[November 12, 2021] No, we are not brave! This admission may come as a shock to many, but nearly every person I’ve ever met, whether in the military or civilian life, are cowards, and so am I. We put up a good front, of course, and we do this by talking big, owning cool stuff, and belonging to respected organizations. But deep down, we are a bunch of pansies waiting for some tough guy to scare the bejeebers out of us. Are we brave? I’m surprised that I even have to ask the question.
The average person living in the Western world has so little experience with the concepts of bravery or cowardice that they have given it little thought and have had no contact with someone who has shown either. Some exceptions to those of us cowards exist and can be found anywhere but most likely in the military combat arms, line police officers and firemen, and those with significant leadership experience.
Whoa, hold on there! We can understand the idea of the military, police, and firefighters being brave, but we’ve all been told that the connection of leadership to bravery is a fairy tale. However, the fact is that someone who has been in a leadership position and has been successful is probably a brave (morally courageous) and resilient person to have survived the personal and professional attacks that come with the job. They are tested repeatedly and have to struggle to maintain their positions personally.
What about gays who’ve “come out” of hiding their sexual preferences? What about those in the BlackLivesMatter movement? What about the protesters at the Republican (or Democratic) presidential debates? Are they brave? Frankly, my dear, no, they are not. Let’s not conflate people not liking you for what you do or say with bravery or cowardice. Western nations have laws the prohibit violence or discrimination, and those same nations are very culturally accepting.
For the very egocentric Americans out there, take a stroll someplace that doesn’t have those laws or culture and see how long it takes for someone to act against you. There are still places in Central and South American where you will simply disappear (nice word for being tortured, killed, and then chopped up to feed the fishes). It’s a tough world. Regardless of what we think and what we want, the world is still a tough place. Don’t be a coward.
But all is not lost. Before World War II, the average American was described as a physical weakling, a coward, untrustworthy, and uneducated. Today we refer to them as the “greatest generation” of our time. When the time calls for people to stand up and be counted among those who must sacrifice for the good of our country, Americans will do precisely that.
Note: For another view of this, see: Leader Trends: Are We Cowards? https://www.theleadermaker.com/leader-trends-cowards/
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Please read my new book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” at Amazon (link here).
General Satterfield got this right, we are now a nation of cowards. All it will take for a leader to succeed is to show he is no coward.
“But all is not lost. Before World War II, the average American was described as a physical weakling, a coward, untrustworthy, and uneducated. Today we refer to them as the “greatest generation” of our time. ”
A bit of optimism from Gen. Satterfield is always a good thing. As long as good men stand up against the evil spreading across the West, we will all be find. But stand with them. Don’t sit on your butt and watch.
You got that right Nick. Thanks.
Yes, good one Nick. Remember that when the chips are down, the average American stands up.
I agree. We are now a nation of cowards, sycophants, and moral idiots.
“For the very egocentric Americans out there…” great, great, and take a bow on that one, Gen. Satterfield. Too many pipsqueaks out there who live on the edge of their leather chair in their mommy’s basement.
Gen. Satterfield, this issue has been bugging me for a long time now. Most of the new recruits coming into the Army (where I have direct experience) are a bunch of socialist pansies. They are momma boys in adult bodies. They think small and parrot whatever liberal commentator they heard last. When put under pressure, they fold. Not very optimistic myself.
The Army went WOKE. No surprise to me.
Yep, just like we’ve read here in theleadermaker.com.
I agree, now what. But I suggest that when Republicans (and hopefully conservatives) take back the House and Senate in the upcoming election, that they help get rid of the likes of traitors like Gen. Milley and nutcase SecDef Austin. That will be the first shot over the bow of the retards running the military today. Good old butt kicking in action.
Pow, tell us what you think old warrior. Hahahaha. I agree wholeheartedly. 👍👍👍👍
I just love ‘old warrior’ …. more like my dad who was a Korean War vet.
Excellent article, Gen. S. Well done! Hey, how did your Veterans Day go? Mine was great. Parade, BBQ outside, being with family. Great day all around.
Last paragraph is great, “But all is not lost. Before World War II, the average American was described as a physical weakling, a coward, untrustworthy, and uneducated. Today we refer to them as the “greatest generation” of our time. When the time calls for people to stand up and be counted among those who must sacrifice for the good of our country, Americans will do precisely that.” Very optimistic and very powerful as well. Good info here Gen. Satterfield, and thank you for what you do.
Yes, optimistic but leaders are optimistic. Expect nothing less unless you are Joe Biden the idiot we elected with “the most transparent, legal election in the history of the world,” NOT.
American Girl, you are spot on.
Good comment AG. We all know that Joe Biden’s minions cheated in the election. Anyone with a single brain cell knows that is the Democrat Party way. They are very good at it because they know that people will not vote for them if they tell the truth.
No surprise to me. Great observation, Gen. Satterfield. The question that must be asked is, “Now what?” That is where we need real leadership; the old fashioned kind of leadership that pulls us up and out of the quagmire.
Right JT. If we don’t have someone in politics step forward, then we are in for a long “winter” of idiots running the country. Start locally, start with your family and community and build outward.
I agree, we have a nation of cowards.
Not just a nation of cowards, but uneducated too. Our schools teach that Marxism is WONDERFUL (but don’t call it Marxism, obviously). But parents are starting to catch on and are now going to school board meetings to express their discontent. Cowardice might be on the downswing.
I’m not so convinced yet. We’ll wait and see. But I’m doing something in my neighborhood and going to meetings and finding out what is happening behind those closed doors. We want to “see” what is happening.
Go for it. 😊