[October 27, 2024] The passion surrounding talk over racism and other “isms” is hard to dismiss today. Every leader, especially politicians, seemed to be caught up in the spirit of the times, beating their chests with indignation and lecturing us about race. One thing, however, that the U.S. military warns its senior officers about is the downfall of getting ahead of the facts when talking about anything.
The latest example of a leader doing just that is U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jay Silveria. For the record, he is a smart, experienced officer with a long history of making first-rate decisions, leading people in combat, and having the confidence of many senior military and civilian leaders. However, this blog has a theme of “learning from the mistakes of others,” and one of his mistakes needs to be illuminated.
A challenge of leadership is getting ahead of the curve; in Air Force speak, they will say a leader must get inside the enemy’s decision loop. It means being quick, accurate, and timely. Yet it is not a good idea to get so far ahead that you are alone and unprotected. That is why Army folks don’t like our units getting cut off, surrounded by the enemy and annihilated.
Lt. Gen. Silveria did just that. He made an impassioned speech – with passion and a touch of anger – when he addressed the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. You can judge for yourself what he said and how he said it (see link here to the YouTube video, 5:29 minutes).
What he said was not just right but important that the message about racism and hatred be delivered. I don’t think anyone would disagree with his comments. However, his words and his passion hinged on an incident of racial hatred that turned out to be a hoax.
There is no joy for me to point out that he got ahead of the facts, having been a flag officer myself and understanding his need to get onto the problem before he was accused of dragging his feet. He needed to deliver the message with clarity, speed, and firmness. And this is where the challenge for leaders comes into play. By getting out ahead of the facts in this case, he made the Air Force Academy, and himself appear unprepared and thus a bit foolish to all watching.
Many in the media heralded his comments and celebrated because they considered it more about President Trump than about an Air Force general. They were more interested in denouncing Trump than truly praising General Silveria.
Sadly, the more egregious problem here is not with Silvia but with the lack of an ethical code for journalists and an absence of leadership on the part of news media staff and editors. It is also about an increasingly troublesome divide of a nation by using passion to bludgeon those you disagree with.
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Please read my books:
Thanks Gen. S. for providing this reminder as we approach our presidential election here in America. 👍
“ Lt. Gen. Silveria did just that. He made an impassioned speech – with passion and a touch of anger – when he addressed the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. You can judge for yourself what he said and how he said it (see link here to the YouTube video, 5:29 minutes). What he said was not just right but important that the message about racism and hatred be delivered. I don’t think anyone would disagree with his comments. However, his words and his passion hinged on an incident of racial hatred that turned out to be a hoax.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield nailed it here. Lesson, when you speak as a senior leader, it’s a good idea to be accurate or, at least, couch your comments in the context that the facts are not yet clear. This is particularly true in a hotly debated topic with plenty of emotion to begin with. Emotions often out run logic. That is the nature of human existence. But we have come a long way and using our brain power will get us to be better people in the long run. Hey guys and gals, let’s encourage Gen,. Satterfield to turn his series “Letters to My Granddaughter” into book form. Thanks!
Well said, Winston.
Emotions do reign over reality often.
I predict that a lot of this “debate”:is really generated by social media stirring up the American public before the election. I think once this election is over, we will see one of two things happen. If Kamala wins, the news media will say that Americans have figured out that ‘whitey’ is finally decided to be part of the world. If Trump wins, which it looks like the case now, the Leftists are going to go wild and accuse’whitey’ of trying to make all blacks as slaves. Get out and vote for sanity. Vote Trump 2024. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Most of this debate kicked off after pres Joe Biden said all white men are racist in their hearts. And that all whites need to step back and allow blacks to rise up for a free life.
Justin, I’m not sure that’s what Biden said.
Justin, please provide references. Thank you.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a lot of new people coming to Gen. Satterfield’s leadership forum. And that is good because that is how they can learn by getting more information from others, like me, who can add to Gen. Satterfield’s message. Here is one recommendation that we all should follow. Get a copy of both his books, especially “55 Rules for a Good Life” and see what are proven ‘rules’ for a better life.’ it works. You will thank me for this recommendation. 😉
Hey Liz! Spot-on comment. BTW, I got my copy of Ge. Doug Satterfield’s book and now its been going around the family as all my relatives are reading it. Get your copy today.
55 RULES FOR A GOOD LIFE
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
💯 Agree
The book gives wonderful insights into how to live better. But it requires WORK and EFFORT. Don’t give up. Your life can be better.
“Don’t let the facts get in the way of your passions.” – anonymous
This explains the Democrat Party. All emotion. No reality.
Welcome aboard Trudy and Lucy. ❤️