Leadership R Us

When does a leader cease being a leader? When he or she gets elected. Then they become a puppet.

Our elected officials have again failed to provide leadership on a needed issue. President Bush is now giving a speech on global warming, and instead of becoming a leader and finding real answers as to whether global warming is true or not (I am still on the fence because too many real scientist and in-the-know people are coming up and saying the science is wrong).

I do believe we need to become less dependent on oil and should do everything possible to reduce pollution. I believe in conservation and working to care for our environment. These are all Christian values that I hold. I do not, however, want to make a mistake in how we approach the issues. Let's find out the truth instead of blindly going out on a ledge because a bitter politician says the debate is over.

A true leader doesn't get his chain pulled but instead pulls chains. Take Henry Ford for instance. He told his engineers that he wanted a specific type of engine and he would not take no for an answer. For several years his engineers told him it could not be done, yet Ford stood his ground until they made a break through and actually accomplished what he knew could be done all along. That is leadership!

President Bush is bowing down to politics instead of leading. His proposals will probably lead to larger government which he seems all too good at leading us towards.

Another failed leader is former President Jimmy Carter. A man once sworn to uphold our Constitution is now forsaking it and taking foreign policy into his own hands. He is not an ambassador, and someone needs to remind him that he is not the President. I can't believe that he even considering meeting with a known terrorist.

Congress failed the leadership test when it white-washed the bill to protect our borders. Come on, how do you pass something without funding it? Here was the perfect chance for the Congress to pass a needed bill and still be able to show compassion towards our friends in the south who are beneficial to our economy with the many jobs they come and perform among us.

FM 22-100 is the Army's leadership manual. I had to read this as an NCO and still read for great insight. It says that every battle or beginning war will not wait for the units to be prepared. Sometimes you have to fight as you are.

Our elected leaders need to read this over and over. They are more enamored by their limelight than taking the tough stance. Tough fights are hard to prepare for, but leaders can take this task and lead. Any leader that tells you that they know where they are headed, is someone to beware of because they are leading an agenda not a tough fight.

Leaders must take the initiative, make rapid decisions, and motivate others. Leaders know which direction to head and can adjust as they go down that path. Not every decision is a perfect decision but at times are necessary decisions. Leaders know how to see the big picture and how to paint others into that picture.

We need leaders who will take unpopular stances (which President Bush has done at times) when they see the larger picture. We need them to stop giving us fluff and start painting us into the picture.

Leadership is a risk. It is at times very lonely. Leadership will identify one's true character.

I say all this because I really feel that we need a leader who will stand up for the right things instead of just trying to right.

Leaders provide purpose, direction, and motivation. Think about this as you get ready to select your choice for President. Don't be swayed by politics. Get in the know and find out the truth. Elected officials just want to be elected again.

You can start by finding out the truth about the FairTax. You will thank yourself for it.