28 Comments
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James P Crowley's avatar

Great post, Ed! In these divisive times in the US, I’m still inspired by the leadership of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for his leadership for 27 years but lead South Africa to a peaceful transition from dictatorship of the white minority to a thriving democracy.

Nelson Mandela’s visionary leadership was not fueled by personal ambition or the desire for control. Instead, he possessed the remarkable ability to empower others and ignite their potential as agents of change. Mandela understood that true leadership lies in unlocking the capabilities of every individual, fostering a network of inspired minds working towards a shared vision.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thanks for reminding us of this remarkable man and of what honesty and integrity can accomplish. It's ironic how everyone improves in such an environment. It's what true leaders do.

Ruthie Lombardi's avatar

COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MOR

Edward Markward's avatar

Nailed it, Ed. Thank you for saying eloquently what many are thinking.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thanks, Ed. We need change, SOON. Especially with regard to our health care destruction.

Roger Ashley's avatar

Thanks again Ed. We can only hope for the beginning of some big changes come Nov. For the first time I have felt embarrassment when speaking to folks in other countries who seek answers .

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, Roger, I have hope also.

And share your embarrassment about our place in the world

Mike Hirtle's avatar

Perhaps a little tongue in cheek, but...

I think that height of integrity is in golf when a player calls a penalty on him or herself when no one else saw the transgression. This happens from time to time on the tour and always impresses me.

Now I'm thinking of our president's well-known golfing habits. Nuff said.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, Mike, a perfect example.

“Integrity,” said author C.S. Lewis, “is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.”

Larry Goldberg's avatar

I replied awhile back about your post, but it didn't go through. While writing a wonderful response about why we have this cast of disreputable characters because they didn't have the blessings of parents who were principled by word and deed as we had growing up, I noticed the children of three of my neighbors were shoveling snow on our sidewalk, walkway, and porch steps. I'm humbled and grateful about their voluntary actions. I do recall the last sentence of my "brilliant" narrative that said there is a majority of people in this country and all other countries that share our humanity, compassion, honesty and optimism which will overcome all others whose foundation is built on sand. I'm more convinced than ever, that we will overcome.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you, Larry.. Spot on. N.B. I found your previous post.

Larry Goldberg's avatar

Witnessing our current batch of leaders and influencers leads me to only one question. What values did their parents have and what did they do by word and deed to to pass them on to their children? I believe our most lasting impressions come from our childhood as we navigated our evolution through adolescence to adulthood I was blessed by having great parents. They weren't intellectuals, but they had a simple set of principles that shaped who I am today. I think most people of our age have a shared childhood. Bad parents can set a different course for a maturing mind with the results we are witnessing now. Unfortunately, there are a lot more distractions to reinforce bad parenting and exploit the worst parts of our nature. My consolation is that humanity, compassion, honesty, and optimism always overcomes foundations built on sand.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you, Larry. You are correct; values are, or should be learned long before you get to a decision-making point in your life. I love your conclusion/consolation . . . humanity, compassion, honesty, and optimism always overcomes foundations built on sand.

Let us hope.

Mike Neri's avatar

We must continue to have faith in the American voter. We are the ones in charge, not the lying politicians. We hold the power. Be prepared to stand up at the polling place of your choice. It is at that time that the real “bosses” show up.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Absolutely, Mike, Absolutely.

Charles Morin's avatar

I would add that the only worthwhile goal of any job should be to relieve suffering, and that "the rules of engagement" should be illegal and should be replaced with "the rule of law".

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thanks, Charles. Right on, especially with our backgrounds. I wonder what Senator Cassidy and CMS Administrator Oz think. Both physicians. Both took the Hippocratic Oath. Both now disingenuous sycophants. Hmmm . . . .

Fritz Vohr's avatar

Perfect

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

We have a way to go, Fritz

Joseph Giusto's avatar

I long for the day when the truth will be known.

I know it won’t be long!

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Joe, I agree. And I have hope.

Peter Voccio JR.'s avatar

Yes, we have come a long way as a country but have given so much of our values and honesty to achieve which is no achievement at all. I want to believe millions of Americans and families on a daily basis follow the rule of honesty. With all the negatives, and we have many, we shall continue as a great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, Peter, thank you! I too have hope and trust in America

Michael Kirsch, MD's avatar

Ed, you are speaking for many of us, but alas, not for everyone. We are in an anti-gravitational universe now, where we cannot even agree on the facts, let alone the interpretation of those facts. Black is white and up is down, etc. I don't fault you for not being able to clearly chart a pathway back. I cannot do so either, but hope and pray that there is such a pathway. I do not think that the upcoming State of the Union Address will show us the way. It will be yet another polarizing event.

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, thank you, Michael. It is a sad state of affairs, particularly with respect to the bottom trolling Secretary of HHS. But, i too have hope. We have to!

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you. I did not watch the SOTU address. Though I hope not, I’ll bet it lacked truth and integrity.

Alan Epstein's avatar

tough time to in the political center trying to do the right thing while the grifters run us off the rails

Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, you are so right, Alan. Thank you.

But we need to remain steadfast. I will continue my campaign to rid the world of the dark, dangerous disingenuous Secretary Kennedy who, in the upcoming years will be responsible for the deaths of many; many more than ICE, maybe many more than wars.