During the 2008 Presidential Election, there has been a lot of talk about candidates' lack of experience. Arizona Senator John McCain even contends that there is no room for "on-the-job" training when one becomes President. But how many of us working adults walk into a job knowing everything that we need to know? Very few. That's because we all enter jobs with skill sets that we develop in the fulfillment of our responsibilities.
This week, the Republican Party has made a big deal out of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin's "executive experience" as both mayor and governor. I'm all for the next President and Vice President having executive experience, but in this day and age, I want someone who can mend bridges and build alliances. That is the domain of a community organizer.
I think John McCain and the Republican Party are off-base when they belittle Barack Obama's community organizing experience. A community organizer is exactly what we need moving forward. Yes, America has to be proactive in defending itself, but its agents also need to employ diplomacy during interactions with international friends and foes. To continue down this path - strike first, ask questions later - will only result in the extermination of the human race.
That's not the kind of legacy I want to leave for my young son. I want him to know that I and the persons I elected to office endeavored to make the world a better place to live in. What George W. Bush has succeeded in doing is make America public enemy number one. Our country has an even larger target on its back. And it is up to every American to do his part to reduce its size so that it can once again be viewed as a beacon in the night.
So, I ask you. Which do you prefer? A community organizer or a chief executive? Why?
I look forward to reading your responses.
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
Posted By: J. A. Faulkerson
Friday, September 5th 2008 at 10:54AM
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