“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln
Every day, seemingly forever, we are being bombarded with politics, invading our homes and our conscious thought.
When the number of political calls far outnumbered the personal, I decided to give up our home phone, something I thought we would never do.
Politics
Politics once held great interest for me. This, however, was back in the days of civility.
Once upon a time, we could admire our leaders who really were public servants.
Today, the motives and the madness all make us question our world sanity and steadfastness.
Political bullying
Today, instead of feeling that a wise person wishes to serve his fellow man, there is a prominent feeling that we are being beaten over the head, ordered to listen to whomever can bully the loudest.
Their bully pulpit is so large because our media seeks the big voice, the grand punch.
We watch as those who are dishonest and immoral spin excuses to duck out of their own web.
Immoral and dishonest
Our grandparents would be stunned speechless if they were to hear much of this. As media became bigger and bolder, private matters of all sorts are blasted at us through our television and radio.
Little boundaries
There are few boundaries, as powerful forces commandeer and steer the ship. So, I searched for validation as to whether or not I was right to have once loved politics.
I am sharing some quotes that give us a glimpse of a different place and time, when the average joe, one of our peers, could become president.
Different place, different time
Harry Truman did not have a college degree, and upon leaving the White House traveled the U.S. with his beloved wife Bess, just the two of them, eating in diners or packing a picnic, with him doing all the driving.
Truman was considered tough and salty, but he was a working man who got things done.
Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
The truth
Jimmy Carter, who has lived an exemplary life post-presidency, said, “Stand strong, seek truth, define equity in deeds, and pray to accomplish peace with intellect rather than weaponry.”
George Washington said, “Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who make excuses.”
James Madison said, “If tyranny and oppression come to this land it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.”
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” said John Quincy Adams.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Remember — remember always — that all of us are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”
Loyalty, integrity
James Garfield said of melting-pot America, “There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are (with) gifts of kindness, courage, loyalty or integrity. It matters very little whether behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.”
Said William Henry Harrison, “The strongest of all governments is that which is most free.” He had strong feelings about limiting governmental strong-arm tactics.
Stronger men
John F. Kennedy, his eloquence commanding significant admiration, “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” He also said, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Never waste a minute thinking about people you don’t like.”
Along those same lines, JFK once said, “Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”
I have found I would much rather read historical biographies than fight off the sound of blustery bullying in our current political atmosphere. Bring back civility, humility, humanity.
Most of all, bring back common sense.
