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THOUGHTFUL CRITICISM

Lizbeth Estes

We want a president of good character who can make wise appointments, has an ability to work with Congress and exhibits strong crisis management skills.

‘Thoughtful criticism and close scrutiny of all government officials by the press and the public are an important part of our democratic society.’

–Jimmy Carter’s Presidential farewell address on Jan. 14, 1981 


On January 9, our 39th President, Jimmy Carter, laid in state at our nation’s Capitol. 


We honored and celebrated his life and legacy. President Carter was a man of integrity and faith which guided his footsteps in this life to serve a power greater than himself. “My faith demands wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference”. Carter brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, supported human rights and environmental issues. The legacy he leaves shines on in those inspired to continue humanitarian works.


What exactly is integrity in leadership? A leader with a good moral compass builds trust, credibility and respect. Having integrity requires assuming responsibility for critical decisions good and bad. In 1980 Jimmy Carter publicly owned his responsibility for the failure and deaths of our military members in a mission to rescue hostages in Iran. JFK publicly assumed responsibility for the failed Bay of Pigs operation to rid Cuba of Fidel Castro’s rule in 1961.


Americans have countless ideas regarding what makes for a great president and which ones were highest on the integrity scale. We want a president of good character who can make wise appointments, has an ability to work with Congress and exhibits strong crisis management skills. Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt were the top three according to USHistory.org and C-Span’s 2021 survey. Trump’s first presidency came in last on CSpan’s survey. US History stated not enough time has passed to judge DJT.


George Washington held himself to a high level of integrity. He was a cautious and critical thinker - not making rash decisions. He walked his talk. In making political appointments, Washington avoided taking gifts and passing out positions to family and friends, preventing any speculation of bribery.


Abraham Lincoln is remembered for being fair and truthful. Referred to as Honest Abe, he also displayed empathy and compassion for others. Lincoln’s selflessness was embodied in his deep sense of justice and courage in his policies. He was so determined to unite the US and balance the power that he asked his rivals to serve in his cabinet.


This is a busy time in DC. Congress officially certified the election on the January 6 without incident. It was 4 short years ago on the eve of the Jan 6, 2021 riot, Georgia’s US Rep Barry Loudermilk(R) led a group of individuals on what appeared to be a reconnaissance tour of areas inside the Capitol where normal tourists would not be privy to. We all watched the assault. DJT referred to it as a love fest.


Unlike George Washington, who measured his decisions, Trump had a tantrum and threw a plate of spaghetti at the wall in his dining room.


The swamp draining we were promised in 2016 became a cesspool of dark money, sex, lies and videos that took center stage in Congress and in the courts that money built – on taxpayers’ dime. It is being promised again in 2025. DJT asked the oil companies to donate one billion dollars to his campaign with the pledge to overturn environmental policies governing drilling. Questions remain surrounding financial benefits to the Trump Organization’s businesses during his first presidency and Jared Kushner’s 2 billion dollar business venture with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Cabinet and advisory committee appointments for the incoming administration carry the cesspool stench like a giant mushroom cloud stretching from DC to Mar-a-Lago. It sounds like the bills have come due in Washington.


Do Americans still place value upon integrity? If so, demand better from those who promised to serve “We the people”. They count on our silence.


Cynthia Vincent is a member of Stronger Together Huddle, a group engaged in supporting and promoting the common good. She resides in Temperance and can be reached at mcneil102@icloud.com

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