The thing I've always wondered is this: If a president, prime minister or any other high ranking official comes from wealth and has led a fairly easy life how can they really be in touch with those they govern?

Can they really understand the needs of the poor if they've grown up with nannies, governesses and everything they want and need?

Can they understand the educational needs of others if they've always attended the very best, prestigious schools?

Can they understand the pressures of college and being accepted into a school of their choice if their parents are alumni with a huge check book and clout to get them into any school they want even if they don't have the acumen for it?

It's not an easy thing to answer and maybe it doesn't really make for a good president all the time. Consider that Abraham Lincoln was one of those great men who did come from humble beginnings. I think he was one of the few who could truly relate to the common man. Maybe we shall not see the likes of a great leader like this ever again.

I've been thinking about these questions for awhile now, the first name that cropped up in my mind is Bill Gates, I believe his children will be very much aware of the needs of others, because he is not only aware, but constantly doing something to make a differenc.

But if people like Gates, were the norm rather than the exception, surely revolutions would have never taken place..

Ladybug, sometimes people who come from this type of background that you mention learn what they don't want for themselves and go about life differently as adults. Just a wild thought.

Good question Ladybug. I think it's a matter of the heart and morals, rather than money. God is either in their hearts or He isn't. I believe that is where our decision making skills come from.

I think it is too Dianne.

When i watch the financial news, and hear of million dollar bonuses for CEO's etc, and then learn of the wages, working conditions etc. of some their employees, i think, the more things change, the more they remain the same.....

But i am very encouraged because programs such as Seasame Street, the Bernstein Bears are reaching out to millions of young minds, and teaching them values of appreciation and respect for one another. Caring beyond oneself. As programs such as these spread and multiple, they reinforce the positive values of parents, or at least expose children to a different slant, when parents are not able themselves to teach these lessons.

[ January 20, 2006, 12:53 PM: Message edited by: norma ]

Understanding a problem is of little value unless one actually does something to solve it. People in poverty may have the compassion, but not the ability to help and others who have overcome poverty may have the ability, but not the compassion. It is so easy to speak compassion, but but it is difficult to actually do something to help others.

Handling great wealth and privilege can require greater depth of character than poverty. There are so many privileged people who do more than is easily observed. Rather than grandstanding, they choose to do it in private.

To imply that privileged people are less compassionate is reverse discrimination and it is as cruel as any other type of bias.

smile

[ January 20, 2006, 03:30 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]

"To create an opportunity of employment for others, is the highest form of loving kindness, as it provides them the means to live with dignity and self respect" .......

That isn't the direct quote, but i believe it true. This town, where i grew up, exists because a couple of men, (americans by the way ) had knowledge, skill and wealth to invest. Along with the large mill, railroads and dams, they had strong, good homes built for their employees, carpenters and gardeners to keep the whole place beautiful, the best medical treatment available for employees and their families, even three churches for the religious denominations at the time, they had an excellent elementary and high school built .....

it was a win - win situation for all...

I may be a dreamer, but i think if more had the courage and idealism of Brooks and Scanlon throughout the ages, this world, in so many ways would be different.

Now thats putting your money where your mouth is....

chatty,
I agree with you . I will be interesting to see what happens in these countrys with the women presidents . I think they will do a fantastic job . This is a good topic to follow in the news . Maybe there will be more women presidents in the future . I hope!

[ January 20, 2006, 09:37 PM: Message edited by: Renee ]