The traits of a Leader
I like everyone else, would like the leader of a nation to reflect the values that nation. A person who can understand the concerns of the citizens. However, I’d also like the leader to bring out the best traits of the citizens and not its worst traits. The last few years, the Republicans in the US and the right wing extremist BJP in India have done the latter. They have stoked the deep rooted fear of the unknown and the desire to tag difference of opinion as uncouth, unpatriotic and worst of all as an “axe to grind”. Their political opponents have played in to the strategy as well.
Gov. Palin for all her simple answers and habits is a successful woman who might some day make a fine orthodox leader. But right now, she is making a joke of herself. And doing a very bad disservice to women. Her mannerisms signals a disposition to the tag of “dumb bimbette” working her way up by appealing to less sensible side of our character.
The New Yorker (admittedly left leaning like me) has written a balanced review on what traits are required for the post of President of US.
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/13/081013taco_talk_editors
After all, our greatest achievements are a result of the best in us and not our insecurities.
