Running the point (i.e. leadership) in the high stakes game of social and political discourse carries an element of risk.  Changing the status quo has significant financial implications.  Those who stand to lose do not sit by idly as the opposition begins visibly building consensus.  They seek to eliminate anyone and anything deemed to be a threat to their power and control.  No one is more vulnerable than the leader.

This same scenario is played out all over corporate America everyday.  I once pierced the cloud cover and gained a seat at the table. I saw greed and self interest had the upper hand.  In many instances, doing what was just and right only occurred when such action also benefited the financial goals of the company.  Callous leaders often made decisions detrimental to the long term health of the organization in the name of short term personal gain.  Others acquiesced. In order to maintain their stature and protect their future they chose the path of least resistance.   The idealists who valued people over profit were few and far between. The greedy identified them as enemies of the state and sought to marginalize and eliminate them at every turn.  I was an idealist. I was eliminated.

Materialism is seductive.  Once we acquire the trappings of success, we are often unwilling to risk losing what we’ve worked so hard to obtain.  It’s not until the fight reaches our front door, that we are willing to take up arms and defend ourselves. Even if we are willing to take a risk, we must also consider the impact upon our family and loved ones whose lives will be impacted by our decisions.  This was a hard life lesson I had to learn when I got bounced from the boardroom.

The corporate landscape and the political landscape appear to be one and the same.  The MIC, big business and big government have exercised a creeping control over our lives. Visualizing where this is all headed is the easy part.  Mounting a successful counter attack is a real challenge.  As I said, those who have the most to lose will not go quietly.

I applaud the change agents who have the courage to step out in front and lead.  They are my heroes; because they are willing to risk everything for what is right.  I salute the writers (Dennis Loo, Judy Mandelbaum, Scanner, VZN, Jack Heart, Soap Box Amy, David Cox, Kind of Blue, Ron P01, Zen Haitain, Bill Beck, Rick Lucke) who continually shine a light on injustice and challenge our collective complacency.  You are the signposts in the wilderness, serving as constant reminders that all is not right with the world.

As a humanist, and a pacifist, I struggle with what we’ve become.  Although I choose not to lead, I stand strongly in support of those whose ultimate goal is the common good of all who inhabit this planet.  I won’t be the person standing on the soap box with the megaphone in my hand.  I will be the face in the crowd with my fist in the air, urging solidarity toward a righteous cause.