Isn’t It Past-Time To Reexamine US Priorities & OBJECTIVES?
Some seem to feel and believe that the enormous degree of polarization which is chiefly responsible for today’s apparent inability for the USA and its leaders to arrive at a well-considered meeting-of-the-minds for the greater good, but perhaps, the real obstacle and challenges are significantly different perspectives and priorities, which lead to focusing on significantly differing OBJECTIVES. When the US public seems so at-odds in terms of what they perceive and seek, is it even-possible to achieve the finest OBJECTIVES, especially when there is so little agreement about what this might mean and represent? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this potentially, might mean and represent, why it matters, and what the potential ramifications and indications may be, going forward.
Optics; opt for; options; opportunities; overcome: Although optics can, and often are misleading, what is perceived within this nation by the general public, and political supporters, are chief components of the optics of an issue! Many are considered, for example, that the reputation and image of the USA, throughout the world, especially among traditional US allies, may be harmful for generations going forward, and thus, what the general public opts for, and decides to elect, often has ramifications. Every leaders has several options in terms of the path forward, and his priorities, and which options chosen, often will determine whether we are prepared for the best opportunities, or lose some essential opportunity. Whether we choose wisely, and in a well-considered way, or end-up having to use precious time and energies to overcome past actions, usually has significant recriminations and/or ramifications, going forward!
Biases; benefits; beliefs/believe; best/better: Are the so-called traditional American Dreams, and the USA’s 250-year old dream of being a Constitutional democracy, lose-out to a variety of biases, on both sides of the political spectrum? Wouldn’t we be better-off if our leaders transparently articulated their beliefs about how their plans were most beneficial, and would be the best path forward? When will more of us realize that what we believe generally determines our attitudes, and thus, which actions we support and oppose, whether realistically, it is the most viable way to proceed, in accordance with our Constitution, the concept of inalienable rights, freedoms, and our cherished rule-of-law?
Join; join together; just; justice; justifications; judiciary: US democracy only effectively serves the greater good when/if it emphasizes joining together to make a difference for the better! When politicians and public officials are willing to join efforts for the best, and come to a meaningful well-considered meeting-of-the-minds for the greater good, thus willingly putting policy and people ahead of partisan politics and political parties, a more-just nation comes to fruition! We must demand justice for all, in as close to an equal basis as possible. Citizens must end their procrastination, etc., and demand those who seek to serve and represent clearly articulate and explain why their ideas are justified and best, as a key justification for earning your vote! Finally, unless/until we demand that the judiciary, at all levels from local courts to state and Federal ones, and including higher courts such as the Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court, are consistently fair and independent arbiters of our laws!
Efforts; effects; energy/energize; enrich: SInce actions invariably have effects, both positive as well as negative, wouldn’t it make sense if we demanded leaders focus most of the efforts, as well as their energies, towards positively energizing our nation and citizens, in a greater-goof manner? Unless/until we seek to enrich all, instead of some, our democracy may be at-risk, perhaps forever!
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Character; create; change; coordinate; choices; care: Take the time and make a real effort to examine thoroughly any potential leader’s quality of character, because, invariably, it is perhaps the most essential determining factor on which path will be chosen! Great leaders must seek to create change, but it must be for-the-better, and not, merely, change-for-change sake! That means one must listen effectively to all sides and ideas, with an open-mind, to be better prepared and able to coordinate the best actions to prioritize, and understand why and potential ramifications! Leaders must truly-care about citizens, the nation, the planet, and making responsible choices, consistently.
Timely; trustworthy; trust; truth: Now, perhaps more than ever, we need well-considered, timely actions which focus on positive objectives! Ask yourself if you believe any individual who either runs for office, or serves in public office, is an honorable, trustworthy individual, who is ready, willing and able to earn your trust daily (or even-more), and willing to tell the truth, rather than relying on political spin, or misleading statements, etc.!
Integrity; insights; imagination; improvements; ideology; ideals; ideas: Consistent ethics and near-absolute integrity are essential to democratic principles and ideals! Does a potential leaders articulate insights clearly, and while understanding historical precedents, possesses a meaningful, relevant and sustainable imagination, and a willingness to seek the best-way to, rather than being myopic, and only articulating blaming and complaining, while refusing to take true personal responsibility? Is the ideology focused on potential improvements from this ideology, and associated ideas, or just based on political spin and a particular partisan/political agenda and/or self-interests? A true measure of a quality leader must be having ideals emphasizing the greater-good in a non-partisan way, and whose ideas are well-considered and include a quality strategic and action plan!
Value; values; veracity; victories: Any leader’s actual value must be based on consistent, well-considered, inclusive values, for the greater good. Absolute veracity must be mandatory, and not based on convenience and/or expedience! The only real victories for a nation, are when we focus on serving all, and not just certain elite, political supporters, and/or those who automatically agree. Loyalty must be to the nation and its democratic principles and heritage, instead of any leader!
Ethics; empathy; excellence; elicit; experience; expertise; expectations: Ethics must never be merely-a word but rather must be a consistent behavior and action of every potential leader, especially during challenging times! In today’s polarized society, isn’t it a sad statement that some populist politicians refer to empathy (a quality that any fine human should possess willingly and automatically) as being, woke (and maligning what that word actually means and represents)? One cannot settle for good-enough, but rather, seek quality and excellence, based on relevant experience and expertise! What the public’s joint-mindset, and perceived expectations are, often-determine the future, for better or worse!
Sustainability; strengths/stronger; solutions/solve; service/serves; smart: Beware of any suggestions which de-emphasize longer-term sustainability and ramifications/implications, and only focuses on short-term and/or immediate populist perceptions, etc.! Try to seek leaders with relevant strengths which have the potential to make us stronger, and solve challenges using well-considered viable solutions, which emphasizes service, and serves the common sense, greater good! A truly smart leader knows and understands it is essential to know he doesn’t know-it-all, and is willing to challenge himself to proceed in a better, smarter manner!
Unless/until we begin considering our national OBJECTIVES and priorities, the actual victim will be our democracy, heritage, traditions, international reputation and way of life! We must begin as soon as possible, because procrastination is no longer a real option!
