Michael Milton

Michael Milton and Faith for Living, Inc.

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August 31, 2013

The Companion of Fools Will Suffer Harm: Why Statesmen Need to Be Friends

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“I think the Roosevelt-Churchill story, however, proves that it does matter who is in power at critical points and that politicians, for all their calculations, deceptions, disagreements, and disputes, are not immune to emotion and affection as they lead nations through tumultuous times.”

(Excerpt From: Meacham, Jon. “Franklin and Winston.” Random House Group, 2003-10-14. iBooks)

We think about this now don’t we? Working relationships matter. And when a crises comes as they inevitably do in the political leadership of great nations, there is no time to build that relationship. In the chaotic demands of such moments in history, statesmen must immediately withdraw the convivial capital from earlier investments and pool it to stand for moral good in the world and meet the test of history. When such relationships are absent, or unformed, even “special relationships”—such as the US and the UK—cannot be sustained. Diplomatic channels clog. Parliamentary houses cannot endorse what clarity cannot deliver. Policies break down. Dictators or the aggressor in the global crises is given more time. The Art of War shifts to his diabolical ends. “Saving face” becomes policy. Saving lives becomes parsimonious. Uninformed decisions thus follow unformed coalitions. Unformed coalitions are traced to unhinged relationships between allies.

If the current President of the United States and Prime Minister of Great Britain had anything approximating the relationship of “Franklin and Winston” one wonders whether the military strategy in Syria could be articulated with greater clarity. Perhaps a friend would have whispered that making public pronouncements about “red lines” carries bravado but is dangerously hollow without a prepared mission agreed upon privately beforehand. Perhaps a meeting of Parliament and the Congress could have been coordinated. Perhaps, after friends met and agreed upon principles, and generals and senior diplomats agreed on mission, risks, objectives—strategy and tactics—the leaders would have spoken with one voice.

It is the same in any business or any organization. Yet the stakes are incredibly higher in dealing with international relations. People die—thousands are gassed, a much needed ally is weakened as PM Cameron failed to sway his Parliament to support his policy.

Relationships matter.

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

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What is Faith For Living?

Faith for Living is the 501c3 North Carolina non-profit ministry of the Rev. Michael A. Milton, Ph.D. that exists to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, through every means available, so that there will be a multitude caught up to be with Jesus Christ when He comes again. Faith for Living reaches out to support individuals, the Church, and other non-profits through communication, discipleship, and education.

Featured Music of Michael Milton

“Jesus Came” words & music by Michael Anthony Milton
© 1999, 2012, 2020 Bethesda Music (a div. of Faith for Living, Inc.) | BMI

Featured Book

“When your heart is broken, when your spirit is so crushed that you wonder if you will live again; when your life is in a total blackout; then, this book will give you the light and strength you need to carry on.”

—Russell, Amazon Reviews.

Songs in the Night is available in paperback and Kindle. Songs in the Night: How God Transforms Our Pain to Praise is NOW AVAILABLE in  Audiobook on AUDIBLE. Click here to purchase now.

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