Were McCain, Clinton and Obama driven by goals or vision?
The starting premise for this post is that actions of purposeful servant leaders should be driven by vision (the first step in the Framework for Purposeful Action) and not by expectations of achieving goals (step 4) or of results (step 10 - where the arrow lands) or rewards (step 12).
In Volume 1, Issue 13 of the Brook of Life News, August 13, 2002 (some things do not change…) the following thoughts on vision and goals were published:
“I set goals but am not driven by them,” said the young woman.
“That makes no sense,” said the mature businessman. “Why set goals if you do not pursue them?”
“Goals are just milestones to evaluate the progress of your mission–towards your vision?” She replied.
“So, why are you not driven by your goals?” the man persisted.
“Because, I am driven by a commitment to my mission–which is to achieve my vision. If I were driven by goals, I would be tempted to manipulate in order to achieve them. This is the root cause of unethical actions we see today in politics and business.” She replied, with passion.
“You sound so idealistic.” He said with a knowing smile.
“I am practical,” She responded, “This is purposeful action.”
When you apply this young woman’s thinking to the actions of McCain, Clinton and Obama during the course of the recently ended election season, does some pattern emerge?
What can you learn about these three politicians by playing the BrookMaster Leadership Game, emulating each of them in turn?
Some issues and promises by Candidates:
- Subsidies for runaway gas prices
- Taxing exorbitant profits of oil companies
- Graduated income tax relief
- The financial bailout of Wall Street firms
- Personal attack ads
- Interjection of Joe the Plumber
- Wardrobe-gate
- Campaign financing
- Interjecting gender and race
- Interjecting fear and experience. or lack thereof
- Environment versus energy independence
- Defense, war and diplomacy
- Universal healthcare versus insurance subsidies
- Immigration
- Education
- Jobs
It appears they all had a desire to become the most influential leader of the world, the U.S. President. Somewhere along the way their vision became skewed as to what a free country really means. Some of the people that I polled were going to vote for Obama because in his speeches he said “I will” and McCain said “I will try”. They had absolutely no concern of the issues just their public speaking ability. No one has yet to tell me the details of President Elects new change. As far as Mr. Clinton, I have to agree with Brent on this one. Here is a quote from his MTV interview
Bill Clinton: (US President, has sworn an oath to defend the US Constitution, (not to violate it, criticize it, and belittle it)) “When we got organized as a country, [and] wrote a fairly radical Constitution, with a radical Bill of Rights, giving radical amounts of freedom to Americans, it was assumed that Americans who had that freedom would use it responsibly…When personal freedom is being abused, you have to move to limit it.” (April 19 1994, on MTV)
I failed to mention Mr. Clinton in my last post. Maybe, that was for a good reason too. Mr. Clinton was only driven by his lust and desire to be powerful and the perks that accompanied the position (read Monica Lewinsky). I read a great book, Derliction of Duty, written by a former White House Aid who witnessed first hand how badly Mr. Clinton’s personal desires overpowered his obligation to his country and his position as the President. I urge everyone to pick up this book and give it some thought after reading it. You will be amazed at how “screwed” up Clinton was.
I agree with you William. McCain believed in a government who returned the power ot to the people. This is the best government and was how our founding fathers envisioned our Country’s Government. Not the government that Obama is pushing for.
Obama has little to no experience in leading or steering change. So, it is going to be interesting once he takes office. However, I feel that every person deserves a chance, and I hope that he WILL prove me wrong. I want what is best for our Country, not necessarily what is best for political parties.
Hi Team 551:
Glad to see some of you on board - where are the rest of you?
How about commenting on some of the issues/promises listed in the post?
PC
It is interesting Gabriel that you said that those who supported Obama were “followers.” I was a “supporter” of McCain because I believed his vision for the country was better. I bet to this day people who “followed” Obama have no idea what he stands for other than “change.” What does that mean? That sounds about as empty as his resume. I did not “follow” Obama like he was the Messiah leading us to the promised land. I think that is an interesting choice of words.
loan = lone. 1st line
their = there. 3rd line
capitolism = capitalism. 4th line
strole = stroll. 8th line