letter to the editor

When presidents were role models

Posted 10/8/24

Not that long ago the character of an American president was considered all-important. Generations of schoolchildren were raised on the story of George Washington, who famously replied, “I …

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letter to the editor

When presidents were role models

Posted

Not that long ago the character of an American president was considered all-important. Generations of schoolchildren were raised on the story of George Washington, who famously replied, “I cannot tell a lie” when asked if he had chopped down a cherry tree with his hatchet. 

Abraham Lincoln, born in extreme poverty and wholly self-educated, rose from obscurity to lead our country through a bloody civil war. Even under the immense pressures of office, Honest Abe never lost his humility or his humanity. With victory over the rebel states on the horizon, he didn’t gloat—instead he pledged “malice toward none” and “charity for all.”

Parents used to point to our presidents as models of behavior for their children to emulate. How many parents today want their children to behave like some of our recent presidents?

Bruce Ferguson
Callicoon Center, NY

presidents, role, models, letter to the editor

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