[Federation News Service]

You can view the editorial at https://ufplanets.com/content.php?39...E-CAPTAIN&

[Rellimie]

Mine would have to be Sisko. Mostly because he is the most relatable captain. He has a family, a sense of religion, a sports fan. I also feel that he is the only captain that could also be considered a true hero. He was the only captain that had to fight an extended war. He also, in the end, made the ultimate sacrifice to save a world.

Also, the only captain that punched Q in the face.

[foolishowl]

Jean-Luc Picard. His character is the best depiction of a good leader that I've encountered in any fictional narrative -- so much so that throughout my life, even when my interest in Star Trek was at a low ebb, I'd find that if I was trying to imagine what a good leader would do, I'd soon be thinking about Picard.

Earlier today, I was watching the ST:TNG episode, Ensign Ro -- one of my favorite Star Trek episodes, and one which demonstrates all Picard's best qualities.

Fundamentally, Picard treats everyone with respect, and his every interaction bears an implicit invitation to join with him in a cooperative venture based upon mutual respect and the cultivation of trust. He actively seeks out the potential in other people and in other cultures, and seeks to cultivate potential. He doesn't rely on formality for his authority; he establishes his authority by winning respect and trust, by making it clear that he considers all available opinions, by articulating his own reasoning, and by supporting good ideas, whereever they come from. Similarly, he doesn't defer to formal authority when he hears poor reasoning or sees a violation of principle; he always challenges such failings.

In other words, more than any other character, Picard is the Federation incarnate.