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Deciding Our
Economic Future `

Next Week:
The Vice Presidential Debate;
A Lesson in Manners

October 3, 2016

Facing history turning events, Great Presidents have left us with a set of remarkable advice and challenges.  We have sought to list a few.
 
“So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. . .  And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy January 20, 1961.

"Therefore, I... do hereby appoint the first day of the year 1942 as a day of prayer, of asking forgiveness for our shortcomings of the past, . . of asking God's help . .  We need His guidance that this people may be humble in spirit but strong in the conviction of the right; . .  Our strongest weapon in this war is that conviction of the dignity and brotherhood of man which Christmas Day signifies-more than any other day. . .”
FDR December 24, 1941.

“Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. . . . With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” Abraham Lincoln March 4, 1865.

“In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we've been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden. The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price.”  Ronald Wilson Reagan January 20, 1981.

“I'll confess that I've been a little afraid to suggest what I'm going to suggest--I'm more afraid not to--that we begin our crusade joined together in a moment of silent prayer.” Ronald Wilson Reagan July 17, 1980.

Great presidents have a track record of being honest, telling the truth and making wise decisions.  Pray for a president and elected leaders who have integrity, character, and such track records.

Mark, Bill and John