R2 Thoughts for You I Want You To Fail!
How do you like the title of this posting? Doesn’t it make you feel uncomfortable?
OK, perhaps not, if you heard this in some sporting event and the person who stated it was “rooting” for the “other team.” I’m sure there are other situations, when saying the words, “I want you to fail,” is not too bad. But, suppose someone said it to you, and both of you were on the same team? Perhaps both of you are part of an organization where your work could help or hurt the organization?
Well, enough “what-ifs.” Recently, Rush Limbaugh said, “I want you to fail” to President Obama. Actually, those weren’t his exact words. What he said was: “I would be honored if the Drive-By Media headlined me all day long: ‘Limbaugh: I Hope Obama Fails.’ Somebody’s gotta say it.” Later on in the same transcript, he said “I hope he fails.” Now that I have given you an example, other than sports, of saying “I want you to fail,” I am going to use the rest of this posting to discuss the negatives and positives, if I can find any, of using this statement when all concerned are working toward the same goal.
Let’s establish what is meant by the word “fail or failure.” Using my dictionary, and considering how the word is used above, an appropriate definition is: “be unsuccessful in achieving one’s goal.”
Why would we want someone to fail when competition is not involved? I don’t know – do you?
There are at least three kinds of failure. There is failure to anticipate, failure to perceive and failure to carry out a task. I suppose it is the latter kind of failure to which Limbaugh is referring.
When we wish others to fail, when carrying out a task, are we being egocentric? In other words, are we implying that “it’s all about me?”
As you can probably tell by now, I am struggling with this concept of wanting others to fail. In my own mind and heart, I can’t seem to find a justification for wishing someone to fail. Of course, as stated above, I am excluding competition, where there is a winner and a loser.
Our current recession and President Obama’s efforts to help end it, should not, in my opinion, be viewed as some competition. If he somehow is able to lead us out of this recession, then wouldn’t we all, including Mr. Limbaugh, benefit from his efforts? No, wait, maybe he wouldn’t, since he is getting more publicity for wishing the president to fail, then wishing him to succeed. Ah, maybe I have discovered why someone would wish for another to fail.
So, what do I think is appropriate for Rush Limbaugh to say instead of, “I want you to fail.” Considering he is a part of our country, where, if President Obama does fails, then our country will most likely suffer, I would hope for something more supportive yet still reflecting his ideas. For example, “I, Rush Limbaugh, have a better idea than President Obama. I hope the president succeeds, but if he wants a better way to lead our country out of this recession, then here it is…..”
If the President uses this idea, then he, Limbaugh, could take credit for it; if the President didn’t use it and our recession worsened, Limbaugh is no worse for it. It seems to be a “no-lose” situation for Rush Limbaugh, and, a positive approach overall. Just my thoughts!
What do you think?
R2 Thoughts for You 
Your last two paragraphs have way too much logic for the likes of Rush. By hoping the president fails, he is in effect hoping America fails, that’s you and me brother. While I might disagree with some of the policies of the current President, he is our commander in chief for the next 4 years and I wish him GREAT success, even where I might disagree.
Take a look at your last blog on criticism, Rush is a good example of what I was talking about when people criticize just to hear themselves and wish others ill will. We should probably keep in mind his history ……..
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