March 3, 2016 Thursday)
This presidential campaign has featured more personal insults than any in recent memory. Almost lost amidst the inuendo and slurs are the pressing issues of our times. If, however, we are thinking that this is the worst ever, consider this:
During the presidential election of 1800, a newspaper friendly to John
Adams attacked his opponent thus:
If Thomas Jefferson wins, murder, robbery, rape, adultery, and incest
will be openly taught and practiced. The air will be rent with the
cries of the distressed, the soil will be soaked with blood, and the
nation black with crimes. Are you prepared to see your dwellings in
flames, female chastity violated, and children writhing on a pike?
Wow! I don’t believe the present onslaught of insults between the candidates has sunk that low yet.
Adams and Jefferson worked together with Benjamin Franklin to produce the Declaration of Independence. Their friendship was severely tested, however, when, in the election of 1800, when they ran against each other for president, their disagreements grew into bitter hostlity. On the day Jefferson was inaugurated, outgoing President Adams packed up and left town before the ceremony. This animosity continued unabated until 1811, when neither held office and they renewed their friendship by writing letters. They both publicly acknowledged their mutual love and respect. Both men died on The Fourth of July, 1826.
Somehow I have the feeling that as this year moves on toward election day in November, the wounds inflicted on each other by the candidates will make the present debates seem like child’s play. As the saying goes, “We ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”
The experiences of Adams and Jefferson, and all their successors, should remind us that imperfection is the hallmark of humanity. We have had 45 presidents. None of them was perfect. And none shall ever be. Let us pray for divine guidance as we listen this year, and, in November, as we vote.
Take a look at a typical campaign:
