A Global Crisis in Leadership

Thinking of our think-skinned, corrupt leaders -- in my case, as an Egyptian American, I mean Al-Sisi & Trump. Thinking of the narrowness of their vision, minds and hearts and how much this has cost nations and their respective citizens. Thinking of this crisis of leadership that we seem to be experiencing, globally, and considering our accountability -- how we get the leaders we deserve. Sadly, in a age of fear and loathing, we are governed by bogeymen/women in our own image.

But, of course, this was not always so, and it's always up to us as informed and concerned citizens to demand change. Below is an example of a US president in recent history, John F. Kennedy, who spoke powerfully of higher values. Let us try, once more, to be worthy of such great leaders, and not settle for less.

When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment…

If sometimes our great artist have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation falls short of its highest potential. I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.

You can listen to JFK's rousing speech in full, here