Plutarch wrote Parallel Lives nearly two millennia ago. One of the purposes of the work was to teach the readers important lessons about civic conduct and human affairs by comparing the lives and actions of an ancient Greek with that of an ancient Roman who shared similar backgrounds and accomplishments. What better technique to borrow when looking at the contemporary, great republic, the United States. Appropriating such a methodology allows one to investigate virtue and self-interest while looking at Presidential actions. For this format, we can peer through the lens of three Chief Executives and ponder their responses to crisis, self-interest, virtue, and liberty itself. Two of the following Presidents, after great soul searching, sought out what was in the best interest for the Republic, negating personal gain while the third, abdicated the pursuit of virtue and was concerned with preserving and perpetuating his power.
President John Adams paces back and forth in the presidential mansion in Philadelphia. A worrisome look encompasses his face as word arrives on a daily basis at the Public Office (President’s house) stating that French naval vessels were seizing American ships at sea. The citizenry of the young republic clamors for war and the former President George Washington is called out of retirement to train and command a new force which is preparing for conflict with France. In the interim, Washington temporarily gives way to Alexander Hamilton who is given the task of building an American army to confront this European menace. But Adams is of a different mindset. Years before, in Washington’s Farewell address, the founder of the country called on Americans to refrain from conflict in the belief that engaging in the struggles of Europe would bring about the demise of the nascent Republic. Remembering those prophetic words, Adams sends a secret delegation to Paris to negotiate with the French which successfully culminates in the Convention of 1800, essentially ending the Quasi War. (which is what this somewhat war with France is called) But this feat of diplomacy also facilitated the defeat of John Adams at the hands of Thomas Jefferson in the election of the same year. On inauguration day, 1801, the chief executive who might have been a hero, leaves Washington DC before the festivities are completed, a vanquished man but the Republic is maintained as Jefferson ascends to the White House.
Gerald Ford looks out of the window of the Oval Office. He is the first unelected president of the United States. The unprecedented resignations of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew have created a question of legitimacy for the former minority leader of the House of Representatives from Michigan. The people are demanding the prosecution of the disgraced former Chief Executive and 1976 is an election year. His Democratic opponent Jimmy Carter is running on an anti corruption platform and the polls show a tight race. Criminal charges against the former Chief Executive would keep the Watergate scandal at the forefront of the news cycle for possibly years to come, pushing important issues such as inflation, unemployment and Soviet intrigues off the front pages. After a month of contemplation, the novice executive made a momentous decision. Gerald Ford chooses to issue a presidential pardon which absolves the former President of any crimes. This action would prove to define his presidency, be his greatest accomplishment but also contribute to his defeat to Carter in 1976. But the Republic is maintained and strengthened by this action but Jimmy Carter ascends to the White House.
Joe Biden wanders around the White House. The Palestinians in Gaza under the leadership of the loathsome terrorist entity Hamas have just launched the greatest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. The world braces for war as Israel prepares the IDF to seek revenge and destroy Hamas terrorist bases in Gaza. As the Israeli army attacks, Hamas deploys its nefarious strategy of using human shields in schools, hospitals, anywhere where civilians congregate to protect its forces. Such an immoral edict allows for the world press to ironically scream abuses on the Israeli army for allegedly killing a disproportionate number of non military personnel. Casualty rates flow out of Gaza at the behest of Hamas officials but attempts to find independent numbers regarding deaths are ignored and fall on deaf ears. In America, well financed external sources organize student protests which are enthusiastically received by the media and Arab communities in the United States and abroad. In the midst of this chaos, 2024 is an election year and the President looking at his sagging polling numbers is looking at a way to shore up support. Gradually, the President’s public support for Israel begins to fade as the Administration's fear of electoral defeat grows. President Biden believes he needs to ratchet up support among left wing circles and Arab communities. Whispers from the White House call for a ceasefire and an end to Israeli attempts to destroy Hamas rule in Gaza. The President ignores the stark anti-semitic implications of protesters calling for the destruction of Israel with chants of “from the river to the sea.” Any calls for Hamas to surrender and give up power are not even considered in the conversation. The hostages, whether Israeli or American, seized by Hamas are forgotten. The Israeli government’s desire for a quick victory in Gaza is derailed. But Joe Biden is determined to save himself from electoral defeat. What is best for the republic and liberty itself are not part of the President’s equation. Any lessons from President’s Adams and Ford are not heeded by 46. And with this policy, the darkness of Hamas lives to see another day as the pillars of the republic are shaken.
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