Bring Back The Statesman
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Humility is an essential attribute for effective leadership. – Philippians 2:3-4
We are at a pivotal moment where it is more crucial than ever to cultivate future leaders who exemplify humility. Reflecting on my own generation, I consider both Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter notable statesmen. While they may not be universally regarded as the most successful Presidents, and although I may not agree with all their decisions, I respect their distinct contributions. A true statesman consistently prioritizes principle over expediency, choosing integrity even when it is challenging or unpopular. For instance, President Carter's commitment to Israel and President Reagan's approach to the USSR demonstrated their unwavering adherence to their values and their willingness to champion human rights, justice, and truth, despite adversity.
Today, we witness a convergence of generations—from baby boomers to post-millennials—making it increasingly important to nurture the principle of statesmanship among current and aspiring politicians.
The question arises: do we live in confusion or delusion? The Genesis song "Land of Confusion," which satirized contemporaneous events and political figures, remains relevant today. Time progresses inexorably, yet history often repeats itself. Certain historical moments remain vivid, such as the anticipation of obtaining a driver’s license, graduating high school, or nearing one’s first opportunity to vote. I recall preparing for the 1988 election just before my birthday during my freshman year of college—a period marked by significant cultural milestones like the film "Moonstruck."
In that era, media was limited largely to three major networks, which sometimes resulted in incomplete reporting. Today, by contrast, we are inundated with information—often without adequate mechanisms to filter bias or agenda.
Similarly, political engagement in the mid-1980s played a critical role in shaping societal values. Our education encouraged us to remain informed, understand historical contexts, and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, such as those related to the Holocaust and slavery. At that juncture, there was a pronounced need to foster civil discourse, a value frequently upheld by statesmen across the political spectrum who focused on unifying rather than divisive issues.
However, many world leaders then were from older generations and occasionally seemed disconnected from younger perspectives. Political satire thrived but generally maintained decorum and integrity. In contrast, contemporary political satire has become increasingly polarizing and cynical, often detracting from substantive dialogue. Late-night talk shows now frequently reflect the political views of their hosts, with dissenting leaving us indeed ina land of confusion and delusion. The influence of celebrity culture has grown significantly, sometimes overshadowing the importance of constructive public discourse and a dire need to groom more statesmen.
