“The Course of Human Events”:
I really liked this lecture from Mr. McCullough, because it seems to me that his main point is the Founding Fathers were men with vices and problems of their own. He also points out that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States need to be looked at and understood from that context. I agree that if we as nation looked at they documents in the context of when they were written and could understand these brilliant men, we as a nation would do a much better job of choosing those that are to govern and lead our nation.

“The Last Lecture”:
This book written by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow does a really good job of expressing why it is important to not only follow your dreams; but living a good life … a life of principles and values.  I related to Mr. Pausch and his story quite well.  It was also heartening to learn that there are so many more people that try to live the best they can.  I just wish that it was more evident in and to our society.  American’s are primarily viewed as Ugly Americans; rude, vulgar, brash, spiteful, and uncaring.  We are a better people than what others realize of know.

“Where Have All the Leaders Gone?”:
I was not really sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book. I had heard of Mr. Iacocca, but knew very little about him. I learned enough about his life and career to understand where Mr. Iacocca is coming from.  I admit that I agree with much of what he has written, I also really like his 9 C’s of leadership:

1. Curiosity
2. Creative
3. Communicate
4. Character
5. Courage
6. Conviction
7. Charisma
8. Competent
9. Common Sense

I agree that we have become a nation of ‘what’s in it for me’ and ‘special interest’ and ‘entitlement minded’.  We need to be a better people, we need to have great mentors and follow great leaders.  We need to become a nation of leaders.

iron wil

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

–Written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.

U.S. History Link

iron wil