And...lately due to Covid2020 and due to election2020 and the U.S. political climate since 2016 and the constant media dust-storm of the last four years - I've been 'reflecting' on leadership...
In what direction did my contemplation on leadership take me? We do not need to be led.
The vast majority of humans who walk upright with opposable thumbs over the age of 16 on this planet are able to; learn a skill, find shelter and food, pick a mate and raise a family...We do not need a 'clan' chief to cut a path through a jungle or find a trail across a desert - we're only conditioned from centuries past to believe we need governing.
What people do need is simple coordination - something similar to the typical qualifications of say an orchestra conductor. Think about this; the conductor doesn't need to tell the violinist how to play the violin or the trumpeter how to play the trumpet the only element these musicians/people need - is - someone who can assist them to play in harmony...
Twenty years and counting, into the 21st Century the vast majority of people can finish their education, start and nurture a career or business, go on a date, fall in love then marry, lease or buy real estate...Why is that? Because, in the 21st Century the vast majority of people can read, write, add and subtract.
Historically knowledge and learning was restricted to only those in the upper ranks of the clergy. Many wealthy members of the nobility, even royalty had limited education. A number of kings, queens and emperors could not read or write so relied on the advice of a bishop, cardinal, rabbi or imam. All science, medicine, geography, literature, music, geometry, engineering was cloistered in the exclusive domain of a limited few. Therefore, knowledge was control and control provided ultimate authority. Which is almost the mortal equivalent of a magic wand! And what could anyone with wealth and/or knowledge do with that...
Globally - about the time of Columbus - with an increase in navigation and European greed - more knowledge began to reach more of the masses. With more knowledge reaching the masses superstitions began to dissolve - well not completely because we still have ball players who don't shave during playoff season. However, the discovery of North and South America began an unstoppable, steady decline in hundreds of years of African and European class systems.
Royalty all over the eastern half of the globe began to lose their exclusive authority in favor of citizen run parliaments and republic legislatures.
Seeking to escape a subservient life under the dictatorial thumb of a feudal lord - over the span of three hundred years neglected tenant farmers and mistreated tradesmen headed across the Atlantic by the millions.
What happened after former surfs and peasants arrived? They got land of their own and they built villages and towns and schools so they too could read and write!
However, as societies matured and developed in South and North America - it wasn't long before certain people-types whose beginnings were quiet humble began to envision something much grander for themselves. Seeking leadership roles as tax collectors and mayors then governors then senators those same certain-people developed an attitude of entitlement and privilege. Ooops. Has liberty in our republic caused us to slip backwards into a form of class-system?
I offer this personal reflection as fodder for you to reflect because in America [and around the globe] ordinary people chose careers that led to politics. Then after [too many] years holding public office too many of these ordinary people have come to believe themselves above the peers who voted to put them in their position. Politicians too soon no longer serve - they - begin to self-serve. Term Limits...Term Limits...Term Limits...
https://medium.com/@BraveNewFilms.org/heres-how-to-contact-all-535-members-of-united-states-congress-call-email-tweet-20b8a1c54195
*Sherrie Todd-Beshore is a mystery suspense novelist and former journalist...
Via amazon.com or patchworkpublishing.com
Mystery-Suspense: "24 Sussex Drive"
Romantic-Suspense: "Shadows And Light"
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