Troubling national shifts in policies throughout the world beg retrospection and analysis to determine the proper course of conduct for the future. To do otherwise than wholeheartedly protect both nascent and developed democracies signals irretrievable losses in personal liberties. This is the resounding message of this historical narrative.
Like Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini (Il Duce) was a product of World War I and the devastation caused thereby. Grappling with mass unemployment, a shattered economy, and overwhelming budget deficits in Italy, a dominant seat of power was there for the taking by a figure who could control the citizenry, the press, and the military.
Iodice provides the following summary of Mussolini’s ascent to power: The rise of Fascism and Mussolini were predicated upon a concatenation of events which provide parallels to governments in the 21st Century. From the ravages of World War I, Europe had become a fertile breeding ground for the rise of charismatic, jingoistic dictators and Mussolini proved to fit the description. His dominance spawned a cult of personality in Italy, based on the promise of remaking the Roman Empire and therefore, making the country great again. Delusions of grandeur and repressive tactics made him immune from open criticism and political challenge.
"I write about their shortcomings and weaknesses, as well as their strength and power; their power to persuade, to communicate, and to make critical decisions at difficult times."
Emilio Iodice writes for The Journal of Values-Based Leadership
Every four years Americans elect a new Chief Executive. The person chosen is not just President of the United States: the position is of global leader, global decision-maker, and global visionary. The President can determine the fate of the human race. We should realize that Americans do not just elect a President, but rather an entire government.
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Many of the battles for social justice were taken up by ordinary people like us. They knew they would pay a price for their courage. They knew they would suffer and probably never live to see the fruits of their labor. They knew that they would never receive gratitude or be recognized for their sacrifices. They knew that a life is not worth living unless it has meaning. Despite the risks, despite the obstacles, they persevered and set an example for others. Among these great leaders were women who struggled for the rights of all people.
Over a century has passed and a handful of these heroines are being honored by our nation. Their images will grace the currency of the United States of America. They are models that we should remember because their deeds and their lives are just as relevant today as they were when they struggled against injustice.
Harriet Taubman will replace President Andrew Jackson on the $20 dollar bill. She was a slave who escaped. She worked to liberate others with the Underground Railroad, setting up safe houses to protect the men, women and children who freed themselves from bondage. During the Civil War, Harriet risked her life as a Union spy.
On the back of the $10 dollar bill will be several amazing women who fought for equality and the right of women to vote. They did not have to take up these causes but they knew that if they did not, no one would else would. They include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Alice Paul, and Soujourner Truth.
On the back of the $5 dollar bill, two interesting women and a man will be honored. Marian Anderson was the granddaughter of a slave. She fought to help women achieve a place in the arts. She had a lovely voice. She was world famous. In 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow her to sing because she was black. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned in protest from the Daughters of the American Revolution and encouraged the Department of Interior to find a place for Marian to hold a concert. 75,000 people came to the Lincoln Memorial to hear one of the most beautiful voices of all time sing “America the Beautiful.” Both Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt will be on the $5 dollar bill along with Abraham Lincoln.
A man will join them who, like Lincoln, gave his life for freedom. His name was Martin Luther King.
The world will, finally, remember them for the meaningful lives they led. Will it remember us?
Credit: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy
At times, your integrity and even your position will be severely challenged especially if you are in a role of significant leadership. The attacks will come from many quarters. Your honesty, your competence, and your ability to continue to fulfill your duties will be tested. The essential element is to never give up. If you are certain of your skills and are passionate about your work, never give in to threats and never show weakness.
A case in point is that of President Harry Truman. When Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945, Truman was sworn in to succeed him. He faced enormous decisions including ending the war in the Pacific, bringing about a just and lasting peace, reconstructing Europe and Japan and replacing tyranny with democracy and assuring a transition in America from an economy of war to an economy of prosperity.
Despite his many achievements, members of his own Party and the opposition challenged his continuation in office. In the face of relentless attacks on his ethics and ability, he decided to run for President in 1948. The polls predicted a resounding defeat. Forces large and small were pitted against him. Truman relied on his accomplishments, his moral compass, his courage and, most of all, in the faith of those who believed in him. They trusted him and came to his aide and confronted powerful enemies who wanted to depose him. Truman defeated Governor Dewey of New York In an election that went into the history books.
When asked the reason for the amazing outcome, he said the secret was to never give up, never give into fear and intimidation and rely on those who have confidence in you.
Most of all, Truman relied on God as his co pilot who, through the raging storm of the campaign of '48, helped bring him to a safe landing and to victory.
"Always forgive your enemies...but never forget their names." John F. Kennedy
Warm regards,
Emilio
There is no place like Rome as a classroom. There is so much to see and do and learn. One of the most interesting things to learn here is about the life of Julius Caesar. I feature him in my leadership course as an example of a leader who had strong skills like emotional intelligence, perseverance, courage, and the ability to communicate effectively. A You Tube video bio of Caesar can be found on this site:
As you may know, Caesar was, for a short time, Dictator of Rome. He laid down an image of leadership that became a legacy for his successors. He was assassinated on March 15th, 44 BC. You may wish to take the same walk of Julius Caesar on that fateful day. It begins at Caesar’s home in the Roman Forum and goes from there to Largo Argentina which has the temple where Caesar was killed. Julius Caesar remains one of the most controversial leaders in history. He represents the excesses of ambition, as well as his skill as an administrator, military leader, and historic figure in the annals of leadership.
A good article about him and his impact on Rome can be found in this New York Times essay.
I welcome your comments.
Best wishes,
Emilio
As some of you may know, I teach leadership. One of the people I admire most as a leader is Eleanor Roosevelt. A YouTube video biography of Eleanor can be found on this site
She was First Lady from 1932 to 1945 and was one of the most important leaders of the 20th Century. She fought for causes that were not popular and championed for social justice throughout her lifetime. What follows are some quotes from Eleanor. I would appreciate your views as to what they mean to you.
Warm regards,
Emilio
"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
"You must do the things you think you cannot do."
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
"A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
Credit: http://www.viator.com
One of my favorite places to visit in Italy is Venice. It is among the most unique places on earth. I am sure you have seen photos and films that capture a bit of the magic and splendor of this amazing city, where streets are grand waterways ending in the sea. Nothing takes the place of being there. Walking along the Grand Canal, strolling in St. Mark's Square, and riding a gondola as you cross the channels to reach a museum, a palace, or a cathedral while passing under low-hanging bridges, are sensations that words and movies cannot describe. Go to Venice and take in the feelings and emotions that this town, that living in a lagoon, offers to lovers, adventurers, poets, philosophers, and travelers from across the globe.
Credit: Shutterstock
From Business News Daily, "33 Ways to Define Leadership"
