June 13-14 - Success through Leadership Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Click here for a copy of the prayer written by Gen. Douglas MacArthur that I read on the program this week.

This week, I tell the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a young Bowdoin College professor, who left his civilian life to command the 20th Maine Regiment in the Civil War. Against great odds, Chamberlain successfully led his men in holding the left flank of the Union line on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The successful “Fight at Little Round Top” was the critical turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg and Gettysburg was the decisive battle of the Civil War. Chamberlain, who won the admiration of President Lincoln, was awarded the Medal of Honor and later became a Major General in the Union Army. After the Civil War, Chamberlain returned to his native Maine and became the President of Bowdoin College and eventually the Governor of Maine.

Chamberlain was successful because of his ability as a leader. He looked after the needs of his men, was honest, courageous and creative in addressing difficult situations, and was able to make tough decisions. Chamberlain led by example. These same character traits have defined great leaders for generations, and we all should strive to develop a similar skill set if we wish to succeed in life.

State Representative John Maher, who represents the 40th district of Pennsylvania, joins us on the program with an update on the 2010 Pennsylvania fiscal budget fight currently under way in Harrisburg. This year, we face a $3 billion shortfall. The bottom line is we need to bring Pennsylvania’s general fund spending under control or our personal and business taxes will necessarily skyrocket to cover the increased debt. The result would be more people leaving the commonwealth, fewer new businesses created and slower growth or shrinking of our economy. If we want Pennsylvania to grow and be successful, we cannot sustain further tax increases. The mission of our state government should be to make Pennsylvania a growing, successful state with opportunities for the future. To do this, we must cut the cost of state and local government and lower taxes. Yes, it is that simple.

I also discuss some other recent news developments, including the conservative victories across Europe in last week’s EU elections, the state Senate in New York returning to Republican control, and the conservative alternative to Obama’s “Cap and Trade” bill announced this week in Washington.

Remember, you can listen to my radio program in Pittsburgh on FM NewsTalk 104.7 at 7 am on Saturdays and 8 am on Sundays. Or you can listen anytime at GlenMeakem.com.