This is an excerpt from an article that appeared this week in the ContraCostaTimes from southern California. To read the entire article,
LONG BEACH – Moral leadership was the topic Thursday at the 28th Annual Leadership Long Beach Prayer Breakfast at The Grand, where Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell was the keynote speaker.
More than 200 leaders, from clergy to politicians attended the event, which is sponsored by the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
In his speech, the chief admonished the crowd to let history be their guide.
“No other country has given so much to so many and again that’s what makes this country great,” he said. “Of course we have our flaws, but we have a tremendous tradition to build on, tremendous templates for great leadership, starting with our founding fathers.”
Although we are a nation built on values we can be proud of, like freedom, tolerance and a strong work ethic, there is still work to be done, McDonnell said.