Reflections from Past Presidents

Election Ballot from the Peoples' Party Era

 In the previous 3 posts, I have shared the actions of past presidents.  Now, with some Americans having already voted and the rest of us soon to do so, I will share a few comments of past Presidents...worthy words for reflection as we make our election choices.

George Washington:  "Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

John Adams:  Speaking from the White House:  "May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."

John Quincy Adams:  "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." 

Benjamin Harrison:  "The disfranchisement of a single elector by fraud or intimidation is a crime too grave to be regarded lightly."

Herbert Hoover:  "A splendid storehouse of integrity and freedom has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers.  In this day of confusion, of peril to liberty, our high duty is to see that the storehouse is not robbed of it contents."  

Harry S. Truman:  "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

John F. Kennedy:  "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."  

Gerald Ford:  "Truth is the glue that holds governments together."

Bill Clinton:  "We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together.  If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither."

    Before voting, I decided to do something I had never done...I made a list of what I think is important in our leaders.  The following are my thoughts:

1.  Personal Integrity

2.  Knowledge of and respect for the Constitution

3.  Knowledge of History--both American and World

4.  Service, such as Military, offices held, whether national, state, or local offices

5.  Education, whether university or reading history, biographies, or other means of learning, such as travel or attending lectures

6. A respectful demeaner

7.  Experience in working with and meeting others, whose lives and Experiences may be different from his or her own.

8.  Observing the people with whom he or she surrounds him or herself

9.  Life Experiences

10.  How he or she expresses him or her self; communication skills

11.  A demeaner of dignity balanced with humility, a respect for others

12.  A sense of service to the Nation, a respect for the privilege of serving the Nation and its People.

I did not realize until I have finished my list of things important to me about the person for whom I would vote that I had included nothing about particular things that I regard as important, and I certainly have my opinions about specific issues.  However, I put more faith in matters of character and wisdom than in my own personal checklist of things I believe should be done.  

Although I had never made such a list before, I found it interesting.  If you are still sitting on the fence about your choices, you might make a list of what is most important to you.  Each of us make a difference.  Vote.