Who should be our captain: a highly principled diplomat or a self-reflective sheriff?

The main challenge most developed countries face today is that they don't have charismatic captains, or if they have them, they more resemble a Ferenghi captain than a Star Fleet one. And we would need captains who can tackle and taim the Ferenghi as well as able to bring our countries back to a democratic future - something badly endangered by Chinese influence using the pretence of the Covid-19 virus. Thus we need a Picard-like diplomat with stong belief in rights, democracy and trusting people rather than wishing to discipline them, or a self-reflective, wise sheriff, like Sisko who can ensure a peaceful, but fast transition back to freedom and rights. Both approaches would be like a breath of fresh air as a "captain" like them would stop the blame-game and let people live their lives again.

As a firm believer of leadership, my view on this was not changed by Discovery's focus on a difficult-to-discipline crew member. There will always be revolutionaries, or simply people who are ready to stick to their own values and beliefs. Today's global events clearly show that people who dare to think are badly punished by those in power, so for a free thinker to succeed, you still need an open, inclusive leader who believes in the rights and abilities of people and thus ready to keep their eyes closed if people don't adhere to rules.

Living in the Netherlands, I see that this is what makes this country much more democratic than others. Politicians still give in to pressure by mainstream, but common sense is always acknowledged. While it is a very rule-adhering country, there are certain rules that are considered unnecessary, or imposed by external forces, and thus they are not followed by many knowing that they will not be punished for it, but it is "gedogen", officially tolerated. This is as much true for marihuana as for the current craze about face masks and social distancing. But for us to live a life according to our beliefs and principles, we also need leaders who understand the idiotism of some rules.