Can we get back to “Leading with Common Sense”?

As you might know from my bio, my family and I are immigrants from Germany - legal immigrants. We came to the

US in 1995. I served in the German Air Force, then flew fighter jets for the US Air Force at Cannon Air Force base for about 1 year, and then became project manager for a multi-national training center in

New Mexico, before retiring in 2001. It took us almost 11 years to receive our permanent residency papers. In 4 years from now we will be allegeable to apply for citizenship and the right to vote.You might think that we are typically arguing for the immigrants who are in the news and the presidential candidates talk about. In reality, we are actually not. What we would like to see is a fair treatment for those who adhere the rules and laws – just as we did. My family and I realize that it isn’t practicable nor desirable to send 12 million illegal immigrants home. What is very frustrating are the exceptions that are discussed for illegal immigrants compared to those individuals who apply legally – and have to wait in line for decades. Even that could be swallowed if it weren’t for some representatives speaking on behalf of illegal immigrants who actually demand special treatment while we (all of us) are expected to adjust.You might ask yourself what this subject has to do with leadership. In my view, it takes leaders who don’t mind to speak their mind, use clear language and tackle an issue with common sense and historical perspective.

My friend Jack Vance recently send me a message, recalling a speech the former prime minister of Australia held abut the subject of immigration down under. I think it is an example of the kind of leadership we are missing. It is totally independent of political association either way. Here is the core of what he said and suggested: (shown in italic)

Australian Prime minister during a speech before the last elections Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of

Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation’s mosques. Quote: ‘IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.’ ‘This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom’ ‘We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society…learn the language!’ ‘Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.’ ‘We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.’ ‘This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, ‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’.’

‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.’ Well, that makes a lot of sense to me and I hope we would adopt at least a policy like that. It doesn’t solve the issue of illegal immigration, but at least it levels the playing field and puts the voices for this subject in a proper perspective.

Axel Meierhoefer, President AMC LLC