Dear Fellow Americans,
I regularly think about the influence of leadership on the well-being of individuals, societies, the environment, and our planet. Whether in our communities, businesses, or even our homes, each of us plays a critical role in uniting people around causes that contribute to a healthier, more productive world.
This is equally important for those in public service. After all, our elected officials are supposed to lead and unite us. Let’s make it clear to our leaders in public service that we expect them to act in this fashion. Please join me in asking all of our elected officials — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, including our President, Senators, Representatives, Governors, and Mayors — to focus on what is best for our citizens and our country.
Instead of constantly resorting to attacks and counterattacks, let’s ask our elected officials to engage in productive and respectful debates so they can prevail with the best approaches that move our nation forward. Only these types of debates, broadcast to all Americans, will accurately inform and empower each individual to form his or her own conclusions.
Instead of dividing us, let’s ask our elected officials — and the media — to unite us and to do so with the mutual care and respect we would be proud to teach our children.
I hope fellow business and community leaders also will join me in asking all politicians and the media to halt the ongoing blame game and, instead, focus on balanced, intellectual, and respectful discussions that address the important issues facing our country.
We need to be the United States of America, not the Divided States of America. Only as a united nation will we solve the real problems we face right here at home, while positively influencing the world around us.
To all elected officials and media, I ask that you commit to lead our nation with the common goal of unity and alignment. Please focus on doing what is right for our country, as leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege . . . and now, that responsibility is to unite America.
For the rest of us, we each have the power to let our elected officials know how we feel, what we expect, and our desire to be united, not divided.
Please take action to ensure your message is heard by sharing it with whom you like. #unitednotdivided
Bahram Akradi
Very well written. Thank You. This should be required reading for everyone.
Great message Bahram,
I am a founding member at Lifetime in Scottsdale and Del Rounds is my business partner at RE/MAX
Bahram for President. I love your gym!
Well written message we should all share
Finally… someone who feels the same. Very well said Mr. Akradi
Well said! Thank you.
Awesome. Thank you for sharing this need viewpoint.
Amen. I’m so DONE with the “us vs. them” mentality and the alarming level of division that has increased so dramatically in the past two years.
It’s contrary to the core beliefs of what I would HOPE Americans feel defines us – that we are the UNITED STATES of America.
I miss Presidents who encouraged this (all of them, until now) regardless of party. Never before have we had leaders in the highest offices of the land actively encouraging division.
Newt Gingrich amped up the division and acrimony years ago and Trump has embraced and escalated it to a level unimaginable even a few years ago. Each party is now guilty of it to varying degrees but some near far more responsibility than others.
I’ll never forget Trump’s first New Year’s tweet to the nation. He wrote “happy New Year, even to the haters and the losers who didn’t vote for me.” A president who goes out of his way to call 2/3 of the nation’s “haters and losers” is not the man to model or promote unity and respect for others.
It will take decades to restore the unity, decency and respect for others that have plummeted with him in office. I pray it can be done.
Why are we discussing politics with the CEO of a fitness organization? This is wrong on so many levels and I am not happy that this spam was in my email inbox.
Thank you. Honestly. I usually get promotions, workout stuff, etc. This was unexpected and absolutely appreciated!! That message took courage, was perfectly said, and it means a bunch! I’m thankful, and have been but more so now, to be a member of lifetime. It’s refreshing to know that there’s a real person behind the organization and a person who cares as well. Thank you again, Bahram!!!
Thanks! Totally agree!
Totally agree! I am beyond disgusted of the actions of our elected officials. This is not how things get done. Whatever happened to civility and compromise?
Totally agree. Thank you for being a leader with integrity
Thank you for using your power to ignite agency. We need to dig deeper and be that light we want to see. Be bold and continue to advocate regardless of the ignorance you will encounter. The unhealthy context of this nation is driving Americans to deny each other’s humanity. One world. One love. Only love drives out fear and hate.
I would recommend you leave politics and your opinion out of the gym. LT is like a sanctuary. I’m. It interested in your political philosophy or that of my yoga instruction. You should commit to making the gym a place completely free of all political influence. I’m not interested in paying $300 a mo th to get
Schooled. The gym is fabulous and your doing a great job but you messed up big time with political address.
I second Bahram’s message and I add: Only and only then, when are united, we will be able to walk all corners of our blessed country and beyond to ignite the eternal pride to shout: “I am an American !”
Only then, we will be able walk all the halls of our democracy knowing our children are growing respecting and loving our Nation as the founder fathers of our great country did.
God Bless the USA.
Bahram,
You’re so right! Thank you for speaking out and being part of the solution. You show inspired leadership that brings us together to solve problems. I am with you 100%!
Jamie M.
Hmmm…I agree… where to begin? Locally… then NATIONALLY and then GLOBALLY… but ALL of these steps ASSUME that we HAVE intelligent, thoughtful, empathetic leadership WHO KNOW the CONSTITUTION, BILL IF RIGHTS and the 3 DIVISIONS OF OUR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC… current political landscape is WOEFULLY LACKING in ALL THESE AREAS… perhaps the NEW HOUSE can make the change… because WOMEN IN THE HOUSE ARE THE CHANGE!!!