Proud to be an American

Just a short note today.

I am really proud to be an American.  In spite of the incessantly negative reports on the news, whether it be COVID19 or politics, or whatever, our fellow citizens are (in the main) behaving with dignity and courtesy.

Folks politely and quietly line up at the grocery store, maintaining their social distance.  We see far more people out walking in our neighborhood, nodding and waving at others.  We are seeing more walkers in one day than we we used to see in a month.  And no one is behaving like a flaming dumb ass.

As see throughout the history of this great nation, American citizens stand up when the need is the greatest. 

So, don't let all the reports about the flaming dumb asses convince you the country has gone to hell in a hand basket.  Don't listen to the so-called celebrities and worthless politicians.  Sure, these are challenging times and more sacrifice will be called for from all of us.  But we can and will persevere.

Wave at your neighbors as they walk by.  Appreciate the courtesy seen at the grocery store.  

And be thankful you are an American.

May we remember this in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Tis certainly a worrisome time, but all is not lost.

In spite of what the media portrays as apocalyptic, the end is not near.  Certainly, COVID19 presents serious challenges.  However, the death knell is not sounding.  Our great nation will recover.

Disappointing, but not surprising, are the actions by politicians, opinion spewers, activists, and media types to first create near panic and then attempt to use it as leverage to get their pet rock project funded, limit American freedoms, change the national cultural landscape, and inject fraud inducements into the election process.  Not only disappointing, it is also repugnant.


We are also seeing the publicity hungry, media porn addicted individuals for who they really are.  Whether it is AOC and her incessant radical pronouncements, actors/actresses struggling to be seen as relevant, speaking heads from various so-called-news outlets, "professional" athletes, the "influencers" pushing out totally unimportant selfies, or the plethora of activists demanding this and that.  These worthless folks contribute nothing but noise.  They aren't working for betterment of the nation, but seek screen time for their names and faces.

Most reprehensible are the elected officials, overwhelmingly Democrats, using this crisis to force big government on the people.  Regrettably, most disaster legislation empowers a single individual (governor or mayor) with extraordinary powers.  Many times unchecked power.  Ostensibly this is so the government, state or municipal, can be more agile and responsive in addressing the underlying crisis.  Sadly, tragically some overstep their mandates.  Of course, prudence and judgment must carry the day to protect their citizens.  But too many examples of the unreasonable are surfacing.  Overreactions, whether due to exceptionally poor judgment or naked pursuit of power in order to pursue their own agendas.  Hopefully the voters will have long memories.

Another comment about the elected exceeding their proper limitations.  Governor Newsom of California was at least honest about it, declaring he saw the COVID19 as providing the opportunity for him to enact his progressive agenda.  More infamously, Nancy Pelosi incoherrently demands a progressive wish list, a wish list that could never be passed through routine legislation.  These two and many others are attempting to ride a crisis on the backs of Americans in order to increase their political power and personal fortunes.  Shameful, disgusting, and reprehensible.

Nonetheless, the vast majority of the nation is adapting, as it always does when faced with real threats, not the manufactured ones MSNBC and Democrat politicians proclaim.  Even though the mainstream media attempts to suppress positive reports, they make their way into the national dialogue.  Reports of average citizens (note...CITIZENS) helping one another abound.  Reports of recognizing our front line heroes, those indisputably essential to our way of life, uplift us. 

May we remember this in the weeks, months, and years to come.    

Shameful

It is shameful that...

• Our great nation can't seem to find decent, capable,  ethical people of integrity and patriotism to run for the highest office in the land.
• The Washington Posts calls one of the most violent terrorist of our time an "austere religious scholar."
• State legislatures and city councils seek to nullify federal laws.
• Chicago teachers reject a 16% pay raise, while active duty military will receive 3.1%, the largest in decades.
• School boards are "convinced" by teacher union money to eliminate or curtail their competition: charter schools.
• Candidates for elected office pander in the worst possible ways.
• The NFL and NBA, once stalwart examples of American culture and competitive spirit, are now bastions of PC and foreign influence.
• People with no military experience presume to dictate to the men and women in uniform.
• Politicians appropriate cultures of which they do not belong.
• So-called social justice warriors believe that race, ethnicity, and gender identification provide shields of immunity for their illegal, unethical, and prejudiced actions.
• Candidates for public office who lost elections persist in proclaiming they actually won.
• Rich politicians take more and more from hard working American citizens.
• Illegal aliens are treated better than veterans.
• Colleges and universities deny legal rights to anyone merely accused of sexual assault, rather than refer the allegations to law enforcement.
• The media, once the lighthouses of truth, have sunk to being biased arms of the political parties.
• The American flag is scorned by some of her people.
• Colleges and universities no longer educate; they indoctrinate.
• Members of Congress amass fortunes while elected.
• California works at breakneck speed to irreparably damage the worlds 5th largest economy. 
• Hypocritical politicians dare to dictate to free American citizens.
• Government issued photo identification is required to buy beer, but not to vote.
• People will take out their smartphones to record someone in life threatening danger, rather than running to their aid.
• California raises taxes on gasoline and spends the money on everything but roads.
• The predominant answers from progressives is to dictate behavior and attempt to remove the rights of citizens.
• Congress spends money the nation doesn't have, while exempting themselves from the laws forced on the citizens.
• An elected official says, "a lot of people [are] more concerned about being precisely, factually, and semantically correct than about being morally right."
• All too many people accept the tripe filling social media platforms as verified facts.
• Most folks do not understand that the 1st Amendment means the government can not abridge free speech; private entities can.
• Elected individuals refuse to accept responsibility for their words and actions.
• Narcissism, illustrated by social media comments and selfie mania, has gripped the country.
• Federal, state, and local benefits are paid out to non-citizens. 
• Professional (entertainer) athletes are paid obscene amounts of money.
• California passes a law authorizing college student-athletes to be paid...on top of the enormous scholarships they receive.
• A candidate for president says, "...we choose about truth, not facts..." as if they are mutually exclusive.
• Public discourse and debate have been lowered to gutter level profanity.
• There are no term limits for Members of Congress.
• Law enforcement officers are derided by elected individuals.
• Failed candidates for president seek public acclaim long after the election they lost.
• Junior military enlisted are paid so little they qualify for food stamps.
• Free speech is trampled upon and limited by elected individuals.
• Texting and social media posting has replaced person-to-person conversations.
• Obesity is rampant in America.    

The real America

On this Sunday afternoon, an Honor Flight returned to San Diego.  World War II and Korean veterans, including a Woman Marine and former POW, had been to our nation's capital, where they were recognized for their service to our nation.

On this Sunday afternoon, hundreds of real Americans turned out to welcome them.  American flags were enthusiastically and unashamedly waved.  Patriotic music was played.  Red, white, and blue were the dominant colors.

Looking around, what were not seen were football players (or any other professional athletes), elected officials, leftist media, political commentators, leftist pundits, television actors, movie stars, university professors, socialist democrats, social justice warriors, or any of the others working to destroy our nation.  Present were real Americans, proudly packing in to welcome these heroes home.

It is all too tempting to bemoan the state of the country.  And make no mistake, we have some serious problems.  But the real America represented at the San Diego airport today is large in number and strong of conviction.

The real America will stop those who seek to destroy our nation. 

Not a routine Sunday

It was not a routine Sunday evening for the dozen or so  citizens who gathered at the funeral home.

While others were watching football, these patriots came together -- voluntarily -- to escort a fallen Marine to the San Diego Airport for his final airplane ride home to New York.  Shaking hands with the Staff Sergeant serving as Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), these patriots expressed their condolences at the death of her Marine.

For members of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), giving of their time, no matter when, no matter the day, is not at all uncommon.

As volunteers all, they proudly answer the call when missions are announced.  Most are veterans.  Most are bikers.  But not all.  But what each and every man and woman shares are patriotism, unbridled pride of country, and an abiding sense of duty.  Duty to the fallen, whether it is a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who died on active duty or a deceased veteran who has honorably served our country.

This evening, six proudly volunteered to serve as pall bearers at the small funeral home in a quiet area of a small town adjacent to San Diego, while the others raised American flags and saluted.  Once they loaded the hearse, they formed up, with many motorcycles flying large American flags.  At the signal, they began their procession down the streets and onto the freeways for the relatively short ride to the airport, where they once again formed up and presented honors as the casket was removed from the hearse.  The pall bearers executed a slow salute, touched the casket, then placed their hands over their hearts in a final gesture of respect.

Even after the air cargo personnel had moved the casket into the warehouse, preparatory to loading it on the aircraft, it seemed the PGR were reluctant to leave their brother-in-arms.  They stood, many still holding their flags, in silent tribute.  Eventually they walked to their motorcycles and departed, one by one.

Not a routine Sunday by any means.  

Pausing and remembering

Much is being written and said about the true meaning of Memorial Day and the associated three day weekend for many.  Most of the sentiment correctly advocates honestly taking the time to really think of the enormity of this National holiday, even as its popular celebration is moved to Monday from the actual date of 31 May.

I join those criticizing the blatant commercialization.  It is sad to see red, white, and blue proliferate the advertisements for the sake of profit.  It is repugnant to read or hear ad copy conveying that it is somehow patriotic to buy this or that product on this particular day.  Of course, the very American freedoms our servicemen and women died for also provide the basis for this rank commercialization.

It occurrs that most of those writing and speaking about the inappropriate use of the holiday and/or strongly advocating embracing its true meaning are from a very small (and getting smaller) segment of the population: active duty military personnel, veterans, and families of the fallen.  And that is a great shame in and of itself.

For some of us, the faces of individual soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines personify Memorial Day.  

We may be the ones observed standing off to the side at various celebrations.  Perhaps with a tear in our eyes.  Or perhaps gathering with those of similar experiences.  

Pausing and remembering.   

A Marine retires

Sergeant Major Kasal, United States Marine Corps, has retired from active duty.

He is a true American hero, whose name some may not recognize.  His image in one of the most widely identifiable photographs from our recent wars is most certainly recognized.

May he enjoy fair seas and following winds in retirement.

Semper Fidelis.

Poignant

In addition to this blog, I do a little free lance writing, mainly about veterans and motorcycling.  Doing so brings me into contact with some truly amazing people, including Marine Corps veteran Ana Sanchez.

A veteran of our most recent wars, it was my honor to interview her, which produced this article.  It tells her story, including being a member of the Marine Corps Female Engagement Teams in ground combat, thus earning the unique recognition of being a Lioness.

Most sadly, Ana passed away recently, succumbing to cancer and leaving behind her husband, a daughter, and a son.

Her passing underscores that there are fantastic people who come into our lives, if only for a short period.  They are extraordinary, simply because they are average, patriotic folks like most of us, working hard to live happy and productive lives day-to-day.

They are not individuals written about by the main stream media.  They are not people about who various pundits and self-appointed experts speak.  They are not the rich and famous.  They don't travel in limousines or chartered aircraft.  They don't appear on talk shows.    

They are our fellow Americans, pure and simple, who have served their country.  They do not seek handouts.  They stand when our National Anthem is played.  Their families are the centers of their lives.

They are male, female, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American.  They come from every part of the country.  They like all kinds of music.  They live in blue states and red states.

Remember, I suggest, these folks when tempted to complain about this or that.  The paths of our lives cross for a bit, adding richness to each.  This is the human experience and deserves recognition.

Just as Marine Corps combat veteran Ana Sanchez deserves our respect for her service.  Her life mattered, not just to her family and friends, but to our nation as well.

Semper Fidelis 

  

Protests or anarchy?

Interesting, isn't it, that published pictures from the recent clash during a pro-president demonstration at Berkeley show the anti-Trump instigators of violence are wearing masks, while those supporting the president are not.

It is also interesting that published reports indicated the anti-Trump protestors came with bats and other implements to use as weapons.

Interesting as well are other anti-government, anti-conservative, and anti-Trump so called protests are characterized by violence in published reports.

From this perspective, a trend is developing.  A scary, negative trend.

These so called protests are no where similar to the civil rights protests of the 60s.  They are more like the violence associated with the Democratic national convention in the 60s.  These so called protests are the sources of property damage, physical assaults, and lawlessness.

Moreover, the recent report that Berkeley has cancelled a speech by conservative commentator Ann Coulter highlights the deeply disturbing practice by universities and colleges of denying free speech.  This practice is particularly onerous when it occurs on taxpayer funded campuses.

The combination of the trend of violence perpetrated by those against conservative views and denying free speech by universities and campuses refutes all that for which the civil rights movement stood.  The combination sounds more like something that would happen in a despotic country than in America.

Peaceful protests - yes.

Anarchy - no.     

Tremendous support from across the nation

Though about seven and one-half months away, the 4th El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) Toys for Tots Ride is indirectly showing that many in great our nation really do have their priorities lined up correctly.  Specifically, the responses to solicitations for items for the opportunity drawing, which is used to entice bikers to join in the event by paying a nominal $10 fee and contributing (at least) one new, unwrapped toy, have been tremendous.  Business after business, many with no association with the military or bikers, are stepping up.

Of course, the children who will be supported by the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program in San Diego are the ultimate beneficiaries.  Christmas.  Kids.  Toys.  A natural combination.  Just the following image generates smiles for this worthy undertaking. 

 

Added is the well known generosity of the biker community.  Hardly a weekend goes by that a fundraiser or charity ride is not hosted somewhere in our region, renowned for the near perfect year around motorcycling weather.  In this case, the El Cajon HOG Chapter is stepping up to plan and host the ride.

Based on the success and media coverage from the 2016 ride, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club reached out and is partnering with the biker club, by providing the ride's destination, as well as exclusive use of the Red Star Bar, special parking, and special seating in the grandstand.  Topping it off, there will be a special horse race, the Toys for Tots Ride.

With all that is challenging in the world, it is inspiring so many unconnected folks are stepping up to help others help the children of the San Diego region enjoy Christmas.  

Mother nature is real

We stood in our kitchen, sipping coffee and looking west, enjoying the view out to the ocean.  Soon the view was obscured by an incoming band of weather.  Slowly and steadily the view was overtaken by the low hanging clouds.  Really low hanging.

The surface of the water, buildings, trees, streetlights, and landmarks were swallowed as the weather front crawled inexorably from east to west.  Obviously we were soon to be inundated.  Just as that thought crossed my mind, a flash with accompanying thunder emanated from the rolling mist, announcing the arrival.

The first light drops of rain hit the surface of the pool.  Slight, shallow dimples.  As the mist enveloped our home, with the rising wind, the drops became heavier and heavier, soon growing to torrential size.  Trees were swaying.  The drumming sound of heavy drops beating on the deck and patio.

Warm and dry, standing in our kitchen drinking our coffee, taking in the scene, I couldn't help but think of mother nature.  

Perhaps she knew of the thought, because another, brighter  flash and much louder thunder lit up and rocked the house, as the storm cell passed over, pushed by the strengthening wind.

From beginning to end, it was probably not more than 5-to-10 minutes.  Where streets, decks, and patios were dry, they now are soaked.  Flowing down the hill's streets, the sudden infusion of water is following nature's course to lower levels.

As across the nation men and women speak and write in hyperbole, with loose attention to facts, communicating emotion based opinion, complaining about this and that, firing accusations and unfounded assertions.  Politicians.  Elected officials.  Members of the media.  Spokespersons.  Pundits.  Athletes. 

Having the choice of listening and reading their tripe or watching mother nature, it's no contest.  

Another cup of coffee.  Another look west, in anticipation of the next band of weather gathering out there on the horizon.  Another flash, another roll of thunder.  

That is real.

(By the way, I also look forward to sunny skies and dry roads, so the motorcycle can come out of the garage.) 

 

Freedom at work

The protests across the nation today illustrated freedom at work.  It is something we should celebrate, even if disagreeing with the messages and purposes. 

Some observations for consideration.

In many places around the world, such protests would not be allowed, or would be rejected violently.

In some places around the world, women are treated essentially as property of their husbands.  At best, as second class citizens.

In some places around the world, females have been denied education.

In some places around the world, women have been stoned to death.

So, while America is imperfect, at least our freedoms are at work.  We can speak our minds.  We can join together in peaceful protest.  We can pursue education.  We can work.  We can vote.

Some questions, in view of the numbers that turned out across our country.

Wonder how many of the protestors voted?  Of those who voted, wonder how many voted for Clinton?  

Finally, with the passion and intensity displayed today, where was Clinton?    

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

It is not a zero sum world

Definition of zero sum: "of, relating to, or being a situation (as a game or relationship) in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side" (source: Merriam-Webster)

In this time of pop culture (according to Dictionary.com, "cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people"), social activism, and repugnant president election campaigning, it occurs that almost all the strident commentary is based upon the seriously flawed assumption that we exist in a zero sum world.

Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth in America.  For example:

• One person's academic success does not require another person's academic failure.
• One person's success in the workplace does not require failure by another.
• One group's advances does not necessitate another group's losses.
• One individual's home purchase does not require another person to give up his/her home. 

Nor is the inverse the truth, in that one's failure or loss automatically means someone else must succeed. 

Yet it seems a zero sum assumption permeates the worlds of the political and social activism.  In these worlds, the explanations invariably include the word fair.  In the eyes of these people, it is not fair that some succeed and some do not, therefore, if one succeeds, it must be at the cost of another.

In a word, absurd.  Life is not inherently fair.  That some are born with exceptional physical and mental capabilities has nothing to do with fairness.  So the Olympic medalist's achievement was not at the cost of requiring the mediocre or worse athlete to fail. 

Aside from non-issue of fairness, what also must be taken into account are determination and effort.  Volumes have been written about individuals overcoming adversity through determination and effort.  These accomplishments did not require that someone else fail.

One can be successful in any number of arenas, without it requiring a corresponding loss or failure by someone else.  Unfortunately, pop culture, politicians, and social activists are selling a seriously flawed product by stating otherwise.  Specifically, that your lack of success is directly due to the success of another group, so the only way matters can corrected in your favor is to either take the success from another and give it to you; deny success to others, then decree it automatically becomes yours; or deny success, achievement, accomplishment in pursuit of "fairness" or "equity."  Everyone must have the identical success.  Absurd! 

Until folks shed this approach, far too many citizens will be perpetually unhappy.  A far better approach is convincing the nation that each can succeed, through applying their God given talents in pursuit of education, employment, relationships, financial security, whatever.  Determinedly employing and improving ones talents through hard work, also known as effort, enables one to succeed.  And it does not require that anyone else failure or lose.

Are there problems in our nation? Most certainly.  Must we work to overcome them?  Also most certainly.  But doing so does not mean one person or group must fail or give up its success for another person or group to be equally or even more successful.        

Mandatory National Service

Published views advocating national service of various types have surfaced, including from General McChrystal, Eric Navarro, and Karen Whitney.  They are on the right path, but don't take the concept far enough.  

The nation needs to implement mandatory national service for all able bodied citizens.  Underscoring the last word, mandatory national service and its ensuing benefits must be available only to citizens of the United States of America.

At age 18 or 60 days subsequent to graduation from high school, whichever occurs last, all able bodied citizens will be required to serve a period of three consecutive years of mandatory national service.  All forms of national service will include introductory in residence training, aka "boot camp."  This introductory training is described later. 

National service will include serving in one of the existing programs, some of which will be converted from volunteer status, for example:

• Armed Forces
• Peace Corps
• Greatly expanded Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)
• US Army Corps of Engineers
• National Park Service
• Fish and Wildlife Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• US Forest Service
• US Geological Survey
• National Resource Conservation
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency
• US Bureau of Reclamation
• Americorps
• Volunteer Generation Fund per Serve America Act
• Americorps National Civilian Community Corps
• Volunteers in Service to America
• Federal Emergency Management Agency Corps
• Note: State and local governments may choose to opt in, by providing state and locally funded positions ccomparable to those listed above.

Every component of the national service will include the following ancillary elements during introductory training, which will be conducted at residential sites (as done by the military during basic training):

• Personal financial management training.
• Consumer skills training, such as house buying, car buying, comparison shopping, credit card management, Internet security, etc.
• Citizenship skills training, such as applying for employment, resume construction, job interview skills, filing tax returns, voting, etc.
• Remedial English language arts, math, and writing for those identified by entry level evaluation during introductory training.
• Administration of interest inventories to help our citizens identify for which fields of employment they are best suited. 
• Applying for college or trade schools.
• GED certificates for those who have not graduated from high school.
• Internships with applicable businesses.  

Only upon successful completion of a three consecutive year stint in national service will citizens be eligible for:

• Federal student financial aid,  
• Federal grants of any kind,
• Federal unemployment insurance,
• Federal health care subsidies,
• Federal employment,
• Federal home loans, 
• Election/appointment to federal office, or
• Any of the 2,302 forms of assistance listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.   

In addition to the above direct benefits, other indirect benefits of mandatory national service include:

• Identifying as American citizens.
• Earning federal benefits.
• Earning employment experience.
• Learning workplace teamwork.
• Leadership.
• Exposure to individuals from outside of ones immediate environment.
• Contributing to the nation, leading to developing citizenship. 
• Gaining three years of crucial maturity before entering higher education, trade schools, or the employment market.
• Exposure to different parts of the country.
• Exposure to various fields of employment.
• Development and enhancement of adult social skills.
• Learning which fields of employment may suit the citizens best.
• Learning to manage personal finances.
• Reduction of student debt.
• Preparation for higher education or trade school.

This program employs our youth as soon as they have completed or departed high school, provides skills often noted as missing in the entry level workforce, enhances academic skills where needed, directly contributes to the welfare of the nation, builds effective citizenship, and breaks from the current approach.  Federal benefits will be earned, rather than simply provided, and citizens will identify as Americans.  

Trump insults our nation

Egad!  

Trump insults our nation.  Almost every time he tweets or opens his mouth.

A list of the insults, aimed at individuals and groups, would be far to long to repeat here.  But the accumulated impact is a massive insult to the nation.

One seeking the presidency of the United States should, above all else, be serious.  By words and actions, the candidate must demonstrate he/she understands the enormity of the position they seek.

Clearly, Trump does not.

With the verbal eloquence of a recalcitrant child, demeanor of either a bully or horrible Las Vegas lounge comic, and social media persona of an immature teenager, he has most assuredly made a mockery of the office.

Histrionic to the extreme, his utterances, tweets, and boasts demonstrate absolute unsuitability for the presidency.  One example makes the point.

Stipulating that the DNC unquestionably chose to have Mr. Khan speak as a provocateur, Trump's scurrilous response was unacceptable.

A response was not in fact required.  

If compelled to respond, Trump could have simply said, "Like all Americans, I honor all Gold Star families."   But he did not.  He chose to insult the Khans multiple times.

Again, a extremely long list of other examples could fill volumes.

Bottom line: Mr. Trump insults the nation and its people and is unworthy of their votes.

Footnote:  To be completely clear on the matter, Ms. Clinton is equally unworthy of our votes.    
 

Clinton can't have it both ways

Of recent, Ms. Clinton attempts to deflect justifiable criticism and concern of her by blaming subordinates, including her members of her innermost circle.  

As one working to persuade the American electorate that she is the leader for the future, she can not have it both ways.

Basic, elementary leadership means willingly accepting responsibility for everything your organization does or fails to do.  Good leaders know and practice this.  For example, in the military it is not uncommon for the commanding officer to held absolutely responsible for the actions of his/her subordinates.  This includes being relieved for cause, as the military saying goes.  Such as the commanding officer of a navy ship being relieved after it runs aground, even if he/she were asleep in his/her stateroom at the time of the grounding.

But Clinton, who demands that her adversaries be held to this very high standard of responsibility for the actions and words of their subordinates, wants to be a leader in name only.  

She seeks all the authority, without any of the responsibility.

In a recent situation, her advocates seek to deflect criticism of possible pay-to-play actions in the state department during her tenure, arising from emails revealing direct contact between her aides and those of former President Clinton, by saying she did not personally communicate with the external parties by email.  

Sure, two of her most trusted and closest aides did so, but according to her and others, she is not to be held responsible.

Simple answer...wrong!

The real leader creates a climate in which his/her subordinates, including the inner, personal staff, operate and for which he/she is responsible.  This climate sets the tone for the organization.  And it establishes that responsibility goes right to the top.  Responsibility for anything that is done or failed to be done. 

A leader can delegate authority to act in their name, but not the responsibility for the outcome of those actions.

The leader holds subordinates accountable for their actions in pursuit of the objectives the leader sets, and taken within the climate he/she establishes.  It is inconceivable that Clinton's closest and most trusted innermost staff would act on such high matters (described in one revealed email as on behalf of a "very imortant" person) without either her explicit approval (which did not need to be recorded in an email) or within their understanding of the objectives and climate she expressly set.  

Since no one was fired, the public can rightfully conclude the actions of Mills and Abedin (and others) have been and continue to be exactly what Clinton directs and desires.

Thus, in this latest of many, many questionable (if not criminal at worst or unethical at best) actions, Clinton can not have it both ways.  She can not stand for the most important leadership position within the country, seeking all the authority that comes with the office, and simultaneously seek to avoid the basic tenet of leadership: responsibility.