In the U.S. now, because of the blankety blank presidential campaign (will it ever end?), the word maverick, in a very complimentary way, has come up over and over. Etymology.com says it comes from a Texas cattle owner who refused to brand his calves, thus meaning an "individualist" or "non-conformist." Is that really a positive term for a leader of a country or a politician? Isn't it better to work together?

quote:

a positive term for a leader of a country or a politician

Out of office

Not long ago the NYT ran this story on just this topic!:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/weekinreview/05schwar...f=slogin&oref=slogin