October 8

"Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces."

James A Garfield, 20th President, 1881, -From an Address, July 4, 1876 commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. "Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature… If the NEXT CENTENNIAL does not find us a great nation…it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.” Garfield had been a college professor and preacher as a young man and turned from teaching and preaching to politics, joining the Republic Party and opposing slavery. He fought in the Civil War and rose to the rank of Major General. In Congress, he became known as a hard worker and eloquent speaker. In 1876, the country was still struggling in the aftermath of the Civil War and there was general unrest in the population and corruption in the government. With his background as a preacher, perhaps he drew inspiration from the Biblical book of Proverbs, one of which states, "If you remain indifferent in time of adversity, your strength will depart from you." (Prov 24:10) or "Virtue exalts a nation, but sin is a people's disgrace."(Prov 14:34) Clearly he believed in democracy and the rights of people but also that the people held responsibility as well.