Former Director of the CIA encourages democratic participation

Former Secretary of Defense, Leon E. Panetta, took the podium at the SJV Town Hall, Oct. 19. With the resume of a potential presidential candidate, Panetta spoke on critical topics in today’s 21st century: World affairs, U.S. intelligence, defense, cyber security strategies and global economic challenges.

The former Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency under President Barack Obama, and Monterey Bay native, has created his own organization: The Panetta Institute for Public Policy. This corporation strives to attract young men and women to lives of public service while preparing them with knowledge of public policies and skills that can be used for leadership.

Over the course of his service towards the United States and its citizens, Panetta has received numerous awards including the ‘The Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award’, ‘Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in Policy’ and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance’s ‘William Oliver Baker Award.’ With numerous recognitions and successful programs, there was no doubt that William Saroyan Theatre in Downtown Fresno would be at capacity.

Phillip Christopher shares his thoughts on Panetta’s speech

In the midst of an election that presents itself with countless uncertainties and controversies, I was eager to hear what a respected political figure like Leon Panetta would have to say. Going into the event knowing that Panetta previously worked closely with the Clinton’s and served as the Secretary of Defense under the Obama administration, I arrogantly assumed whom he would blame America’s problem on. Since he is a Democrat, the conclusion was made that he supports the Clinton’s and thinks that the Republicans are to blame for our country’s issues.

Until we stop worrying about being loyal to blue or red, we cannot be successful as the red, white, and blue. — Leon Panetta

Panetta quickly proved my assumptions to be false. He opened his speech with a story about a priest and rabbi. The two went to a boxing match together. When the boxer did the infamous Catholic crossing to himself, the rabbi asked, “What does that mean?” The priest responded with, “It doesn’t mean a thing, if he can’t fight.” Panetta used this story to show that we, as Americans, can judge this country all we want, but if we do not act upon our opinion, it means nothing.

He then went on to thank us for coming together and willingly participate in today’s democracy; this was his next point. Our country is failing and it is failing because we have governmental authorities and workers that are unwilling to participate in the democracy. I respected his idea that the country’s problems do not lie in the hands of one party. It is the fault of both Republicans and Democrats. For a democracy to be successful, everyone must participate, collaborate and negotiate a middle ground for us all to agree on.

Panetta did an extraordinary job of indicating our countries issues. He pinpointed that America is divided due to the unwillingness to make compromise between our two parties.  “Until we stop worrying about being loyal to blue or red, we cannot be successful as the red, white, and blue,” Panetta said.

Jennifer King found Panetta’s thoughts on leadership helpful

From the creation of Panetta’s institute for younger individuals in America, it was evident that Panetta shared a common concern for preparing people today to take on leadership in our democracy. As someone who is not informed of every detail that occurs in today’s political world, I was able to understand and grasp the key concepts of leadership that Panetta stressed during his speech.

Our strength does not lie in the boundaries of Washington, D.C. but in the American people. Our presidential nominees were once the ones chosen to vote for their future leaders. We do not have to wait until we are standing behind a podium to realize our leadership capabilities, it can begin anytime, anywhere. — Leon Panetta

Panetta described  good leadership qualities that relate to anyone today. In some way or another, all can be leaders wherever we are currently situated. If and when we are pushed to take on leadership roles, Panetta believes  we need to be open to take risks to avoid unnecessary crises. Our country has proven times of great and failing leadership, some of which is the product of a lackadaisical stance.  

In the many years that Panetta has served America, he has seen an unsteady rise and decline of leadership, much of which has left us in the chaos today. There is an unwillingness to come together and an uncertainty to elect the right leader for America. During his speech, Panetta asks the audience one question: “If the United States does not provide leadership to the world then who else will?”

I do agree that good leadership does begin with the American people. It is important that we fulfill the role as citizens to obey our responsibilities. My favorite quote from Panetta during his speech was, “Our strength does not lie in the boundaries of Washington, D.C. but in the American people.” Our presidential nominees were once the ones chosen to vote for their future leaders. We do not have to wait until we are standing behind a podium to realize our leadership capabilities, it can begin anytime, anywhere.

Nick Leblanc commends Panetta for addressing issues fearlessly

Living in a society preoccupied by the uncertainty of the forthcoming  presidential election, I was hoping to have my worries removed by hearing Leon Panetta. He shared many strategies on how to unite the country which definitely lessened my concern. His main message to the crowd of 2,000 plus was that citizens of this nation are going through a crisis, and will have to step up and lead in order to avoid being a country run by crises.

“In order for a leader to be a good leader, he/she has to be willing to take risks,” Panetta said. “Unwilling to do so will result in governing a nation that is being run by a crisis.”

Panetta went on to say that this is the most broken he has ever seen America. This nation is divided and will stay divided unless both Democrats and Republicans come together. Rather than blaming each party for their faults and trying to point out the mistakes, compromise and collaborating on ways to unite this country will ultimately be what will finally cease the division.

In order for a leader to be a good leader, he/she has to be willing to take risks. Unwilling to do so will result in governing a nation that is being run by a crisis. — Leon Panetta

Panetta was not afraid to address the major issues of today’s society. Not only did he explain our problems, but he also gave insight on how to fix them. As long as America continues to stay divided, our nation’s crisis will continue to spread.

For another article from the SJV town hall read, Admiral James Stavridis shares insight into global security.