Far From the Madding Crowd and other Pithy Comments

As a Chicagoan I have the distinct displeasure of living in a state that is undergoing significant political turmoil, and yet the surreal events surrounding our governor hold a certain fascination. While his impeachment trial begins in Springfield, he appears on national talk shows telling us all that he almost appointed Oprah to the Senate. It didn't take long for various on-line polls to ask whether we think Oprah should have been appointed to the Senate. This, in addition to hourly polls of the Illinois Governor's approval rating, the President's approval rating, our opinions of the dresses chosen by the First Lady, and the type of dog the First Family should choose.

Never have so many differing opinions about so many issues had so little relevance. Our children are growing up in a society that feels a right to comment on everything instantaneously with no time for reflection nor concern for the consequences of voicing such opinions. We need to proactively teach our children that not every issue is subject to a public opinion poll or a majority vote. There are certain matters on which the correct choice is not the popular choice. There are certain matters that should be left to experts to decide. I do not want an Internet vote on whether I should have surgery and I do not want the President to take a public opinion poll on every issue before him.

As Winston Churchill so aptly stated "I hear it said that leaders should keep their ears to the ground. All I can say is that the British nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are detected in that somewhat ungainly posture." In contrast there is the story of the French revolutionary who jumped up and cried "There goes the mob. I am their leader. I must follow them."

Os Guinness, in his book "The Call," states that our decisions, opinions and actions, including our decisions on our life's work and calling, should have an Audience of One - the One being the God of the Universe. We need to teach our children what is right and true and then help them to base their decisions on those principles, rather than the fickle movement of the crowd.

Such a concept needs to be proactively taught to our children in these times because it is counter to technology and culture, which are powerful allies.

So what do you think of this concept? Please email me back with your votes and I will post the results on line .............