Leaders listen to the voices of the people and the values they cherish. Then energize and facilitate the flowering of ideas within that cultural foundation. When leadership is disconnected with the mores of the culture, engendering followship becomes extremely difficult. The impeachment episode was a reflection of that disconnection.
Current leaders listen to polls and how it can affect their personal objectives... the public wishes be damned. [unless. of course, the politicians will sense danger to their political carreers]
Therefore, the need for a more informed public who will know how to place the correct pressure to the appropriate politician as it may be applicable.
As for the "disconnection"... Indeed, the ultraconservative Republicans saw nothing but the impeachment of their arch-rival, Billy-boy. Personally, I think they hurt themselves. Then again, being the zealots they are, all the better.
My dilemma has always been the same, who do I make an alliance with...
The right ? (since I am a capitalist, I attempt to be a fair and reasonable one). The problem is... I can't stand their extremist side, i.e. the religious zealots who think our morality should be controlled by the government. Hell No ! I am no zealot.
The Left ? (Hell no ! they are a bunch of tax hungry maniacs) -- but at least they live my personal life alone, up to me, the individual.
The Libertartians -- Ouch, they are nuts, they preach "reason above all" yet, I am not sure if they fall somewhere between Ted Kasinsky, Pat Buchannan, Ross Perot, or some other gold-loving bug who hears no reason but some chant that sounds good on paper. Upon closer examination, there seems to be no consistency to the followers since they are all.. well too independent from the next.
So I guess, I just play within the system, and do my best. The rest be damned. We are all here in our respective soap box... I guess the Internet is the Speaker's corner (as in the one in Hyde Park, in London), except this one is from the comfort of one's own home. |
