In January of this year, I wrote a post on my Facebook Timeline about a vision that looked backward. I know that sounds conflicted, but the purpose was to think about what might have made 2015 a better year for America, and thus help us better soar in 2016. There are two things I’d like you to consider about what I wrote below. Especially, because this is a Presidential election year. First, the words express my positive and optimistic vision for several of the key 2015 happenings. Second, read my words not for whether you agree or disagree with my view on the issues contained, but see and listen for an optimistic vision for the future. This is exactly what I advocate in VOTING ALERT BEACON #3: LISTEN / IGNORE. Now, read below.
Remember to ignore candidates that don’t express a positive vision for American. Listen for the leader who expresses a vision that is positive and one that unites.
WHY IS VISION IMPORTANT?
Vision is important because issues, challenges, and problems divide. VISION UNITES! It provides a rallying point. It is a picture of future success, and answers the question of why people should strive to create that future picture. In the process, vision serves three important purposes:
1) it clarifies the direction of effort and movement,
2) it motivates groups or teams to take action in the right direction, and
3) it coordinates the actions of diverse people with diverse skills and personalities.
For every contemplation that a team has, it can ask one simple question? Is what we propose to do in line with the vision? Does it serve the vision?
LOOKING BACK TO LEARN
Here’s what I wrote in my Facebook Timeline post:
Now, as the first week of 2016 comes to an end, America and the President have been on my mind. While I continue to believe that America’s future is bright, I also think there are words and actions that the President should have said or taken, but didn’t.
Here’s the list with the new words / actions that I believe would have made 2015 an entirely different year for the better. I believe America was ready to hear these words.
FERGUSON:
Press Conference:
“America is a nation of laws. ALL LIVES MATTER. No matter what community each of us live in, we should all be thankful for the police and other legal professionals who work 24/7 to enforce our laws and protect us. The death of Michael Brown is tragic for both Michael and the police officer who was involved in the incident. It is also a wakeup call for America. I have directed the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI to begin taking actions which identify where crime is, and how to prevent and stop it wherever it is. Especially, crime related to guns and death. To be effective, federal efforts must work closely, with and support, local law enforcement agencies. In the weeks ahead, I plan to travel the country to meet with law enforcement officials and citizens to insure this happens.”
IMMIGRATION / KATE’S MURDER:
Press Conference Announcement:
“I’d like to announce that yesterday I gave the needed directions under existing laws to begin effectively sealing our borders and prevent illegal immigration. I also made calls to the leaders of Congress, so that working together, we can enact Kate’s law. After accomplishing these two things, I will continue working with Congress, the governors from the affected states, and the affected agencies to evolve a refreshed immigration system that is friendly to those people who want to legitimately pursue the opportunities that America offers, but prevents those not friendly to America from entering.”
MARS / CLIMATE CHANGE:
State of the Union Address:
“Tonight I would like to announce that I am setting two national goals. The first goal is to land a team of US astronauts on Mars by 2025. The second goal is to become energy independent as a nation by 2020, and that 50% of our energy needs be fulfilled by renewable energy methods by 2025. I am designating them as first order priorities for our country. They present themselves as tall mountains to climb. However, both goals will create new discoveries and knowledge, focus our education systems, and create new opportunities and jobs. The positive effects of these accomplishments will enrich our nation and the world for decades to come.”
PARIS / ISSIS
Oval Office Address to the Nation (the day of the Paris attacks):
“I just spoke to President Hollande in France to offer our national sympathies in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks, and to offer our support in the response which President Hollande has said is imminent. Separately, I have directed our military and intelligence leaders to present me, within three days, options for actions that can be taken toward the destruction of ISSIS and radical islamic jihadist organizations wherever we can find them. They are evil, and a blight on one of our planet’s great religions. As a down payment, six hours ago, I authorized the launching of 100 cruise missiles at known ISSIS command and control centers in Raqqa, Syria. I have also suspended, effective immediately, any further withdrawal by our armed forces from positions in the Middle East. Furthermore, next week, I will be traveling to Europe to meet with NATO members and other Middle East Allies so we can coordinate our efforts. I will remain in contact with Congressional leaders and anticipate that I will soon have more to say about all of this in an address to a joint meeting of Congress, and to you the American people. Thank you and God bless America!”
I believe these words and actions would have made a big difference in America and the world, and positively changed the course of history. I believe these are the words of leadership that should have been spoken by the person, who as President, is leading everyone in America.
What do you think?
Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE. LET’S ALL VOTE!
. . . remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her. America’s best days are ahead of her. They always have been and always will be.
Dave
Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.
OK, Mr. President, I volunteer. I’m happy to play the “if I was President game.” Here’s what I would have done in a national address on Saturday, the next day.
