November 1, 2007 Issue

It is reasonable to assume that personality traits of a country’s leaders are a reflection of that country’s people. In the case of the United States, that is not good. If there is one word aptly describing the tone of leadership in our country it is arrogant.

Last week, President Bush said that it is “unacceptable” for Cuba’s leadership to transfer power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raoul. Does anyone think that Cubans give a rat’s ass as to what President Bush considers unacceptable?

We have imposed economic sanctions on Cuba for 50 years and unlike every other country in the world; we have forbidden our citizens to travel there. We are about to impose sanctions on Iran because of their nuclear aspirations. That should do the trick.

Since we are in the process of attempting to force our unique brand of democracy on countries throughout the world, why aren’t we more forceful in getting our good friends the Saudi Arabians to adopt our form of government? Saudis are ruled by sheiks and shahs and kings. Since all but one of the 9/11 attackers were from Saudi Arabia, maybe we should put some pressure on them.

But other countries loom as bigger threats to the United States. North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and God knows what other heathen enemies exist in President Bush’s axis of evildoers.

Most Americans don’t have time to be concerned with Iran. Our people are more worried about problems such as keeping their house from foreclosure, making sure their family can afford to pay the doctor, buying gasoline, and securing an education for their children.

Even the violence in Iraq is a distant problem for many Americans. Living safely in their own neighborhoods, walking down the streets of their own cities, and keeping their children safe in their own homes are more pressing concerns.

Our arrogant leaders answer to no one. The entire world (including Iraq) considers our involvement in the Middle East as “unacceptable.” A huge majority of people in our own country are embarrassed by our occupation of Iraq. And so our leaders now prepare for a showdown with Iran.

There is an old adage that goes: “People who live in glass houses should not … bomb innocent people, or condone torture, or lie and mislead others, or waste taxpayer dollars on the destruction of other countries.” Arrogance allows our leaders to do just that.

A personality trait that is generally admired is that of practicing humility. Humble people are not leading us. They don’t do humble well. And they refuse to be humbled.

Our country has the potential, and the history, of being a generous people. Americans have shown bravery and compassion, determination, and understanding. We have taken care of people who need help and we have fought injustice.

Yet through arrogance and hubris, we have squandered our role in world leadership. We are no longer viewed as a proponent of peaceful co-existence; we are seen as a threat to a stable planet.

We export more than manufacturing, jobs, and productivity. These days we also export a belligerent, arrogant attitude and a narrow view of what is permissible and acceptable in this world.

For a country only 231 years old – this is not acceptable.

More from Charles Morgan