Barack Obama and Libya

I have tried to follow the current situation going on in Libya the past few days.  I did not know that Obama decided to bomb Libya without Congress' blessing.  While the President has this power, they often make sure they get it ok'd by Congress first.  By making this decision himself, Obama showed that he has legitimate power.  Obviously being the ruler of the free world he has legitimate power, but he went over the top of everyone in making the decision.  While many people felt that bombing Libya over the weekend was necessary, others are upset that we got involved in another war and being the world's big brother.  As discussed in our textbook, authentic leadership is often used in times of world upheavals and crisis.  Obama felt that if he had to do something.  The main argument against getting involved is, should we get involved in another overseas' civil war?  We still have troops in the Middle East and are helping aid Japan every way we can.  However, by Obama taking a stand and deciding to bomb Libya and help create the no-fly zone it shows that he is willing to take the steps needed to promote peace and equality world wide.  By looking at the intrapersonal definition of authentic leadership there are several perspectives that Obama showed by taking action.  First he exhibited genuine leadership.  He lead with conviction.  Lastly, he based his actions on his own values.  This is who Obama is.  He is not faking it, he genuinley cares for people and wants to protect the innocent from ruthless dictators.  Also mentioned with authentic leadership are four key positive psychological attributes: confidence, hope, optimisim, and resilience.  During all the troubling times we have faced while Obama has been in office, he has shown confidence, hope, optimisim, and resilience, and it was no different in this situation either.  Whether you agree with taking military action in Libya, you have to realize that Obama has displayed exceptional authentic leadership throughout his time in office.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theenvoy/20110321/ts_yblog_theenvoy/international-alliance-divided-over-libya-command

Posted by Jason Svela