Who is Your Favorite Founding Father?

GeorgeWashingtonThat was the question put to John Kassich in a televised question and answer period with future voters. He promptly replied with his answer: “George Washington.” And then he expounded on his answer, which was thoughtful.

On the same or a following TV program, the other contestants were quoted in their presentations to groups of followers. There was much bad talk, mud slinging, and derogatory remarks from Mr. Senator from Florida and Mr. Senator from Texas. None of these remarks were very thoughtful. read more

John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson—Vitriolic Elections

JohnAdamsIn discussing last nights GOP Presidential debate, one commentator boldly stated that there possibly hadn’t been an election with as much acrimonious attacks since Adams and Jefferson. Of course, none of us were alive to really remember that—and there wasn’t any TV coverage.

But it’s true, there had developed some animosity between the two stanchions of the early years of America. They disagreed on the French Revolution, and about the appointment of judges by Adams at the end of his term of office (hey, is that going to come up again?). read more

Benjamin Franklin and His Legacy

Ben FranklinOne of the most important, but often overlooked, details of Benjamin Franklin’s legacy, is that he was a doer, but a self-made man. Read his Autobiography if you haven’t already—or read it again for new insights.

He seemed to establish a link between effort and reward in the American cultural experience. His “rags to riches” is recorded in his own words for all American generations to read. It is a wonderful story. Ben started with little but gained much through his persistence and hard work. He demonstrated that effort is in time rewarded in the American Experiene. read more

Happy Valentines Day, or More Backbiting?

Ronald ReaganAfter last nights GOP Presidential debate, some of us have broken hearts. It seemed like such a squabble, (which is defined as a “noisy altercation”), that I couldn’t tell who won, or who would likely lose support, or who had the best ideas, because of all the noise!

Aesop said it this way: “A husbandman who had a quarrelsome family, after having tried in vain to reconcile them by words, thought he might more readily prevail by example. So he called his sons and bade them lay a bundle of sticks before him. Then having tied them up into a fagot (a bundle, as in bundle of sticks), he told the lads, one after another, to take it up and break it. They all tried, but tried in vain. Then, untying the fagot, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest of ease. Then said the father: ‘Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for all your enemies; but differ and separate, and you are undone.’” read more

Justice Antonin Scalia Dies

Ronald ReaganThe longest serving Justice on the Supreme Court died today. He had been appointed by President Ronald Reagan. By all accounts he was not only wise and scholarly, he was friendly and had a good sense of humor. He caused the Court to consider carefully what they were deciding, and to look closely at the issues and the deciding factors. Not always apparent in Judges minds.

I suppose he liked this story about why you actually need a lawyer at times: “A businessman who had consulted his attorney for some legal advice ran into a friend to whom he recounted his experience. read more

Happy Birthday Abe!

Abraham_Lincoln_2Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. I remember when we celebrated this birthday on his actual birthday, in school, with lots of information and details about his wondrous life and what he did as president. I loved it, even as much as Valentines day. Honest Abe we called him. And we heard stories about his log splitting, his politicking on trains, and even the growth of the beard as suggested by a young girl.

Then, of course, we also celebrated George Washington’s birthday, on his real birthday, too. His real birthday is February 22. We heard from our school teachers about him cutting down the cherry tree and then telling his dad “I cannot tell a lie!” and other tidbits of his true character. These two men were great examples to us, not only of honesty, but also of strength of character, overcoming obstacles, facing daunting problems. read more

Examples and Character

Ben Franklin thumb pictureA few posts back, I quoted a statement by Thomas Carlyle. Perhaps you’ll remember that he was a Scottish philosopher, writer, essayist, historian, and teacher. Here’s another quote from Carlyle that I think you’ll like:

“Show me the man you honor, and I will show you the kind of man you are, for it shows me what your ideal of manhood is, and what kind of man you long to be.”

Now that’s a very nice statement, but I don’t think I can actually live up to it! Because the men I honor are the Founding Fathers of our nation, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Patrick Henry, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin. They are my ideals, but I can’t live up to their example. read more

President Reagan’s Gift for Humor

Ronald ReaganI think we need more humor at this time in the electioneering process. It seems that everyone takes everything a bit too seriously. I know it’s a serious endeavor to run for the office of President. At times the debates are almost overbearing. A sense of humor can take some of the bite off.

We could take a hint from Ronald Reagan, who, it seems, had a rejoinder for every serious occasion.For example, during the 1985 summit meeting in Geneva with Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan told the following story: read more

Lincoln and Truth

Abraham_Lincoln_2I can recall an occasion when I was called as an expert witness in a Federal case. I was sworn in and asked several questions, first to establish my credibility as an expert, then to elaborate on some conditions prevalent in the court case.

As I tried to answer all the questions, there came one witch I felt that I needed to explain the answer more completely. The judge leaned over and said: “That’s enough, Mr. Allen, you’ve answered the question.” I feel bad that I didn’t have the presence of mind to respond: “But I’ve been sworn in to tell the truth, the whole truth . . . and as yet I haven’t been able to explain the whole truth!” read more

Politicians or Businessman?

GeorgeWashingtonOK. After the shenanigans in Iowa, and the politician sounding more like politicians than like real Americans, I am more convinced than ever that we need a businessman at the head of the country, rather than more politicians.

Look at the mess the politicians have gotten us into. They all sound like more of the same. Promises, promises, but when they get into office, it’s just more of the same. Government as usual. Every time!

On the one side we have an avowed socialist who promises everything for free, and he will take the necessary money from the wealthy to give these freebies. Or we have someone who cannot tell the truth, and who promises more of what we have had under Obama, without any respite! She has shown by her actions that she can’t be trusted—especially with government. Guaranteed ruination! read more