April 16, 2018
Dear Mr. Adams:
“Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.”
Samuel Adams – in a letter to James Warren – November 4, 1775
I don’t know if you remember this letter to Mr. Warren or realize how relevant it is today, but it seems that in a country of more than 300 million people it is getting more difficult to find people of this exceptional character who deserve to represent us and this great country. Mr. Adams knowing that you were raised as a Puritan, I am sure that with what is going on today you would probably be downing many a pint of that fine lager which now bears your name.
You see a few months back a lot of accusations and charges were being made about politicians and members of what is referred to as the “Hollywood Elite” regarding their moral fiber. Actually, these accusations continue and probably will for some time. Just to keep you updated many believe Hollywood to be similar to the Washington swamp, but only on the west coast. That’s right Mr. Adams, our country now goes from one ocean to the other. Anyway, in all cases those being accused were in positions of power, trust and influence. Politicians, entertainers and business executives were being accused of sexual harassment and in some cases even rape.
It doesn’t matter where you stand on the political spectrum, right, left or center it has become hard to find that person or persons of the unexceptional character of which you speak. But is all this new or is it just more available due to the media?
Throughout our history the character of many of our leaders has come into question but here is an interesting question, does that make them a bad leader, it certainly makes them less human. One prime example Mr. Adams would be one of our foremost Founders and a friend of yours, Thomas Jefferson. I am sure the Hemmings family would have something to say about his character and that of his father-in-law. Many don’t know that Sally Hemmings was the daughter of his father-in-law’s relationship with one of his slaves.
If you look at the second half of the 20th century most of our Presidents had questionable morals more proof that none of this is new. I am by no means condoning any of these actions but just trying to keep you informed that we are still looking for those good men and women.
Due to all this, trust in our government and its leaders is at an all-time low and voter turnout is on a downward turn with the electorate having a sense of hopelessness. This is nothing new it has been going on for years, but now it seems to come to light sooner perhaps due to partisanship and the press always looking for salacious stories. Maybe the focus should be on solving the problems we have, since it seems those people of character no longer exist. It worked back in your day so maybe it can again.
Mr. Adams, I look forward to your thoughts on this and on what really constitutes a person of “unexceptional character” and how can we get them to dedicate themselves to public service.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. DeMarco
Pen Pals from the Past 