Sunday, January 13, 2008

The Best Leaders Lead By Example


Video by Casto Sanchez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sOWYVSkrk8


California ABATE's new Director, Don Blanscet knows all about 'civil disobedience'. It's one of the best ways to combat unconstitutional laws that rob us of our freedom.

The "King of Resistance", Henry David Thoreau wrote of "Civil Disobedience", in his essay of the same name, first published in 1849. This essay inspired other greats since Thoreau's time; Mohandas Ghandi, who said of Thoreau, "he taught nothing he was not prepared to practice in himself", and Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest."

Paraphrasing the motto of a mid-19th century periodical, and the aphoristic views of Thomas Jefferson, "The best government is that which governs least", Thoreau left a legacy that endures today.

Richard "Quig" Quigley is another legend comparable to those mentioned above, God rest his soul (1943 - 2007). He epitomized Thoreau's teachings of civil disobedience in order to preserve the freedoms of the American Biker, and left behind hundreds of disciples who carry on his legacy. Quig was a leader among leaders.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on. Author: Walter J. Lippmann
I don't know Don personally, but I see three things in this video that makes him a potentially great leader.

1) The obvious, lead by example, is related in his story to the others around him about his 'CHP encounter'. Don has no problem with doing what is necessary to achieve the end result. (Quig? Are ya smiling?)

2) Charisma is apparent; Don conveys the spirit of the story and makes others feel a part of it.

3) Inspiration speaks loudly in this exchange among friends and comrades. Don inspires ME to wear my baseball cap, with the DOT label, and dare to be free. Imagine what Don could inspire other like-minds to do.

In going forward, my wish for you, Don:

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been
the foresight to know where you're going
and the insight to know when you're going too far.
Ride long, ride free, Brother.

2 comments:

MataHarley said...

Don's been a long time personal friend, as well as an "inspiration" in my own helmet battles, Sam. You obviously have the gift of sizing people up with accuracy.

You most certainly nailed him to a tee with the "big three" about why and how Don will be effective with ABATE membership behind him... if they do get behind him.

And if they don't? Well, they will still be entertained thoroughly along the way.

Sam said...

In all my 52 years, the leaders who have inspired me the most, were the ones who could make me laugh in the face of adversity. For if a leader can find room to laugh when the chips are down (no pun intended) how could I do any less? Entertainment is always a bonus.

But underlying it all was they got my attention, and that means listening, and getting people to listen is the hardest thing of all for a leader to accomplish.

I, too, hope that CA ABATE will listen and see the value Don brings to the table.