Rightly or wrongly, human beings need leadership - and not just in the military. Everyday people also need good examples of what to do and how to react in different situations. That's because most people are so afraid of criticism and/or outright shunning that they will never, ever do anything to risk that.

Yes, there are plenty of rules and laws to read for guidance, but most people understand these rules and laws much better when they have a specific example to look up to - a few specific people who demonstrate proper actions for them in real life.

You might call this "soft leadership." It's not the very tough discipline of the military, though nothing wrong with that; it's just that soft leadership can be enormously helpful for ordinary civilians who need guidance.

I hate to use the word "sheep," but that's probably the best analogy. Sheep don't have much of an aptitude for leadership among themselves. All they care about is staying inside the herd. They do much better when they have a shepherd and a smart dog to show them where to go, help them find food and water, and protect them from the wolves.

We can all be shepherds and sheepdogs for those around us who are clearly confused about what to do and terrified to take the smallest action for fear of shunning. Stepping up and providing some soft leadership for the civilians - yes, the sheep - around you might just give them the guidance they need to stop panicking and work together.

A lot of us did this during the fake pandemic. We refused to wear masks, no matter how much we got yelled at in public. We absolutely refused any shots, no matter how they threatened our jobs or refused us service or shut us out of our own families.

We learned that in many cases, if one person dared to take off their mask in public then others would do the same. But somebody had to do it first and risk the ridicule and shunning that could follow.

That is what's missing. Be that somebody. Step up and take the chance. Provide that soft leadership for a few sheep and see what happens.

To get started: SPEAK UP. No more silence. No more fear of being shunned or banned or criticized in public or in private. SPEAK UP. TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON.

What else can you add?