Originally published by Frank Eliason on LinkedIn: Some Call Them Activist CEO's, I Call Them Leaders

The Wall Street Journal posted an article called "Salesforce's Marc Benioff Has Kicked off New Era of Corporate Social Activism." What a great title and a salute to Marc Benioff and other CEO such as Starbuck's Howard Schultz. In the article I loved how North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest referred to Mr. Benioff as a corporate bully. If I were Marc I would wear that statement as a badge of honor.

If you have not noticed yet, we are living in a very politically charged time, with neither side listening or hearing the other. I see so much division and not enough open dialogue on any issues. We immediately refer to someone with an alternative viewpoint as a bully, instead of hearing what they have to say. For many years business leaders have been afraid to take a view on any political topic. They have been afraid of retribution from shareholders and Customers alike, but shouldn't they lead? Aren't they entitled to an opinion?

For years I have tried to avoid political conversations online (or off for that matter). The reason is I have been afraid of upsetting one side or the other, but you know what, enough is enough. I am tired of career politicians placated to those around them or those who pay them the most money. I am tired of being forced to vote for people who I do not trust or feel they are representative of my views. I want to vote for real leaders and this is what I see when I hear Mr. Schultz or Mr. Benioff speak.

Over the past 10 years the world has changed dramatically and the pace change is only going to increase in the years ahead. I want to find a leader who understands the changes ahead of us and can help ignite the world into the right direction. I was born in the early 1970's and the 1980's were a big influence on my life. I also believe they were a big influence on the world around us. Sometimes in great ways, and not so great ways as well. At the time I was similar to the character Alex Keaton from Family Ties. I even had a subscription to Fortune magazine (still do). At the time I registered Republican and have maintained that all these years, although I have always voted for the person I thought was the best candidate regardless of party. Today I am changing that! As I wrote this I changed my affiliation to independent. It is more reflective of who I am.

I am moderate in many ways. I think our government is often inefficient with money and electing to increase taxes because it is the easiest decision to do. I also do not understand why the government was ever involved in who can marry or not? It is none of their business who grown adults spend their time with. I support many social programs (although I do wonder if they are being run properly). What I see in government is agencies who try to gain as much budget as possible. Politicians who have no clue where the money is going, but want to earmark more to their home areas so they can say how great they are. Politicians from both sides of the aisle hide things in bills just to sneak them past. Most of the time these items are only there, not to benefit the citizens, but rather benefit the politician or their ego.