We desperately need another Nelson Mandela

This blog may seem rambling, because it is.  My belief is that everything is connected.  Unfortunately the weaknesses of mankind has a strangling influence.  Some of those in power cling to it with little regard to long term consequences.  Power has been centralized.  The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  If something is not done (and soon) mankind seems destined for disaster.

Power is like a magnet for some individuals.  They visualize what they can accomplish with it.  Bigger house, nicer car, better clothes, more sexual choice.  Some enjoy obedience from everyone, even creating the fear of disobeying a whim.  Others fancy getting important things done ranging from lowering taxes to reducing crime to purifying the air.   Being important is a goal in itself.  Being above the law is intoxicating.  Controlling others allows one to indulge in fantasies.  To get power it is necessary to take advantage of prejudice and ignorance   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

The Epstein Files, such as we know them, reveal that the very rich can indulge in sexual fantasies.  For some that means having sex with younger females or inflicting pain.  One man seems willing to use hurtful diversions to maintain his innocence.

Nelson Mandela, after suffering unfair imprisonment was so courageous and principled that he was eventually given power.  He was admired by enough people that he gained even more power.  He could easily have sought revenge or sought to enjoy all sorts of luxuries that he had been denied until he was almost too old to enjoy them.   He wanted the white South Africans to stay and developed the concept of truth and reconciliation and attracting the World Rugby Championship.  After his death I wrote a blog about Nelson Mandela.http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela.html    A decade later I realized it took two men to change South Africa.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/we-need-another-nelson-mandela-and-fw.html

 There are still a lot of capable individuals who are honest and caring.  Unfortunately most of them lack sufficient power.  The people below are some examples of leaders who have demonstrated leadership.

Barrack Obama used Abraham Lincoln as a sort of model.  Both men prefer a team of advisors that would challenge them.  Doris Kearns Goodwin noted that Abraham Lincoln deliberately developed a team of rivals.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/team-of-rivals-has-lessons-for-today.html

It was pretty nervy for Pete Buttigieg, a small town mayor who was openly gay to run in a presidential leadership contest.  Somehow he proved to be well tempered, remaining calm while using logic to determine root causes and options.  He strikes me as a logical choice to make decisions on a global scale, but is handicapped by prejudice and ignorance.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a comic actor whose politics was expressed in satire, struck a nerve.  His election surprised many, even more so when Russians invaded he did not flee.  He displayed courage and organizing.  His first language is Russian and at some point he may be able to demonstrate forgiveness.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/servant-of-people-final-episodes.html

A woman who crossed my path is Chrystia Freeland.  She has a long run view and understands the lure of power.  She played second fiddle to the Prime Minister and made a bold move that forced him out. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/01/plutocrats-by-chrystia-freeland.html

Yuval Noah Harari  has caught my attention for his understanding of human nature, where we came from and where we are headed.  He explains AI.  Does not subscribe to the idea of Jews being God's chosen people.  He is also openly gay and lives in Israel which may be a bonus, or a deterrent. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/nexus.html

Mark Carney has recently come to global recognition.  Handling Trump is a real test, but Carney has done a fair balancing act.  He has drawn a few lines and diversified trade and defense

Of course others could have been mentioned, and there is no perfect choice.  Is the final decision maker the only leader?  Part of Trump's downfall will be attributed to his choice of advisors selected for loyalty, not expertise or level headedness.  That should have been a clue before the election.

In pre history leaders were chosen informally by followers recognizing competence first hand.    Expertise was acknowledged and different group members would lead different tasks.  Then we got civilized.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/07/selected.html

Since recorded history we have endured many monarchs or dictators and have developed concepts of democracy, but in general powerful people were able to use money, connections and sophistication to manipulate.  As my regular readers know I advocate proportional representation, but even that only works with educated voters (but PR generally is more conducive to education).   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/your-vote-neednt-be-wasted.html

There have been many dominant powers, but they all eventually are diminished. Fareed Zakaria refers to the British Empire whose power was global didn't collapse from outside attack, but did get spread too thin to manage.

At some future date it seems possible that mankind could galvanize over climate change.  At the moment it seems not enough powerful people are suffering, but it seems likely the suffering will steadily increase. The Iran war is steering more nations and people to seek alternatives to fossil fuel.  We are still headed for climate disaster, but sufficient people do not yet realize that.

To survive the world needs more long term thinking and more respect for science.  And above all we need to co-operate for everyone's best interest.  Hate hurts everyone and has all too often been used as a tool to benefit a small number of people.

Nelson Mandela presented what we need.  A collaborator with a vision.

Thank you Fabrice for getting me on this track.