I've
been reading several books and essays by and about leaders during the
progressive/new deal era (late 1800's-mid 1900s).
There
are no perfect leaders; all men are flawed. All men are somewhat damned by
their contemporary culturally bound ethical and moral ignorance. All men that might be looked back on as
heroic, were also craven in their own way.
They often held passive common beliefs of their time, that we, looking
back on, accuse as deplorable.
But
the contrast between what qualities of character those men had, with our
current President and the mass exodus of "allegedly accused" leaders,
is absolutely reprehensible.
This
is not a unique problem. It has been faced countless time before, and will be
faced again. It is not important to recognize that "this age is shameful!"
That is a worthless observation. But in recognizing this, we should be spurred
to further recognize in what small (and often large) ways we ourselves are
shameful. We should be strong enough to recognize this in ourselves, and likewise
challenge those to our left and to our right. We should be in community with
those who can stomach the standard then required.
Be
cautious of those why cry "Armageddon!" They rarely yield anything of
worth. If you read historical commentary
you will always find this consistent message: that today is far worse than
yesterday, and the end is neigh. Even
so, our energy and bluster ought to be spent towards improvement.
I occasionally ignore or tire of the civic weight we take for granted. Selfishly reaping the fruits of the past while shuffling along muttering “politics are all rubbish!”. We are gravely implicated in the implicit responsibilities of being a citizen of this great nation. It is not great for its legacy, for its legacy is not just that of liberty and justice, but also marred with genocide and oppression. This nation is great because it still projects the tatters of potential. It is not yet a fallen empire, though the signs have long been pointing there. This nation is great insofar as she is worn by honorable and virtuous men and woman.
When
holding a standard of virtue up to our leaders, we should at once share in the
equality of this responsibility. Acknowledging
our own failures and growing in wisdom.
While a man deserves mercy, a representative of the people does not. In this role they should be scrutinized with
keen eye and sharp blade. The mistakes of
men can be forgiven, but consequence and justice should be clothing of public
office.
Though
we often do not consider this truth, we have all submitted to varying degrees
to a social contract. We should take
civic duty seriously, from our responsibility for our neighbor, to our
responsibility for our President.
Do not despair at our current state, that is a lazy defeat. Do not regurgitate the political thoughts and ideas of political commentators. Begin a slow education. Steep yourself in the monumental characters of our past. Wrestle with issues, listen to sound arguments. Be at once firm in conclusion, yet willing to consider wisdom. Do not add to the noise. Be people of conviction and action. Be people of iteration, walking and growing in stride.
“Our country calls not for the life of ease, but for the life of strenuous
endeavor. Let us therefore boldly face the life of strife, resolute
to do our duty well and manfully; resolute to uphold righteousness by deed and
by word; resolute to be both honest and brave, to serve high ideals, yet to use
practical methods.”
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- Theodore
Roosevelt
