About the time I was 11 years old I was introduced to the world of Star Trek, specifically Star Trek: The Next Generation. I’d been a space case since the second grade devouring all kinds of books on planets and stars but science fiction was a new frontier. Before long I was hooked! I couldn’t get enough. I got in so much trouble staying up late to not only record the episodes as they aired but watch them as well. I imagined what I would do when faced with their dilemmas. What kind of advice would I give? Would I charge the Klingons or turn tail and run? Could I fix the engines better than LaForge? I dreamed of serving aboard the USS Enterprise (literally) and it was kind of a cruel joke when my dreams came true during my time in the Navy. As a Trek fan it was awesome to say I served on the Enterprise, as a nuclear operator it sucked!
Early in my naval career I was often lectured about duty, honor, and integrity. I didn’t need these lectures as Captain Picard had already taught me the value in telling the truth even when it could get my friends in trouble (Episode: The First Duty). With every encounter when dealing with hostile aliens, Picard approached the situation calmly and diplomatically. He never reached for the phaser first. If there was a peaceful way out of a situation, Picard always found it.
I never realized how profound that lesson was until I was an adult. Growing up it fit the narrative my teachers, parents, and church leaders taught me; to seek peace instead of violence, to turn the other cheek. Picard became my litmus test when facing difficult decisions. Not only did I compare what I believed Picard’s decisions would have been relative to my own, I also looked to others, particularly those in leadership positions. Whether they were my superiors in the Navy or political leaders, I viewed them next to what I call the “Picard Standard”. It’s a high bar of excellence for sure but the objective is to strive to reach it.
When I look at leaders today, particularly those in politics, my “Picard Standard” seems so unreachable by those highest in power. The strive for excellence has been replaced by greed and what would playout the quickest in a news cycle. Political expediency has replaced what is best for the average American.
Would Picard make fun of a disabled person to win a few laughs? No. Would Picard solve an immigration issue by ripping children away from their parents as a deterrent? No. Would Picard antagonize world leadership? Ignore scientific evidence? Dismiss those who have a different point of view or perspective? No.
Now there may be some of you who think this standard is unreachable, unattainable. After all Picard was a fictional character in a TV show and the real world is a much messier place compared to the utopia of the 24th century. If you asked a caveman about walking on the moon, he’d tell you it’s impossible. The average American colonist didn’t think democracy was possible until a handful of young rebels made it happen in 1776. Mankind has the unique ability to make the impossible possible and to deny possibilities does us a disservice. When shit hits the fan we must resist the urges of basic instinct and find a better way. It’s easy to pick up a weapon and destroy your enemy but making friends with your enemy is far more rewarding. It’s what Captain Picard would do.
In these difficult times, the character of those we put in office is more important than ever. A man who speaks simply and tells you what you want to hear may not be the best candidate for president. Men and women who cater only to the wealthy, who are unwilling to consider what is best for all Americans aren’t suited for the Senate or House of Representatives. Anyone who offers a quick and simple solution to complex problems lacks the intelligence and understanding required for public service. If the problems facing our country could be solved quickly and easily, they wouldn’t be problems.
I’m not sure anyone could truly measure up to Jean-Luc Picard but we the people must hold our leadership accountable. Bad behavior must be punished and good men and women deserve the chance to make a positive difference. But it’s not just leaders who need to be accountable. Each of us should strive for the Picard Standard. Would Picard make that comment on Facebook? Would Picard put off a tough conversation hoping the problem would resolve itself? Would Picard wait for his turn to talk in a heated conversation or actively listen to the person with a different opinion?
When faced with a decision and you’re tempted to take the easy way ask yourself, “What would Captain Picard do?”
End Transmission