April 13, 2005
EASIER SAID THAN NOMINATED:
Traits of great leaders (Peter Worthington, 4/10/05, Toronto Sun)
With British Prime Minister Tony Blair calling a general election for May 5, and an election looming in Canada whenever the opposition wants one, the question of leadership is again an issue."Leadership" is what last November's U.S. election was all about -- and George Bush set an example that all might follow, regardless of whether one seeks a top job, a middle role, or just about any task that depends on persuading people.
A case can be made that there are four "C's" that are vital for success in democratic politics -- or any occupation that requires motivation and trust: Conviction, courage, common sense and character -- hopefully interlocked, but not necessarily.
These four are the ingredients of leadership, and when complemented with a fifth "C" -- charisma -- well, then you have Alexander the Great, Robert E. Lee or Winston Churchill -- in varying degrees.
Does the CVanadian constitution really allow them to make George W. Bush their P.M.? Posted by Orrin Judd at April 13, 2005 4:24 PM
Have there never been any great Canadian leaders? heroes? role models?
Posted by: ghostcat at April 13, 2005 4:35 PMThat dreamy Mountie on Due South.
Posted by: oj at April 13, 2005 4:44 PMDudley DoRight on
Posted by: h-man at April 13, 2005 4:58 PMGordie Howe.
Posted by: ratbert at April 13, 2005 4:59 PMEric Gagne.
Posted by: Random Lawyer at April 13, 2005 5:48 PMMary Pickford!
Posted by: oswald booth czolgosz at April 13, 2005 6:06 PMOK, then, Sgt. Preston. (On King!)
Posted by: ghostcat at April 13, 2005 6:09 PMMonty Hall.
I think there is something in the water that prevents them from electing men of stature to the PM's office. The pinnacle of their system appears to be people like MacKenzie King and Trudeau, a dreary record at best.
Posted by: bart at April 13, 2005 6:12 PMOK
I'll accept Monte Hall and raise you a William Shatner and Shania Twain.
Does John Buchan count?
Posted by: Jim in Chicago at April 13, 2005 7:14 PMLeslie Nielsen!
Posted by: Rick T. at April 13, 2005 8:04 PMDon't forget the McKenzie brothers, who were created in response to Canadan politicians's demands for more Canadian content to be in TV shows being exported to the United States.
Posted by: John at April 13, 2005 8:40 PMRed Green. — "If it ain't broke, you're not tryin'"
Posted by: Raoul Ortega at April 13, 2005 9:14 PMRed's da man.
Posted by: ghostcat at April 13, 2005 9:45 PM"Life's so simple when you don't know what you're talkin' about."
Red's nephew Harold