As we are in the midst of this electoral year and we are watching carefully who might be selected as candidates and ultimately our leaders, I came upon some information in the book I'm reading (I referenced it in recent posts, Collapse by Jared Diamond) that calls attention to what do we really expect of our leaders - mainly why do we expect perfection?
The chapter related to the Dominican Republic and a leader by the name of Joaquin Balaguer. Mr. Balaquer was a controversial figure. He was in the mold of traditional Latin American strongmen. He had been a figure in the regime of Rafael Trujillo, acknowledged as one of the really evil dictators in Central America's long history of such types. And Balaguer was no shrinking violet either. But he was also one of the longest and stoutest supporters of stopping environmental degradation in the Dominican Republic. Fighting almost all parts of society at different parts of his reign, he practically singlehandedly prevented the type of environmental destruction that has caused Haiti (on the other side of the same island) to become one of the most ecologically damaged countries on Earth. And to all apparent observation, Balaguer never did any of this for personal gain. Even significant opponents and people he jailed have acknowledged his contribution while commenting on the incongruities of his leadership.
Which brings us to do we really expect our leaders to be perfect? Why can't we accept that they are going to be enigmatic or contradictory? Why do we insist that those on the top not be human?
3 comments:
I love that book. I assume you read it's companion, Guns Germs and Steel? We strive for perfection so we can tear it down I think.
I thought it was because they are the anointed representative of our god here on earth during their reign or until they are assassinated by a sibling. No?
I think it humanizes them more, or brings them down to our level if we take shots at them. No leader, anywhere, has been perfect but some are remembered more fondly than others. During their reign however, their warts were pointed out just as often as their accomplishments.
Interesting topic though.
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