Today's MOZEN: Intangible

                                           

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Intangible.

The dictionary partially defines its meaning as incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch. In other words, it's the quality we see in a person or thing that goes beyond what is easily recognized. For example, we can see a person as tall, or skinny, or fair, or dark, etc. These are physically defining features. They are obvious. Intangible refers to characteristics that are perceived rather than simply observed. They are personality traits like humor, intuition, honesty, humility, intelligence (beyond education), tenacity, equanimity, empathy, and compassion, among others. When added to our physical peculiarities, they make us complete. They make us human! Without them, we are just a mass of cells. We most often choose our friends based on their intangibles rather than for their physical qualities - or, at least we SHOULD.

It's a word often heard when referring to political candidates. And, rightly so. Very few of us will ever get to know a candidate personally. We may get a chance to meet one. But, to actually KNOW one is an entirely different matter. We have to rely on what we see, hear, and perceive, mostly through the media, to form our opinions. Since, candidates regularly discuss their platforms for the economy, for education, for defense, etc. we can get an inkling as how they would run the Country. THAT is what campaigning is all about. So, we can ascertain something about their policies.

However, at some point, people want to know more about them - as PEOPLE. What makes them tick? How do they think? And, perhaps, most importantly, how do they FEEL, especially about important social issues? This is where INTANGIBLES come in. Does the candidate have more going on than just how to raise or not raise taxes? How do the things not mentioned in their speeches affect their decision making? Are they good under pressure? Do they have a value system in place that leads them down the path of justice and righteousness? Do they have a sense of humor? Are they tenacious? Can they be trusted? All of these things are important to judge in a candidates character. Because, without them, they cannot lead.

I do not KNOW Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. I can only form my opinion based on what I have heard concerning their policies and what I can PERCEIVE of their intangibles.

As for their policies, we can debate them another day. I would rather, at this point, concentrate on their intangibles. And, I can make this simple: Hillary may lack in some areas but Donald Trump possesses NONE of the intangibles that I would look for in a leader! None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. He does not speak well, i.e. lacks intelligence. He's not funny. He lies constantly. He lacks empathy and compassion. And, if he had ANY intuition he would simply shut the hell up. But, he can't - because he lacks the humility to do it.

In other words, as I would not have him as a friend, I MOST CERTAINLY would not have him as my President.