Today, which falls exactly between the 2012 U.S. presidential election and our honored observance of Veterans Day, I can think of no more meaningful words on individual responsibility and leadership than these, delivered by President Barack Obama in Chicago after winning re-election:
“The role of citizen in our democracy does not end with your vote. America’s never been about what can be done for us but what can be done by us together through the hard and frustrating, but necessary work of self-government. That’s the principle we were founded on.
“This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores.
“What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth.
“The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for comes with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.”
Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: human energy, leadership, leadership qualities, managing yourself, personal effectiveness, positive energy
