Kathleen Connolly -- Too many ‘Johnny’s’ chose leadership for all the right reasons, and then promptly forgot that their job was to make decisions for the greater good of all

 

As I watch the political and social structures in North America, I ponder where it went all wrong. Then I thought of the song The Devil Went Down to Georgia -- and then I thought of Trump -- and then I thought I wonder where Johnny and his fiddle are.

 

Too many Johnny’s chose leadership for all the right reasons, and then promptly forgot that their job was to make decisions for the greater good of all, not their political party, their brand, their social media followers.

 

They forgot leadership often means making difficult decisions that aren’t going to be popular but are what is needed for the greater good of all. Where are those people right now? We need them ... desperately.

 

I watch politics and think these people are who we look to in difficult times. People with the will to stand up, show the morals and values we need to see, and defend democracy and the freedoms that come with it -- to turn their back on politics that is fed by greed and corruption. 

 

Then I chewed on the fact that the Kardashians, musicians, sports stars are all considered influencers ... and that they are not demonstrating leadership either.

 

Addictions, spousal abuse, selling their soul for perceived power and of course cash; so, we can’t rely on them for guidance around values and morals either.

 

Who are we left with, and is there an appetite for the fierce battle of good versus evil? Some would say biblically we are headed for the end of days and wow does it ever feel like that. We need to choose what battle we want to fight ... and not the one that is easiest.   

 

Do we stay in our comfort zones and our NIMBY belief system, or do we lead with strong moral fiber, and that doesn’t mean we are saints. It means that we chose light over dark.

 

I have to temper that with that fact that we do have some strong politicians and influencers and I am thankful for them. We need to stand beside them during these days and months to come.

 

This is the dilemma of the 21st century -- both an industrial revolution and a referendum on who we really are as a society.  Interesting times indeed.

 

 

Kathleen Connolly ... was a candidate for BC’s Conservatives in last Fall’s provincial election. She makes her home in the Peace River community of Dawson Creek.