As a reporter, these moments of horror remind me why leadership matters, at all levels. Five years ago, I was in Charleston the night of the Mother Emanuel murders. The city looked to its white mayor, Joe Riley, on a sweltering & terrible night. He didn't mince words...
Standing with African American leaders, he walked up to reporters and called the slayings a *hate* crime, a race crime, "the most dastardly act that one can imagine." He was calm, but also frank and clear. He pledged to bring the killer to justice as soon as possible.
I didn't know the mayor. I was in the city by chance to cover Jeb. But standing there, I was reminded about how much leadership matters. How much clarity on tough issues matters.
Most days, officials can seem distant. But at critical times, communities and nations turn to them.
Most days, officials can seem distant. But at critical times, communities and nations turn to them.
