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Lustberg Commentary #113
June 9, 2010
"Wanted: Leader"
The situation in the gulf is a
magnification of a bleeding artery with no tourniquet in sight. Since
you don't need me to dwell on the catastrophe, here are some
observations on presidential crisis communication.
Thinkers are good. Doers are better. Both together is best.
Substance is good. Style is better. Both together is best.
Obama was called "a great orator" and " a great
communicator" since he became a national public figure. I've
constantly been critical of his speaking style except when he speaks
from the heart. When he's done that, he truly has been a great
communicator. We don't need or want him to break down in tears
speaking about the enormity of the crisis, but we do want to know that
he's thought about what it would be like to have had Sascha and Melia
on that platform when it went crashing into the water. We want
to know he understands and will help the multitudes who've lost their
livelihood. We want to be assured that all the horrendous photos of
those once-beautiful, graceful pelicans, now unrecognizable, will
force action instead of words and that the fish and wildlife will be
cared for and their habitat restored.
Many of the people we've seen interviewed or testifying before
congress have been far more emotionally involved than the President.
My favorite Chinese Proverb comes to mind again: Tell me and I'll
forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I'll understand.
We need the President to become Commander-in-Chief, appointing someone
of the stature of McChrystal and Petraeus - not Brownie, thank you -
to become commander of the forces in the war on oil; to TELL the folks
at BP, not ASK them what to do next. Give that person the power of the
government to draft the necessary talent to plan and EXECUTE the war.
That's what will give Obama the credibility lacking so far.
Those who still hold him "holy" don't see a need for change.
Those who truly dislike him are almost gleeful over the spill and his
apparent lack of management skills.
So far, to the naked eye the situation resembles the college professor
who's in charge of putting down a student rebellion without police
participation. Only this is a lot worse.
Mr. President: INVOLVE ME AND I'LL UNDERSTAND.
(As
usual, your comments are welcomed and encouraged.)
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Arch Lustberg
Communications, Inc.
1806 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA
22202
Phone: (703) 979-4150, Fax: (703) 979-4160
lustberg@erols.com
Copyright ©
2010 Arch
Lustberg
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