Future Leaders

The history of political leaders at all levels in the developed world is the history of giving people things. The congressman that earmarked the new bridge. The senator that provided funding for 100 new F-16s. The mayor that negotiated the new contract with the police union. The federal education department and school board that supported a new grant for $100,000 worth of new computers. The president and prime minster that cut taxes and expanded medical programs. The political leader as the national and local giver - - parts Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, and Easter Bunny.

As the Greek crisis and recent British election points out - - the future of political leadership will be about taking things away. Cuts in services and benefits. Reductions in bridges and fighter planes. Reduced retirement benefits and only $9,500 worth of new computers. Tax increases and longer waits for retirement. This was honestly discussed in the British elections - - warnings were cast regarding cuts and reductions in services; just not the scale and scope. The U.S. has started this national conversation - - we are at the very beginning of our long path regarding the projected scale and scope. A national conversation announcing the death of the Tooth Fairy.

Look for a huge political and social shock wave in the developed world - - especially the United States. The future political aristocracy as taker and not giver.