Creating Lasting Impact: The Power of Unity, Patriotism, and Positive Action

The Long Road to Meaningful Change

The quest for lasting, meaningful change in our society often seems like a marathon, one that requires both vision and endurance. As presidential candidates present their solutions to the challenges our country faces, it is essential to not just focus on the immediate promises. The integrity of our leaders is equally, if not more, important in these critical times. It is crucial that leaders demonstrate their character, not only through strategic and executive performance, but also in how they navigate the complexities of leadership with authenticity and dependability.

Power, Influence, and the Greater Good

Throughout my involvement in politics, I've witnessed how the allure of power and influence can sometimes overshadow the pursuit of the greater good. Personal interests may take precedence, leading to unfulfilled promises and unintended consequences for those who had genuinely hoped for positive change. Leaders must remember the importance of integrity and prioritize the common good, ensuring that their actions align with principles and values that benefit others.

Integrity in Action

Margaret Chase Smith was a leader who rose above power and personal interests to prioritize the common good. She gained national attention when she courageously spoke in the Senate against Senator Joe McCarthy's "McCarthyism" saying,

"Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism in making character assassinations are all too frequently those who, by our own words and acts, ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism: 'The right to criticize. The right to hold unpopular beliefs. The right to protest. The right of independent thought.' The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American his reputation or his right to a livelihood. Embracing a philosophy that lacks political integrity or intellectual honesty would prove equally disastrous to the nation."

It is incumbent upon all of us to personify integrity, decency, and respect for others rights and freedoms, in and out of politics, and to help facilitate a renewed commitment to the principles and ideals that have the capacity to foster a stronger, more unified nation.

Understanding True Patriotism

Carrying forward these important principles and ideals, patriotism emerges as an inherent component within strong leadership. Despite its frequent misinterpretation or misuse, its significance cannot be understated. In its essence, patriotism is not about grand displays or tribal politics. It is a daily commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens and our communities. Examples could be participating in local government, volunteering in community services, supporting local businesses, or helping a neighbor in need. It is an intrinsic guiding star that leads us to make decisions that benefit those around us and contribute to the common good. Tom Morris , in his book "The Everyday Patriot ," emphasizes that patriotism is not a deceptive cloak for hidden motives but a positive and powerful approach to daily life that involves healthy choices rooted in reliable knowledge. In his 2019 Inaugural Address , former Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts highlighted the "abiding sense of patriotism, belonging, and community" that has made us strong for almost 400 years. He encouraged us, as I do now, to embrace positive and optimistic politics and reject any negative alternatives, especially when some data shows that 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats in the US believe people in the opposing party are immoral.

Patriotism as a Beacon for Public Service

Shifting from an abstract label to tangible actions within our locus of control, patriotism, in its true essence, can guide us to serve our community more effectively - it can become a beacon for public service. Whether it’s a teacher who consistently goes the extra mile for her students to ensure they have a quality education, the local business owner who starts a food drive for those most in need, or students who find various ways to serve their school and community. Patriotism calls on us to approach our work and relationships with transparency and collaboration, focusing on shared objectives rather than personal gain. It is about making choices that elevate us as positive change agents within our communities.

Burning Brightly for Future Generations

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."?- George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright

How will you ignite your torch? How will you shine brightly with honor, make a positive impact, and leave behind a legacy of progress for future generations to build upon?

Igniting Your Torch - Guiding Questions

1. Integrity in Leadership: How can I bring greater integrity to my current role? What values do I hold that should be non-negotiable in my work?
2. Prioritizing the Common Good: When making decisions, do I consider how it will impact others and the greater good? If not, how can I begin incorporating this perspective?
3. Understanding Patriotism: What actions can I take to shift my understanding of patriotism from a mere abstract label to a guiding principle? How can I translate the concept of patriotism into my daily actions? What does being a 'patriot' mean in the context of my work, community, or personal life?
4. Promoting Positive Politics: How can I promote a culture of transparency and collaboration in my workplace or community? What actions can I take today to focus on shared objectives rather than personal gain? How do we work together to create a politics of unity, patriotism, and positive action that generates unwavering integrity among a group of people? In what ways do parties or political entities have a positive and negative influence on that goal?
5. Becoming a Positive Change Agent: What steps can I take to become a positive influence in my community? Are there initiatives or causes that I can contribute to?
6. Leaving a Legacy: What steps can I take to ensure that my actions today will leave behind a legacy of progress for future generations?

John C. Allen IV, MBA , is the President of The Allen Company, a public affairs and strategy consulting firm that supports businesses, political organizations and candidates, and mission-driven organizations by designing personalized strategies that effectively maximize opportunities, drive meaningful impact, and propel the achievement of any outward-facing goals. Before establishing The Allen Company, John served in pivotal roles across various businesses, education organizations, and political campaigns.