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By Sal Osio, JD

Mi Punto de Vista

From the Publisher's Corner

June 25, 2009

 Moral Authority

By Sal Osio

Moral authority is the inherent quality of leadership. It is the credibility and respect that inspires the confidence and consent of society who tacitly embrace the ideals and resolutions of the leader. It is the conduct and example of a leader which is persuasive and becomes the beacon of hope, both spiritually and politically, creating a rallying point.

Once disillusioned with a leader, the result of a breach of trust, the group abandons the faith and respect previously accorded. Without moral authority there is no leadership by consensus. Once deprived of this trust a leader rules only by intimidation where might replaces right.The backlash of which results in civil disobedience and, eventually, revolt.

History is replete with examples of the consequences when moral authority to rule is lacking. The American Revolution is exemplary. The colonists lost faith in the English Crown and declared their independence. The French Revolution is another historical precedence Also the wars of independence trough New Spain.

And today, we witness the same dynamic in Iran. The Ayatollahs rule with an iron fist to subjugate the will of the people. Iran’s theocrats are dictators exercising authoritarian powers lacking moral authority. They will soon find out the daunting task facing them. Civil disobedience will evolve into armed revolt. The regime will change to a leadership with the moral authority to rule.

If we are to lead from strength in promoting social and economic justice we must begin at home. When our leadership governs with moral authority, as fortunately the Obama administration is doing, we cast a net of hope by our example. Our strength is the values we embrace among our citizens and promote among our neighbors. We must lead by example. We must support the moral right of our fellowmen to govern themselves and seek their own destiny. Indeed they may seek a constitutional monarchy patterned after England or a an authoritarian benevolent ruler that fits their needs. We cannot and should not dictate the form of government selected by our neighbors. A democratic government, such as ours, may not be suitable to a people whose priorities may be stability, safety and the fundamental needs of living, such as education, health, nutrition and shelter. It may not suit the desires of people for spiritual guidance and leadership as long as such form of government is with their consent. In essence, we must refrain from forcing our choice of government on others. We must repudiate a regime change by force mentality.

Persuasion by example is moral authority. Let’s not lose the high ground. Let us not repeat the mistake of Iraq.

Some pundits in our country, notably John Bolton, the former Ambassador to the U.N. in the Bush/Cheney administration, and other right wing extremists, would have our country engage in a dominant role to replace the Iran regime. It seems that we have not learned our lessons in Iraq. Our military might, absent nuclear warfare which could obliterate mankind, is powerless. We have not succeeded in Iraq after thousands of U.S. military and over 70,000 civilian casualties. And, less we forget, we recently lost a costly war in Vietnam. The lesson: Regime change can only come from within, not from without.

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 Sal Osio, JD is the Publisher of HispanicVista.com. Contact at SPOsio@aol.com