I have been spending a lot of time thinking about leadership of late, and how the quality of one’s leaders gravely impacts citizens’ mental health, to say nothing of their economic and social well-being.

What accounts for the gross differences in judgment exercised by Americans and Canadians in voting for their leaders? Are we more discerning about human character? Are they blinded by pride? Confident that the “art of the deal” person will lead them to greater wealth?

Just contrast the qualities of who we chose as prime minister: namely, brains, integrity, a social conscience, modesty, balance, and a sense of humour to boot. Compare that with the boorish, know-nothing persona of American President Donald Trump, a convicted felon found guilty in New York state in 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Lo and behold, I stumbled upon a book that sheds light on my central question. Not a bestseller, it has the distinction of having been published by McGill-Queen’s........

© Peterborough Examiner