Opinion: America Needs Competent Leaders

I'm disappointed. Angry. Frustrated. How can we hope to succeed and overcome the difficult times ahead when our "leaders" are so inept, corrupt and uncaring? I'm not excluding Republicans, Democrats, (or any politicians), heads of major corporations, media pundits, judges, clergy of any denomination ... you name it, the manure has hit the ceiling-mounted ventilator and its spreading like gossip at a high school reunion.

Is there a way out of the multiple crisis that currently exist and will likely pop up soon enough? Yes, but I just don't see anyone in office that we can trust to lead us when the going gets really tough. What's really sad is that the folks that most would consider qualified to lead this nation are too afraid to step up. I can understand it, none except the truly power-hungry would subject their families or themselves to the media grinder.

I know - I'm being pessimistic - there's always a better day ahead. But here's my point (yes there is one): The first requirement for anyone aspiring to a position where their decisions affect the lives of thousands or millions is COMPETENCE. I'm talking brains, guts, a sense of humor, integrity and a really thick skin. So how do we find such a person. Well ... it's going to be hard. Our society has been focused on the amassing of wealth by any means for so long that the pool of folks with both the skills and experience to be effective at guiding the rest of us is small and shrinking.

I don't think that they need to be perfect, but a core of personal integrity is a must. There are enough scoundrels out there doing the anti-Robin Hood thing. Military service is optional, but does increase the odds of having some "cojones". The same can be said of any activist, especially one that has cleaned-up a tough neighborhood. If you can stand up to punks when no one else can really protect you, the odds are good you are both brave and intelligent. Smarts is a tricky qualifier, street smarts are good, but in today's world are not enough. Some of the snobs out there will not give you the time of day unless you have some credentials of note. The person would not have to be a rocket scientist - but should be able to converse with one.

Sense of humor and a thick skin are both important, because the pundits will tear you apart before you know it. Their job is to entice folks to their media outlets, so that advertisers can pummel you with their inane messages. So I'm off my soapbox for now, as always tell me what you think but please keep it fairly civil.