Leadership is an overused word. But its very meaning can be a powerful expression. It's the ability to stand one's ground -- to sway public opinion and to move the masses in a direction that could ultimately prove beneficial.

The Obama administration's stimulus package now making the rounds on Capitol Hill is a case in point. Generally, I find the current debate, well, stimulating. Most of the politicos favor the injection of billions -- if not trillons -- of taxpayer dollars into the economy. Their positions are given a strong endorsement by a group of bi-partisan economists who have argued that the economy is so ill that it can only recover with the federal government's helping hand. Conversely, there is a much smaller group who say that the largess now being leveled at American commerce will perpetuate bad business models and cause the nation to rack up an irreconcilable debt.

Both sides have merit and in all likelihood, the position calling for trillions in government aid will win. As a journalist, however, I've always been impressed with those who have taken unpopular positions in the face of unabashed criticism. Their strong sense of self-worth has given them the fortitude to express and to promote their ideas. By contrast, I've always shrugged at those leaders who lack that inherent purpose and who just step in front of public opinion. That's not to say that the elected leadership should not heed the people's collective voice. It must. But in many cases, the masses need to be informed and subsequently led, as opposed to be pandered to.

President Obama's position is clear: He believes that the economy will remain on all fours unless the government opens the flood gates. Those funds, in turn, will then go into large infrastructure projects that include the smart grid and green energy programs -- the key elements that he says will lift the ailing economy to its feet. I respect the president's thinking. But I also appreciate the ideas of those who truly believe that such involvement is excessive and potentially harmful. The drum beat for the stimulus plan should not be so loud that it drowns out the voices of those who have genuine concerns.

The populace, understandably, is skeptical of all politicos. Generally, short-sighted officials are forgotten after they leave office. But those who articulate their visions against all odds may one day be favorably viewed. ###

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