We can be truly great

Jefferson said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

Andrew Jackson said, “It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.”

Washington said, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain the character of an honest man.”

Robert E. Lee said, “I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.”

Ronald Reagan said, “We must never remain silent in the face of bigotry … we have no place in America for haters—none whatsoever.”

Dwight Eisenhower said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.”

Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

Donald Trump said, “When you give a crazed, crying lowlife a break, and give her a job at the White House, I guess it just didn’t work out. Good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!”

At key moments in our history we have been lucky enough to be led by great men—men with character, honor and vision. They weren’t perfect, but they pulled us together and appealed to the very best qualities in us.

When we are led by men or women like that again, we can be truly great (instead of being the butt of laughter from London to Beijing). BARBARA TRUESDELL

Hot Springs Village