On Leadership

This past weekend I had the privilege of visiting Springfield, Illinois, with my son and oldest grandson, Josiah, who is ten years old. Josiah is quite a student of American history already and Abraham Lincoln is one of his favorite heroes. So, this grandpa, who is also a student of the Civil War and of Lincoln, decided that it was time to visit the new Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. Wow! What an experience! If you ever have the opportunity of visiting Springfield you will be in for a wonderfully enriching time.

One of the high points of the weekend was attending one of the re-creations of the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. This is the 150th anniversary of those famous debates between Lincoln and Stephen Douglas; both men seeking the office of Senator from Illinois. We sat on the floor of the old House of Representative chamber in the old Capital Building. Josiah sat in the chair next to the one that Lincoln occupied when he was a member of the Illinois House over 150 years ago. Two actors approached the center of the room - one appearing as Abraham Lincoln (he wore the usual Lincoln beard which Lincoln did not have until after his election as president in 1861), the other as Mr. Douglas who was known as "The Little Giant." Lincoln was a relative newcomer to the world of national politics and a member of the newly formed Republican Party; Douglas was the master orator and the recognized leader of the Democratic Party. (Both men would run for President in 1860).

Lincoln shared a portion of his famous "House Divided" speech which was given on June 16, 1858. As one listened, one heard passion and wisdom in what he shared. He said that a nation could no longer keep going in two directions, that a decision would have to be made. Then he quoted from Jesus' own words: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Then Mr. Douglas shared portions from his very last speech given in the Illinois House chambers only days before he died, shortly after the 1861 election. Although he and Lincoln had been protagonists for many years, Mr. Douglas spoke affirmingly of Lincoln's leadership as President.

My grandson told me as we left the hall, "Grandpa, I could have listened to them a lot longer." Josiah heard something that afternoon I hope he will not soon forget. I heard something that I have not heard in many years. I heard the voice of leaders. I heard the voice of two men from the past who spoke with wisdom and passion about the difficulties of their times. I heard leaders who were not concerned about political pundits or poll-watchers, but men who dared to proclaim the truth.

As I left the Capital, I engaged briefly in a dialogue with one of the hostesses for the event. She asked how I had enjoyed the afternoon's festivities. I remarked to her, "I wished we had such leadership today." Where are the Abraham Lincolns and the Stephen Douglases today? Where are men and women who will stand solidly for the truth without selling their souls to special interest groups or to poll-watchers? Where are the leaders who tell us, not what we want to hear, but what the citizens in our country need to hear? Where are our courageous leaders?

For a few moments this past Saturday afternoon, I heard real leadership. It is a moment in time I shall never forget.