take me to your leader
tommyThe traditional "Alien Visits Earth" story often has the intergalactic tourist inquiring about our Big Man On Campus: "Take me to your leader!" the alien demands.
Where would you start if that guy showed up here today?
When looking for leadership, it makes sense to look to elected officials - we literally chose these people to represent us. And the biggest figurehead stateside is the President of the United States. Unfortunately, George Bush has a job approval rating of about 22%, and hasn’t seen 50% for three years. I’d say that’s a real lack of confidence in his leadership skills. Good thing he is leaving soon. As for his eventual replacement, it may only be slightly better. With the blessing from party "leaders," Presidential wannabees seem to be more concerned about making each other look bad, rather than offering solid ideas to lead the country forward.
Because it seems they are constantly campaigning, US Legislators, Governors, and State Legislators are focused on keeping the status quo, rather than taking any chances on pissing off the electorate. In addition, back room deals are a-plenty, and many of these folks are simply making connections, and granting favors on your dime, in the hopes of parlaying it all into a great paying job in the private sector.
In Hillsborough County, to whom would you take the alien? Jim Norman? Brian Blair? Pat Bean? With exception of maybe Mark and Rose, your county commission would first want to know what the alien would be able to do for them personally.
You may have better luck with Tampa’s City Council, but you are just as likely to show up in the middle of some pissy foot-stomping.
Given the mixed results in politics, perhaps we should look for leaders in other areas.
What about the business world? Well, corporate leaders make more headlines for outrageous salaries or getting caught in scandals rather than for any real leadership efforts. I have to agree with Bill Lane when he says there are no Jack Welchs or Lee Iacoccas anymore.
Media? They can’t even keep their own house straight.
Sports? Bill Belichick is the latest star, and he is a cheater and a classless sore loser.
Embarrassing, isn’t it?
Perhaps I’m too cynical. I’m sure there are several great examples of leadership right here in the bay area. Who do you admire for putting community ahead of self?
In the meantime, should the curious alien land in my back yard, I’ll offer him an iced tea and a sandwich, make sure to keep the television off, and tell him my wife will be home shortly.
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April 30th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Great question. I would take extraterrestrials seeking our leader to Jan Roberts, a longtime local activist who started the Women’s Survival Center many years ago and now is one of the major international organizers of the Earth Charter, sometimes characterized as the people’s declaration of interdependence. (www.earthcharter.org)It’s basically a global grassroots movement to get governments to adopt and people to observe 16 principles relating to human rights, ecological responsibility, justice, peace and economic parity. Jan lives right here in Tampa and organizes a local summit every year to bring people together to plan action.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
There are indeed some leaders in our local area. Unfortunately, not enough of them get elected to office, consequently they don’t have the numbers to make change happen. Thank the electorate. I have been amazed ever since I moved here.
A few years ago Thomas Frank wrote a book called “What’s wrong with Kansas?” If you read the book with Florida in mind you might have an idea of what’s been going on here. And it’s probably going to happen again…