Who Is In Charge?

Here in Middle Georgia we have a Talk Radio Show where the common statement concerning far too many issues is something like this: "I used to think that the adults are in Charge."

This is a valid concept that has served our society well in past generations but now appears to be so out of touch that it is no longer expected for adults to act as adults.

As a society we are all overburdened with appearing "Politically Correct" in every word and action we take. As a society we do not have high expectations of the next generation that will assume the mantle of Leadership notwithstanding the fact that they are possibly ill prepared.

As a society we have allowed our Education Infastructure to become the focus of our expenditures. Yes we need buildings, but more important, we need dedicated Teachers and Staff to educate our future citizens. Additionally, we need parents who are invested in raising the next generation to be responsible individuals. Recently we have tasked our religious and educational organizations with raising our Children.

Where are the parents? This is often the question that is asked when young people are involved in tragic events.

Only when adults start acting like adults will we see a turn around in the behavior of our next generations. Admittedly, I have not led a perfect life, but I can certainly say that I have been involved with the development of our future citizens.

In my short span of life on this Planet it has only been recently that I have been informed that there areas in our expectations that are not clearly black or white. There are grey areas. I submit that we have allowed ourselves to be poluted with this type of thinking. It is clear to me that there is a right way to do something/anything or an incorrect way to do something/anything. When we start allowing minor infractions to go by the wayside because everybody is doing it we set ourselves up for failure.

As an U. S. Navy Admiral informed the Chief's Mess on a destroyer that I served in after he inspected the Chief's Mess Galley and found debris under the Reefer, "You get with you inspect, not expect."

I would submit that we are now receiving what we have allowed to happen versus what we desire. Our Society has become so relaxed that anyone can usually accomplish their own self centered goals without being challenged by their peers and the adults around them.

It is certainly time for us all to expect "Leadership" from all Adults. Leadership involves doing what is correct and also being able to do what one expects from others. In this regard the term "Servant Leadership" is very germane. A true Leader is a public servant for the good of the people.

We can all quickly point out these leaders, but we can also quickly identify those leaders who are in their roles for the sole purpose of feeding their own egos or improving their personal situation as regards power, finance or influence.

So, the question remains: "Where are the Adults?"