[August 12, 2021] In a recent incident this past Saturday night, the police turned their backs to anti-police Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot when she visited the hospital where an officer is in critical condition. The officers’ female partner, Ella French, died from injuries suffered at a routine traffic stop. Two brothers were arrested for her murder.1 The hospitalized… Read More »
[July 31, 2021] No matter who you are, what you do, where you go, you will be called names as a way to make you appear less intelligent, less handsome, or less popular. Frankly, if you care, you will never be a great leader. Letting your emotions dominate your thinking inevitably hinders your actions and decision-making abilities. But,… Read More »
[January 5, 2021] I am fortunate to have worked with, as well as worked for, some of the worst officers that the U.S. Army ever produced. I’m happy for the opportunity because, as Army senior leaders often note, you can still learn much from a poor leader. Some of the worst leader traits I found in new U.S.… Read More »
[November 28, 2020] The hero’s journey is a common template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed.1 Hugh O’Flaherty, a Roman Catholic monsignor, fits that mold. Monsignor O’Flaherty is a hero for saving the lives of thousands of Allied POWs and Jews… Read More »
[October 11, 2020] Freedom is a value. But “freedom” – in its many variations and circumstances – is also a path to human wisdom and excellence in life. It has been far too long since I’ve written on core values and the importance they have in our existence. Today, our subject is the organization known as the Foundation… Read More »
By guest blogger Sadako Red [see disclaimer] [August 19, 2020] Anytime we step out boldly to make changes, we take a chance that we might fail. But the only way to get better is to try. I’m no politician; don’t want to be now nor ever. The City of Baltimore – you know the one that I can… Read More »
[May 16, 2020] “Read my lips; no new taxes.” In 1988, then-presidential candidate George H.W. Bush made a simple, clear promise that he would not raise taxes on the American people if elected. Later, he failed to live up to his promise. His political opponents repeatedly questioned his trustworthiness, and he lost re-election. When leaders make a promise,… Read More »
[April 14, 2020] A common thesis throughout the existence of humanity is that betrayal is the lowest of lowly “sins.” When we think of traitors, Benedict Arnold and Judas Iscariot come to mind. For our neighbors, the British, the British Free Corps of World War II is what they contemplate as one of the most despicable chapters in… Read More »
[February 9, 2020] One of the desirable attributes I find among combat veterans is they are skillful at judging what is essential, in contrast to those things in life that don’t matter. Perhaps the reason is they have seen truly horrific destruction and death and can understand that there are small things in life that are mere distractions… Read More »
[February 8, 2020] Growing up in the rural Deep South, my grade-school teachers often told us stories about the history of the United States. For little kids like my friend Wilson and me, we remember being mesmerized by the Benedict Arnold story and how he betrayed our fledgling nation. We were raised as Christians, attending church everyday Sunday… Read More »