The Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace."
These qualities and all the human virtues are the finest fruits of the human spirit. Seems to me that cooperation is something that is sorely needed for humanity to face and solve the many issues facing it.
Though I live in Canada, like many in the world, I was excited when Barack Obama was elected President. As a dual citizen, 2008 was the first time I cast my ballot in the country I was born in.
As I blogged at the time:
My opinion hasn’t changed. That message of hope and change still resonates, but a stint as a local government councillor has wiped out any naivete about change happening without cooperation -- and I’ve been surprised to discover how incredibly slow change can be.
How does that relate to the President?
Seldom has a leader taking on the mantle of power encountered greater challenges than faced Mr. Obama in 2008. Sadly, the President’s preference for bi-partisan solutions was thwarted at most every turn, by the Senate and the US Congress -- making many of his campaign promises unfulfillable.
As I blogged at the time:
I don’t think Barack Obama is some kind of magician, but I am optimistic that he just might possess a particular combination of intellect, humility, wisdom, grace and real leadership that is needed by the world right now, needed to begin the long and challenging job of building bridges instead of walls. Of building unity, instead of creating more division. Not unity of thought or religion or even politics or creed, but a unity of spirit that respects differing opinions, while upholding the rights of all people to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
My opinion hasn’t changed. That message of hope and change still resonates, but a stint as a local government councillor has wiped out any naivete about change happening without cooperation -- and I’ve been surprised to discover how incredibly slow change can be.
How does that relate to the President?
Seldom has a leader taking on the mantle of power encountered greater challenges than faced Mr. Obama in 2008. Sadly, the President’s preference for bi-partisan solutions was thwarted at most every turn, by the Senate and the US Congress -- making many of his campaign promises unfulfillable.
Incredibly, in spite of fierce opposition, racism, and vehement hatred towards him, he accomplished a lot.
Four years later, many of the challenges are still very real:
- A slow and uncertain global recovery from the economic meltdown Obama inherited;
- The growing climate change crisis -- so horribly and aptly demonstrated by Hurricane Sandy;
- The inequities worldwide in incomes and basic human rights;
- The many wars raging across the planet, and
- The despair and hopelessness of many of its inhabitants.
I believe the US election this November 6th is critical in a way that it has not been for many decades. Maybe never before. Thankfully -- both of the men standing for President of the United States speak about being committed to working across the floor -- to work cooperatively with 'the other side'. I look forward to the day when the world over, people and their governments come to consensus on the truth -- we are all in this together and working together is the only way to solve the issues humanity and the planet face.
- A slow and uncertain global recovery from the economic meltdown Obama inherited;
- The growing climate change crisis -- so horribly and aptly demonstrated by Hurricane Sandy;
- The inequities worldwide in incomes and basic human rights;
- The many wars raging across the planet, and
- The despair and hopelessness of many of its inhabitants.
I believe the US election this November 6th is critical in a way that it has not been for many decades. Maybe never before. Thankfully -- both of the men standing for President of the United States speak about being committed to working across the floor -- to work cooperatively with 'the other side'. I look forward to the day when the world over, people and their governments come to consensus on the truth -- we are all in this together and working together is the only way to solve the issues humanity and the planet face.
The United States of America has made some advances in the last four years. President Obama can be proud of the difference he has made. I scratch my head at much of the campaign rhetoric -- particularly accusing the President of not getting the job done.
As Mitt Rommney recently said about the response to the crisis caused by Hurricane Sandy, “You won’t be able to solve all the problems, but you make the difference you can.”
In my opinion, President Obama can be proud of the difference he has made. It is my hope that should he succeed on November 6th the spirit of cooperation which is so much a part of his leadership style flourishes in Washington.
In my opinion, President Obama can be proud of the difference he has made. It is my hope that should he succeed on November 6th the spirit of cooperation which is so much a part of his leadership style flourishes in Washington.
That kind of non-partisan leadership model is one of the things the world needs now. As my province gets closer to a spring election, I wish our leaders of every political stripe would take a stand for cooperation and begin to work together for the good of all.
Namaste
~ Kate
Cooperation is working together for the good of all. It is the willingness to stand side by side and use the different gifts each of us has to offer. We seek common goals in service of a unified vision. We blend our abilities to create something out of none of us could achieve alone. Conflict and contention drain us. Cooperation can fuel our dreams. With cooperation, we help one another to share the load. We willingly do tasks that others ask of us. We look for ways to be helpful and ask for help when we need it. We do not isolate or harbor our loneliness. Together we accomplish greater things.
Linda Kavelin Popov
The Practice of Cooperation
I invite partnership.
I trust the power of unity.
I offer my help and ideas freely.
I have the humility not to do it all myself.
I know I don't have to be alone.
I work with enthusiasm for a common goal.
I am thankful for the gift of Cooperation. It brings me into community.
Reflection Questions
Where in my life could I invite more partnership?
Who could use my cooperation?
What can I offer to help improve my community?
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