Imagine if you were the head of your country...

United States
October 7, 2009 11:17am CST
You are the head of your country, whether that be president, king or queen, prime minister, whatever the head in your land is known as. Can you imagine this? The responsibility and pressures? Think of all the decisions to make, all the problems to be solved, people depending on you to do right, all the temptations to do wrong, as in taking a bribe or yeilding to threats or the chance to do things your own way rather than doing what is best for your people. What do you think would be the best thing about being the head of your country, and why? What would be the worst thing? What would you tackle first, and which issue would be put aside until later?
5 people like this
24 responses
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
7 Oct 09
Hi Karen, well the best thing about being head of your country is there's lots of free meals, clothes allowance, lots of perks, guaranteed pension whose sum you can name, and all you have to do is plaster on a phoney smile and kiss babies. Of course the real people who run the country are the brains behind the plastic puppets, unless its a dictatorship. I know not many of you like him out there but you have to admire Quaddifis policy of giving everyone a home in Libyia with his parents housed in tent until everyone else has a roof. Anyway the first thing I'd do is head back to the UK as they wouldn't let me be leader here and throw out the royals, preferably with a nice old fashioned execution. At the same time I'd abolish all hereditary powers and get rid of the House of Lords. And I'd nominate Peter Mandleson to be Prime Mnsister as having an intelligent one would make a nice change, and pull his strings from behind. Two schemers are better than one. As a gesture of appreciation for Peter standing up to the mark I'd give him an absolute dispenstation on kissing babies.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
7 Oct 09
[b]Of course the real people who run the country are the brains behind the plastic puppets, unless its a dictatorship. I know not many of you like him out there but you have to admire Quaddifis policy of giving everyone a home in Libyia with his parents housed in tent until everyone else has a roof. [/b] I agree, I would say though that even dictators have to answer to someone. Though I am fond of saying to my kids...'if I were king....', I really would not like the job. Because no matter how much you want to do the right thing...everyone else has their own ideas about what that 'right thing' is. It's very difficult to be a leader of any sort...isn't it?
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
7 Oct 09
Well by definition kings don't actually have a job as such as tend to be descended from a long line of inter breedin, hence the amount of insanity in the Hanover household, even a King who was totally bonkers was looked up to. Which is why the whole system needs abolising. The UK tax payers shell out millions to keep those leeches in luxury and they do nothing. Britain had an excellent opportunity to be rid of them when it beheaded Charles the 1st, but although old Oliver had the right idea he took his sense of total drabness too far and preferred to shut down all form of entertainment for the people, which naturally didn't go down too well. So the opportunity was taken and then lost, and ever since then the monarchy has been nothing but a drain on the country's finances. There isn't a bright spark in the box amongst them but if other countries would like to take them of the UK's hands and support them then fine. So all in all the 'job' of king would be a bit of a doddle, no decisions to make. The only qualification is to be so dimwitted one needs to have one clothes put on for one in the morning. On the subject of dictators I really think they do just have to think of themselves but maybe the irony of Quaddafi was lost, we tend to have a history of making fun of the type, rather than just denouncing them. Maybe you'd enjoy my discussion Debra about the one good quality in everyone, even someone completely detestable.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Yes, that would be refreshing. gotta link?
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@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
7 Oct 09
MY goodness lady, u are thinking very deep today. I don't envy anyone that has that job. There is no way i could get it to start with but if there was i wouldn't even consider it. I really feel sorry for anyone that has it. I feel very sorry for our president, people are not giving him a chance. I don't see how he stands all the critisism he gets. I think being the head of any country would be a horrible job to have & really don't know why anybody would want the job to start with.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
7 Oct 09
HI karen, I'm o.k. , had been concerned about u. I can't imagine having either job. Do well to look after myself most of the time. Hope u have a good night.
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
7 Oct 09
Yassou Aunty, i haven't seen you today and now it's almost sleeping time. Hope I'll see you tomorrow, goodnight, your niece.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Oct 09
Hi there Jo. Hope you are well, my friend. Oh, I don't envy anyone with such a heavy burden on their shoulders either. The president's approval rating, I read today, has gone up. But he did inherit a ton of humongous issues. I cannot imagine what any one of his days must be like, and yet he always seems so energetic and kind, but firm! I hear what you've said. I wouldn't want to be God, either!!! Can you imagine that one?? Karen
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
8 Oct 09
Hi Karen! I can only say that this kind of position i.e. becoming Head of a State is an uphill task, though one can enjoy many facilities and perks, yet it brings along with the post enormous and massive responsibilities, which is not a child’s play to accomplish. I am a humble and modest human being and I cannot see myself in such a position.
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@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
9 Oct 09
Many thanks Karen for your kind words about me.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Oct 09
Of course, it would be a daunting job, and to be taken with the utmost seriousness. One would need to surround him/herself with the most knowledgeable of consultants and make decisions carefully. It is an ache and longing in some of us, since we see how wrongly things are sometimes handled, to think of what we would do differently if the head of our nation. The discussion was meant to be serious, D, rather than frivolous :) The world needs help...or should I say the world's PEOPLE. Hugs and thank you for sharing your viewpoint (I could not do the job, either) Karen
• United States
9 Oct 09
You are right, Deepak. Always such wisdom, and I admire that about you. Karen
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
If I am the leader of one country I'll make sure their is enough budget to make the country run perfectly and provide more services to the people. Need to look upon the needs of the people, like; jobs, making the countries progress, fight corruption, ensure good service being delivered to people, ensure that all health care hospitals is clean and provide good service to all patient and no rich or poor being treated equally. Modernize the countries development and make sure all taxes are in place in good hand...All issue regarding politics is set aside first..Because country progress first before politics...I'll make sure that all corrupt officials will be brought to court and hang after trials for not being an example of others...Country is being peaceful if the government provide all necessary needs of the people and they make good living and have good jobs...If people suffer from hunger I think country is not peaceul and criminality will be everywhere... Nice participating with your discussion again, karen. How are your, my dear friend...?
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
Hello karen, am fine and thanks for that concern. Well, that will be the clothed pf every leader of the world to preserve peace and tranquility in every angle of life. But in reality most leader or politicians is love upon their self and most look upon in their pocket than to look upon on their constituent... Best wishes, my dear friend.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hello Aerous. I am fine, my friend. How are you? You would have your heart in the right place if you headed your country's government: with the greatest needs of the people, not of self. This is an admirable quality in any national leader. Too many become greedy and eager to serve self and the wealthy. I admire your insights, always. Karen
• United States
13 Oct 09
You are right, dear friend, and that is sad...to be in a position to do good for many, and abuse it from greed.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
9 Oct 09
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! No thank you! I already have more than enough stress and drama to manage in the real world. I have no desire to bring any into my imaginary worl, lol!
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@Canellita (12029)
• United States
9 Oct 09
You can do a whole lot more to help more people without restrictions as a private citizen. The president just won one of the highest honors possible on the entire planet and that honor came with a big fat check. As a private citizen no one could tell him what to do with the money. If he were just a leader of a country and not a nobel laureate and wanted to send a large amount of money in a particular direction he would have to go through all kinds of red tape. I don't know what kind of stipulations or expectations come with that million dollar check, but what he does with it will be scrutinized, dissected, discussed, criticized and who knows what. Private citizens have more freedom to move about quietly without cameras dollowing their every move.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Oct 09
You make a good point. He is giving it all to charity, and no one can criticize that. But to which charity/ies...that will be criticized by those so inclined. What a shame!
• United States
9 Oct 09
I'm sure 99.9% of us feel the same. It's nice to "imagine," but the reality is always far different than my imaginings. It would be nice to be qualified to help people in a large way, though. Karen
@kitty42 (3923)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Hello my friend I see you are back with a vengeance wow lets see I will probably stink as the leader only because I will be to nice, so I will give when I should take, and take when I should give lol Let me give myself more credit lets see. I will bring our troops home first, and if their is still I need I will check dates a switch them around the longest servers will come home, and visa versa. Make money to fix our economy, when I say make I mean with the machine they have Make piece with everyone that has something against us, find a way to make things better. I am a hard worker I will not be able to rest unless everything is done, I will not leave anything undone all the important issues will be solved right away. So my friend what say you, would you vote for me? lol Smoochesss good discussion my friend.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Oct 09
Haha, my friend, yessum, I'm back. Well then, a leader cannot afford to be TOO nice. People would poop all over you! Ah yes, I would love to see our troops brought home. It seems we learned little from Viet Nam. Some wars cannot be won and war is a terrible waste of human life, most especially when fighting an unwarranted or losing battle. LOL, my kids when little, and then my grandkids, too, were constantly wondering if people kept running low on money, why didn't the banks and government just print out more? Not a bad idea lol. Sure, I would absolutely vote for you with that promise to fix everything :D Who wouldn't?? Karen
• United States
8 Oct 09
You're such a sweetheart, and I've missed you, my friend :))
@kitty42 (3923)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Hello my friend So good to have you back, my email don't look right unless your name is there Well at least I have one vote lol, I always wonder about this money thing, if they can print it why are we broke, do you know anything about how that works, I always wondered. Smoochessss
1 person likes this
• India
29 Oct 09
Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji, It is un-immaginable for a common person like me. My hubby, in my stuck up condition always reminds me of those heads, if they could do that much work, why I am not able to do simple work. In case,I imagine, my preferences would be natural in order of merit as 'Food, cloths and shelter', then will come health, education and entertainment. If I could convey 'natural-Living' without harming anyone, would solve all the problems automatically. For this, I have to change myself to become exmplary to others. If i want to tell others to reduce expenses, I have to do first. But a million $ question is 'When such time will come ?. May God bless You and have a great time.
• India
30 Oct 09
Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji, I would only imagine "RAM-RAJYA", where everyone was happy, doors never had locks, there were no Police . All were peace loving. There is , even now 2 Km square place in our country, where no doors are locked. There have not been any theft cases. It is near 'SHANI-TEMPLE' very near to famous 'Shirdi-sai-baba' I am also thankful for BR. May god bless You and have a graet time.
• United States
29 Oct 09
Hello my friend. The way you describe leading a country would make that country a beautiful place in which to live...a place of peace. That sounds delightful! Karen
1 person likes this
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
if i were the head of the country, i would tackle poverty first. it is such a pity thinking about the poor. maybe, in line with that, i will provide jobs for them to sustain them. i will put aside spending too much for the armed forces. that will come later. what is best being the head of the country is u can do anything within ur powers. however, u should do it not only legally but in conjunction with observing what is morally right too.
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hello :) Poverty would be one of my first priorities, too, as it leads to so many of the other problems. It makes the heart ache to see and know of so much of it. Legalities and moral conscience should always enter into decisions made by the head of a country. That would also go a long way toward ending some of the world's problems and some of the misuse of governmental powers! Thank you for your insights. Karen
11 Oct 09
I am the president, that;s a big one. If I will be, I will really try to make things in order. The best thing is, I can serve my countrymen & do whatever I want to make my country a btter one. The worst is the privacy issue. I would tackle first the corruption, health, employment & cleanliness of the country.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hi Radiance. You're right. It would be a big task! So much is happening in our country and in the world right now, you would indeed need to make priorities...and I would be wondering: where to begin! You seem to have put yours in a nice order. I pray each day things will globally improve. Thank you for your input, and I hope you're enjoying the weekend. Karen
@ptty55 (45)
• Canada
12 Oct 09
If I was Prime Minister of Canada I think the worst part of the job would be lack of privacy. Everything you do or say is under the microscope of the news media when you are in a power position. The first thing I would tackle would be hunger. Not third world hunger, but the hunger that hides behind fancy curtains in every town and city in this country. It would be a monumental task, but I would start a campaign that would see that no child was ever deprived of food. Every other world leader would have to come to Canada to have meetings with me, as I am terrified of airplanes and flying. It is a fun fantasy to think about. I suppose I would love the perks that go along with being leader. I would get to live in the beautiful city of Ottawa.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Oct 09
Hello Ptty. I agree, the loss of privacy would be vast! And so would the responsibilty. The advantage, beyond the perks, would be that one was in a position to do good for many. Hunger...it is everywhere, and a great place to begin. I agree that no child, or anyone, should go without food. I feel that way especially for those of us in developed countries who have so much to spare, so much that goes to waste. Thank you for sharing your input. Karen
@ptty55 (45)
• Canada
13 Oct 09
This is a very wise topic to ponder. I have been thinking about it since I posted my response. Thanks for giving a reason to take a look around my own community. I may not be the Prime Minister of Canada, but I can take some responsibility for my own community. I am keenly aware now of the possibility of a hungry child walking past my door. I am going to start by making a donation to my local food bank. It is a beginning.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
I can't imagine myself being the president of my country. It's like being a mother to your kids. You give shelter, food, and you have to protect them from harm and oppression. Being a mother to your family is very challenging, how much more if you have to take care of millions of people? If you do something good, it's bad in their eyes. When you commit a mistake, expect all of them to pull you down. That's why, I do not want to be a president.I can't.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hi Breinchem, and welcome to MyLot...even though it is experiencing some technical problems today. They resolve them soon enough :) That is a good comparison you've made. Heading a country would indeed resemble being a parent, but on a huge scale. I would not be qualified to do the job, but if I were, I would do it justice as far as I could, with guidance from God, a love for the people, and inner and outer honesty! Thank you for sharing your views, and have a good day. Karen
@shilley (155)
• India
11 Oct 09
If i were the head of the country i would have first looked into the education system,and made education mandatory and totally free and i would have also put forth proposal of setting up summer jobs with stipends for students in college relevant to their subject of specialisation.And second concern would be Poverty and economic crisis.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hi Shilley. After home life and how our parents raise us, education is indeed one of the most important things a person can obtain. It sets the foundation of who they will be and what they can accomplish in life. It is good when any government makes this available to its people! It helps end poverty. Thank you for contributing your opinion. Karen
@nautilus33 (1827)
11 Oct 09
Well, I'm from Bulgaria and there are a lot of problems in my land, that are connected with the government. We don't fell the financial crisis so deeply, because the situation in our country is bad from about 15 years. The people don't have enough money to buy all the things they need. That's why I think that the most important decision, that I must take, if I were the head of the country, will be how to make the people more happier- I mean how to give them the opportunity to develop all of their potentialities. I think when the people of one country have a good standart of living, then the head of that country has discharged of his duties. And the worst version will be when the people live in misery and hunger. And so is the situation in my country!!!
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hello Nautilus, and welcome to MyLot. There are some technical problems here today and yesterday, but don't let them deter. Usually, the place runs well and is full of good people and opportunities to learn and earn :) I see that Bulgaria shares many problems in common with other lands. I agree, the people of all countries should come first, both with the governments, and with fellow countrymen! It would be good to be in a position to do something far-reaching, yes? Thank you for your response, and enjoy the day. Karen
• India
11 Oct 09
Now as I saw your inquisitive discussion the wild imagination has taken a new course to look into an arena where rarely have i put my thoughts into . Always I have thought that what should we expect from the people holding power centers but never came to a satisfactory conclusion . Now running my imagination horses for profiling myself as the head of my country I was enlightened to a fact which I had never realized earlier . It took me by surprise that a person at the helm of power is like a messenger of God who is endlessly tested for fulfilling the ever growing expectations . I can surely rely on my Honesty and sincerity to hold any such position and as a person I feel that it can be a life changing aspect if I could get the power to change the lives of my fellow countrymen . I would not leave any stone unturned to make their dreams come true for living their lives in the best possible way they could. Thanks for making me feel a person who can make a difference .
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hi Champrocker. Wild imaginations are a good thing, a thing which we seem to share :) As a head of a country, your honesty and compassion would indeed serve you well to help your fellow countrymen. Even as a single individual, we can each make a positive difference where we are with whatever God has given us! Good to have you here on MyLot. Hopefully, the problems with posting discussions and responding to some will be resolved soon, as they usually are. Take care and keep on knowing the value of yourself. Karen
• India
12 Oct 09
Hi Karen , Indeed it was a good feeling to get a response from you . I have just started my stint at mylot and found a very interesting thing to put my views on in your discussion . It is still an imagination in the bud for me to think myself as a Head of the State for my country but nevertheless some very thought provoking ideas have enlightened upon me . I hope to get into more of such discussions in mylot where I can feel that my thoughts are enriched . You Too Take Care . Have a Nice Time .
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Oct 09
Hello :) I think you'll find many such discussions, and I hope you yourself will also start many. Your input will be appreciated. I've learned so much here, especially about people and their various cultures! And I've made some good friends, as you will, too. Have a great day. Karen
@jc_star10 (953)
• Indonesia
8 Oct 09
That's need a lot of thinking. It's not easy to be the head of the country, especially when there's a lot of people really depend on your decision, and every single decision that you made will have cons and pros to your people. You must make a regulation that at least suitable for most people. If i become the head of the country, the first time that I will do is get rid of corruption and poverty. These 2 will result the country in much more peace state, and you can adjust the other later. The corruption will make the country much more suffering there for there will be a lot of poverty in land. But if we can at least reduce the numbers of corruption, the money can be used to feed hungry and homeless people.
• United States
8 Oct 09
Hi Jc....no, that would never, ever be an easy job! Corruption and poverty would be two of my top priorities, as well. The ripple effect of either harms and even kills so many. And yes, ridding a government and big business would free up a whole lot of money to help the poor. Thank you for responding, and have a great night. Karen
@savypat (20216)
• United States
8 Oct 09
I have thought about this and there is no way I would do this, I would join a convent before I would try to put myself in this type of position.
• United States
9 Oct 09
Hi Pat. I think extremely few people actually "want" such a job or have the qualifications to do it. I know I don't. I admire those who do it and do it well, like President Obama. I was surprised and excitied to learn that he's won the Nobel Peace Prize! Thank you for your response. Karen
@wlee9696 (595)
• United States
10 Oct 09
Yes I can imagine it to a degree. I think that position is one no person can ever be truly prepared for. I think what I would tackle first would depend on the country and the type of government they have - is it capitalism, socialism, communism, etc... Everyone is so different in the challenges they face and how to handle them is largely dependent on the type of government the country has. I think the best thing about being the head of the country would be the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people you serve. Whether by keeping things as is and help the people continue to prosper or making changes if that is what the people want.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Oct 09
Hello Wlee. It would depend a great deal on which country. But, whichever country, it would put one in a position to make a broader difference than the average citizen might be able to bring about. Thank you for sharing your views. Karen
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
8 Oct 09
If I were the head of my own country, I imagine it to be a tiny island! LOL! But, joking aside, I think the first thing to be taken cared of should be an alliance with a powerful nation. Because if not, by history, I would just be easily occupied by another country. That would be the worst thing! Being annexed by a bully country. The best thing, would be able to help a lot f people.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Oct 09
There you go, Bounce. A tiny island! Wish I had thought of that lol. You're, strong allies are necessary! And it would indeed be a great blessing to be in a position to make a big difference in the lives of many of the people who need help! They exist in every single country/land, and my heart aches for them. You'd do a good job. Karen
• India
8 Oct 09
omg....i'm not day dreamer. every one like dream and without dream human cant live. i also have some dream with my life. but i can't like to see a dream which really never comes true.i always love dreaming with possibility to come true, if i try. but regarding your topic, suppose if i get a chance and scope to be head of our country, 1stly i will fix a target and find some effective way to make lot of money and property for myself. coz i want make my next 20 generation will lead their life very luxuries...lol.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Oct 09
Hi Raiy ... that is the approach some already take. I suppose each head would have their own unique agenda. Thank you for responding. Karen
@Tom728 (175)
• United States
10 Oct 09
This is kind of question is easy when a person has something to complain about and irrelevant when they are completely content. The reason for that is noone really knows how others truly feel or how to make them happy. That is why we vote in America to make our decisions. Everyone needs a say in what is going on. If I was President I think the ability to spend money and hire whoever I wanted would be the best thing. This is because I could really get things done that needed to be done. I think the worst thing would be the people who have no idea whats going on making up things for there personal benefit and the psychos who believe them coming after me in violence. I would tackle foreign relation issues first. Creating a world that works together and doesn't fight should be the goal of Governments. I would put personal issues aside till later because I was at work and not on my own time.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Oct 09
Hello Tom. I agree that if things were A-okay, we wouldn't think so much of the needed changes, but in today's world, the poverty and suffering and such reaches across the globe. You're right that having the money and being in a better position to help others would be good. Global cooperation, as you've said, would help a great deal in solving many of the world's serious issues. Thank you for sharing your opinions here. Karen