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Kudos from feline: One of the many things I love about this chatroom is knowledgable people who can instantly gratify my need to be informed, and immediately exchange ideas - I love it!

Demanding Truth, Justice and Accountability in Government

Looking For A Leader

Reed31463

Recently, I have directed my attention towards leadership in the Democratic Party or better yet, the lack thereof. I keep throwing around the words leaders and leadership. I keep saying we need to demand accountability from Congress and the Executive. I feel it is important for those with no formal leader training to understand a little bit about leadership and leadership attributes in order to fully understand and evaluate the actions of our Democratic leaders.

For reference, I will use FM 22-100 Army Leadership to illustrate my points. Although the word Army appears several times, these are truly attributes which all leaders must possess. Without further ado, this is the foreword written by Eric Shinseki.

Soldiers represent what's best about our Army. Day in and day out, in the dark and in the mud and in faraway places, they execute tough whenever and wherever the Nation calls. They deserve our very best—leaders of character and competence who act to achieve excellence. That theme resounds throughout FM 22-100, Army Leadership, and echoes our time-honored principle of BE, KNOW, DO.

The leadership manual lays out a framework that applies to all Army leaders—officer and NCO, military and civilian, active and reserve component. At the core of our leadership doctrine are the same Army Values embedded in our force: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage (LDRSHIP). The framework also outlines physical, mental, and emotional attributes that together with values form character—what a leader must BE.

Being a person of character is fundamental to our Army. What makes Army leaders of competence are skills with people, ideas, things, and warfighting. We refer to those four sets of skills as interpersonal, conceptual, technical, and tactical. Many are common to leaders in all situations; some additional skills are required for those who gain increasing responsibility. Leaders of character and competence are those with the appropriate skills, leaders who KNOW their people, their equipment, and their profession.

All that is still not enough. We call on our leaders to translate character and competence into leader actions. Army leaders influence people—by providing purpose, direction and motivation—while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. Leaders inspire others toward common goals and never lose sight of the future even as they tirelessly for the demands of today. That is what we expect our leaders to DO.

Unlike the previous editions, this leadership manual covers three levels of leadership—direct, organizational, and strategic. While the skills and actions necessary for leadership success at the direct level continue to be important at the higher levels, organizational and strategic leaders need additional skills to perform in their more complex roles.

I urge Army leaders to read this manual thoroughly, study it carefully, and teach it faithfully. But above all, I challenge you to be leaders of character and competence who lead others to excellence. Whether supporting, training, or fighting, America looks to you to BE, KNOW, and DO what is right. ~Eric Shinseki, General, United States Army, Chief of Staff

Within this letter we can find the definition of leadership: Leadership is influencing people—by providing purpose, direction, and motivation— while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization.

But lately I have got the feeling from the Democratic leadership that impeachment is off the table. That justice will not be served. The argument is, "Talking about impeachment is the surest way to energize the GOP base. Just shut up about it until AFTER we get subpoena power...."

Sorry I don't agree. Why should we care if we mobilize their base, we outnumber them greatly. If their base gets mobilized, we can use that fact to mobilize ours. This issue goes much much deeper than a just a political ploy and it shows just how poor of a leader she actually is.

Furthermore, the biggest problem with this tactic is that it undermines and destroys DNC credibility. We are fighting for truth and justice and she gives us lies while destroying DNC voter confidence. If the Dems calls them LIARS, what right does that give the Dems to lie? I have found that it is almost always better to be upfront and truthful. Only in a world turned upside down does half answers or half truths cut it. This is FM 22-100's description of the basic leader value: INTEGRITY

People of integrity consistently act according to principles—not just what might work at the moment. Leaders of integrity make their principles known and consistently act in accordance with them. The Army requires leaders of integrity who possess high moral standards and are honest in word and deed. Being honest means being truthful and upright all the time, despite pressures to do otherwise. Having integrity means being both morally complete and true to yourself. As an Army leader, you’re honest to yourself by committing to and consistently living Army values; you’re honest to others by not presenting yourself or your actions as anything other than what they are. Army leaders say what they mean and do what they say. If you can’t accomplish a mission, inform your chain of command. If you inadvertently pass on bad information, correct it as soon as you find out it’s wrong. People of integrity do the right thing not because it’s convenient or because they have no choice. They choose the right thing because their character permits no less.

So no, I do not agree. Stop playing prevent defense people. Nobody likes it and it doesn't work. It never did. Get aggressive and go for the kill. Move with purpose and act accordingly. By doing so the Democrats would multiply their advantage in every district and precinct across the nation.

People want the truth. People want justice. Don't give me BS political ploys. I am not buying it. If she says it's off the table, then it's off the table. Can you prove that it is not? Are you as confident now that justice will be served? Can you be sure this statement is just a political tactic? Can the world believe that it is just a political tactic?

What was that, "NO"? I didn't think so either.

Is there a leader in the House? Speak up now or forever shut up and let fascism take its course! Obama 2008 would be great. If he came out strong for justice, he could assure himself the first African American presidency. Case in point, Olbermann's ratings are sky high. I look forward to his show and can't wait to see the next.

So no, I do not think that it would mobilize their base, but even if it did, SO WHAT? A strong leader will mobilize and unify our base to a common goal. So Pelosi needs to get a clue. Leadership encompasses the following basics: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. If she does not possess these characteristics, she needs to step down.

Comment # 1 ~ Patriot ~ 10/09/2006 08:17 GMT

Thanks for this discussion, Reed. It a much needed clarification.

Comment # 2 ~ Alma ~ 10/09/2006 12:32 GMT

Now we just have to find a way to get this out to the whole country. It would be nice if the citizens in the USA knew more about government proceedures.

Comment # 3 ~ tahoebasha1 ~ 10/10/2006 04:00 GMT

I could not be in more possible accord with you, Reed. If we let this go, we are in for more. You know that and I think the rest of us know that. Thank you, Reed, for a good article.

Comment # 4 ~ Rusty ~ 10/10/2006 22:43 GMT

Contribute every dollar you can to Democrats who are fighting, the cautious, play it safe ones don't deserve a nickel.

Comment # 5 ~ Alma ~ 10/11/2006 03:24 GMT

I agree Rusty. I was going to give money to Little Debbie, as Unspun calls her, but after her vote for torture, theres no way she will get a nickle. All of the ones playing it safe are the same ones that will let themselves be robbed in unfair elections too.