Our most effective leaders were rather rough around the edges

George Washington was subject to fits of rage followed by periods of calm. He was fearless. In battle he led the troops from the front-not the rear. Teddy Roosevelt was also a tough character. He wore a pistol on his side while he occupied the White House. His background as a rancher, lawman, explorer and fearless soldier. John F. Kennedy could have dodged the draft but instead became a legitimate war hero. Andrew Jackson was nicknamed "Old Hickory" because of the cane he carried and used to beat people. He settled many scores with a dual. John Quincy Adams at 8 years old, was left in charge of the family home while his father was at war. He was an exercise nut, and was known as a shrewd negotiator. Adams and Kennedy were legendary womanizers. These examples are not raised as excuses. They are raised to remind us that some of our most effective leaders were rather rough around the edges.