Whatever Happened To ?
One of the things that I think is completely true about leadership is that presence begets presence. Whatever tone or presence that is set by the leader is the tone or presence that will be adopted by the followers. At least I used to think that. After the outburst of, "You lie!" by Representative Joe Wilson during the President's address to Congress on Wednesday night, I'm not sure who is following who anymore. As many commentators have pointed out, the scene in the House of Representatives the other night sometimes resembled the raucous health care reform town hall meetings of August. Were the catcalls, the sign waving, the heckling and the blatant Blackberrying of Wednesday night's session conscious acts designed to fuel the next round of public outcry or was all of that more of a reflection of the leaders picking up on the presence of their followers?
I'm stumped on that one. It's tough to figure out which is the chicken and which is the egg.
What I'm not stumped about at all is how disheartening I found the whole display. Leaders need to lead by example. If the example leaders set is that it's OK to act like unruly children, then I think we will, as a society, eventually reap the whirlwind of that behavior. It all makes me wonder, whatever happened to...
respect for the office? It used to be that the President of the United States was due a certain amount of respect just because he held the office. It feels like a line was crossed on that this week. Heck, forget about respect for the office for a moment; how about just simple respect for another human being?
listening? Remember when you were a little kid and if someone was saying something you didn't like, you'd put your hands over your ears and yell repeatedly, "I can't hear you! I can't hear you! I can't hear you!"? (I think I might have tried that exactly once before it was made clear to me that that wasn't going to happen again.) I think we saw a lot of the adult (?) version of that behavior on Wednesday. What a great example.
giving thoughtful attention? Tweeting during a Presidential address to a joint session of Congress (especially when you know that the cameras are on you) takes the issue of adult attention deficit disorder to a whole new level.
being hard on the issues and soft on the people? Have we lost the capacity to have a thoughtful debate or disagreement on substantive issues without resorting to personal attacks? What does it say about our capacity to solve difficult problems if we have?
honor? The maintenance of personal honor and dignity might be as simple as asking oneself, "What would my mom think about this?" before acting.
For an example of someone who is demonstrating thoughtful leadership and an enormous amount of personal honor, take a look at this feature article from the Sports section of the Washington Post on Navy senior Cameron Marshall. Marshall is a 26 year old senior who carried the flag as Navy came onto the field for its football game against Ohio State last weekend. He's a 26 year old senior because he enlisted in the Marines as an 18 year old after 9/11. He came to the Academy as a 21 year old plebe following service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots. When asked about what it was like to be a combat veteran mixed in with 18 and 19 year olds being exposed to the military for the first time, Marshall said:
"It was a good thing. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with humility; that's one of the things it taught me. You lend more legitimacy to the things that you've done by remaining humble about them and trying to learn as much as you can, rather than trying to tell everybody everything you know.""When in doubt, you can never go wrong with humility." Spoken like a true leader. I hope when Midshipman Marshall has fulfilled his military career that he runs for Congress. Whatever happened to the leadership role models? Fortunately, we still have some.
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Executive coach Scott Eblin’s goal is to help you succeed at the next level of leadership. Throughout the week, he’ll offer his take on the leadership lessons in the news and his advice on your most pressing leadership questions. A former government executive, Scott is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and is the author of The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success.
Isn’t Joe Wilson an hoot and a half? It truly is an amusing thing to behold. The extreme right wing is having a collective, massive nervous breakdown. They just can’t come to terms with the nasty little fact that a black guy is the most powerful human being on the planet. It really is kind of funny – to a point.
Here’s what’s happening, boys and girls: The so-called “party of Lincoln” has been forever exposed as ideologically bankrupt and they are in the process of implementing their “scorched earth policy”. In other words, if they have to go down (and down they are going) they’re absolutely determined to bring the rest of the country down with them. That is what is happening - COUNT ON IT.
If you thought that the loony right wing had lost all the marbles they could possibly lose, oh brother! As Al Jolson used to say, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet”. Here's the part that's not so funny: There is violence down the road. Count on it.
Sound paranoid? Stay tuned.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Tom Degan Posted Friday, September 11, 2009 3:04 PMGoshen, NY
Did ya have this issue when the opposition did it to GWB? One of the issues that I see is that both sides of the isle only cry decorum when its their ox being gored. I'd rather that men and women with firm beliefs will stand for those beliefs rather than submit to the continual lying, obfuscation, doublespeak, and log rolling. Maybe Joe Wilsons outburst will cause other men and women of good faith to finally call bullshit when it smells, feels and tastes of that substance. Both sides of the isle have failed to provide leadership and both have chosen to act childish upon occasion but, I'd rather have 10 Joes to one Nancy.
Rick Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 7:07 AMI think that the new heights of Congressional incivility, to which Mr. Eblin refers, clearly plateaued during the last Bush administration and is merely continuing a pace. It and the arrogance, rampant corruption, and inability of Congress to clean its own house are the reasons for its dismal standing with the people of this country. It is not fathomable to me why the current administration feels comfortable outsourcing policy to this rather tarnished and tawdry third rate institution.
Paul D. Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 7:20 AMI wholeheartedly agree with your comments. Respect for humans as a whole has been lost in our society. Whether right or wrong, the President of the United States has earned the respect of the country by virtue of his election to office. Members of the legislative bodies that disrespect that office and the person in it will soon lose the respect of the people they represent and it will just be a bunch of blundering idiots in Washington who will represent only their personal causes not that of the people. Remember, our children are watching.
Barbara Cross Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 8:19 AM"respect for the office?" I don't see where we've just recently turned a corner on that issue; it seems to be a case of whose ox is being gored. Who respected the office during Bush II? The name-callers and nay-sayers, or Bush, who chose to rarely speak back, which was probably interpreted by his detractors as proof of indefensibility?
I think a lot of respect for the office got wiped on Ms. Humidor's dress in the '90s, followed by the lying and oh-so-lawyerly wrangling over the definition of "is."
Speaking of "listening," about five seconds before Wilson's outburst, there was a substantial hubbub heard in the chamber in response to President Obama's comment in which, bully-pulpit style, he proceeded to discredit and mischaracterize those opposed to his objectives. So, I guess that respect stuff is a problem at even higher levels than the Congress.
I take it the article intended to juxtapose the nobility of Middie Marshall's statements with Wilson's intemperate outburst, but the humility point is just as valid with the latest Oval Office denizen.
When millions are saying "leave us alone" and "don't nationalize more than you have already," our president -- who believes he knows better -- is essentially saying to those millions: "I can't hear you! I can't hear you! I can't hear you!" If the issues and parties were different, I'm sure an outburst similar to Wilson's would have been defended as speaking truth to power. Same gore, different ox.
EJC in ATL Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 8:31 AMIf the leadership of the Republican party does not chastize Wilson, then all's fair in love and war. The next president or somewhere down the line, will be from their party. Can we now expect the Democrats to yell and act like elementary school children? I certainly would if we lower our standards to the current Republican example shown by their best.
Richard Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 8:43 AMRespect for the office? That line was crossed many years ago. The President has sex with an intern in the White House. President Bush is booed and jeered routinely. Come on, really? Listening and attention. Check the archives, I think you'll find many more incidences on both sides of that aisle. No one blameless here. Capacity for thoughtful debate? Debate indicates a difference of opinion or philosophy. If you disagree with this President, you run the risk of being given any number of distasteful labels. So when is one allowed to have this thoughtful debate? Honor? Agreed. But apply that across the board.
Tim Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 10:03 AMTell me or show me where this Pres. of the U.S. has EARNED the respect some think he deserves? I'm sick and tired of those bringing color of skin into everything too. This administration is no better than the last 10. They all lie to get elected and then cause the problems they try to fix. Think about it!! Until an Independent is put in office, this scenario will only continue with each Democrap or Republicant. Wake Up America and demand "real change." Unelect the Elected and clean house. But, I'd like to say: Go Joe, Out with Nancy, and vote "Constitution" before there is nothing left. Vote morals and values and thank GOD for FREEDOM OF SPEECH. But watch out, this Administration is trying to take that away TOO.
mkh Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 10:26 AMI wonder whether the next time the president of the Senate calls the president a liar and a loser, or the Speaker of the House calls the president a disgrace, this Eblin character will speak up. I doubt it. The democrats have cheapened the rhetoric, inside and outside of the legislative chambers, to the point that a shout out seems only fair. Too, Wilson has apologized, which is more than Reid and Pelosi have done. Since this column is supposed to be about leadership, Eblin should note their shameful leadership examples, which have led us directly to the Wilson incident.
Ron Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 10:41 AMI do see that each "side" blames the other for starting this. This did not start with GW Bush or with Clinton. There have been rancourous outbursts throughout the history of this republic, so who knows when it really started? Maybe it was the Whigs or Tories...
The blame game and scapegoating is a big part of the problem. It is not productive and shows me that people are focused on the wrong problem.
What do we all want?: The ability to pursue and have a reasonable chance of obtaining health, wealth, happiness and....respect!
You won't get respect by excusing your own behavior by crying someone else did it first. Demonstrating respect for the opposition would go a long way toward getting respect for yourself, or at least getting someone to listen to you.
Dave B. Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 12:06 PMBarbara writes: "it will just be a bunch of blundering idiots in Washington who will represent only their personal causes not that of the people." It already is Barbara, it already is.
RED58 Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 12:06 PM"If the example leaders set is that it's OK to act like unruly children, then I think we will, as a society, eventually reap the whirlwind of that behavior." Some conservatives are acting like unruly children because they look to the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck for leadership. Limbaugh and Beck are unruly children.
A pattern has emerged: When the conservatives are out of power, some of them conduct extended temper tantrums. They did it under Clinton and they are doing it now. The are brats. They don't care about the consequences of their brattiness for our country.
There are no adult conservative leaders who have the leverage of Limbaugh and Beck. Michael Steele should be the national conservative spokesman, but he isn't.
Jay Dee Are Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 12:25 PMSeveral comments:
1. The commenters who associate this only with one party or the other are part of the problem, and not part of the solution.
2. In my judgment, the roots of this incivility extend back at least 45 years, and in some cases much longer. The incivility in the Congress last week is just the latest manifestation of an ongoing, undeclared, Cold Civil War that has been running for all those years, if not longer.
In the decades-long conduct of this war, the proper role(s) for government, and to some extent the reason for government itself, has been lost in this turmoil. For all too many people, government is now a weapon to be fought over; those who control it believe they have the right to use it to force others to adopt their worldview, and those who don't control it resist it for the same reasons. This misuse of government extends across both political parties and their partisans at this point.
Additionally, the view of this as a war by the partisans on left and right make it impossible for real admission of failure, and real forgiveness of failure, to occur. Old injustices (and there are old injustices, on both left and right) cannot be made right, because that would admit weakness. They are therefore allowed to fester and grow. Revenge and retribution are the watchwords.
By now, this has run long enough that it has become self-sustaining. The hatreds between the two sides are now systemic and endemic; they either border on or already are reflexive, meriting no serious questioning of their legitimacy. Those who do question why the two sides hate each other so, or question whether this is a reasonable (much less a moral) position to take, are dismissed as either unsophisticated or simply out of touch with reality. In reality, it is the partisans who are out of touch--both with their humanity and the humanity of their opponents.
3. The violence has already erupted; the latest rendition was the shooting of a pro-life demonstrator as reported in the past few days. There will likely be more, as was noted.
4. This is not helped by the conduct of the mass media. Regardless of ideological slant, they hold in common the need to treat every issue as a horse race or contest, preferably with only two possible choices.
5. All this makes me wonder if the American people may be on the verge of becoming completely ungovernable, by any entity, with any mechanism short of raw force. That's scary to contemplate, much less write; however, it certainly seems to be one possible outcome.
6. If we want to fix it, the solution must start with the person in the mirror. Is that person willing to humble themselves, not only toward other persons but particularly towards God? Is that person willing to be something different? Or does that person think that they can be as nasty as they want to be, and someone else will ride to the rescue and fix things? We know it doesn't work that way; but what will you and I choose?
arclight Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 12:41 PMMany of the commenters are missing the point. Criticism is not the point. The conduct or character of the man at the podium is not the point. Some generalized booing has become as traditional as cheering in Congress, but, directly insulting the President during an address is crossing a line. As a former South Carolinian, I am ashamed of Joe Wilson. He should know that there are many ways to stand up for what you believe, but there is no excuse for rudeness. Not ever.
Ted Bean Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 1:54 PMI must admit I am saddened that American's know longer think one has the right to speak out. Right or Wrong - Is that NOT what helps keep America free? As far as respect-no office, no person deserves respect because of color, gender, where he serves or what the title on the door says! You want respect go out an earn it!! Fellow citizens of this great Country tell me when was the last time you said the pledge of Allegiance? When last did you instead of talking, put your hand over your heart and sing the National Anthem? When was the last time you stood up and said this country is a Christian Land and I am proud of it? When last did you fly our Flag outside your home? Watch my fellow Americans at the football games, concerts, school assemblies how many are respecting this country and how many are walking around, talking or eating. It tells you much of what you need to know of what is happening in this free society and it makes me worry for our future.
annie Posted Monday, September 14, 2009 3:20 PMI see this blog is no better than the Washington Post-allowing comments to include profanity -see Rick's comment (Bullshit). Rick,grow up! Your comments are offensive. I thought government.com was more responsible than to publish the filth spewed by some of these comments.
Evelyn Golden Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2009 8:34 AMWhile telling a President that he lies, has been done frequently, especially during campaigns, and in the House of Representatives and the Senate, to do so to his face in that Chamber is something new and unwelcome. (on the other hand in the early days like 1819 plus or minus a decade or two, there were duels and fistfights and Congressmen carrried pistols - so this is NOT the Worst its ever been).
Another first however, which IS a new low and also unwelcome, is the Preident Lecturing the joint Session of Congress, and lying in the process (the last is prehaps not all that new but the the first especially in conjuction with the second is).
And Who is going the Tell the Emporer he has no clothes? In the rarified atmosphere, the Presedent cannot hear the child in the crowd, or any citizen that he has not sought out (and he only seeks his supporters - as all President generally do). Joe Wilson was the closest thing to a Boy in the Crowd that we will see for a long while.
Old Geezer Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2009 9:20 AMAnnie, why do you feel that it is more important to fly the flag and sing the National Anthem than it is to respect the Presidency? This makes no sense, sorry. This is NOT a Christian land and was never intended to be. The founders of this country made it very clear that there was to be a separation between state and religion. After all, that is one of the reasons why they came here - to escape religious prosecution.
I am more concerned about respect for each other as individuals and respect for the office of the President. If we cannot be respectful of each other, being respectful of symbols is meaningless.
Charlie Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2009 10:02 AMWhat bothers me the most is that all these comments are mostly against one man (Wilson). Where have you all been in every other aspect of the degradation of society? Start with your own family and society's influence such as, Hollywood, the music industry, professional sports, and the "okay" behavior of celebrities which some want to become.. You let your children (and yourself)watch and be desensitized in every aspect of social behavior, ethical, and moral attitude then when you see a Congressman dis the Pres, all of a sudden it is wrong and takes the front page, meanwhile every city newspaper writes about wall street corruption, socio-econimic greed (even though they knew they couldn't afford it), government corruption, inner city crime, drugs, gangs, poverty, etc. Wake up! Our society has changed so much. We are weak and we blame everyone else. No country has to attack us, we are self imploding.
Switching gears, when Congress and the Senate can pass a federal budget on time, based on the fiscal year, not full of pork, and not go into a continuing resolution (CR) every year like they have managed to do for the last 10 -12 years then tell me I should focus more on someone yelling out during a Presidential address. Your priorities are all screwed up.
Peter Posted Thursday, September 17, 2009 8:32 AMPS. I am not left or right. I am for common sense.
Obama is largely powerless to stop it though; if he had said he opposed it, many in NYC, especially in Manhattan (the opposition is primarily in the outer boroughs) would have seen it as an unwanted intrusion into local issues.
Julian Shuping Posted Monday, August 16, 2010 10:50 AMWhat does it take to get shut down in this country? Maybe someone in the media should do a little investigative reporting, because there seems to be a bigger problem here than a few isolated incidents. Aren't these factory farms repeat offenders?
Cary Ramthun Posted Thursday, August 26, 2010 10:23 AM