Thanks for sharing. The governor nailed it. So-called “leaders” who berate subordinates, who shout and publicly chastise folks, are not leaders and will ultimately fail. They are not strong--they are weak and seek to cover their weakness with bluster and bullying.
I am a retired Air Force Major General. I learned from the best and made every effort to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even as I demanded excellence, integrity and accountability. I was not the exception among my peers: I merely reflected the culture we corporately created.
Irv: thank you for your instructive comment.Please share with our group your opinions about continued military aid to both Ukraine and Israel and how Democrats in the House and Senate can achieve a coalition to approve funding? Many thanks.
As you would imagine, most military leaders (past and present) support funding for both Ukraine and Israel. I think, from news reports, that the President and Congressional D’s have a path that will at least get through the Senate. But it will take making some difficult changes to immigration policy/law regarding asylum seekers and other immigration issues. We can be humane and protective of our borders simultaneously. And for this to get through the House, those trade offs will need to be on the table.
Our Constitutional Republic was formed on the basis of difficult compromises--and our governing will be no different as long as the Constitution remains in effect--which I pray will be for many more generations.
I’m afraid that the crazies in the House will not accept any deal but I’m counting on your friend Don Bacon and Ken Buck and Brian Fitzpatrick to do the right thing? The Border Patrol already sorts out those who initially qualify for an evaluation. And look at how young they all are, ready to work low wage jobs, live with relatives, educate their many kids and enrich our society! We need them just as our ancestors were needed by an expanding nation! It is appalling to see the hatred by the Trump idiots all of whose families were immigrants just like these folks, yours and mine!
My point here is that finding some middle road to this issue, which is overwhelming many communities’ ability to manage and care for immigrants, is part of the give and take of our Constitutional system. Practical governing always entails difficult choices. So do elections.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and serving our country with the values that have guided you through your years. I can only hope that our military leaders continue to share these values in the future.
JB is my governor and he’s long impressed me by his intelligence and ability to bring people together. I’m 73 years old and he’s one of many younger Democrats we have waiting to assume power if we can just move generations from mine.
This just brings up my complaint about Democrats saying we HAVE to nominate Biden because he’s the only candidate who’s beaten Trump. (I’ll also say that if Biden is our nominee that of course I’ll work and vote for him. I just wish a Witmer, a Pritzker, almost any (Democratic) member of the J6 Committee, or a lot of others on the state or Congressional level would be encouraged to run.)
We have a wealth of talent out there (whether any one I mentioned wants to run is another story.) that we should consider. It’s getting late now, but I wish we weren’t scared to talk about “younger”.
I believe we have to stay the course with Biden at this time. To me, it is akin to re-electing FDR in the middle of WWII. There are just so many moving parts that are being handled well, after recovery time from the Trump Admin, which decimated important departments, like State.
Mary, I agree with you in theory. Biden has done a good job, but our messaging is so poor that many people don’t know it or thinks it’s fake news. What I’m afraid of is Trump not running. - health, prison, etc - and the Republicans go with a younger man, with more vigor than Biden. The contrast will be jarring.
I have never thought about "the kindest person in the room is often the smartest." I will always attempt to be kind. Whether I am smart or not isn't for me to judge.
It seems to me that the true believer “idiots”, who just give in to their worst impulses, would lose a lot of their influence if it wasn’t for the cold calculated “ends justify the means” folks who use them for their ends causing amplification of their actions.
Can you imagine the kind of country we would have if we elected kind and smart people from the top to the bottom of every ballot from dog catcher to President? Now that would be an Advanced Society I would like to live in.
Best Commencement address EVER! Thank you for giving us such powerful and inspiring words with which to commence our own New Year. I just shared this on my FB page. God bless you, Stephen, and God bless us, every one, in 2024.
I needed this as I woke up and moved into 2024. The evolution of the brain towards kindness is an unusual approach to idiots but we need to find these unevolved people and help them evolve into kindness. Thank you for this fresh look at idiocy.
Wow. I am so grateful for this insight into the character of the Illinois governor, and I suspect that Joe Biden is much the same. I fervently hope that people like this are the ones who rise to lead this country in the future.
Thank you for sharing Gov Pritzker’s extremely insightful comments. Some of the best advice to young people I can remember since Arnold Scwarzenegger’s commencement speech to the University of Houston in 2017. I recommend watching it on youtube. Entertaining and so important, especially given the time and atmosphere.
Kindness is so essential. Truly it is who we are when fear is not in the way.
Even the worshippers of Trump have kindness between each others I am sure. They are just not aware that the person they follow us in it for himself
I feel that either we are at the service to self or at the service to others. Service to others is what makes us truly happy. Being kind makes us truly happy, in the end being kind to others is being kind to ourself, as we unite.
Happy new year Mr. Beschloss thank you for all you do !! Happy new year everyone!! 🌿🌿🌸
After an onslaught of billionaires who thought being successful was enough qualification to run for high office, I didn't expect much from Pritzker - happy to be disappointed!
Excellent article, Steven. I know there are still incredible struggles ahead, but my hope is we all get through this with a new appreciation for our Democracy. I want to thank you for your many articles about our better angels and hope. I read you every day.
“The kindest person in the room is often the smartest”. I’ve found this to be true.
The account of Jesus' life describes a kind and highest evolved person. "Love your enemies; pray for them"… can't get much kinder than that!
Thanks for sharing. The governor nailed it. So-called “leaders” who berate subordinates, who shout and publicly chastise folks, are not leaders and will ultimately fail. They are not strong--they are weak and seek to cover their weakness with bluster and bullying.
I am a retired Air Force Major General. I learned from the best and made every effort to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even as I demanded excellence, integrity and accountability. I was not the exception among my peers: I merely reflected the culture we corporately created.
Irv: thank you for your instructive comment.Please share with our group your opinions about continued military aid to both Ukraine and Israel and how Democrats in the House and Senate can achieve a coalition to approve funding? Many thanks.
As you would imagine, most military leaders (past and present) support funding for both Ukraine and Israel. I think, from news reports, that the President and Congressional D’s have a path that will at least get through the Senate. But it will take making some difficult changes to immigration policy/law regarding asylum seekers and other immigration issues. We can be humane and protective of our borders simultaneously. And for this to get through the House, those trade offs will need to be on the table.
Our Constitutional Republic was formed on the basis of difficult compromises--and our governing will be no different as long as the Constitution remains in effect--which I pray will be for many more generations.
I’m afraid that the crazies in the House will not accept any deal but I’m counting on your friend Don Bacon and Ken Buck and Brian Fitzpatrick to do the right thing? The Border Patrol already sorts out those who initially qualify for an evaluation. And look at how young they all are, ready to work low wage jobs, live with relatives, educate their many kids and enrich our society! We need them just as our ancestors were needed by an expanding nation! It is appalling to see the hatred by the Trump idiots all of whose families were immigrants just like these folks, yours and mine!
My point here is that finding some middle road to this issue, which is overwhelming many communities’ ability to manage and care for immigrants, is part of the give and take of our Constitutional system. Practical governing always entails difficult choices. So do elections.
It looks to me that any concessions regarding immigration are not wanted by Republicans, either.
The only things Republicans want is to forestall any improvement in society and to pay blind homage to Trump. Sad.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and serving our country with the values that have guided you through your years. I can only hope that our military leaders continue to share these values in the future.
JB is my governor and he’s long impressed me by his intelligence and ability to bring people together. I’m 73 years old and he’s one of many younger Democrats we have waiting to assume power if we can just move generations from mine.
This just brings up my complaint about Democrats saying we HAVE to nominate Biden because he’s the only candidate who’s beaten Trump. (I’ll also say that if Biden is our nominee that of course I’ll work and vote for him. I just wish a Witmer, a Pritzker, almost any (Democratic) member of the J6 Committee, or a lot of others on the state or Congressional level would be encouraged to run.)
We have a wealth of talent out there (whether any one I mentioned wants to run is another story.) that we should consider. It’s getting late now, but I wish we weren’t scared to talk about “younger”.
Maybe as VP on the ticket, at least.
I believe we have to stay the course with Biden at this time. To me, it is akin to re-electing FDR in the middle of WWII. There are just so many moving parts that are being handled well, after recovery time from the Trump Admin, which decimated important departments, like State.
Mary, I agree with you in theory. Biden has done a good job, but our messaging is so poor that many people don’t know it or thinks it’s fake news. What I’m afraid of is Trump not running. - health, prison, etc - and the Republicans go with a younger man, with more vigor than Biden. The contrast will be jarring.
At least he should pick a dynamic VP.
I have never thought about "the kindest person in the room is often the smartest." I will always attempt to be kind. Whether I am smart or not isn't for me to judge.
It seems to me that the true believer “idiots”, who just give in to their worst impulses, would lose a lot of their influence if it wasn’t for the cold calculated “ends justify the means” folks who use them for their ends causing amplification of their actions.
Wishing Steve and everyone a Happy New Year.
Can you imagine the kind of country we would have if we elected kind and smart people from the top to the bottom of every ballot from dog catcher to President? Now that would be an Advanced Society I would like to live in.
Grateful for this piece.
So utterly true. Sorry Nick Lowe, it’s not “cruel to be kind.”
Best Commencement address EVER! Thank you for giving us such powerful and inspiring words with which to commence our own New Year. I just shared this on my FB page. God bless you, Stephen, and God bless us, every one, in 2024.
Happy to hear!
I needed this as I woke up and moved into 2024. The evolution of the brain towards kindness is an unusual approach to idiots but we need to find these unevolved people and help them evolve into kindness. Thank you for this fresh look at idiocy.
Wow. I am so grateful for this insight into the character of the Illinois governor, and I suspect that Joe Biden is much the same. I fervently hope that people like this are the ones who rise to lead this country in the future.
Wow. Thank you so much for your continual words of encouragement. May the new year Bless you, Sir!
Thank you for sharing Gov Pritzker’s extremely insightful comments. Some of the best advice to young people I can remember since Arnold Scwarzenegger’s commencement speech to the University of Houston in 2017. I recommend watching it on youtube. Entertaining and so important, especially given the time and atmosphere.
Kindness is so essential. Truly it is who we are when fear is not in the way.
Even the worshippers of Trump have kindness between each others I am sure. They are just not aware that the person they follow us in it for himself
I feel that either we are at the service to self or at the service to others. Service to others is what makes us truly happy. Being kind makes us truly happy, in the end being kind to others is being kind to ourself, as we unite.
Happy new year Mr. Beschloss thank you for all you do !! Happy new year everyone!! 🌿🌿🌸
After an onslaught of billionaires who thought being successful was enough qualification to run for high office, I didn't expect much from Pritzker - happy to be disappointed!
Excellent article, Steven. I know there are still incredible struggles ahead, but my hope is we all get through this with a new appreciation for our Democracy. I want to thank you for your many articles about our better angels and hope. I read you every day.
Have a wonderful, safe and very happy New Year.
Thank you, Donna.
Happy New Year, Steven