I just finished The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara, a book that has been on my "To Read" list since 1992, the year a crusty, old senior chief from my Navy days recommended it. The guts, drive, and faith shared by Generals Lee, Longstreet, Armistead on the Confederate side, and Col. Chamberlain and Gen Hancock on the Union side are awe inspiring.
To think of the educational mountain ranges that could be moved and scaled if all teachers had a sense of mission exhibited by these leaders, a mission propelled by a kind of fanaticism.
These amazing men poured their souls into their profession, and they led by example. I keep thinking of courtly General Lee gently reprimanding JEB Stuart, patiently waiting to do the job in private instead of making an example of the flamboyant officer amid the other officers. Stuart really screwed up, and it can be argued that his failure leading reconnaissance around Gettysburg put the Southern forces in serious jeopardy. Lee exemplifies "Leedership" (pardon the bad pun) by keeping his composure and by not crushing a subordinate general who dearly loved the army and the cause. Lincoln acted the same way with McClellan.
These amazing men poured their souls into their profession, and they led by example. I keep thinking of courtly General Lee gently reprimanding JEB Stuart, patiently waiting to do the job in private instead of making an example of the flamboyant officer amid the other officers. Stuart really screwed up, and it can be argued that his failure leading reconnaissance around Gettysburg put the Southern forces in serious jeopardy. Lee exemplifies "Leedership" (pardon the bad pun) by keeping his composure and by not crushing a subordinate general who dearly loved the army and the cause. Lincoln acted the same way with McClellan.
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