courageous leadership

Yesterday we witnessed something impressive… something courageous… something both humble and bold… something, too, we might miss if we’re too busy adjusting our partisan hats.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley held a press conference calling on the Confederate flag to be removed from the state capitol. She said: “Today, we are in here in a moment of unity in our state, without ill will, to say it is time to move the flag from capitol grounds.”  Cheers erupted immediately.

For many, the flag is a proud symbol of heritage and respect. For many others, it is a painful reminder of oppression.

That pain was especially evident as we watched the evil unfold in Charleston last week. As stated by Gov. Haley: “We are not going to allow this symbol to divide us any longer. The fact that it causes pain to so many is enough to move it from the Capitol grounds.”

Haley led her state in the following ways yesterday:

• She solicited the insight and input of both parties.
• She listened to other people; she listened to her constituents, other civil, social, and religious leaders, and to the elect.
• She allowed others to sway her opinion and was willing to change her mind.
• She seemingly empathized deeply with both the black and the white.
• She minced no words in calling evil, “evil.”
• She did not shy from controversy.
• She made and articulated an unambiguous decision.
• She showed respect for those who may disagree.
• She refrained from chastising anyone.
• She put no focus on herself.

She also added: “In just the last few months, the nation watched our state go through another time of crisis when we dealt with the betrayal of one of our own in the tragic shooting of Walter Scott. South Carolina did not respond with rioting and violence like other places have. We responded by talking to each other, by putting ourselves in other people’s shoes, and by finding common ground in the name of moving our state forward.” [emphasis mine]

In other words, amidst a diverse people group, South Carolina has found a wiser, more productive, solution-oriented path of progress.

Then as Haley addressed this volatile, controversial issue, she added arguably her boldest truth yet in her call to remove the flag:

“We do not need to declare a winner and a loser here.”

Read that again. There is no need for a “winner” or “loser.” That is courageous, selfless leadership. It is bold. How many of our elect or elect-wanna-be’s choose such a unifying approach? … to tackle a controversial issue without declaring a winner or loser? … to refrain from labeling those who feel differently as ignorant, stupid, or severely misguided?

As I watched (and cheered on) Haley on Monday, I wondered how our country could benefit from more of this bold, courageous leadership… leaders who invite all parties to the table… leaders who refuse to make solely partisan decisions… and leaders who will never arrogantly chastise all who disagree. There stood Haley, along with 20 some others in obvious, full support — black, white, Republican, Democrat, partisan committee chairmen, and a former Governor. Each had something to add; each deserved listening to.

Friends, the Intramuralist has no plans to ever endorse a candidate — and it’s not that I’m some closet, huge Haley fan. But as so many of us get so tired of the elect and elect-wanna-be’s (from both parties) being so impure in their leadership and accompanying rhetoric, I found Haley’s response to the flag refreshing. And then when I saw persons from all sides of the proverbial partisan aisle also amen her actions, I thought, we need more leaders who exemplify what Haley courageously did today.

Respectfully…

AR