Our Presidents and their Legacies
Faith in the Public Square
Lompoc Record
February 17, 2008
Mount Rushmore enshrines the visages of four presidents, each of whom left their mark on the American experience. Two of those so honored were born in the month of February, a fact that has given birth to our celebration of President's Day this weekend.
Looking back through history America has been led by a series of presidents. Some, like Lincoln and Washington, Jefferson and Roosevelt, left a legacy of service and wisdom. Others, of course, have been disasters, though I'm sure we'd have a vigorous debate as to who belongs on this latter list. History is, ultimately, the judge of one's legacy. Some, who were judged great in their own day, haven't been treated quite so well as time has wore on. Others, considered failures in their own day, are enshrined as great leaders. I think Lincoln fits this latter category quite well. Others, either because of illness or the assassin's bullet, didn't live long enough to leave a legacy. The greatest of our presidents have left a lasting legacy that has been passed on from one generation to the next. These legacies inform our lives and guide us into the future.
Some of this excitement is due to the historic possibilities of the first woman or the first person of color being president. Even if that doesn't happen, we have reached a point of no return. The time is here, whether in this election or not, that the nation has begun to embrace its full diversity.
Lompoc Record
February 17, 2008
Mount Rushmore enshrines the visages of four presidents, each of whom left their mark on the American experience. Two of those so honored were born in the month of February, a fact that has given birth to our celebration of President's Day this weekend.
Looking back through history America has been led by a series of presidents. Some, like Lincoln and Washington, Jefferson and Roosevelt, left a legacy of service and wisdom. Others, of course, have been disasters, though I'm sure we'd have a vigorous debate as to who belongs on this latter list. History is, ultimately, the judge of one's legacy. Some, who were judged great in their own day, haven't been treated quite so well as time has wore on. Others, considered failures in their own day, are enshrined as great leaders. I think Lincoln fits this latter category quite well. Others, either because of illness or the assassin's bullet, didn't live long enough to leave a legacy. The greatest of our presidents have left a lasting legacy that has been passed on from one generation to the next. These legacies inform our lives and guide us into the future.
Consider these four persons at Mount Rushmore and their legacies. George Washington is first and foremost the father of the nation. He set the precedent for the future of the country. He could have, if he had chosen, become king, or at minimum served as president for life. But he chose a different course.
As a young man, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, stipulating that we're each endowed by the Creator with equality. Later he would help define the relationship of church and state. And what of Abraham Lincoln - he who governed during one of our nation's darkest hours? His legacy is two-fold: the saving of the union that is the United States and the final demise of the horrible tyranny that is slavery. In many ways, he was the right person for the times, a man who seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.
And what of Teddy Roosevelt? TR is an intriguing character in American history. His vision of America's role in the world was broad and his vision of the homeland was progressive. At a time when global warming is an issue of great importance, it's fitting to remember TR's environmental credentials, best seen in his commitment to preserving the greatest of our national treasures through the expansion of America's National Park system.
At this very moment we watch the waning moments of a presidency and wonder about its legacy. History will write the final judgment as to whether this legacy has been positive or negative. Whatever that legacy might be, we have now turned our attention to what will come next.
After months of party battles, the contests have essentially come down to the final four. There's an interesting mix here, some offering historic possibilities, but as for their legacy, all that lies before us is potential. On one side of the battle lines is a former POW and war hero, while another is a socially conservative preacher turned governor. On the other side of the ledger is an African-American, the son of a Kenyan and a white woman from Kansas; the other candidate is a woman, an esteemed senator and the spouse of a former president.
This epic clash of political voices has grasped a hold of the nation like few others in recent memory. There is great excitement in the electorate, and record numbers, especially young people, have gone to the polls. Rather than opting out, they're opting in.
Some of this excitement is due to the historic possibilities of the first woman or the first person of color being president. Even if that doesn't happen, we have reached a point of no return. The time is here, whether in this election or not, that the nation has begun to embrace its full diversity.
In the coming months we will choose our next leader from among these people. Depending on whom we choose (and yes we do the choosing), we will write the future of the nation's history. Whoever becomes president will bequeath to the nation a legacy - either positive or negative. If you're a person of prayer, won't you join me in offering a prayer for the future course of the nation?
Dr. Bob Cornwall is pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lompoc (http://www.lompocdisciples.org). He blogs at http://pastorbobcornwall.blogspot.com and may be contacted at faithinthepublicsquare@gmail.com or c/o First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1056, Lompoc, CA 93438.
February 17, 2008
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