By Barbara Bartlein, RN, MSW

I don't know about you, but I'm missing the leadership, integrity, and ethics of Admiral Ackbar.  He is, of course, the beloved commander in a number of the Star Wars movies.  Respected for his cool thinking in very stressful circumstances, the Admiral led the defense of his homeworld, Mon Cala, during the Clone Wars and then masterminded the rebel attack on the second Death Star at the Battle of Endor. 

Ackbar’s StarWars.com profile sheds more light on positive qualities he could provide in a leadership position:

Beyond the qualifications of his great skills and sterling character, Ackbar was a symbol to the rest of the galaxy: a symbol that the Alliance is fighting for everyone, no matter what their background or origin. The Empire, in contrast, has made discrimination against non-humans a longstanding policy.

I am not the first person to notice the leadership of Ackbar.  The students at the University of Mississippi conducted a campaign in 2010 to have him become the mascot of the Football Team.  While they were not successful, even George Lucas sent a note thanking them for the recognition of Ackbar's talents.

We sure could use a symbol like Ackbar these days.  In an era of tweets, name calling, and ranting directed towards anyone not in agreement, there seems to be a moral vacuum in leadership. Rather than a focus on common good, there is a promotion of "me first."  Rather than helping and welcoming people who are less fortunate, they are labeled criminals and victimized for being poor.  Forget welcoming "the weary and tired," the doors are closed.

I, for one, am tired of it.  Our current state of affairs does not reflect who I am, who we are, and what this country stands for.  Bring back Admiral Ackbar.