LEADERSHIP MATTERS

If these days were the Biblical times of King Abimelech as portrayed in the Book of Judges, Chapter 9, and we were reflecting on the current president, this could be a comparative study. But it is not. Leadership Matters is really a walk down memory lane to the early days of the Trump administration. America is not ruled by a king but by three branches of government and president who has to be re-elected every four year. I wrote Leadership Matters in response to what has unfolded since January 2017. Everyone has value but everyone does not fit. A person in a leadership position has value because of the position they hold but their behavior makes them unfit because of the conduct they exhibit. America is an advanced society comprised for diverse groups- immigrants with ideas and norms. And because America is a society of political, economic and social norms that are umbrellaed under political, economic and social systems, it is imperative that the person who stands as a leader of these diverse groups must be equipped with the talents to move an advanced society forward. When behaviors and communications publicly demonstrate the DNA of insecurity of a leader, that makes that person not only unfit but unworthy to hold that position. Insecurity is the genesis of envy and jealously. The exhibition of these two behaviors comprise the ingredients for hate. And, unfortunately, where there is hate, there are no boundaries. For the unworthy leader, boundaries are uncorralled actions. He has one agenda and one agenda only. ‘Look to me and only me because it is I who have all the answers.’ So says the unfit and unworthy leader. He looks in the mirror and practices the facial expression of Winston Churchill. He stands on a balcony as if to portray the position of Mussolini. He holds press conferences independent of scientist who have and want to share information on saving lives. Worst of all he separated babies and children from parents and left them in cages. This damage is incalculable. Surrounding himself with intelligent and experienced personnel is a waste of his time. Long established departments designed to assist the underserved, protect the environment, service its senior population and secure housing for the nearly forgotten are forgotten, eliminated and, or severely downsized because he, alone, has the answers. I cannot help but reflect upon King Abimelech who was given 70 coins. With that he hired mercenaries to execute his agenda. The current president was given a salary and appointed some extremely questionable individuals to “Make his America great again.” That was the campaign message. The translation is to resurrect the tangible acts of racism that were prevalent prior to the Civil Rights Movement that were curtailed during Obama administration. Unfortunately, on Friday, August 11, and 12, 2017, the world witnessed the aggressive public large-scale phase of the racism from Trump supporters. White males and some females carrying Tekke torches converged on Charlottesville, Virginia in response to the removal of a Confederate statue. The march was promoted as a peaceful demonstration. In actuality, the marchers came with sticks, some had guns and wearing military garb. Their proclamation was, “Jews will not replace us!” So where do we go, who do we look to for answers. Clearly, the unfit and unworthy leader is not the one. We go to God. We assemble to listen to God’s oracles. Men and women of God who (supposedly) have a direct line to heaven. However, what I have witnessed, and research has found that individuals who have (supposedly) been called buy God to do Go’s work are acting and doing what is contrary to God’s word. When I reflect on recent press conference held without individuals with scientific knowledge on a particular disease, I recall the 900 or so dead bodies perpetrated by Jim Jones. Instead of drinking poisoned Kool-aide, so many Americans have willingly decided to absorb the words of an unfit and unworthy leader. At the time of this writing this aspect of my manuscript over 217,000 people have died! And yet, because what the words of the leader says it is not necessary, people will listen and follow. Simple acts of social distancing, the wearing of masks, washing hands would save lives. Similar to King Abimelech, reasoning facilities of people appear to have evaporated in thin air. Like throwing a rock in a pond, the outcome of the unfit and unworthy leader will have rippling and long-lasting affect. Many Christian and religious leaders lend support to the unworthy leader. It is frightening that individuals who stands in Peter’s shoes (Peter, the preacher was one of Jesus apostles) have a captive audience. At a minimum, every seven days that person has the ability to influence the behaviors of individuals and families. On a personal note, on a recent Sunday, I had a need to place my feet on Holy ground. Many churches had been following the scientist’s recommendation and had moved from physical church attendance to online by way of YouTube, Zoom, Facebook and the like. Since the current leader had promoted opening of businesses, schools and other establishment, this particular church held a regular Sunday morning service. I assumed that everyone will have on a mask and practice social distancing. Not so. The church parking lot was almost over-flowing with cars. I saw individuals, adults and children, many without masks. When I inquired with the church transportation service driver, his response was an unconvincing, “Their doing social distancing.” Since having previously visited that particular church and given the excessive number of cars in the parking lot, I thought it best for me to return home and turn of YouTube for church service. Leadership Matters because it takes the reader back to the beginning before Covid 19 hit the airways. It provides a reality check for those who reject what is obvious; dismiss what has been publicly shared and it is precursor of what is yet to come.