[January 11, 2017] Pashtunwali … if you’re reading this, then you’ve likely never heard this word spoken aloud. The meaning, of course, will elude you but most importantly you will never understand its full meaning as intended. You cannot understand fully the code of ethics of Pashtunwali unless you’ve personally lived it from childhood. No amount of study… Read More »
[January 7, 2017] “My dog Roger ate my homework!” So was the excuse my son used to justify why he couldn’t produce his teacher-assigned homework during his first week in Junior High School. I probably used the same excuse as a young boy, so I was on to him fast and didn’t buy it. He spent time at… Read More »
[June 26, 2016] I couldn’t resist this topic for a number of reasons and my post today involves the fall of a politician in his leadership as a Democrat from New York City. I know that it’s not fair to use a politician as an example that epitomizes the fall of a leader but, there are so many,… Read More »
[April 22, 2016] Yes, war settles disputes and I won’t qualify the statement because it’s true. Human history has been burdened (and enthralled) with war from its beginnings and it will continue to be so; at least into the near future. But, are the results of war predictable and desirable? That is my subject today. To take a… Read More »
[April 10, 2016] In Part 1 of this short series on tainted leaders I wrote about how it was impossible for any and everyone not to know about a leader’s mistakes. However, when mistakes are bad enough and a scandal erupts, it’s not too late to do something about it … that’s my opinion anyway. But it takes… Read More »
[January 21, 2016] In Greek mythology, a young and handsome Narcissus sees his reflection in a pool of water on day while walking near a lake. He became entranced by the reflection of himself but since he could not obtain the object of his desire (his own reflection); he died at the banks of the water pool. And… Read More »
[January 3, 2016] As luck would have it, I was reviewing some reading material and notes taken from my Infantry Officer Basic Course the other evening. In it I stumbled upon my study of the Mi Lai Massacre in Vietnam. I remember clearly how the course instructor had told us the shame it had brought upon the U.S.… Read More »
[July 21, 2015] There is an old Chinese short story about honesty and the rich gifts that telling the truth can bring upon us. Many of us, especially leaders, want success so badly that we can be enticed to lie … or perhaps just shade the truth a little. I’ve seen it done so many times by leaders… Read More »
[January 26, 2015] American core values are not something we hear people talk about much these days. We do hear politicians talking about “fairness” and “equality”, yet the meanings do not always align with what most Americans think. Our leaders help set the tone for dialog and we look to them for how to treat others and for… Read More »
By guest blogger Ernest M. Kennedy III [See Biography] [November 03, 2014] Once upon a time I was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. As a 19 year old in South Vietnam, I spent time in the city of Huế in February 1967 as part of the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced); witnessing great leadership at… Read More »