At the height of the campaign season, I wrote about my diminished expectations for a real leader emerging from the 2008 elections. Now that the elections are way behind us, except in Minnesota, I must admit I am encouraged by the leadership qualities demonstrated by Barack Obama through the transition process. It started with his election night speech in Chicago, was reinforced in his interview on 60 Minutes, and continued through his actions leading up to tomorrow’s inauguration.
Barack Obama has demonstrated very special leadership qualities. His appointments have been balanced with experience and talent, his thought process has been deliberate and decisive, and his messages have been positive and direct. He is going to experience a very short honeymoon period. He will be faced with expectations for his first 100 days in office that are much higher than many of his predecessors. Yet, facing the enormity of the task, I have admired his approach, his words, and his actions as he prepares for leadership.
Our country has some very serious challenges ahead of it. Besides the economy, there is the war, the rising cost of health care, a declining educational system, the need for improved relations with our foreign allies, and the spector of our mounting debt in the midst of all of this. These challenges require appropriate and decisive actions. These are critical times. Our leaders need our attention, our involvement, our support, and our feedback. To that end, I am committed to supporting President Obama when he takes office. I will stand behind him when he takes action. And, I will let him know when I am not comfortable with his decisions. Regardless, I can assure you, I will be in the game.
This is not a time to be inactive or disengaged with our leaders. Our leaders and our country need its citizens to be actively engaged in the decision making process. These decisions are determining our future. If you want to sit and judge, or play the wait and see game, please get out of the way. That type of behavior only creates obstacles for people who are actually trying to accomplish very important tasks. I encourage all of you to get in the game and start participating now. We are in the midst of a leadership change and the best thing we can do in get engaged with our leaders and help get things done. I believe that Barack Obama has demonstrated the leadership qualities necessary to guide us through this mess. But, I also believe that the only way great things get accomplished is when everyone works together to accomplish them. The time is now. Get busy.