Two years ago I attended a Boy Scout meeting with my then-13-year-old son. The scout leaders talked about leadership, and asked the scouts to name people they thought were leaders and to explain what it was that made these people leaders.
I remember continuing the discussion with my son during our drive home after the meeting that night. We talked about examples of leaders in the world, and I shared my view that it’s easy to be a leader when your colleagues, friends and family support you. A true leader is a person who stands up for what they believe is right despite what their colleagues, friends, family or the vocal majority of society think. It might take a while, but history ultimately rewards the true leaders in our society who put themselves at risk and rise to challenge power in pursuit of truth and justice. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez and Rosa Parks are just a few examples of true leaders that come to mind.
Sen. Romney, you showed true leadership with your vote at the Senate impeachment trial this week. Thank you for your courage, and may history reward you.
Scott Widmer, Holladay