The other day I went to a temple for the first time in awhile. Afterwards, while speaking to a friend, he asked was I considering converting? I actually hadn't thought about it, but told him I will have to think about that. He quickly snapped back...there goes your bid for president!
Well, we laughed, then I started to ponder why could that stop someone? Then I had to put my political hat on. If Muslims are just violent animals to the xenophobic, ignorant part of the country; what would the typecast be for a Buddhist candidate?
Too passive, not strong enough to take on the challenges, not Christian, or "they are just like Muslims? You know, a religion that we don't understand or are willing to embrace. Remember folks, we are Americans. We are jaded, cynical, lacking nuance, or just downright gullible.
I came across some leadership traits and skills online that to me, truly makes a good point about the consideration for a Buddhist president:
http://www.leadership501.com/five-most-important-leadership-traits/27/
The five leadership traits/leadership qualities are:
1.Honest
2.Forward-Looking
3.Competent
4.Inspiring
5.Intelligent
http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/LeadQual.html
Dimensions of Sustaining Leadership
•Partnership and voice
•Vision and values
•Knowledge and daring
•Savvy and persistence
•Personal qualities (passion, humor, and empathy strength of character, general maturity, patience, wisdom, common sense, trustworthiness, reliability, creativity, sensitivity)
http://management.about.com/cs/generalmanagement/a/FJR_2.htm
Knows what he wants to do.
Tells people what to do, not how to do it.
Does his homework.
Leads by example.
Demand excellence, not perfection.
He takes care of his people.
Humble
Character
I even found a book that I must read:
http://americaneedsabuddhistpresident.com/americaneedsabuddhistpresident.htm
So I ask you...is America ready for a leader with those traits? Is America ready for something different?
Could a Buddhist be America's Commander-in-Chief?
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