A Lesson From George Washington for Decatur

by Bill Faber

The British army cut a clear path of victory across the colonies. The British took Long Island and Manhattan. General George Washington lead his starving and freezing army in yet another retreat this time across the Delaware River to the Pennsylvania shore. It was only a matter of time before the river would freeze solidly to allow the British to walk across to attack and destroy the Continental army. On the New Jersey side of the Delaware River at Trenton stood a well supplied British outpost. German Hessian mercenaries manned it. All regarded them as the fiercest fighters.

Washington needed supplies and a victory. On Christmas night Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River. At dawn the Continental army attacked and captured the Hessian outpost. Washington’s courage and judgement created the opportunity for victory.

Washington did not seek command of the Continental Army. His peers called him forth to lead. They knew of his courage, wisdom and judgment.

Today America does not call forth its leaders. Instead ambitious men press themselves upon the people. Boundless TV and newspaper ads boast of the candidates’exaggerated claims.

The courageous, generous and wise stay out of politics.

As a result the people do not trust their leaders. Politicians wink when they promise. Elections do not matter because nothing changes. The working families and seniors are not better off. In the scheduled April election in Decatur only 20% of the voters will vote. Lets change things and make elections count.

I propose that Decatur follow the example of the Founding Fathers’ selection of Washington. Lets call forth our city leaders. How ? Let the people submit names of men and women whom they want to govern - citizens of courage, generosity and wisdom. These names to be published in the local papers. Then lets ask those named to place their names on the ballot. The result will be real leaders that the people know and trust. Democracy dies without the confidence of the people. Thanks for listening.

Bill Faber is a Decatur lawyer with 20 years experience trying cases to juries of the people. He welcomes your comments at 425-9002; www.Faberlaw.com