Monday, February 20, 2012

Presidents Day Reminds Us of the Powerful Legacy of Leadership

Politics will always stir vigorous debate and, thankfully, in America we are free to disagree. Fair or not, when all is said and done at the end of every four years, the person in the White House will be remembered favorably or not in the history of public opinion. Scrutiny comes with the territory, but so does respect for the office of the president.

As we celebrate Presidents Day today, we are reminded of two of our nation’s most revered heads of state: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Besides sharing the same birth month of February, both men are instantly – and rightfully – mentioned when talk turns to our nation’s greatest presidents.

Washington, of course, was a brilliant military mind who won our independence from Great Britain and later presided over the writing of the Constitution, which still represents the very core of America’s societal ideals. Lincoln guided us through the darkness of the Civil War with his prevailing voice of human liberty, which culminated with the freeing of the slaves – a feat that still stands as one of our country’s proudest and most defining moments.

The law of averages coupled with infinite other political and economic influences dictates that some presidents will overcome insurmountable odds while others will maintain the status quo or worse. They can’t all be Washington or Lincoln, but the office they hold deserves our respect.

On Presidents Day, let’s keep in mind the proud history of the White House. Its occupant may not always be to our liking, but the office's respect got us where we are. And where we are is a blessing that is still the envy of the rest of the world.

No comments: