With today’s message, and the appointment of General Shinseki as VA Secretary, the differing views of government and governing are again made apparent. Shinseki said it all when he left in 2003:
“You must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader,” he said. “You can certainly command without that sense of commitment, but you cannot lead without it. And without leadership, command is a hollow experience, a vacuum often filled with mistrust and arrogance.”
With the plan outlined in today’s speech, and the appointment; not only is FDR channeled in 2008, but the diversity of the cabinet grows wider. Just two white guys nominated at this point. Promises kept. So far.
Yeah, that is an awesome quote about leadership.
Obama put some meat on the table today with his weekly address. Now you don’t suppose that Rumsfeld and W took Shinseki’s comments personally do you?
The nomination of General Eric Shinseki as Department of Veteran’s Affairs Secretary says one thing about Obama; he’s not going to forget about wounded/disabled veterans. This is a substantial message to the American public.
It is a first priority, I think Matthew , to care for the veterans of our wars. Our country’s history with war veterans needs to change. Because it is awful.
I hope it is more than a message.