Crisis Management

In life we learn a lot about a person when we see how they function in a crisis.

It has been said that in time of crisis, a leader will arise. George Washington is a good example, there are many more throughout our history.

In the current disaster relating to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico the lack of leadership demonstrated by our current President is appalling.

Did he cause the disaster? Certainly not.

Has he been able to assemble the necessary team to fix the problem? Not that we can discern.

It's said that Obama can give a great speech. There is a difference between a speech and talking. I would say that he is good at talking - John F. Kennedy could give a great speech. Both, I would suggest, were not accomplished at crisis management; though certainly Kennedy could be pointed out as doing somewhat a creditable job in the Cuban missile crisis. Obama has yet to reach the level of a good manager.

It all depends on who one surrounds themselves with. A good leader surrounds himself with the best and most competent in all fields - a small person usually brings in "yes" men and "boot lickers".

It can be said that Bobby Jindal, Louisiana's governor, has been trying. Has been coordinating and has shown leadership skills in this time of crisis. He showed it again during the hurricanes striking Louisiana in the past.

Confusion and inefficiency rein in the Gulf. Obama has failed thus far on his watch. The polls indicate the general public believe this to be so as well.

Will we survive this crisis? Probably so. But, not with the leadership that is so lacking today in Washington.

A crisis is not something anyone wants, looks for, or relishes.

But, in the time of a crisis it certainly separates the "men from the boys", and shows the true mettle of the individual - and proves who is a leader, and who is not.

America is waiting for its leader to arise - it hasn't happened yet.