Leading from 'behind'

Republicans without life-and-death portfolios delight in accusing President Obama of "leading from behind." The dozy media uses the shibboleth as a punchline (Time magazine's Massimo Calabresi: "Obama Leads From Behind Again, This Time On Strategic Oil Reserve"). It's like living in Alice's Wonderland ("Sentence first, verdict afterwards," said the Queen of Hearts.) The next time you hear it, pause and consider the words of Nelson Mandela: "It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership." Obama gets that. So do those of us who have served in the armed forces as military officers. It's called Leadership 101.