I turned on the TV, watched a few minutes of the presidential debate, and decided it was the right choice (though I didn't watch the whole thing, since politics these days tend to disrupt the peace I crave).
But as I watched the debate, I couldn't help but remember some interesting comments others have made earlier about power, leadership and old age.
The first thing that came to my mind was the words of Abraham Lincoln: “Nearly all human beings can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” I applied it “character” These factors were important to the debaters as I tried to evaluate each candidate.
And then I remembered the definition of a good leader: a good leader should have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. I also looked at each candidate's leadership qualities based on this definition.
I also thought about Lord Acton's principle that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This concept suggests that having power corrupts a person or makes them less moral, and the more power a person has, the more corrupt they become.
With regards to power, some argue that those in power enjoy many things and privileges that are not available to the poor and that money can often solve their problems.
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Chinese philosopher and author Laozi once proposed that a true leader is someone who doesn't command by relying on power, but rather sets an example for others to follow.
Observing the two candidates in the debate, one was 78 years old and the other 81. These two men are getting older as they compete for the most important office in the world. What lies ahead?
Mark Twain has been accused of saying that old age is a privilege denied to many, but I think, in fact, he was right.
But getting older is not without some obstacles. One evening at Benny's Pub, I had a conversation with another guy who apparently knew me well. For all I could not remember his name. After talking to him for a few minutes, I finally asked him: Who are you?
“Pete, I've been doing your taxes for the last 30 years,” we both laugh and I decide to blame the booze rather than my memory.
But let's consider some other examples of aging.
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Consider that Ronald Reagan was 69 years old when he became president in 1981, and served as president from 1981-1989.
In a January 14, 2011 report from National Public Radio's Mark Memmott, he was reviewing a book.My Father 100,It was written by the president's son, Ron Reagan.
Memmott's report cites several “blog” reports written by Ron Reagan regarding his father's mental condition.
“Three years into my first term as president, I began to feel anxious for the first time.”
“Watching the first of two debates with 1984 Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale, I began to feel a sickening sense of nightmare come true…. My heart sank as I watched him struggle for answers.”
In 1994, Nancy Reagan told the nation that her husband had dementia.
Old age certainly has its debilitating effects to consider, and at nearly 76 I am beginning to experience some of these when it comes to names and places. My mind is not as clear as it once was.
But the signs of dementia are a little different. Consider these symptoms, as outlined by Blue Cross consumer advisor Bridget Howes:
1. Forgetting important information — Forgetting the names of friends and loved ones
2. Difficulty with simple tasks – Difficulty remembering to pay bills, pick up a spouse or child, or perform normal hygiene procedures
3. Difficulties in familiar places – forgetting the way home, not being able to remember which room is the bedroom or which direction to go
4. Difficulty in new environments — Another common symptom of dementia is a tendency to become disoriented in new environments.
5. Frequently forgetting words — Forgetting words completely is not normal. If you forget simple words, slur your words, or forget important information, you should seek help.
6. Difficulty making decisions – If you have trouble making simple decisions like what to eat or where to go, or if you get frustrated over simple issues, you may have dementia.
Selecting an effective and well-prepared candidate to lead our country requires consideration of many important factors such as those mentioned above.
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The future awaits with anxious anticipation.
Are you also a little anxious?
me too!
Pete Waters lives in Sharpsburg and writes for the Herald-Mail.
This article originally appeared in the Herald-Mail: Power, leadership, ageing and the presidential debates
