Larry D. Lauer

A nation’s institutions embody, protect, and make real its most cherished core values. Therefore, effective presidents and prime ministers will build and nourish their country’s institutions.

The strength of a country’s institutions will also determine its preparedness for international leadership. Conversely, leaders who continually attack their institutions will facilitate their country’s decline in the eyes of the rest of the world.

The Government… Prior to the recent hurricanes, wholesale cuts in homeland security and state department budgets weakened the nation. Emergency funding has helped. But an internally decimated government cannot consistently lead itself out of crises, let alone lead the world.

Legislatures…  Politicians are elected based on party ideology. Once in the legislature a democratic republic requires them to become statesmen, putting the country’s greater good above party. Extremism and polarization will irreparably weaken any nation.

News Media… Freedom of the press is guaranteed in the US constitution. Constructive media criticism is expected and necessary. But relentlessly attacking professional news organizations as “fake news” is destructive… and seriously weakens this nation.

Courts… Courts exist in a democratic republic to guarantee justice for all. To appoint judges based on politics undermines their role. Attacking their decisions based on politics does too. A judiciary subjected to political influence substantially weakens any nation.

Police…  To protest police violence, a minority football player dropped on his knee while facing the flag during the national anthem. This was seen by many as anti-patriotic. Some voiced their opinions, but widespread protests never occurred. But when the president openly attacked the practice, the situation became explosive. Groups took sides. The racial divide became worse. And as a result the country could be severely damaged. Divisive presidents weaken nations.

Public Schools…  Picking on schools and teachers is fair game in our society. When criticism is informed and constructive, the nation is strengthened. But when public education is continually attacked by politicians and political appointees in Washington the nation is weakened.

Universities… Universities are much like small cities. They have many of the same problems, i.e. ongoing crime, occasional protests, endless controversies, and sometimes weak leadership. But the vast majority of students still achieve better quality lives and productive careers. And many show their gratitude with lifelong donations over and above the tuition they paid. Attacking universities relentlessly for their flaws, and suggesting they are failing to do their job for the country, weakens the nation… especially when these institutions are actually the envy of the world.

Nonprofits…  Service organizations are easily criticized. They rarely have the resources and staff necessary to perform at a their peak. But when you need them you are really glad they are there. Supporting them brings stability to a nation. Tearing them down weakens that nation.

Churches… Church and state in many parts of the world are basically one entity. The US, however, was founded based on the separation of church and state. This was a promise of complete religious freedom for everyone. Thus, acting like one religion is more important than another is contrary to the founders’ intent, and weakens the nation.

Think about it. A strong nation really is the sum total of strong institutions. Building them up leads to the admiration and prestige necessary for global leadership. Constantly tearing them down guarantees international disappointment… and will eventually lead to global insignificance.