Mar
Can a Minority Lead a Nation?
As I write this, one of the headlines on the newswire is, “World stocks fall on banking, credit fears”.
US Stocks are presently down for the day and oil prices are up. Now if stock prices hold at the 12,000 level, we may get a technical bounce.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will be battling it out for delegates in both Texas and Ohio primaries.
As you know, the ‘Wealthy Choices Live’ series is now in motion. We went a full 90 minutes with Stephen Pierce last night.
Phenomenal call.
The ability (or inability) to make wealthy choices impacts your personal finances, your environment and your future.
Here’s my question: do you think a minority can successfully lead a nation?
Does a woman have what it takes to make smart, tough decisions for an entire country? Heck, in some parts of the world women STILL don’t even have the right to vote.
See this link for info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women’s_suffrage
And can a young black man transcend cultural biases to forge a path of change with strength and wisdom?
It was 1955 that Rosa Parks was asked to give up her seat for a white passenger. This event eventually led to the disintegration of institutionalized segregation in the U.S. south.
Are we saying that the world is now ready to have a minority not only sharing the same bus but LEADING nations?
A lot of fuss has been made about Hillary Clinton getting emotional in public. Do we really want someone participating in world politics who will represent the U.S. as an ‘emotional basketcase’?
I know people all over the world read my emails so if you’re living outside the U.S., please realize I’m also asking YOU these questions.
I’d love to hear what you think about all this: is voting for a woman or a black minority ‘the wealthy choice?’
Keith Matthew
Your questions are about minorities being able to be a President, able to run countries, in my humble opinion, anyone that can be a leader can be a President as long as they have the drive and determination to do so. Now having said that, not all leaders should be President especially if their focus in on the position and not on the country that they are to represent. To be honest minorities have nothing to do with who should be able to get the position of a President, it is a matter of whether or not the individual can do the job. The sex of an individual nor the color of their skin should have any barring on who gets to be President.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:16 pm“Minority”?
March 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pmLet’s see. People of color make up a “majority” of the world’s population. They seem to be managing very well on their own, certainly no worse than what we have here in this country (USA). And look at where ‘we’ are. In the last 8 years we’ve gone from a budgetary surplus to a major deficit. From having a currency of strength (dollar) to one of weakness. From being the world’s leader and ‘loved’ to world’s despised. From high principles to one of questioned due to an abdication of civil rights and exporter of ‘torture’!
If a ‘minority’ can lead us out of this mess and give us a vision of hope, we’d be fools to “stay the course.”
Unfortunately, none of the three major candidates (Obama, Clinton, McCain) can be considered a “Wealthy Choice”. I think that a candidate that would be considered a “Wealthy Choice”, would have to be one that has some clue as to how to relieve the hysteria over the Gore-influenced global warming nonsense. Anyone care to guess how much that little fiasco will cost us through new taxes, which all of the above mentioned candidates will enact as they are all firm believers in that fallacy? How about the “everyone needs to be covered health care right” that Obama is pushing? Since when did healthcare become a right? As for Hillary, didn’t we already hear one of her brilliant ideas for healthcare a number of years ago?
In my opinion, we are looking at having to make a choice which is basically the lesser of three evils, no matter which of the “Three Blind Mice” get chosen.
Rest in peace Mr. Reagan, we all sorely miss you!!
March 4th, 2008 at 5:32 pmWhoa buddy!
You are WAY out of line here! This is a very disturbingly, not so veiled, racist and misogynistic attack. I for one will not be making the “wealthy choice” but the “unsubscribers choice”, and i only hope that other’s on your list will do the same!
March 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pmWhy not a minority? If you take into consideration the amount of minorities in this country they make up the majority. I think the question is “Where is the Loyal God Fairing American”. As for a woman leading the nation, Margaret Thatcher been a pretty good decision maker till they have been so browbeaten by the terrorist, they have bellied up and we are not far behind with lousy maligned fork tongue hypocritical lawyers reinterpreting the law of the land and they being a minority are even managing to throw God out.
March 4th, 2008 at 6:13 pmThis is an interesting question. I would say that it depends…are we voting for a real person or a rock star? The Rosa Parks story is legendary but was she really the first and what was the orchestration behind it? A look at the history of that incident reveals something that had been in the works for a long time.
Is it a black minority we’re voting for with the “strength and widsom” of a man who is photographed refusing to pledge allegience to our flag? Is it a woman who will show emotion when a member of her family is attacked as an “emotional basket case”. Maybe we need to check on our own human biases regarding gender AND cultural biases.
Is it time to vote with open minds and hearts rather than what the media feeds us? Hopefully, yes.
March 4th, 2008 at 6:23 pmThanks to everyone for voicing your ‘viewpoints’. As long as we keep the conversation within reason, I’m willing to leave opposing opinions for everyone to read…even recommendations to unsubscribe from my emails!
The purpose of this blog is to foster communication and growth. Everyone has something valuable to contribute - so feel free to do so.
Keith Matthew
March 4th, 2008 at 6:50 pmLets see, a man of strength and character,? yes I guess that may put him in the minority. thats what you ment isn’t it? No I am not bashing men by this wording, just a point of value we need in the white house, but what else is new, we just as much need to honor and stand behind whom ever it be. Hilllary?, minority only in fact first womean to really be a serious or get this far as candidate. I have issues with some of her beliefs,but who doesn’t with anyone. Strength compare to aman, women may at time have more fredom to show their inside feelings etc, but the strength and courage may just be so normal for women that many just plain to blind to see it.Someone better at words than I could go on and on about womens strength and courage wisdom and any other area and be right. How foolish of those who would think they could not do it or the fools who think, sex, race, color or most other questions would have anything to do with it.I just wish them both and all of us the right and best for this season in time.
March 4th, 2008 at 7:41 pmLong ago, the fore fathers of this nation wrote–”We hold these truths to be self evident that ALL men are created equal…they are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.”
These men had the foresight to respond to a question that is asked continually today. Sadly, it seems to be forgotten through the morass set in motion by our willingness to accept without asking questions–to be entertained by mindless programmes on major networks that have no substance and serve no purpose other than to sell mindless junk that people probably don’t need anyway.
Margaret Thatcher made her way as PM of England on her own merit. Eventually, she married into wealth but she also came up during a time that was exceedingly difficult for women in politics. In comparison, things are much easier today.
Sen. Clinton on the other hand, has basically ridden in on the coat tails of her husband. She is probably an intelligent person in her own right. Does having previously occupied the White House, serve as the qualifier which make her more qualified to take that “3:00 A.M.” phone call? Given all that has transpired in the Clintons’ public life–one can’t help but ask the question as to whether or not her “enduring difficult times” wasn’t part of a calculated plan to get where she is today–Running for the highest office in the country.
The comment about Sen Obama refusing to pledge allegiance to the flag is probably based on a photograph that shows him standing with his hands crossed while the other candidates have their hands over their hearts. If that person was to further investigate–to find out the truth for themselves rather than accept stories being perpetuated by persons who also took things at face value–they would have found that the photograph was taken while they were playing the National Anthem. Placing your hands on your heart is optional. Most people just stand silently out of respect. Maybe that’s what Obama was doing.
Also, the rumor that Obama didn’t take his oath of office swearing on the bible could be dis-proved if people would just take the time to look at the photos of the ceremony. In this age of the internet they are easy to find.
Obama is a novice and if he surrounds himself with the same sort of dunderheads that are prevalent throughout the current administration, don’t expect the problems to be rectified. However, if he makes the decision to surround himself with true talent–especially in the economic and education sector–Maybe “THE PEOPLE” can get their country back.
Same holds true for Hillary–though when one sees how she got in office in New York (did she ever live there prior to her holding office?), there might be some favours that those who pushed her through, might want to call in.
At any rate, America in a nation of many peoples of all colours and nationalities. But one thing holds true:
It takes both the black and white keys on the piano–to play the National Anthem.
March 4th, 2008 at 7:46 pmHi Keith, I believe as a society or even as a whole human race we are going to have begin to base our choices on highest good, integrity, fairness and long term value rather than profit. When that begins to happen, I will get truly excited about the process. As it is now, we are faced with a bunch of “politicians”, and I do not use that term gracefully or generously, who are in it for power and self interest rather than highest good. I don’t believe Hilary would be much different than Barack, but hopefully better than our republican counterparts who seem to be concerned solely with profit, illegal immigration, and abortion. It is a sad reflection on us as a nation, but then , so is television. That is why I don’t watch it.
Peace above all.
Chad
March 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pmI feel that is a racist and/or political question. Women are presidents in other countries & they do a good job. But I don’t quite trust Hillary, because of the ‘baggage’ she has. Is she trying to make a point? If the color of Obama’s skin was an issue, I don’t think he’d be where he is today. And I like both Obama & McCain.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:32 pmGreat comments everyone.
Bill, thanks for responding in terms of ‘wealthy choices.’ That’s exactly what I’m getting at here.
The choices we make today will dictate the experiences we have tomorrow.
For example: I made a choice to bring up a racy topic. I’ve had some backlash from a few subscribers because of it. But the topic is important enough that I felt it was the right thing to do..stir it up. You see, more often than not, most people just go with the status quo and then later on wonder why they end up where they do.
Personally, I’m not so much politically oriented - I’m ‘people’ oriented and most definitely ‘freedom’ and ’success’ oriented.
You never know what your contribution to a discussion will spark in another person…so keep ‘em coming!
Keith Matthew
March 4th, 2008 at 8:49 pmIn my humble opinion, I am a white female and I would have voted for Colon Powell!!! He was all business. At times I fell I may hold a predjidust against others in some way or another. But I am telling you that man is all for our country. He wasn’t botherd by issues such as “my people” He was taking care of his country! That is who we truely need as president. Not some crying woman who thinks getting emotional is going to get her somewhere. But a man like Colon Powel shedding a tear would be sharing an emotional side of a very strong leader who has a heart for his fellow man. And I guarantee Colon Powel covers his heart during our national anthem and says the pledge. I bet he doesn’t think of what is politcally correct in this area. He does it because it is what is inside of HIM. I don’t know where we ate headed in the next few years as this country isn’t ready for a whimpy black man or woman. It needs a LEADER not a minority. And a true leader wouldn’t even be questioned of his being a minority!!! His/Her leadership ability would out shine any minority issues. And deep down we would KNOW that they would be a good leader and just vote for them.
Cool question. Thanks for asking.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:20 pmThere are enough good examples were there around the globe at present and past as women and minorities lead the nation. This is not important who is a person or what he represents. it totally depends on his vision and mission towards his nation and globally his view- The great vision will be”live and let live others”. The world needs peace now. Each one will live only for maximum 100yrs so, the natural resources and facility which god provided to be used accordingly and not misused.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:46 pmHasn’t every major change in the world come about by those who bring something new, something different?
March 5th, 2008 at 12:11 amIsn’t the point about Freedom and Human Rights, to be a form where anyone can do whatever they have the courage and the inspiration to do?
In our time, we see how things HAVE been done, and what is wrong in the world because of it. Working with others who step up to the plate in courage, integrity and who bring Hope for positive, needed changes, that to me seems to be what is most important.
We need to acknowledge what we have learned about what doesn’t work anymore — and be willing to support those whom we feel will take us to improved, healing and new directions. Preferably we will support people who are more conscious and will take response-ability for their decisions and actions in the world.
It was from all these minorities that a nation was built. You called, AMERICAS.
March 5th, 2008 at 12:32 amA President of Americas you all are crying for.
A true leader for the love of the nation, the people regardless of colours, sexes, minorities…
Is what I want as a President for Americas!!
Lets recall what Dr. Martin Lutherr King Jr said in his I have dream speech —-where a person shall be judged by the content of his character and not the colour of his skin—Go for it Barack!!!
It gives us hope even in Africa to know that America is indeed ” Free at Last” Free to choose a President of a Great Nation, built out of Immigrants from right across the Globe–some by force , others by choice , others by birth (in other words they had no choice as to where they were born), A country rooted in strong Christian principles–Please show the World that America is indeed a Land of Opportunity–for all. The Clintons have had their bite of the cherry already!!!!!!!
March 5th, 2008 at 1:09 amI don’t think America is ready for a black president. As long as people of color think there owed some thing it will never happen. Hillary is not the woman to lead this country; But there should be a woman president before a minority.
[Editor’s change: until we all learn to reach out to others instead of blaming them for our problems, things will not change.]
March 5th, 2008 at 6:02 amMinority or Who else? What does race have to do with it? There are loads of great leaders out there and race is a non-issue. The media makes it an issue far more then people do in my opinion.
I personally like everyone else I imagine prefer candidates who share my values and vote accordingly. Race is not even considered nor religious beliefs or non-beliefs, etc. Of course it is human nature to believe we thing most people think as we do with our own heads so one must be careful here.
I personally do not believe race is an issue, who wins will be the candidate the expresses themselves with values that match what the majority of voters believe in. Of course the media and the losing candidates no doubt will make reasons for their defeat which fits their agenda/beliefs and may not actually reflect why they lost or why the winner got elected this goes for whoever wins or loses! But race won’t be an issue at all in reality I believe!
March 5th, 2008 at 7:42 amIf your present president is the majority I’d say; go for the minority! Because then the majority has brought your country the problems you have now (bad economy, low dollar, fear of terrorist attacks, soldiers dying in Iraq, bad name in the rest of the world).
To my humble opinion as a European female (Dutch) I think your only chance to get out of your current situation is either Clinton or Obama (I have a slight preference for Clinton because I think her program shows more knowledge and experience. I think it is almost too bad she is a woman since she has been questioned and scolded for many things a man would never have to answer for). McCain will leave you in your present state. But if that is your majority (white, male, conservative and eager to fight) than that is what your country will probably get. Still, I keep my fingers crossed for you and the rest of the world! Good luck.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:26 amI think the lead to your story should have read:
“Is the US ready for a Minority to Lead It’s Nation”
(Either a non-white or a women? what about an Asian? or Native American?)
And the answer to your lead is: What are you kidding me? Minorities have led other nations, some successfully some not, for YEARS!!! So the questions you raised is redundant to say the least.
Your lead is meant to open discussion and it’s a good lead, that’s good copy. There are many good responses above that should keep the discussion open.
But here is another side: What will it say about the USA should Clinton or Obama become president? Is the nation ready for change at that point and who is voting for this change to happen? The young, the old, the whites, non-whites, the women, the men? Who is it that will bring this about change and are they (the US) ready for it? What does the rest of the world think of all this “to-do”?
If you know the answer to that then you will know the state of the minds of Americans, otherwise the answer to your lead is unequivocally YES!! Of course they can!
Whomever gets into office it should NOT be based on the fact of race, skin colour, or gender, as these things are not good enough reasons for non-whites to NOT run a country (too many “nots” in that sentence
but I think you get my drift). It needs to be based on figuring out who the right person for the job is and nothing more than that.
America needs change, change from the last admin that appears to have run the US down. Not sure anyone can truly clean up that mess and I feel sorry for anyone who gets the job. And yes, the choice America puts in will dictate the experiences America has while that choice remains in office, but it would and does for anyone and does no matter who gets in…man, woman, or non-white.
March 8th, 2008 at 12:27 amHmmm…..I presume the question is a roundabout way of asking which one will we will vote for? IMHO ones race or gender does not matter and will not factor in my decision whatsover. I don’t care if the candidate is a male or female. Whether they are black, white, latino, asain, or any other race or combination is of consequence to me here in 21st century America. Same with regards to their religious/spiritual persuasion. As you know, the rightwing fear mongers, mostly on the “Fixed News” Network and a bunch of the usual suspects on fear/hate radio who are desperately once again trying (and failing) to stir up enough controversy about the Democrats, hoping to “swift boat” the Obama juggernaut by questioning his patriotism and loyalty to “God & Country” -in other words, same old, same old, been there, done that. It’s all right out of the Karl Rove book of dirty tricks. Also trying to paint very well liked and twice elected Sen. Hillary Clinton as somehow less qualified than Sen. John McCain is folly. From all indications, voters have had a snoot full of the “Culture of Corruption” Greedy Oil Party and their hypocritical ways. The midterm 2006 election was but a sign of things to come and the GOP was firmly rebuked, easily losing both houses of Congress while the Democrats made even bigger gains than they expected. Bush and his party continue to form a circular firing squad and insist their Iraq quagmire is going fine and that our war weary, debt saddled economy is just experiencing “a few rough spots” -Another transparent pack of silly lies that are not fooling anyone. Our nation is poised on the brink of an economic cataclysm that could be far worse than the Great Depression, as a direct result of the current occupant of the WH and his agenda. Like McCain, Bush also obviously knew nothing about the economy, was clueless about foreign policy, thinks tax cuts for big-oil and the top 5% wealthiest are the only answer to a healthy economy, despite 7 years of solid evidence to the contrary, and who ignores the growing global warming crisis. Bush is content to pass his legacy of endless failed war and massive, record breaking debt to the next President so his incompetent corrupt party won’t have to accept any responsibilty. John McCain agrees with an open-ended continuation of Bushes war and deserves to share blame for supporting it. McCain is on the record saying “I don’t know much about the economy” and “We may have to stay in Iraq another hundred years” He likes to refer to himself as Mr. “straight talk” so I won’t question those statements that sure sound like he was being honest. I must however question the mans sanity and doubt he is fit to hold office! I suppose since China is financing much of our debt and the current admin. seems content to keep giving his corporate cronies tax cuts to encourage still more job outsourcing. This in turn is giving China more reason to drive oil prices even higher, what with all the economic opportunity we are exporting to them- in the name of cheap labor, keeping the wealthy share holders happy, and none of the regulations or pesky environmental rules companies must follow here in the USA. The only war Bush and his GOP are winning is against the middle class and the war on science here at home! A President McCain would ensure 4 more years of Bush, Bushes 3 TRILLION Dollar war debt is growing and with John McCain the burden would probably double. Staying the failed Bush course has so far meant 4000 dead Americans. John McCain will make sure we “stay the course” and they be joined by perhaps 4000 more. The path we are on is a disaster and a vicious circle. It’s a race to the bottom for those not in the top 5 or 10 percent. The more money we waste on failed wars and the more we buy cheaply made imports, the fewer jobs will remain in America, the more money China has to finance our clueless Presidents needless war, and the more we will owe China in unpaid debt as a result of the GOP’s reckless and dangerous “borrow-and-spend” agenda. And what are we and the next 2 generations that are stuck with the bills getting for it? NOTHING to show for it but 2 badly failed unfinished wars that have alienated us from the whole planet and record fuel prices that keep rising as fast as the Dollar is falling. Our sad lack of leadership is digging a hole we will have a heck of a time climbing out of and it gets deeper by the day! It’s way past time to give Bush and Cheney the impeachment they truly deserve for countless their lies, criminal tresonous acts, and sheer incompetence. Unfortunately, I doubt it will happen at this late date. I sure am not crazy or stupid enough to vote for McCain who guarantees another 4 years of this! I am certain after 8 years of this insanity, a large majority of voters will not be swayed again by the scandal plagued GOP’s fear mongering tactics and more empty rhetoric. America still has an opportunity to get back on track and we can’t miss another chance like we did in 2000 and especially in 2004. We have to abandon the go-it-alone, stay-the-course idiocy and heal the rifts with our one time allies, and stop making enemies faster than we can kill them. America must again begin it’s long and winding road to deficit reduction and silmultaneaously create millions of new jobs at home and deal with environmental issues and a host of other problems the Republic party has ignored. President Clinton proved it could be done with the right person in office as he very effectively put America back on course after inheriting the huge mess Reagan and the first Bush left us. The choice we have in election 2008 could not be more clear- A President Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will mean a return to peace and prosperity, but a President McCain will mean 4 more years of Bush. It’s time to retire 72 yr old John McCain and Bushes failed old ideas along with him. This is a perfect example of when “change is good!”
March 29th, 2008 at 6:08 pmKeith,
To me it is all about honesty and integrity. With the internet we have the ability to see everything including that which the media would like to keep hidden from the people.
It makes no difference as to color or gender. It only matters that they have honesty and integrity and are willing to follow our constitution to the letter.
There is only one politician out there with these values and that is Ron Paul. I guess he is in the minority.
Thanks
March 30th, 2008 at 11:52 amDavid
It’s fascinating following the debate from Europe [i am French, and live in the UK].
March 31st, 2008 at 9:35 amIt is incredibly difficult to remain impartial in a political debate. Our judgement and values are often based on our beliefs and emotional response to outward stimulus. I personally question both. Where does it come from? Is it a reflection of my higher self? Does it serve me and the community?…
It’s time we let go of polarity in politics. Whoever the candidates are, whatever their true motives, America should be celebrating. A woman or a colored man? It was unheard of not so long ago, and can only be the reflection of a country who is moving forward, celebrating its diversity. I look forward to the day we all come together as human beings, rather than male/female/colored/and even countries…