American History

This week we traveled to Philadelphia and Washington, DC to tour some of America's history with the kids. We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Rosses House, the foundation of Washington's House, The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights, National Cathedral, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. I was surprised by how moved I was at the National Archives viewing what are referred to as the "Charters of Freedom". It is truly amazing what these men did at the founding of our country and how enduring these charters have been. Most countries around the world would not have survived the uncertainty of the close count in the 2000 presidential election. When Washington passed on the power of the Presidency to Adams at the end of his terms in a peaceful and orderly fashion he set in motion the foundation of one of the many things that makes our country so great.

Sadly, so many people in America today take our freedom for granted. We don't truly appreciate the sacrifices that those before us have made in order to protect and preserve our freeedom. Especially the very freedom of speech that is used from time to time to tear them down or speak ill of our institutions of Congress, the Presidency and the Courts. We aren't perfect but we are free. Very few people of world enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted here in America.

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_zoom_1.html

On the wall of the Korean War Memorial it says, "Freedom is not Free". We should never forget this.

More hope

There was another article in the paper today about more promising progress on Parkinson's through gene therapy. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=74929

I know that they are going to find a cure very soon. I just know it.

Hope

Today my husband sent me an article about the possible use of a blood pressure medication to arrest the progress of Parkinson's Disease. This would be the most amazing thing. The internet is really amazing in the ease with which a person can access information that might be helpful. John has several friends who must have RSS feeds or some other method for keeping up with things about Parkinson's Disease and they periodically send updates about new medicines and things that are being tried that might lead to a cure. I just wonder if we used the internet better for scientists AND the common man/woman if we couldn't find cures faster. People notice things that a doctor or scientist might not normally notice - clues that might lead them down the right path. If there were some sort of Wiki where people could share thoughts and ideas or things that they've noticed. Who knows what it could lead to. I think this idea has promise but I am not really sure how to get it started. If you have any ideas. Please share. In the meantime, I am excited by this new drug prospect. I know that a cure will be found in time to help my husband. I know it.

True North

I just finished reading a great book about leadership - "True North" by Bill George. He is the retired CEO from Medtronic. Each chapter of the book had a section of questions in the back to help guide you in your own journey to becoming and authentic leader. The Chairman of the Board of our company spoke about this book during his speech accepting a lifetime achievement award. He spoke about the leadership vacuum in the world today in both the public and the private sector. This really got me thinking. For most of my career I have been trying to become a better leader with very few real mentors or examples of what a good leader is. I had one good example during my years at Arthur Andersen. That was Alvin Wade. He was honest and approachable, held people accountable and truly cared about his people. Since then I really haven't had a good leader to model or learn from. I have sort of been winging it. In the process though, I think I have become a very good leader. But I am still in the process of learning how to be better. The book had some really thought provoking questions in the appendices. I thought if I tried to tackle some of them on my blog that I might actually do the work that the book intends for the reader to do.

The first question in the appendix is - What leaders, past or present, do you admire most?

I think one would have to be Moses. He struggled so with his leadership. He was reluctant to lead and had no examples to follow. He learned as he went along. He had to repeatedly overcome obstacles but he persevered. He made mistakes but he learned from them.

Mother Teresa would have to be another one. She lead by example with a silent grace and complete selflessness.

Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, Lewis and Clark, and Thomas Jefferson are some American leaders I admire. The first two were faced with very difficult times and very difficult choices. Lewis and Clark had a great deal of courage to tackle the unknown and were creative problem solvers when they encountered issues along the way. Thomas Jeffereson had foresight and was a great thinker and planner. He was always learning, reading, preparing himself and others to lead.

I think Teddy Roosevelt is another example of a leader I admire. He was honest and forthright and not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He also learned from his mistakes and overcame great adversity in his health, his career and his life. He never let defeat get him down.

There are so many but these are the one's that came to mind when I first ask myself this question. Sadly, none in current times come to mind.

Who are the leaders that come to mind for you?