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July 11, 2005
So, How Good Is GW?
I keep wondering how history is going to look at our current President. He has a vision. He has pursued it with vengence. He doesn't compromise. He knows what he wants and what he believes, which is rare in major politics. Usually people like that live on the wings of the major decision making apparatus. Political power usually comes to those who not only offer a vision, but also manage to compromise in ways that allow all facets of a complex political party to feel that their leader represents them. That is quite a trick in large organizations. George is a different animal though, because he doesn't compromise. He also does not change directions or re-think he decisions, at least to this point.
A great leader, or a great person is someone who has the courage of their convictions, but also has the ability to change directions when the situation warrants. Think of great sports dynasties. A new coach or owner comes in and immediately implements a new, and winning formula. It doesn't really matter if their new strategies involve new offenses, or defenses, the point is that they bring a new energy and a new way of playing the game. After a season or maybe two of success other teams adjust, adopt similar strategies or develop new ones to counteract their opposition's success. A great coach learns and changes strategies again, to stay ahead of his opponents, to always have them guessing. Think of John Wooden, the famous UCLA basketball coach who adjusted his teams to fit their skills and personalities. It enabled him to win 10 NCAA Championships in 12 years. Or Mario Andretti, who adjusted his style to win in Mascar, Formula One, and Indy cars. It is the ability to adapt and change that makes someone more than a one hit wonder.
So with George Bush we have a disastrous war in Iraq. Most people in the country think he knowingly mislead them about WMD in Iraq. The country faces HUGE deficits because of his tax cuts. His energy policy seems like it was developed in 1950 rather than the early 21st century. The discrepancy between rich and poor, or middle class, is getting progressively wider. Mainstream America is increasingly anxious about the extreme right wing religious agenda. Much of the world distrusts the President. Overseas approval ratings for the U.S. is at about as low as it has ever been. And yet, he continues to run the same plays, refusing to accept or recognize that things aren't working. Is he capable of changing strategies to realize his goals, or is his stuck, unable to adapt to changing realities?
Posted by Chip Spear at July 11, 2005 2:08 PM
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