Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.

Washington's answer to a self-inflicted financial crisis reminded Americans why they so deeply distrust the political class. The 'fiscal cliff' process was secretive and sloppy and the nation's so-called leadership lacked the political courage to address our root problems: joblessness and debt.

Leaders come in many forms with many styles and diverse qualities. There are quiet leaders and leaders one can hear in the next county. Some find strength in eloquence some in judgment some in courage.

A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public life is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in its chosen leaders today - and in fact we have forgotten.

I definitely wasn't cool in high school. I really wasn't. I did belong to many of the clubs and was in leadership on yearbook and did the musical theater route so I had friends in all areas. But I certainly did not know what to wear did not know how to do my hair all those things.

Stop being conned by the old mantra that says 'Leaders are cool managers are dweebs.' Instead follow the Peters Principle: Leaders are cool. Managers are cool too!

Polite and velvety leaders who take care to avoid bruising others are generally not as effective at forcing change.

The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?

Hope and change? We're not doing that anymore. They're doing attack and blame. And so I just think people are going to see through this. They want real leadership. They want us to get this country on the right track.

So here's the question: Without a change in leadership why would the next four years be any different from the last four years?

Until we totally change the way we elect our leaders until we remove private money from public campaigns lying will be the de facto method of governance in this country.

Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative leaders change things.

Millions of young Americans have graduated from college during the Obama presidency ready to use their gifts and get moving in life. Half of them can't find the work they studied for or any work at all. So here's the question: Without a change in leadership why would the next four years be any different from the last four years?

Of course there is no question that Libya - and the world - will be better off with Gaddafi out of power. I along with many other world leaders have embraced that goal and will actively pursue it through non-military means. But broadening our military mission to include regime change would be a mistake.

Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.

After adding trillions to the debt on big-government policies most Americans didn't ask for and which we couldn't afford Democratic leaders say they need more money which they intend to take from small business even though small businesses create the majority of new jobs.

If anybody ran a business like that they would be out of business quickly and Barack Obama's leadership is driving this business the United States of America toward a fiscal cliff.