A legend tells of a French monastery known throughout Europe for the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo. Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately, they began to bicker about who should do various chores.
On the third day they met another monk going to the monastery, and he joined them. This monk never complained or shirked a duty, and whenever the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer and do it himself. By the last day, the others were following his example, and from then on they worked together smoothly.
When they reached the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them laughed. "But our brother is among you!" And he pointed to the fellow who had joined them.
Today, many people seek leadership positions, not so much for what they can do for others but for what the position can do for them: status, connections, perks, advantages. They do service as an investment, a way to build an impressive resume.
The parable about Brother Leo teaches another model of leadership, where leaders are preoccupied with serving rather than being followed, with giving rather than getting, with doing rather than demanding. Leadership based on example, not command. This is called servant leadership.
Can you imagine how much better things would be if more politicians, educators, and business executives saw themselves as servant leaders?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Congressman Goodlatte Responds To State Of The Union
“Tonight President Obama delivered his first official State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. In this tough economic climate, Americans are looking to the government for leadership.
President Obama laid out his domestic agenda for economic growth and job creation. I welcome the President’s call for fiscal discipline and hope that it represents a turning point away from the job-killing, tax-and-spend agenda pushed by the Democrat controlled Congress. I am, however, concerned that a freeze of current government spending levels, which are up more than 80% in the past two years, is going to simply lock in the out of control deficit spending levels that have been enacted, and not force Congress and the President to make the truly tough decisions to cut this excessive spending that these times call for.
Restraining federal spending is perhaps the most critical step to addressing our nation’s unemployment crisis and restoring confidence in our economy. I remain committed to working with the President and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will create American jobs and restore confidence in our economic future.”
President Obama laid out his domestic agenda for economic growth and job creation. I welcome the President’s call for fiscal discipline and hope that it represents a turning point away from the job-killing, tax-and-spend agenda pushed by the Democrat controlled Congress. I am, however, concerned that a freeze of current government spending levels, which are up more than 80% in the past two years, is going to simply lock in the out of control deficit spending levels that have been enacted, and not force Congress and the President to make the truly tough decisions to cut this excessive spending that these times call for.
Restraining federal spending is perhaps the most critical step to addressing our nation’s unemployment crisis and restoring confidence in our economy. I remain committed to working with the President and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will create American jobs and restore confidence in our economic future.”
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Come Watch Bob McDonnell's State Of The Union Response
Republicans from all over the Roanoke Valley will be coming together tomorrow (Wednesday the 27th) to watch the State of the Union and especially our very own Bob McDonnell's Republican response. The event is hosted by Americans for Prosperity and is absolutely free. Everyone is invited.
The fun will begin at 8:00 pm this Wednesday at the Holiday Inn-Tanglewood. If you plan on coming, please RSVP to Trixie Averill by email.
The fun will begin at 8:00 pm this Wednesday at the Holiday Inn-Tanglewood. If you plan on coming, please RSVP to Trixie Averill by email.
Monday, January 25, 2010
No More Politics As Usual In The 6th District (Update In The Comments)
I was elected Chair of the Salem Republican Committee in the Spring of 2008. When I was elected, the Republican Party was coming off multiple consecutive years of getting destroyed at the ballot box and failing to get our message through to voters. Our brand was at an all time low and there was serious fear among some that the end of our once great Party was now in sight. Some of our wounds were self-inflicted, some were due to the cyclical nature of politics and some were due to outside forces.
On the day I was elected, I was said it was a great day to be a Republican. People looked at me like I was crazy. The fact was though, I saw an opportunity. We had a chance to redefine ourselves by getting back to our basic conservative principles, refocusing on what mattered and getting back to addressing the problems facing our Nation. We had spent too long with internal bickering and finger pointing and I genuinely believed we were about to begin our resurgence.
That same attitude is why I'm running for 6th District Chair and why I'll be running completely on my record. Others will play the politics as usual game of name calling, labelling and tearing people down - which is exactly what destroyed our brand in the first place. I won't participate. The internal attacks have already begun but we're going to rise above them. The fact is, we're going to show the voters of the 6th how we can translate some of our local successes to the District wide level. We're going to show them that they can demand something better than politics as usual. They can demand real leadership.
In 2 years in Salem we have:
On the day I was elected, I was said it was a great day to be a Republican. People looked at me like I was crazy. The fact was though, I saw an opportunity. We had a chance to redefine ourselves by getting back to our basic conservative principles, refocusing on what mattered and getting back to addressing the problems facing our Nation. We had spent too long with internal bickering and finger pointing and I genuinely believed we were about to begin our resurgence.
That same attitude is why I'm running for 6th District Chair and why I'll be running completely on my record. Others will play the politics as usual game of name calling, labelling and tearing people down - which is exactly what destroyed our brand in the first place. I won't participate. The internal attacks have already begun but we're going to rise above them. The fact is, we're going to show the voters of the 6th how we can translate some of our local successes to the District wide level. We're going to show them that they can demand something better than politics as usual. They can demand real leadership.
In 2 years in Salem we have:
- Increased our membership over 2,000%.
- Raised and spent thousands of dollars in support of conservative causes/candidates while still maintaining a record surplus.
- Set record numbers in recent elections and increased our average margin versus the statewide average by several points.
- Put in place an election day infrastructure that actually resulted in TOO MANY volunteers; allowing me to spend a portion of the last two election days working the polls in neighboring jurisdictions.
- Fostered a genuine sense of camaraderie among the local units.
- Planned, scheduled and hosted the largest AG Debate of the 2009 Primary.
- Won Statewide Unit Chair of the Year in 2008 (from Frederick's RPV).
- Won 6th District Unit Chair of the Year in 2009 (from Mullins' RPV).
- Created an award winning blog and embraced all forms of traditional, new and social media.
- Provided pro bono legal representation to Republican candidates and committees regarding fundraising, election law and recounts.
Those successes aren't about me, they're about a group of people who embraced leadership over politics as usual. You won't hear me calling names or placing labels on my opponents. What you'll get from me is a proven record, an open dialogue on what matters to Republicans in the 6th District and a willingness to do the hard work that will make the 6th District Committee relevant again.
If you have any questions about my record or where I stand on the issues, don't hesitate to email.
This race isn't about me. It's about finding the best leader to take us forward. Whether that person is me or not, I want this race to be a positive opportunity for growth for us all and I hope you'll demand that type of campaign from me and whoever else runs. And to anyone who wants to name call and tear down, tell them you're tired of politics as usual - it's time for some real leadership.
I stumbled across some coverage of this race on another blog and I left some thoughts there. I thought it would be useful to cross post my thoughts here as well so a cut and paste of that comment is in the comments below. I think it's the 12th Comment.
Tony Walker to Run in the GOP Mass Meeting for City Council
See Tony's Bio below:
Anthony “Tony “Walker is a true conservative. He supports the practice of proactive fiscal responsibility of our city’s budget, is an advocate for less government, and a strong supporter of low taxes for all city residents. Anthony was born in Charleston, WVa on February 21, 1965. Anthony graduated from Marshall University in May 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. He met his wife Sheanean while attending Marshall University. He and Sheanean have been married for twenty-three years. They have three children, two daughters and a son. Their two daughters graduated from Roanoke City Schools and are currently participating in college and university coursework. Their son is a junior at Patrick Henry High School. He and Sheanean have resided in Roanoke City for twenty years.
In 1989, Anthony and his family lived in Waldorf, Maryland and he worked in Huntingtown Elementary School as a special education teacher. In 1990, he and his wife moved to Roanoke and he took a job as a Speech Language Pathologist with Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. In January 1994 Anthony answered the call to work with at risk populations and obtained a position as a middle school special education teacher at Minnick Education Center, an alternative private day school for at risk populations from surrounding school districts, and a service provided by Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. In 1998 Anthony became the principal of Minnick Education Center. In addition to the daily administrative financial responsibilities, Anthony also collaborated with the Regional Director with the annual financial operations budget for the school. While at Minnick Anthony served on the VAISEF (Virginia Association of Independent Special Education Facilities) committee, and also was on the applications review sub committee.
Anthony has served as a member of the Roanoke FAPT (Family Assessment and Planning Team) for the past ten years. This team brainstorms and collaborates to develop plans to provide community based services for children and their families. Anthony also participates as a member of the RAMS (Roanoke Area Mentoring Committee). This team monitors agencies providing mentoring services to at risk youth in Roanoke City, Salem and Roanoke County districts. Anthony earned a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision of Special Education, both from Virginia Tech. In 2004, Anthony took a position with Roanoke County Public Schools as a Regional Coordinator of Special Education. He has been in this position for the past 5 ½ years. He is currently working on a doctoral degree at Virginia Tech in Education Leadership and Policy Studies, with a concentration in Administration and Supervision of Special Education.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Bob Goodlatte - Helping The People Of Haiti
Guest Post from Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit on January 12th, the world has tearfully witnessed the devastation unfold in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The images of newly motherless children, people trapped under fallen buildings, and deceased Haitians lying in the streets have moved Americans into action. Across our nation we have rallied to help the people of Haiti – gathering together supplies to donate to relief efforts, hosting fundraisers to send money, and coming together to pray for our neighbors in Haiti.
Across the globe, the American people have been known for our compassion and willingness to lend a hand in times of crisis. The actions of millions of Americans coming together to help the people of Haiti underscores the sense of compassion and goodwill of all Americans. Although well over a week has passed since the initial quake, we must remember that the relief efforts in Haiti are still underway. Recovery will take time, but through the generosity of Americans we have begun helping Haiti by providing clinics and medicines for the ill, and food for the hungry. These resources are just beginning to reach those most desperately in need of aid, but each day we are seeing more and more resources reaching those in need.
This week, Congress passed legislation that will provide additional incentives for Americans, who have already been so generous, to continue their generosity. The Haiti Assistance Income Tax Incentive Act will allow taxpayers to deduct donations to Haiti earthquake relief efforts made before March 1, 2010, on their 2009 tax returns instead of waiting till they file their 2010 returns. Even in these hard economic times, Americans have rallied to help Haiti and I hope this legislation will encourage the continuing generosity of Americans.
In the aftermath of the quake that has crippled Haiti, I have heard from constituents who are trying to locate and help loved ones in that country, and those who were in the process of finalizing adoptions. I know that when dealing with the emotional toil brought on by this disaster, the last thing that families want is to navigate the maze of federal and international bureaucracies. I hope if I or my staff can assist you, you will not hesitate to call upon me.
Our prayers will remain with the Haitian people and all of those who are helping with the relief efforts. Americans have shown, through their outpouring of generosity, that we are committed to helping Haiti overcome this catastrophic disaster. You can stay up to date on the relief efforts in Haiti by visiting www.usaid.gov/helphaiti, and if you would like to contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.
Since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit on January 12th, the world has tearfully witnessed the devastation unfold in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The images of newly motherless children, people trapped under fallen buildings, and deceased Haitians lying in the streets have moved Americans into action. Across our nation we have rallied to help the people of Haiti – gathering together supplies to donate to relief efforts, hosting fundraisers to send money, and coming together to pray for our neighbors in Haiti.
Across the globe, the American people have been known for our compassion and willingness to lend a hand in times of crisis. The actions of millions of Americans coming together to help the people of Haiti underscores the sense of compassion and goodwill of all Americans. Although well over a week has passed since the initial quake, we must remember that the relief efforts in Haiti are still underway. Recovery will take time, but through the generosity of Americans we have begun helping Haiti by providing clinics and medicines for the ill, and food for the hungry. These resources are just beginning to reach those most desperately in need of aid, but each day we are seeing more and more resources reaching those in need.
This week, Congress passed legislation that will provide additional incentives for Americans, who have already been so generous, to continue their generosity. The Haiti Assistance Income Tax Incentive Act will allow taxpayers to deduct donations to Haiti earthquake relief efforts made before March 1, 2010, on their 2009 tax returns instead of waiting till they file their 2010 returns. Even in these hard economic times, Americans have rallied to help Haiti and I hope this legislation will encourage the continuing generosity of Americans.
In the aftermath of the quake that has crippled Haiti, I have heard from constituents who are trying to locate and help loved ones in that country, and those who were in the process of finalizing adoptions. I know that when dealing with the emotional toil brought on by this disaster, the last thing that families want is to navigate the maze of federal and international bureaucracies. I hope if I or my staff can assist you, you will not hesitate to call upon me.
Our prayers will remain with the Haitian people and all of those who are helping with the relief efforts. Americans have shown, through their outpouring of generosity, that we are committed to helping Haiti overcome this catastrophic disaster. You can stay up to date on the relief efforts in Haiti by visiting www.usaid.gov/helphaiti, and if you would like to contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
News From My Race For 6th District Chair
Let me thank all of you who have responded so favorably to my announcement that I'm running for 6th District Chair. I got a lot of encouragement to run ahead of time but I never expected the outpouring of support I'm seen over the last 24 hours. It is truly humbling. A couple of items of note.
First, while I'm letting everyone know I'm running, I am NOT asking people to support me at this point. Several of you have asked me why. Simply put, it's not fair to you. It always frustrates me when people endorse or support candidates before they even know who else is running. In this case, I fully expect someone else to run. It's unfair to ask you to commit when you don't have the information and, frankly, it cheapens your endorsement when it's based on less than full information. There will be a time and a place for that but, for now, I'm just letting people know that I'm running and why I'm running.
Second, Adam was kind enough to set up a Facebook page for this "campaign." I put campaign in quotes because I still don't consider myself a politician and I don't really view this as a traditional campaign. Anyway, I'd love for you all to sign up as "Fans" of that page as that will be the easiest way for us to keep people informed. Click here to become a Fan.
First, while I'm letting everyone know I'm running, I am NOT asking people to support me at this point. Several of you have asked me why. Simply put, it's not fair to you. It always frustrates me when people endorse or support candidates before they even know who else is running. In this case, I fully expect someone else to run. It's unfair to ask you to commit when you don't have the information and, frankly, it cheapens your endorsement when it's based on less than full information. There will be a time and a place for that but, for now, I'm just letting people know that I'm running and why I'm running.
Second, Adam was kind enough to set up a Facebook page for this "campaign." I put campaign in quotes because I still don't consider myself a politician and I don't really view this as a traditional campaign. Anyway, I'd love for you all to sign up as "Fans" of that page as that will be the easiest way for us to keep people informed. Click here to become a Fan.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Virginia Social Conservative On My Candidacy For 6th District Chair
I Am Running For 6th District Republican Committee Chair
After much thought, prayer and consultation, I have decided to run for 6th District Republican Chair. I have been humbled by the enthusiastic support and encouragement I have gotten from grassroots and elected Republicans. It is because of their encouragement that I am running and it is their support that will make this possible. Below is the text of an announcement email I have sent to folks in the District. If you are interested in supporting me, feel free to shoot me an email. Just as much as that though, I'd love to hear from folks who have any concerns about my candidacy. One of my goals, if elected, is to increase transparency and build an open dialogue with all groups and that starts now.
Fellow 6th District Republicans
It was great to see so many of you in Richmond this weekend for the Inauguration of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli. We face tough times as a Commonwealth and as a Nation but there is no question that we are now led by the best possible team in Richmond. I wish I could say the same thing for Washington. At least we have a great Congressman, Bob Goodlatte, doing his best to fight back the Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda.
While this is a great time to be a Republican in Virginia, we must admit that for years our Republican elected officials have grown detached from their constituents and moved away from the fundamental principles on which this Party was formed. We lost our identity, we diluted our brand and we've paid for it electorally. The desire to restore our party to its core principles and rebuild our brand was the driving force behind my deciding to run for Salem Republican Committee Chair a few years back. Over the last 2 years, we have made great strides in Salem. Our Committee has grown exponentially in numbers without sacrificing our principles. We have put an infrastructure in place that has local Democrats panicked and scrambling to catch up. We have raised our profile through traditional and new media. We have raised money and supported our candidates while still holding them accountable. Simply put, we have made our Committee relevant.
Believe me, these efforts by so many on the ground have not gone unnoticed. There is a new buzz about the Republican Party in Salem. We have won elections with record numbers. Elected officials are now reaching out for our support and recognizing the need to stay in touch with those of us in the grassroots. Ultimately, we were humbled to be named the 2008 Unit Chairman of the Year for the entire Commonwealth and the 2009 Unit Chairman of the Year for the 6th District. I say "we" because those awards are a reflection of the work done by dozens and dozens of people.
As I pondered what was next, many of you have approached me about running for Chair in the 6th District. I must admit, this was not initially on my radar screen but, the more I thought about it, the more I believed that we could bring a new energy, purpose and focus to the Committee. We could provide the type of leadership necessary to restore unity where it is lacking in the 6th and build on our already solid infrastructure. Over the last few weeks I have spoken to numerous grassroots and elected leaders in the 6th and I have been humbled by the positive response I have received.
It is for all of these reasons that I am announcing my candidacy for the Chair of the 6th District Republican Committee to be elected at our Convention on May 22nd in Lynchburg.
Over the next few weeks I hope to speak to all of you to let you know some of my ideas and to get feedback from each of you. Until then, know that my goal in running for this position is not power, control or personal gain. I am doing this to support you, the grassroots leaders in the 6th District, and to continue to make the 6th District the strongest Republican District in the State.
Thanks and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Greg
Fellow 6th District Republicans
It was great to see so many of you in Richmond this weekend for the Inauguration of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli. We face tough times as a Commonwealth and as a Nation but there is no question that we are now led by the best possible team in Richmond. I wish I could say the same thing for Washington. At least we have a great Congressman, Bob Goodlatte, doing his best to fight back the Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda.
While this is a great time to be a Republican in Virginia, we must admit that for years our Republican elected officials have grown detached from their constituents and moved away from the fundamental principles on which this Party was formed. We lost our identity, we diluted our brand and we've paid for it electorally. The desire to restore our party to its core principles and rebuild our brand was the driving force behind my deciding to run for Salem Republican Committee Chair a few years back. Over the last 2 years, we have made great strides in Salem. Our Committee has grown exponentially in numbers without sacrificing our principles. We have put an infrastructure in place that has local Democrats panicked and scrambling to catch up. We have raised our profile through traditional and new media. We have raised money and supported our candidates while still holding them accountable. Simply put, we have made our Committee relevant.
Believe me, these efforts by so many on the ground have not gone unnoticed. There is a new buzz about the Republican Party in Salem. We have won elections with record numbers. Elected officials are now reaching out for our support and recognizing the need to stay in touch with those of us in the grassroots. Ultimately, we were humbled to be named the 2008 Unit Chairman of the Year for the entire Commonwealth and the 2009 Unit Chairman of the Year for the 6th District. I say "we" because those awards are a reflection of the work done by dozens and dozens of people.
As I pondered what was next, many of you have approached me about running for Chair in the 6th District. I must admit, this was not initially on my radar screen but, the more I thought about it, the more I believed that we could bring a new energy, purpose and focus to the Committee. We could provide the type of leadership necessary to restore unity where it is lacking in the 6th and build on our already solid infrastructure. Over the last few weeks I have spoken to numerous grassroots and elected leaders in the 6th and I have been humbled by the positive response I have received.
It is for all of these reasons that I am announcing my candidacy for the Chair of the 6th District Republican Committee to be elected at our Convention on May 22nd in Lynchburg.
Over the next few weeks I hope to speak to all of you to let you know some of my ideas and to get feedback from each of you. Until then, know that my goal in running for this position is not power, control or personal gain. I am doing this to support you, the grassroots leaders in the 6th District, and to continue to make the 6th District the strongest Republican District in the State.
Thanks and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Greg
Some Changes Coming To Roanoke Valley Republicans
What an exciting time to be a Republican. We're poised for a possible historic win in the Massachusetts Senate race tomorrow. Our prospects for 2010 are looking better by the day. And we just celebrated an incredible weekend in Richmond for the Inauguration of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli.
We'll now begin to shift our focus to 2010 and there will be a few changes showing up around here. Nothing huge but there are a few new things on the horizon that we'll be discussing soon. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have already noticed at least one subtle change. More info to come.
We'll now begin to shift our focus to 2010 and there will be a few changes showing up around here. Nothing huge but there are a few new things on the horizon that we'll be discussing soon. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have already noticed at least one subtle change. More info to come.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Morgan Griffith Versus Rick Boucher?
Many of you have probably heard by now that Morgan is being recruited by people in the 9th District to run against Rick Boucher. As I understand it, nothing is final but it's certainly an option. For a number of reasons, I'm not going to get into more specifics at this point about where Morgan is. Just stay tuned as it play itself out.
What I will comment on is the need to get Rick Boucher out of Congress. I grew up in the 9th District and Rick Boucher was my Congressman my whole childhood. Boucher was always viewed as a benign Democrat who voted right on gun issues so he was okay. My how I wish "that Boucher" were still in Congress today.
The Rick Boucher of today is rabidly pro-choice, led the fight to pass cap and trade, endorsed Obama early in the primary (in which he got about 30% in the 9th), votes about 98% of the time for Nancy Pelosi and has become nothing but a lapdog for the San Francisco wing of the Democratic party. The sad part is that he constantly panders to the far left and they give him nothing in return. He will never chair a significant committee, he is never allowed to carry major legislation and his dreams of joining the Obama administration have been dashed.
Ultimately, I believe elected officials must at least pretend to represent their constituents. Boucher is one of the least representative electeds in the entire Congress. He still votes right on guns but that's it and that's not enough. Whether it's Morgan or someone else, it's time for Boucher to go.
Click here, here and here for more coverage on the story. I'll post more if and when it becomes appropriate.
What I will comment on is the need to get Rick Boucher out of Congress. I grew up in the 9th District and Rick Boucher was my Congressman my whole childhood. Boucher was always viewed as a benign Democrat who voted right on gun issues so he was okay. My how I wish "that Boucher" were still in Congress today.
The Rick Boucher of today is rabidly pro-choice, led the fight to pass cap and trade, endorsed Obama early in the primary (in which he got about 30% in the 9th), votes about 98% of the time for Nancy Pelosi and has become nothing but a lapdog for the San Francisco wing of the Democratic party. The sad part is that he constantly panders to the far left and they give him nothing in return. He will never chair a significant committee, he is never allowed to carry major legislation and his dreams of joining the Obama administration have been dashed.
Ultimately, I believe elected officials must at least pretend to represent their constituents. Boucher is one of the least representative electeds in the entire Congress. He still votes right on guns but that's it and that's not enough. Whether it's Morgan or someone else, it's time for Boucher to go.
Click here, here and here for more coverage on the story. I'll post more if and when it becomes appropriate.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Roanoke City Council Candidates
The Dem primary field is set:
Dave Trinkle
Ray Ferris
Bill Bestpitch
Valerie Garner
The GOP and Indy candidates should start to flood in now!
Dave Trinkle
Ray Ferris
Bill Bestpitch
Valerie Garner
The GOP and Indy candidates should start to flood in now!
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