Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Guy with the Matches

Last week there was a media frenzy surrounding the firing of Department of Agriculture employee Shirley Sherrod. The news has covered what happened but has not focused on who started the fire. In his article for the Detroit Free Press, Mitch Albom rightly indicts the man responsible, Andrew Breitbart. He lit the situation on fire with an irresponsible portrayal of a good person as a racist. This was certainly a demonstration of Mr. Breitbart's character. Unfortunately, not the type of character we want emulated by leaders.

As I read Albom's article I was struck by how much character mattered in this whole situation and how it is that only person that displayed the character to lead was also the victim. Shirley Sherrod was composed, collected and clear as she dealt with the situation. She was was the picture of character under fire and yet maintained her dignity and integrity throughout. That is the character we should foster in leaders across America.

Well done Shirley and thank you for the great example of character.