If we can get some people with the drive and determination and optimistic vision of Victor Perton to take charge, of course that sense of purpose can be recovered! As we have seen, over time good institutions can be corrupted and require a reset. Seems to be time for a reset for a lot of things in our politics, governance, private sector, NGOs, universities, etc....
Thanks for the compliment, James! I’d be honoured to have you as Chair, James!
USAID has the potential to be a true beacon of optimism and renewal, leading not just with aid but with vision, innovation, and a deep belief in the good America can do in the world.
For centuries, America has been the world’s great optimist—its leadership was driven by a belief in progress, ingenuity, and the power of free people to shape a better future. Yet today, that optimism is fading, weighed down by relentless criticism from within, a fractured sense of national purpose, and a paradoxical feeling of being hard done by—despite being the wealthiest people on Earth.
Let’s make optimism the driver of real impact! Much of the world still looks to Americans for leadership, not just in economics and military might, but in hope and possibility. Imagine what could be achieved with an agency that leads with resources and an infectious belief in possibility—where hope, ingenuity, and strategic investment unlock a brighter future for millions.
America’s optimism was its most potent export; it’s time to reclaim that mantle and use it as a force for renewal and global progress.
Love this, Victor! The USA at our best is optimistic and therefore focused on the future and taking the initiative. As you state so well, we've become a bit stagnant, too much an incumbent, entitled mindset. Either we snap out of it on our own--and I hope and believe we will--or events will snap us out of it. For now, we have more control over our destiny than our ancestors could imagine, even as they made it possible. Thanks for sharing your sparks of optimism around the world!
Yet another very interesting and well-put point of view. I also lean towards your understanding of this new shift in removing USAID. What it entails is to be seen - hopefully the outcome is accountability.
Was USAID’s High Point for Purpose Under Kennedy?
Can USAID Still Promote Good Old-Fashioned American Optimism?
If we can get some people with the drive and determination and optimistic vision of Victor Perton to take charge, of course that sense of purpose can be recovered! As we have seen, over time good institutions can be corrupted and require a reset. Seems to be time for a reset for a lot of things in our politics, governance, private sector, NGOs, universities, etc....
Thanks for the compliment, James! I’d be honoured to have you as Chair, James!
USAID has the potential to be a true beacon of optimism and renewal, leading not just with aid but with vision, innovation, and a deep belief in the good America can do in the world.
For centuries, America has been the world’s great optimist—its leadership was driven by a belief in progress, ingenuity, and the power of free people to shape a better future. Yet today, that optimism is fading, weighed down by relentless criticism from within, a fractured sense of national purpose, and a paradoxical feeling of being hard done by—despite being the wealthiest people on Earth.
Let’s make optimism the driver of real impact! Much of the world still looks to Americans for leadership, not just in economics and military might, but in hope and possibility. Imagine what could be achieved with an agency that leads with resources and an infectious belief in possibility—where hope, ingenuity, and strategic investment unlock a brighter future for millions.
America’s optimism was its most potent export; it’s time to reclaim that mantle and use it as a force for renewal and global progress.
Love this, Victor! The USA at our best is optimistic and therefore focused on the future and taking the initiative. As you state so well, we've become a bit stagnant, too much an incumbent, entitled mindset. Either we snap out of it on our own--and I hope and believe we will--or events will snap us out of it. For now, we have more control over our destiny than our ancestors could imagine, even as they made it possible. Thanks for sharing your sparks of optimism around the world!
Yet another very interesting and well-put point of view. I also lean towards your understanding of this new shift in removing USAID. What it entails is to be seen - hopefully the outcome is accountability.