Once more into the breach...

 

Once more into the breach...

Do you have a favorite president? We have had many great presidents. All have changed the course of our history, and the history of the world, through the actions and policies of their administrations.   

The responsibilities of the presidency are unbounded: leader, general, educator, philosopher, philanthropist, disciplinarian, prophet, parent, seeker, and guide. It’s a big job. It requires a big person and personality. So, for more than a year before the election, we are bombarded with the “good” and “bad” qualities of those running for office and asked to sift through all the spin, propaganda, accusations, policies, reputations, and speeches, and choose the right person to lead our country for four more years. It’s a big job for us too.

Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, our second president, and the man who followed the demigod, George Washington, wrote, “The task of President is very arduous, very perplexing, and very hazardous.”  She observed firsthand the power and pressure of holding the reins of government in the weak hands of a common man. She saw how George Washington set a precedent for all who would follow him, bringing dignity to the office, and how her husband, a very different type of leader, struggled to stand firm in the shoes that great man had left behind. 

Children, outside of the politician’s target group by age and experience, get caught up in the election frenzy nevertheless. I asked some children what advice they would offer to the President. 

        Be brave. 

        It takes a lot of courage to do the right thing. 

        Stand up tall and ask the people what they need. 

        Ask others to be nice. Tell the people not to hurt others. 

        Be happy. If you are sad, you might make everyone else sad. 

        Say hi to people. Be their friend. 

        Use kind words and actions. Say, “Please, thank you and you’re welcome.”  

        Be helpful. Give food to hungry people. 

        Be honest. Don’t lie. 

        Stand up tall when you give your speeches. Say the right thing.

        Respect everybody. 

Children expect a lot from a President. They also expect their parents to choose the right leader for our country. They trust us. What a responsibility this is -– to be worthy of the trust of a child.

This is a trust we must not betray. We must think long and hard about the kind of person we wish to lead our country, the country of our hearts and homes. We must study the issues and contemplate the state of the union and the world. We must consider not only our needs but the needs of others. We must think of the children; each with specific needs and hopes, pasts and futures, sorrows and joys, and pray that our choice will secure for them the country they deserve.  

We are all parents to the children of the world. Let’s take to heart their advice as we choose our next leader. Have courage. Do what is right. Stand up tall. Respect everybody. Choose wisely. 

A quotation of John Adams graces the mantelpiece of the State Dining Room in the White House: "I Pray Heaven Bestow the Best of Blessings on This House and All that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but  [the] Honest and Wise … ever rule under this Roof."   

Let us join Mr. Adams in his prayer.  May we be blessed with the best President our children deserve.