What makes a great candidate?

What makes a great candidate? There seems to be plenty examples out there of what we as Civil Citizens don’t want. Yet, what qualifies someone as a great candidate?

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Do we really need a year of Presidential campaigning? Will the country survive?

Watching the June 13, Republican debates begs the question does the old way of running long campaigns still make sense in the modern era?

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Shiny objects

Cheaters, crazy celebrities, steroids in sports, just a few of the weird media tangents that readily come to mind. What is with the shiny objects Civil Citizens? How does the landslide get started and how do the editors make these decisions about which shiny object to follow?

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Will the economy ever be the same again?

The powers that be play a dangerous game in their lack of will to improve the job market and refusal to “prime the pump” of the Main St. economy. The longer they delay in the stimulation of job growth in this nation. The more the citizens of the nation may no longer feel the need to employ the services of companies who show little regard or patriotism for the country that affords them so much.

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Passion alone does not a leader make

I should be elected President because I really, really want to be president is not a platform. However, in political races of every level, especially as the Tea Party has come on to the political scene there have been more and more of this type of candidate running for office.

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Getting lost in the fog of political rhetoric

Politics today is reminiscent of pre-school children. Throwing temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. Claiming the entire sandbox to be “Mine!”. Calling the opposition foolish names and saying “I want that, I want this.” without rationalizing the cost. They can want all they want but if it doesn’t make fiscal sense than it’s not going to happen. Made up, unrealistic numbers can be thrown out in a speech, however if they have no basis in reality they are worthless to the American public.

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Leaders in title only

There are many people who hold leadership roles in communities and organizations. Some are really good at what they do. Yet, anyone who has interacted in these circles will soon discover that there are two types of people involved in boards and commissions. The activist who is very engaged and puts everything into the endeavor and all too common the people who are in it for the title and the boost that gives to their resume.

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The accidental activist

Last night I was at a graduation ceremony for a group I am involved in Mesa Leadership Training and Development. During the evening as I was introduced by friends and peers to other people they introduced me as “the activist”. My mind rejected this term. “I am no activist.” I protested.  That should be a […]

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Activism and public service can be lethal.

The unimaginable shooting of Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson on January 8, 2011 and the violent demise of Osama bin Laden on the opposite side of the spectrum May 1, 2011 that was deemed appropriate by many brings to mind the ultimate consequence that may be taken on by anyone who deems themselves an activist or who puts themselves out in public service. Are you willing to die in the line of public service?

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Why isn’t anyone listening to me? How to get elected officials to listen.

Feeling like elected officials are not listening to the people that elected them into office or live in their district can feel very frustrating for those constituents. Many people give up and no longer want to participate in government not knowing the many reasons why constituents voices may be seem to go unheard in the political process.

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