Leadership

Idealism without illusions is about leadership. It is about dedication to public service and commitment to the common good above all else. It is about making decisions that will be unpopular from time to time, both with supporters and with the opposition, but holding to that course because it is in the best interest of the community, the commonwealth, or the nation.

Too often, in our current political environment, "leaders" put their finger in the air to determine their values. They test the polls and talk to the interest groups, to avoid a misstep. This is not leadership, it is timidity.

If we are to move forward in progressive manner, our leaders must be able to make tough choices and take difficult stances. FDR pushed through the New Deal, while conservative voices in Congress told him government intervention would make things worse. Harry Truman gave the first speech by an American president to the NAACP, saying full civil rights and freedom must be guaranteed for all Americans, much to the chagrin of Southerners in both parties. And LBJ pushed through comprehensive civil rights, voting rights, housing and poverty legislation, all to the dismay of those who believed that social inequity was natural and could not be alleviated by government action.

Leadership, especially at the highest levels, has the ability to move society in a more fair and just direction. Leadership also acknowledges that the movement towards a more just society does not happen over night. It requires vision, commitment, effort and dedication. This is the type of leadership we need from our elected officials today, and we must demand it.