We are better
Published 12:00 am Friday, May 7, 2004
by Leonard Gray – Managing Editor
In times of national trouble, U.S. Presidents turn to the source of guidance, stability and comfort – God.
George Washington wrote, as he surrendered his leadership of the Continental Army in 1783: “Almighty God, We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In short, Washington called on all Americans to treat each other as they would want to be treated, and to demonstrate humility, charity and peaceful temper. Something lacking lately in Iraq.
During the dark days of the Civil War, Lincoln concerned himself with people who had lost sight of God, thusly:
“We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven… but we have forgotten God… We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace… Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.”
Powerful words, to say that as a people, Americans were too proud to pray. And this was in 1863, not 2004.
Finally, Franklin Roosevelt said on the occasion of D-Day in 1944:
“Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.”
World War II was a mighty struggle to free the world of the taint of Nazism in Europe and the lust for empire by Japan, to the terror of Asia.
In that war, as in any war, Americans are intended to be the example of a force for civilization, for decency and for good. The recent photographs of abuse of Iraqi prisoners was embarrassing to say the least and a slap to the memory of leaders such as Washington and Lincoln and Roosevelt.
Americans are better than that, or should be. Such behavior is shameful to America, and dishonorable and disgraceful to God.
It must not happen again.
LEONARD GRAY is managing editor of L’Observateur.