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In an Electoral Year, Hope is NOT a Strategy!
¡Hola a todos en PeopleJam!
I just returned from a speaking engagement in Barcelona, Spain, where I had the opportunity to share my meaning-centered message with senior corporate and government leaders. In addition, I conducted twelve interviews--from one hour to three hours in length each--with a variety of print and electronic media, including Radio Exterior de España, the international outreach arm of Radio Nacional de España (Spain's national public radio station) that broadcasts to a worldwide Spanish and Spanish-speaking listening audience.
What I found especially interesting about my experience in Spain was the intense interest in the Presidential election in the USA. I was asked over and over again who I thought would be elected in November, and the media were almost "obsessed" with my perspective on each of the candidates. Granted, I've worked closely with several Presential administrations in my life (Carter, Reagan, and Clinton) and have been a full-time professor of public policy and management, so fielding such questions came naturally to me. And, to be sure, the view of the electoral process from outside of the USA was refreshing; most of the people with whom I came into contact had a more sophisticated take on "our" political process than most Americans and, significantly, appeared more concerned about substance than they did about appearances.
Moreover, the word, "change," in my experience was a given, a threshold criterion, for any new administration. What mattered most to these "outside observers" was change "for what" and "to what." They were not concerned about whether a candidate smiled or not, whether or not s/he was endorsed by Hollywood celebrities and the like, what political party he or she "represented," and/or whether or not the candidate could play a musical instrument. No, these were not major issues of concern; at least they were not expressed as such. On the contrary, these participant observers of the global politic were primarily concerned about the future direction of the USA--within both a national and a global (i.e., interdependent) context--as well as whether or not the newly-elected President would really be able to "practice what he or she preaches" on the campaign trail when in the White House. Indeed, many of these folks actually wish that they would be able to cast their vote for our President because they don't trust the "will"of the American people! In this regard, they are concerned that Americans are, once again, being blinded by appearances over substance--simply moving the pendulum from blinded fear to blinded hope.
But hope, my friends, is not a strategy, no matter how well intended. And good intentions are not enough! I ask everyone, now that so many postings on PeopleJam seem to have moved into the arena of politics, to become what we call in Political Science, an "attentive public" and a truly informed citizenry. Please probe for answers to questions of policy and ethical substance, rather than be swayed by rhetoric, no matter how eloquently delivered, or political marketing sizzle. Always ask yourself, "Where's the beef?" even if you happen to be a vegetarian! Don't be fooled by smiles or impassioned speeches. Both our country and the world depend on our, both individually and collectively, "authentic commitment to meaningful values and goals" (that is, our will to meaning) during such uncertain and turbulent times.
Saludos,
Alex
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You're right hope is not a strategy...and the Obama's have said that it takes more than hope to make any fundamental change. I've watched nearly every speech that Mr. Obama has made since deciding to run and yes, he cautions against blind hope while underlining that hard work and practical policies are part of the equation. Personally, I'd rather be blinded by the possibility of hope than be blinded by the lies of corporate politics.
Hi Amanda,
Let me guess: you are a John McCain supporter?!
Seriously, thanks for your reply. Again, let me caution everyone that the "possibility of hope" can be a dangerous thing. Adolf Hitler was both a charismatic speaker and offered the German people "hope" for a positive future. Hence, I wish that everyone, like you, watched every speech that Mr. Obama AND all of the other candidates delivered before making their final choice. Let's also not be "prisoners of our thoughts" or hold others "prisoners in our thoughts." Thanks again for sharing your opinion. I learned many years ago that if you don't express your opinion, you might as well not have one!
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com
Hey Dr. Alex- Yes, people should be informed before taking strong postions. I've stayed up till the wee hours of the morning watching hours of Obama speeches and reading his life history. With all the research I've done, I'm practically an Obama expert. Before doing this research, I didn't know who I wanted to vote for. After the research, there was no other candidate to choose from besides Ron Paul. Also, the parallel you make between Obama's cries for hope and Hitler's call to genocide is a weak one to say the least. I still like you though, but you're pushin' it:)
Wow! Is it possible that I'm communicating with the real "Obama Girl?!" :) Please recognize that I do intend to keep "pushin it"; because the future of our country and the world is at stake. In effect, the American people get what they deserve, whether or not they do their "due diligence." My intent is to encourage people to do their homework before they vote. And to make sure that their homework is as rigorous and as "fair and balanced" (yes, it sounds like Fox News!) as possible. Just like in the marketing and selling of consumer products, our political process has raised the bar when it comes to the "selling of the President." And all I am saying is, "let the buyer beware!" And, by the way, I still like you too! :)
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com
Couldn't agree more. Due dilligence is only as sharp as the person doing the homework. . . I'm sure there are lots of folks who believed they did their homework on Dubya and now look where we are. Examine a variety of sources, for and against, and then make the best decision possible. . . Oh yeah, and there's a HUGE difference between FACTS and FEELINGS. Many individuals confuse the two. . . TJP
I agree hope is not enough, but I do believe it is a component to consider.
I also believe our President must be eloquent enough to share a grand vision for our nation and our world, and possess a language that exhibits a commitment to evolve that vision.
To select a great President from the candidates, we must move beyond the hyperbole, half-truths and 24/7 media hype and begin to look at the content of their character.
There is rhetoric from all sides. Sadly, the pundits tend to reward the most memorable one liner regardless of truth. Fortunately, we also live in a time when there is a plethora of information at our disposal. We can choose to be an educated consumer of political information!
Thank you for opening up the conversation.
Nicolette Pizzitola | Compass Point Associates, LLC | www.compasspointassociates.org | revolutionme.com
Hi Nicolette,
Thank YOU for sharing your perspective on this important issue. Choosing to be "an educated consumer of political information?" What an intriguing concept! I sincerely hope that the members of the PeopleJam community are willing and able to lead the way and show others how to move this concept, which is a foundation of true democracy, to action.
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com
Dr. Pattakos,
My mantra is 'Create the community you want to be a part of...' and I think PeopleJammers are up to the task! I have a feeling we'll be hearing more on this topic!
~N
Nicolette Pizzitola | Compass Point Associates, LLC | www.compasspointassociates.org | revolutionme.com
Hi Nicolette,
Very nice mantra! I also suspect that PeopleJammers are up to the task too! So, come on everybody, let's hear from you on this topic!
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts:
Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work
Email: alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com
Web: www.prisonersofourthoughts.com