Thursday in class we discussed what qualities make up a good leader. Does it need to be someone who comes from a long line of family members who have held high leadership positions, or can it be someone who grew up in an orphanage? Do they need to be wealthy, or can they be considered a "lower-class citizen"? Do they need to have any certain degree from a particular university, or can it be a high-school drop-out?
I think that it doesn't matter what kind of background you have. A good leader is someone who genuinely cares about their followers. A good leader doesn't need to have a lot of money, a certain degree, nor do their parents need to have held some great leadership position. All that truly matters is that they strive to look out for the best interests of the people as a whole, regardless of what may be good for themselves.
Take the President for example. Does our president really need to be someone who has a law degree from an ivy-league university or have previously held a position in the military? Why can't our president be someone who didn't go to college. If all that really matters is that they make wise decisions for the common good, why do we care about their individual background?
I commented on Regis's post "Our Rights and Our Responsibilities"
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I agree that we shouldn't look at their background, but I would like something to prove that they are intelligent. If we're going off of just their word alone, then I wouldn't want to choose that person. A degree proves that they have had an education. If we had two people who were both equally qualified to make wise decisions, but one had a degree, I would choose that person over the other.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we shouldn't judge leaders based solely on academic merit or past experience, but I do believe that the men and women we choose to lead our country should have some measure of higher education. Ivy league is not necessary in my view, mainly because it is so expensive, but do we really want someone who has even less education than the majority leading our country. I just don't think it would make me feel comfortable with the direction of our coutry, although, I'm not that comfortable with it now.
ReplyDeleteOkay, this is a poignant topic - but before I begin, let me clarify: I agree that all men are created equal.
ReplyDeleteBecause I believe that we are all created equal, I also believe in providing, to the best of our ability, equal opportunity. So if somebody can pull off a rags-to-riches rise to precedence, then good for them. Though our nation takes pride in broadcasting our "American Dream," (and it is more possible here than elsewhere), in reality, it doesn't happen often.
As for me, the first thing I look at in a candidate is his current stance on relevant issues. The second thing I look at is his track record. Though I am not opposed to someone from a poor or underprivileged background being in authority, I want to see that they have proven themselves competent, capable, and determined. These qualities are often displayed through education, work experience, and even, to some extent, family background.
So though a few from the bottom can climb their way up to the top, I guess Dr. Biskner's prediction on the first day of class has been proved true. And this, I must confess:
I think I'm a closet aristocrat.