Michael Kinsley of Time Magazine describes two essential qualities of a great President. These two qualities are astringency and intelligence. Some highlights below:
[U]nfortunately, our current political system seems designed to weed out precisely the qualities that are most needed at the moment....
One attribute we don't need, although commonly associated with greatness in a leader, is empathy. Politicians--including the two at the top--tell the great American middle class that its problems are not its fault......
What we need instead from a leader is astringency. Astringency means telling people what they don't want to hear and leading them where they don't want to go......
A second desirable quality of leadership, especially now, is toxic even to mention for its allegedly élitist overtones: intelligence.
I love the tenor of this article. It got me to thinking what the American people need to hear from their intelligent leader.
1) Stop spending more than you make. Save 15% of your money in retirement and stop relying on us to solve your retirement finances.
2) Carpool. Recycle.
3) Stop watching the television as your only source of news.
4) Work hard in your job, and stop complaining about how much you don't make. Even in our tough times, you need to look at the poverty in the rest of the world.
5) Read the newspaper.
6) Get to know your neighbors. Learn about their political and religious beliefs. Set the ground for change in this country starting with yourself.
7) We are an over-medicated, entitled, sex-addicted people and until we see these deeper truths, we will never become a great society again.
This is just a start. What would you add to this list?
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2 comments:
Hallelujah!
If I were to add anything... I would embellish #1: Stop spending more than you make. There is no shame in living in a small house or (heaven forbid) an apartment. Save 10% of your money for retirement and stop relying on us to solve your retirement finances. Give another 5% to charity. I promise you can live just fine on the other 85%.
Hah!
Yes, good point. Of course, I'm assuming a 10% tithe for Christians. But having a President command charity giving is an interesting gesture. How novel for the govt. to ask instead of demand (via taxes) money to the poor, needy, widows, and orphans.
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