Reply #9: Much of this [View All]

[H2O Man]

can be traced to how "leaders" appeal to individuals, based on what is known as the indivual's "locus of control." The theories on "locus of control" were first identified in the works of Julian Rotter in 1954, and have been expanded in areas such as "health psychology." These theories can also be applied to "healthy politics."

People tend to have an individual locus of control that falls somewhere on the continum between "internal" and "external." In essence, it has to do with if a person believes that their individual actions affect the outcomes of the situations they find themselves in. Those with an internal locus of control believe that they play a significant role in determining the outcome of their existence, while those with an external locus of control view themselves as victims of circumstances beyond their control.

A good leader appeals to people to be active participants in determing the outcome to the circumstances in the greater society, and to recognize their internal power to be agents of change.

Bad leaders always appeal to the opposite: there are numerous examples, including the recent examples of Bush and Cheney. Another example would be John McCain's rather feeble "I know how to do that," in response to virtually every question asked of him in the three presidential debates.

We need that internal strength today, more than ever.