Uneasy Lies The Head

At some time in life, most Black men and women believe they are, or want to be, "Him" or "Her".

We want to be the smartest, the strongest, the richest, the best, or the brightest. We want to be "The One"!

When compared to other Black journalists and media professionals, I have reluctantly referred to myself as "Him", or the most versatile or the strongest Black media voice.

When people say, "Lucius, you're brilliant", sometimes I agree because I know I am not.

When you think you're at the top, your only movement is down!

In politics, everyone who is elected imagines they are special. They love their titles, they love their expense accounts, they love their staff members, they love free dinners and free drinks, and elected officials love their opportunities and protections.

People who love President Donald Trump are quick to describe him as the most powerful man in the world! Trump has access to nuclear codes and nuclear bombs. He has a House and Senate that he controls, he can demolish portions of The White House, he can fire government employees, he can dismantle American health care programs, he can end US Aid to needy countries, and President Trump does not hesitate to pardon criminals convicted of federal crimes, including drug traffickers and drug kingpins.

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown" is a quote from Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 2". Basically it means, "great power and leadership bring heavy responsibilities, anxiety and many sleepless nights.

Political candidates on all levels, worry about losing elections. They worry about losing benefits, losing campaign contributions, and losing voter support.

Corporate bosses worry about corporation losses, employee strikes and work shortages, and they are concerned about corporate competitors who produce and sell better products and services.

In our communities, Black leaders worry about loss of status. They are concerned about the news media designating different Black leaders. One day the newspapers and broadcasters will recognize a different Black man or woman as the new Black leader.

Members of America's Black communities will never get to elect their own community leaders.

We are told to rubber-stamp leadership choices made by others.

So, it's truly tough to wear a "crown". Being shot at in assassination attempts, being accused of committing a terrible crime like child kidnapping and sexual assault, or accused of murdering fishermen in the Caribbean Sea are the kinds of hits crown wearers have to take sometimes.

Political and community leaders, can avoid the mental and physical stress by simply doing the right things.

If you want to serve your nation, state, city or community, just be a true and good public servant!

The symbolic crown will never be "easy" or fit well on the head of a tyrant, dictator, or a political pretender!