Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . . . [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.
James Garfield, “A Century of Congress” published in Atlantic , July 1877.
Power may be the most misunderstood concept…
some men of virtue are corrupted by it; some men of ill repute have found virtue through it. It is almost impossible to tell how a mans heart will behave when welding the sword of state. Will he seek understanding and compassion or be filled with the wrath of vengeance
Today we raise a man to the pantheon of history, there is no training or preparation that can prepare a man for such a change, there is only a small spark of celestial conscience that burns with in his soul; the hope he will leave us a stronger union and he a better man.
Today both candadates have me desiring more, I am certain both are men who will try to raise the standard but I pray the victor governs for the good of the people and not the party.
I am disappointed that one never spoke in his own voice of the platforms and polices that would guide his administration. The other spoke often but in his first decision he chose a running mate that could not reach the needs of a nation in the throws of its adolescence.
Tonight we choose a president who will take us to our prom , this is the election marks the coming of age of this great nation our youthful years and growing pains behind us we are today graduating and becoming the mature and wise nation of this world and finding our place in it . I trust that the sacred bond between the elector and electorate will be honored… Abraham Lincoln was despised by his own party as well as the opposition and arrived in Washington under threat of assassination. His decisions often unpopular proved that the trust was beyond the pantheon of common men for Abraham Lincoln chose not to be popular but to do as his heart believed right… history has proven this to be a decision for the ages …
May John McCain or Barack Obama have with in them the wisdom to do what’s right and not what’s popular…
history will reward them with the ages…
Today you are History, it is your vote that holds the power to change the course of human events your one vote is a voice as strong as the tides of history; it can tame the winds of war or raise the sword of righteousness, today you are the most powerful Voice in the nation …
Speak wisely and from the heart…
J.B. Landry
