped and then after victory get out! If they are our friends they will not need us, we will need them!
If they are our enemy then we have done the noble thing and let them reap what they sow.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2006 Robert Melacci o
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