Editor, Commonwealth:
A rogue is an unprincipled and dishonest individual, and when we accept rogue leadership as a standard, we are setting ourselves up for some serious setbacks.
Rogue leadership is not known for ethical practices and working with others to maintain an environment in which there is a strong sense of moral principles. On the other hand, wherever there is rogue leadership, one usually finds individuals who do not display good ethics and don’t care about modeling effective leadership behaviors. They usually follow a set of principles that only apply to what they want. They lead by fear and intimidation, thus creating an environment in which people don’t feel safe, will compromise their own beliefs, and will harass and bully each other. Compounding the problem, rogue leaders will teach others to be just like them. The end result is a place where there is unabated discrimination and a large number of emotionally unhealthy and unhappy people.
Charles Brady
If there is rogue leadership on the local level, the major signs tend to be poor quality in community services and failed public institutions. For example, if where you are presently living has a high crime rate, especially among your young people turning to the gun as a way to resolve disputes, and those in positions have no real answers, you might be experiencing the basic elements of rogue leadership as it applies to your local elected officials. Remember, rogues don’t care about anyone but themselves.
If the policymakers who govern your learning institutions cannot tell why the pepper is in the salt shaker and new people are placed over vital functions before you can rotate the tires on your vehicle, there is a chance that your policymakers (school trustees) are operating as rogues.
I believe that rogues do the most damage on the local level. I am of the opinion that without a serious effort to confront our local rogues, our entire community can become toxic. Toxic communities are often unwelcoming and hostile to new people with new ideas. Those who become veteran members of a toxic community may be overly aggressive or offensive to any newcomers. Again the end result will be a decline in the quality of life for everyone.
Are there rogues on the state, national and international levels? Of course! Ask Vladimir Putin. What can you expect when one rogue hires another rogue to do his killing. He might decide there is more in it for him if he murders you. There is no honor in the way rogues operate.
Charles Brady
Greenwood
