On a plaque marking Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, Kentucky, is recorded this scrap of conversation:
“Any news down t’ the village, Ezry?”
“Well, Squire MacLain’s gone t’ Washington t’ see Madison swore in, and ol’ Spellman tells me this Bonaparte fella has captured most o’ Spain. What’s new out here, neighbor?”
“Nuthin’, nuthin’ a’tall, ‘cept fer a new baby born t’ Tom Lincoln’s. Nuthin’ ever happens out here.”
Somewhere in America, a new baby is taking a first breath, totally unaware that he (or she) will be elected President of the United States in 2068.
Unfortunately, a news poll of young people revealed a disturbing trend. While 54% of America’s youth feel they could grow up to be President, eight out of ten have absolutely no interest in the job.
Most said they’re simply not interested in politics. Many thought it would be “too much work.” Others replied there were “too many scandals” and some admitted they were afraid of being assassinated. Finally, a number said it just didn’t sound fun.
So in 2015 it appears that while half of all kids feel they could get elected, 80% simply wouldn’t want the job.
Respect for the Presidency has dropped dramatically over my lifetime. When I was a child, the President (even from the “wrong” political party) was regarded with esteem. Children fantasized about being President, even if their own prospects were dim.
Corny as it sounds, the lessons of the Presidents motivated higher morals when I was in school. We aspired to be honest as Abe or as great a leader as George. And when JFK asked what we could do for our country, we surveyed our childish meager resources and offered them up for service.
When kids aspire to public service, they stand up straighter, take their responsibilities more conscientiously, and think about others a bit more. When children think about the Presidency, they’re more altruistic than their adult counterparts.
I hope some moms and dads are encouraging their children to think about this sorry world and how they can grow up and make it better. Their help may come in a variety of avenues. But we surely need men and women with our best interest at heart living in the White House.