Tao Te Ching—on war and leadership -How does this fit in with our current attitudes towards war and leadership, i.e, the Presidency?
“When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised (p.156 Novak).” As of November 1st of this year, President George Bush's approval rating has fallen to 33%, with 64% in the disapproval category. It is needless to say that I address this comparison with a moderate liberal bias. But here my bias isn't a response to crimes against the democratic party, but crimes against the American people, and crimes against humanity.
It is clear from the President's approval ratings that I am not alone in my skepticism of his ability to be an effective leader. We are after all, certainly made aware of his existence. The repercussions of his decisions are evident everywhere; whether at the gas pumps, at a going away party for friends being deployed to Iraq, watching your grandmothers take her shoes off to be searched at the airport, or on the way to a painful doctor's visit that you know you can't afford. Once again, the approval ratings make it clear that our President is a little far off from loved. Feared? Perhaps- but feared I think, in a more skeptical manner, in a manner of which his competence is put into question. As for despised? I can't say, but I presume he may be lucky enough to escape office in just enough time to avoid the complete detest of the American people.
I am not a fan of George Bush, this is evident. But in fair representation, I do not blame him for every problem resting on America's shoulders. This is not a dictatorship, it is a democracy- and the burdens of America are ours to create, ours to endure, and ours to overcome as a whole.
There is an acronym that we will never forget in thanks to Bush's presidency- WMA's. Many seem to be doubtful of their existence, as far as the proclaimed location is concerned. However, our war on WMA's is fought with weapons just the same, whether they be weapons of mass or minuscule destruction- they are destructive nonetheless. Chapter 31 of the Tao reads, “Weapons are tools of violence; all decent men detest them. Weapons are tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them except in the direst necessity.”In Hindu reference, this is the same conundrum Arjuna faced. Krishna with reason, viewed the war as a means to an end, to eliminate the potential spread of evil of the sons of Dhritarashtra. Unfortunately, I would be strongly hesitant to compare George Bush to the virtuous nature of Arjuna. Judging not only by his actions, but by his explanations of them, I am skeptical of his reluctance to commit the atrocities that war inevitable spawns.
War I think, must be viewed rationally by the same context today- as a potential for the sake of the 'greater good'. I do believe that it is difficult at this time to analyze whether American military action in Iraq can be justified by the argument of the greater good. I have heard various arguments. Perhaps the removal of dictator Saddam Hussein has potentially saved a great deal of Iraqi lives. Or perhaps his removal has caused even greater civil unrest, and merely American vindication. It is hard to judge, and the truths of the moment cannot be revealed until the smoke clears.
“Let go of fixed plans and concepts and the world will govern itself (P. 158 Novak).” I can say for certain that President Bush's adamant desire to “stay the course” has been solely in vain. Is the course really working effectively? Why is it that 64% of people do not want to “stay the course”? I am curious as to how many elements of stubbornness self righteousness and pride are really playing a role in this decision. George Bush's plan to 'stay the course' is to continue to actively impose order on what he presumes to be chaos. His methods of doing this, though he may strive to do so in the most peaceful way possible are inevitably futile, as warfare essentially is. Has George Bush really let go of the Law, Economics, and religion?
“When his work is done, the people say, “Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!(p.156 Novak)” The fact that few of the American people actually wish to claim this work, is not a promising sign.
1 comment:
Good for people to know.
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