The United States is resented in many parts of the world, mostly by people who are subconsciously jealous of our unparalleled achievements. At the same time, we have been the role model for countless other nations who have adopted the principles of our constitution. We must never take our lot for granted, and we must always thank G-d for allowing us to live in a country which offers so much, not least of all the freedom to serve Him undisturbed by persecution or government sanctioned discrimination.

Wouldn’t it be idyllic to have a real leader, a G-dly person whom we can trust to faithfully serve the people, a leader who actually leads?

Recently I saw a bumper sticker which said, “If the people will lead, the leaders will follow.” That decal expresses the inherent flaw of democracy. It is impossible for a leader to truly lead when he or she must always keep an ear to the ground, fearful of making an unpopular decision which will lead to a defeat in the next elections. A true leader is someone who has vision, who sees things which the average citizen cannot, and is willing to make the necessary decisions which may be painful in the short-range, but are beneficial in the long-run. A genuine leader leads, while the majority of today’s politicians base their policies on focus groups and the latest Gallup Poll. Truly we have leaders who are actually followers.

Yet Democracy remains the most viable form of government because we are – rightfully – unwilling to entrust our lives to the hands of a dictator or Politburo. We trust ourselves more than we trust a select group of politicians who are all too susceptible to bribes, corruption, etc. But wouldn’t it be idyllic to have a real leader, a G-dly person whom we can trust to faithfully serve the people, a leader who actually leads?

Welcome to the Messianic Era.