The three Presidents of the United States I first knew all governed during the Vietnam War and a time of rapid change in the country. One gave up after one term after increasing bombing in North Vietnam, the second became more paranoid and was impeached for covering up a robbery, and the third forgave the second with a granted pardon ensuring he was a one-term president.
The fourth led a country on the brink of giving up. His failure in Iran sent an actor into the chair who was nearly assassinated by a bullet and then by insiders who traded hostage money for South American insurgents.
I argued with the fifth; by this time a political reporter with an ax to grind and a reputation to build. This president fought back and won. He seemed to be a good guy until he said "Read my lips."
The sixth seemed like a breath of fresh air until he seduced an intern into a secret affair punctuated with cigars and cream. He might as well said read my lips when he said he never had sex with that woman.
The seventh spoke with me long and earnestly about his compassionate vision; we spent 20 minutes talking off-stage of a Texas university graduation before he took the podium. He appeared far smarter than others gave him credit for.
The eighth president promised a lot and then took a way a lot. I believed him when he said he wanted to build an inclusive country and then realized he mean't only a few. He led the United States during the lost decade; the Great Recession. Nothing ever seemed to get better and those 10 years will be hard to replace.
The ninth president speaks his mind, seems to be a Machiavellian, and the economy is booming. Everyone hates him. The jury is still out on how well he will shape up in presidential history.
All of this reveals a small honesty I have learned: All of our leaders lack in one skill or another, all have done bad things, and all will likely be remembered for the things they did or didn't do. Not one has been a saint. Not one president has always been presidential.
When someone tells me that they will never support the current president, for one slight or another, one peccadillo or probable illegal act, I wonder if they have ever supported a president?
All of our presidents have been unworthy of the office depending on the day or year. All have been humans who make mistakes. All, I believe, have tried to act in the best interests of the country. Have I agreed with all the decisions? No. Will I still support them when they are doing good? Yes.
The strength of the United States comes from the ideal we all are working to create opportunities for all living in the republic. Sometimes this means some of the republic are left out while others gain something. Everyone in the republic can be assured we our a nation of the Rule of Law. And those laws ensure we all will continue to gain.
I am still waiting for a president who I can agree with on all things at all times.
Copyright © 2019 Michael Shawn Sommermeyer
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