I’m Relieved His Stepping Down

The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born. - Warren G. Bennis

The fortnight ago, David Letterman made some remarks about Bush’s farewell speech. He commented “We all know how we feel about this”, much to the audience laughter and applause. David and his audience’s sentiment are understandable. Recently in BBC, a program called “Intelligence Square” debated about Bush’s achievement as president. Before the debate, poll showed “cons” at 60%, after the debate, it increased to 63%. That only proved, in that discussion at least, that Bush is the worst American president in the past 50 years.

Personally, I don’t like him from the very start. To me, he personifies a rich man’s son spoiled brat attitude, taking the easy road from education to social standing by relying on his father’s wealth and connection. His lop-sided smile and “I-don’t-care-what-people-think-of-my-stupid-remarks” approach irritates me. Looking from afar, I saw most of his local and international decisions either ill advised or self serving. His overall administration didn’t fair well either. That’s what you get when you surround yourself with “political appointees” (persons you owe favor) and people with personal agenda.

Some will think, “What has that got to do with me?” For starter, since Spain lost the war and sold our islands to the Americans, our governmental policies, domestic or international, and economic survival are tied up with the empire. We don’t move until the man at the top nods his head. So if the top honcho can’t make up his mind, we at the bottom are in deep trouble. Fortunately, by design or just pure luck, somebody has the “bright” idea to export our labor to other countries. Remittances from these workers cushioned the impact of the Asian economic meltdown of the 90’s. Hopefully it will do the same in this present crisis.

I don’t think I’m alone in my feeling towards this present American administration. I believe a pretty high percentage of Filipinos also feel the same. Americans know this or else their ambassador in the Philippines won’t bother do a PR and go all the way dancing the “boom-tarat-tarat” in that noon time show, much to the delight of viewers and its egotistical host. It doesn’t take that much to know where to tickle Pinoys, isn’t it?

Even with this temporary setback, I still believe US of A is the best example of democracy. Where else can you find a country with a white majority, elects a black person with a funny name to the highest position of the land? I hope what ever he does, keeps in mind the welfare of the majority. Because wither you believe me or not, his decision will affect us in someway.
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