Incident #1 is the death of Jack Layton, leader of Canada's NDP who ceased this week because of cancer. A great many Canadians are sad over the loss of this courageous fighter, who many thought was on his way to changing Canada. His final letter to Canadians messaged his hope and encouragements, but also almost marks the abortion of his ambitious cause. Here I sensed a bit of irony: If the death of an individual leader may have this big an impact on the political map of this country, Canada still has a long way to go before calling itself a model democracy. - Of course, I say this with full respect for the courage of this great fighter. May Jack Layton rest in peace.
Incident #2 may be drawing the attention of even more people: Steve Jobs quits his job. (If Apple fans all over the world collectively count as a country, it would out-populate Canada.) The finale of this great man has been this newest product "iQuit". Joking as it is, it is nothing but reasonable to believe the resignation of this charismatic CEO is impacting the perceptions of investors, employees and customers of Apple in a not-so-optimistic way. It puts into question whether or not Apple can stay equally cool, innovative, and competitive in the years to come. Again, the empire Steve Jobs co-founded and legendized is on its way to tasting the bitter consequence of himself being too charismatic and important.
My conclusion, if I have any, is that a dominantly strong leader (i.e. dictator?) is really a double-edged sword for the group. Running a cause on one of such super stars is dangerous. Being addicted to it is almost wrong. But unfortunately, like other addictions from alcohol to drugs, it's probably easier to acquire than to quit. Just one of the inevitable realities about human stupidity...
