Thoughts on leadership and a critical election

As we approach this critical election, we should consider the role of leadership.

Our country has been blessed with many truly great presidents. Washington and Lincoln would arguably lead the list based on the challenges each faced and successfully navigated. Teddy Roosevelt protected millions of acres of wilderness and asserted the right of the federal government to represent the public against greedy business interests. FDR boldly led the nation through World War II and established a lasting legacy with Social Security, SEC, and FDIC, still vitally important today. Truman faced the horrific decision of ending WWII with atomic weapons. Truman did not shrink for the controversy and accepted full responsibility, recognizing “the buck stops here.”

Eisenhower launched the federal highway system and even though he exhibited some racist tendencies, pushed for passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and 1960. Kennedy pioneered the space program and forced Khrushchev to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba. LBJ is credited with enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Reagan deftly used his communication skills to negotiate with Gorbachev and stand up to communism. Obama put his reputation on the line by approving the operating that killed bin Laden.

Some may argue this list of great, or at least very capable presidents, is incomplete or biased. Certainly some had character flaws. Ultimately, all were truly leaders during their time in office.

How does President Trump compare to the above-mentioned leaders? Has he stood firmly against autocratic leaders? How he increased voting rights? Has he displayed empathy or interest in tackling the virus that has killed nearly 230,000 Americans? Are there really “good people on both sides” regarding Charlottesville?

It’s time to look in the mirror and ask yourself three questions: How will my children view my decision to vote for Trump? If the country had been led by a Democrat president that resembled this current one, would I approve? Does this man follow the Golden Rule?

DANIEL D. BUTLER

Sandpoint