ZetaTalk: Lack of Leadership
Note: written August 26, 2001

The populace has increasingly become aware that changes in the weather patterns, which affect storms and the ability of a country to harvest crops, are not temporary swings but moving in a direction, with no end in sight. The inability of their leaders to do anything other than huddle and discuss global warming corrections has stunned those who naively look to their government or church or international corporate giants for rescue. Can nothing be done? And where will this end? Contradictions such as the reluctance of the US to join the Kyoto Agreement on global warming and chirpy talk of economic recoveries in the face of a worldwide recession have likewise left the populace hollow. Is no one addressing the issues? Is there no intelligent hand at the helm? There are thresholds in the cooperation the populace grants their leaders, who most often are not chosen by the populace but foisted upon them, even in democracies where the leadership is chosen by election.

• When times are good, the populace ignores the leadership, in the main content to let things cook along as they are. The feeling is that the boat should not be rocked, let well enough alone, and let’s see how we can take advantage of the good times to prosper and develop our business interests. Debates among politicians are watched in the same manner as sports, as an entertainment rather than a tense outcome to be agonized over. It hardly matters who is at the helm, as things are going as well as can be expected.

• When economies are faltering, the populace wants action or change, knowing how quickly economic depressions can settle on a country or region like a dark blanket of gloom. Government tinkering with economic dials, such as lowering interest rates or lifting import/export restrictions, has likewise created an expectation that something can be done. If no action is taken, the mood changes from watchful worry to an angry sense that the leadership should be tossed out.

• When intractable disasters occur, such as massive earthquakes or hurricanes or floods, the populace affected is often too busy simply surviving to address leadership issues, but afterwards is left stunned with a pervading sense of abandonment if the expected steps are not taken. Where was the mustering of aid, given in the past during such times? Where is the offer of interest free loans, to rebuild? Why are the insurance companies allowed to stall, endlessly, or change their policies, where in the past this has resulted in government takeovers or the firm hand of the law insuring consistency?

• When the populace has noted that no one seems to be in control, and all leadership is avoiding issues and pretending that obvious problems don’t exist, they begin to emotionally dismiss their leadership. Heads of government are treated like noise in the background - irrelevant. Most importantly, people begin to make their own plans, which do not include meshing with any plans the government may have announced. In this environment, government and church leaders find no amount of pleading or fanfare brings about enthusiasm or attention from the populace, which has tuned them out. It is too late.

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