By: Glenn Townes
glenn.townes@njurbannews.com
When it comes to leadership and standing at the forefront of growth and security, Lt. General Russel Honore’ towers above nearly everyone else. Last week, the revered and retired Army general was tapped by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to review the investigation of the deadly attack at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in early January. In her announcement about Honore’s appointment, Pelosi said the distinguished military man would focus on “security infrastructure, interagency processes and procedures, and command and control.”
The brutal and deadly assault on the Capitol sparked by comments from disgraced former president Donald Trump that left at least five people dead and dozens injured—legislators, law enforcement agents, and others immediately initiated efforts to increase security measures preceding and following the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Honore’s stellar reputation and take-charge attitude made him the likely candidate to assume the duties. The retired commander and chief in the U.S. military for more than 35 years emerged as a national hero following his Herculean leadership as the commander in chief of recovery efforts in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Honore’ was prompted to temporarily eschew retirement due to the tragedy that Trump precipitated disaster in Washington earlier this month.
The decorated military man has been honored with countless awards and accolades over the years, including an award for his outstanding commitment and dedication to the country from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). In a statement shortly following the attack on the Capitol, Honore’ said, “We can’ have demonstrators showing up at a state Capitol with damn long guns. Your First Amendment rights don’t give you the right to carry long guns to a demonstration, and that is confusing the hell out police and intimidating people.”
In an interview with NJ URBAN NEWS and a book signing event promoting his memoir, “Leadership in the New Normal,” Honore’ advocated the notion and attitude of taking charge. He said, “When you are in charge, take charge. When you have the opportunity to make a difference, make a difference, that’s what good and effective leadership are all about.” He added, “For your family to trust you, your audio and your video have to match, as we say in the Army.”
Lastly, dozens of multiple investigations are pending into how an angry, violent and crazed mob of Pro-Trump rioters were able to gain access to the U.S. Capitol and significantly delay the counting of Electoral College votes and certification of Joe Biden as the nations’ 46th POTUS. While it remains unclear as to the duration of Honore’s command of the investigation regarding the attack on the U.S Capitol, his presence and words are invaluable and pervasive. He writes, “Never get stuck on stupid when trying to achieve personal or professional success. Leadership is the art and scient of influencing others to willingly follow your direction—the keyword is willingly. If you want followers to follow wholeheartedly, you have to give them something to aspire to.”