Addressing the crisis in America concerning the recent murders of citizens and law enforcement.

The greatest need in times of Crisis is leadership. Politicizing chaos, drawing lines in the sand, for and against, does not create an atmosphere for problems to get solved. This no more solves the problems than giving a person sign language when they cut you off in traffic. Shotgun blasting in rhetoric is no more valuable than turning on a sprinkler system for one minutes on parched grass; the only thing that it does is temporarily settles the dust but produces little to no effect in producing life in that which is dead or dying.

These are causes and effects that have their roots in a much deeper problem. Leadership must look beyond the current flame of the moment and look at the factors that produced this inflammation in society. Are there economic factors, educational issues, home breakdown, and/or moral decay? Unemployment and poverty create an atmosphere filled with the conditions ripe for explosive behavior and frustration. It is easy to say “get a job” as a solution, but if there aren’t any available, then it rings shallow with no effect.   

 Situations like routine traffic stops turning into murder, and law enforcement being targeted for assassination, are simply the equal signs of factors leading to such deplorable outcomes. Something is terribly wrong and though I do not have all the answers to such a complex issue, I do know it can be traced all the way back to our hearts. An erosion of human value is deteriorating in the American soul. The cancer of racism, bigotry, revenge, and hatred has bludgeoned the most precious commodity – love.

 Leadership MUST speak healing and remain calm and tempered in crisis situations and national unrest. Then, begin the painstaking task of dealing with the factors that led to the demise. Remain committed to the cause of restoration and unity. Do not be a polarizing figure spouting senseless rhetoric indicating personal lack of self-control.

Leadership – America needs you!

Dr. Reuben Egolf