The Need for Character in Leadership

I read an article online today about a request that C-SPAN has made that Congress “open all important negotiations…to electronic media coverage.” The CEO of the station is hoping that the public will be allowed to see, with transparency, what is being discussed for the transformation of the health care system. C-SPAN even offered to commit all the necessary resources to covering all such sessions live and in their entirety. Many have predicted that the leaders of Congress WILL NOT open up these discussions for public scrutiny.

There are two things that are curious to me about this. First, why would Congressional leaders not want to give access to the public? And second, why would President Obama not apply pressure by publicly calling for them to do so after saying the following in a January 31, 2008 debate with Hillary Clinton:

“…part of the reason, I think, that they (Congress) have failed is we have not been able to bring Democrats, Republicans together to get it (universal health care) done. That's what I did in Illinois, to provide insurance for people who did not have it. That's what I will do in bringing all parties together, not negotiating behind closed doors, but bringing all parties together, and broadcasting those negotiations on C-SPAN so that the American people can see what the choices are.” LINK TO TRANSCRIPT

My concern is that the leaders of Congress and the President want to keep the public in the dark about health care reform because they have something to hide. Keeping negotiations in secret appears to be their standard operating procedure. President Obama’s commitment, if you will, at the debate was to NOT negotiate behind closed doors and to broadcast the negotiations on C-SPAN (the very network that has made the request!!!) “so that the American people can see what the choices are.” It remains to be seen whether President Obama will stand by this commitment.

The answers to these two questions evidence the issue at hand – the need for character in our leadership. First, all the members of Congress are supposed to be servants of the people. It takes the utmost of character to make decisions on behalf of others, when in a position such as theirs, that may not be in their own best interest. Second, when a leader makes a statement, as President Obama did committing to an action, that leader should be faithful to fulfill that commitment. I believe my parents would have called that being a “man of your word”. It is exceedingly important to measure our words carefully and do what we say we will do.

It is my intense desire to be a man of character, and I realize that each and every day I make decisions that will impact who I am. The little decisions reveal my heart’s condition, and my words establish the commitments to which I must be true. I strive to be a courageous man who will stand for what is right and true regardless of its impact upon me. This is not always easy, but I want to be a leader with character!

Will you stand with me?

The Beginning...

About a week ago my wife, Michelle, and I were attempting to have a conversation with each other in our drafty old house after I had come home from work. Sometimes, our 4 children do not have the same plans. Our daughter was walking around the house singing Christmas carols, one son was following us around constantly asking us how to spell Christmas words, our youngest son was not feeling well, and our oldest son was just thrown into the Christmas chaos. Suddenly both Michelle and I realized that we were living a scene from “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I have to admit – it was hilarious!!! We had a good laugh!

“It’s A Wonderful Life” is such a good movie. It is becoming a Christmas tradition in our home to have the whole family sit down and watch it. My favorite moment in “It’s A Wonderful Life” is at the very end when all the people come to help George and then the telegraph comes in from Sam Wainwright and Harry shows up. The closing scene always brings tears to my eyes. I think it must be because George fully realizes how much of an impact he has had on others. I have to admit that my heart yearns to make this type of impact on people. I have come to understand that I can do this by following my heart to serve others. In fact, I am beginning to see this become a reality in my life. There are just too many ways to explain right now, but I hope to expand on this in the future.

I believe that the reason for the Christmas season, Jesus Christ, is the One who has instilled in me the heart to serve others. By serving others, I am able to share just a small portion of what He has done for me. Amidst all the craziness of this time of year I am stopping to remind myself that this really is a wonderful life!

I am new to blogging and this is just the beginning of me learning how to write well. Please come along on my journey.