Leadership or Deception?

Perception is about the story that is told and, more importantly, the story that is believed. Perception is a powerful force, shaping public opinion and driving the decisions of leaders and voters alike. In politics what people believe often carries more weight than the actual truth.

In many cases, the image a politician projects, or the narrative they craft, is more influential than the reality of their actions or policies. Once a perception is established, it can easily become the accepted reality, even when it is completely divergent from the truth. This can lead to a situation where public opinion is based more on belief than on fact.

A recent example of this can be seen when a leader stands in front of a 100-mile section of the border wall in Arizona, claiming it as a testament to their success. Yet, in reality, this stretch of the wall was constructed by the previous administration. Meanwhile, a 10-mile section that was supposed to be built under their watch remains incomplete, with the materials left in disarray, resembling nothing more than piles of junk.

This scenario raises some serious questions about the integrity, competence, and mental state of the individual making such claims. Whether it's a case of blatant lying, cognitive decline, or sheer incompetence, none of these possibilities inspire confidence in their ability to lead a nation.

Truth Behind the Border Wall

The border wall has been a hot-button issue in American politics, with various administrations making it a priority, either to build it or to stop it. The leader in question used a completed section of the wall—built by a prior administration—as a prop to tout their own achievements. This is not just misleading; it’s a blatant attempt to rewrite history in real-time.

Deception or Confusion?

Standing in front of a wall built by someone else and claiming it as your own is either a calculated deception or a profound misunderstanding of the situation. If it’s the former, it shows a willingness to manipulate the truth for personal gain. If it’s the latter, it raises concerns about the leader’s grasp on reality and their fitness to hold office.

Meanwhile, the failure to complete a relatively small 10-mile section of the wall under their administration suggests a lack of follow-through. The fact that this unfinished project has devolved into heaps of unused materials indicates poor planning and execution—an emblem of unfulfilled promises.

Lying, Dementia, or Incompetence?

Given these circumstances, several scenarios potentially explain this behavior, none of which are reassuring.

The most straightforward explanation is that this leader is simply lying. They know they didn’t build the wall but hope the public won’t notice or care. This level of dishonesty would suggest they are willing to deceive the public about anything.

Another possibility is that the leader genuinely believes they are responsible for the wall, despite empirical evidence to the contrary. This points to cognitive issues, possibly even dementia, where the line between reality and fantasy has become blurred. If this is the case, it’s deeply troubling to think of someone in such a state making decisions that affect millions of lives.

Lastly, this situation could result from a leader who is surrounded by an incompetent staff. Perhaps they are unaware of the true origins of the wall, relying on aides who either failed to inform them or misled them. This scenario reflects poorly on the leader’s ability to manage their team or make informed decisions.

The most likely explanation might be a leader who is willing to lie, possibly suffering from cognitive decline, and surrounded by inept advisors. This blend of dishonesty, confusion, and mismanagement is dangerous, unsustainable, and a recipe for disaster.

Why This Matters

The behavior in this situation is not just a small political misstep—it’s indicative of larger, more systemic issues. A person who is willing to deceive the public, potentially unaware of their actions, or unable to manage their own administration effectively is not someone who should be running a country. Leadership requires honesty, clarity of thought, and the ability to deliver on promises. When a leader fails to meet these basic standards, it’s not just a reflection of their inadequacy; it’s a risk to the entire nation.

The image of a leader standing in front of someone else’s accomplishments, while their own failures lie in ruins, is a powerful metaphor for the dangers of dishonesty, cognitive decline, and incompetence in politics. It suggests a person who is out of touch with reality, disconnected from the truth, and unable to effectively govern.

In any of these scenarios, this is not the kind of leadership that instills confidence. It’s a stark reminder that the qualities we should seek in our leaders—honesty, competence, and sound judgment—are more important than ever. And when a leader fails to embody these qualities, it’s up to us to question their fitness to lead and consider the consequences of their actions on the future of our country.