I have taken time to watch some of the West Wing TV series marathon. Although the presentation is somewhat to the political left, its timing appears to a make a point of reminding us that “normal” leadership coming from the President and the White House is here again.
Among the more significant issues portrayed in the television series is the number of negotiations that go with the day to day governing of the country. It truly can be said that the image of making sausage can go a long way in describing the politics that goes into finding policy solutions that, many times, are only temporary.
What is consistent is a notion of leadership that goes a long way in managing situations and knowing when and how to take advantage of opportunities offered by the course of events. But the price of that leadership takes a toll on those that dare to forge ahead in uncharted waters for people that depend on them to define their future.
I remember one of the sad understandings on the part of many Chicanos in the streets was that they represented the shock troops that opened the way for others to gain more significant leadership status and recognition. Their own contributions were many times acknowledged only by those that work and collaborated with them because they “knew” who had been responsible for what.
So, it is true that the number of Chicano leaders that projected high profile images in the media were dwarfed by the much greater number of activists and others that labored in the trenches every day. These local activist leaders worked with little notice to resolve sometimes centuries old grievances about issues still afflicted the community.
All paid a heavy price for that commitment including not being politically acceptable to the majority, losing their health, losing their family or even their very lives. They were willing to pay that price because it helped to make the Latino community a valued partner in constructing an America that could be a genuine home for all.
The need for that kind of leadership continues, despite the fact that both the stakes and the dangers of exposure to a radically new environment, lurks at every step. Much of this threat comes from the fact that we are a nation in transition from what was to what will be.
The divisions created by that transition are exacerbated by significant advancements in technology and social media. In this environment, almost everyone can promote divisive ideas, publish them and succeed in being heard.
However, it is time for our new majority generation of Americans to step forward and free themselves of the “protections” offered to them by their parents. It is from within their ranks that new leaders will come and make a difference in managing the complex issues of an increas- ingly diverse society.
That generation is defined as very smart, thinks differently about the world around it and likes to act quickly. It is also a generation that is living in the middle of our national transition and sees first-hand the acute shortcomings of a nation divided by the stresses of political change and a nation that requires a measure of unity to move forward.
That unity comes with leadership, and that comes at a high price composed of dangers of exposures to social, economic and political hazards and sacrifices that can make anyone hesitate about taking the lead. Yet, that call must be answered, and new guidance offered for our country’s future.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of La Voz Bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
