(Dateline: Wash. D.C.; September 9, 2009) Traveled to our Nation's capital to take the pulse of an aroused citizenry on this solemn 911 anniversary. Day One: Focus on two executive branch officials most responsible for nation's safety - the President and DHS Secretary. Both individuals gave speeches to national audiences to which I gained free access.
President Obama's soaring rhetoric and eloquence on health care bills reminds us that he possesses that rare charisma and oratorical skill so vital to inspirational leadership.
In contrast, Secretary Napolitano's oratory is so barren that one must ask, when she "leads", does anyone, anytime follow? Two examples - Speaking at the ground breaking of the new 2.6 billion dollar DHS Hq. complex, the Secretary told the nation that this office campus will facilitate "intra-departmental communications", and she assured taxpayers that "many more meetings" will be held soon. I feel safer already, don't you?
In a follow-up press conference, the Secretary elaborated on these benefits to national security: "Q. Knowing what you know, do you think [the public] would have a different view of preparedness." A. Oh, yes, perhaps. But on the other hand..." (Wash. Post A21; 9/10/09).
This dichotomy in leadership abilities is not only inexplicable, it is dangerous, perhaps. Why?
The Secretary supervises the US Coast Guard and knew of (or didn't know of) its fake live fire pursuit boat drill adjacent to the Pentagon on the morning of 911, as the President was crossing the Potomac River by limo returning from the Pentagon at the exact same time. Brilliant!
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