Few topics are more likely to divide people right now than the presidency. But whether you are apprehensive about the new administration or you feel it is operating in the best interest of the nation, that should not detract from the reverence that was meant for this holiday, Presidents' Day, which at its roots is a joining of birthday celebrations for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Washington enjoyed tremendous popular support, although it was strained at times, such as when he chose to assert the power of the new federal government against the Whiskey Rebellion, involving farmers who opposed a tax. Despite his popularity, he voluntarily stepped down after two terms.
Lincoln almost never enjoyed a lot of popular support. His administration was defined by a series of excruciating decisions that sacrificed lives for the sake of preserving the union and ending slavery.
We honor both men because they embodied the values and character that ennobles public service.
But the holiday also ought to focus the nation’s attention on the marvelous governmental framework established by the nation’s Founders. We are able to revere many of our presidents because checks and balances have, through the years, kept the baser human instincts for absolute power in check. Those balances remain in force and may be relied upon to protect the public’s interests in the future.
These came about because the Founders had witnessed firsthand the perils of monarchy. They worried about the excesses that would result from a chief executive endowed with too much power. Thus, the executive branch executes laws, but does not create them — executive orders not withstanding. The president makes appointments, but the Senate approves them. Although the president has the power to veto legislation, Congress may overturn the veto. The House of Representatives holds the power to impeach the president, after which the Senate would sit as a jury.
Through the years, reverence for the current White House occupant almost always has been a subject of debate and emotion. That is how it should be in a democracy. However, there is no denying that this division has been tinged with ever-stronger feelings in recent years.
A recent Pew Research Center survey found only 39 percent of Americans approve of the current president’s performance. Fully 56 percent disapprove (at least one other poll is more favorable to President Trump). For those who support the sitting president, Presidents' Day will likely carry a more positive connotation. For those who disapprove, the limits on the office of the presidency should provide reasons to celebrate.
Presidents' Day is a day upon which to reflect on the revolutionary system that has allowed an ever-expanding nation to be governed effectively by mere mortals, as well as to honor those who have stepped up to accept the awesome responsibility of leadership.
It is a time to honor the presidents, as well, who peacefully relinquished power when the electorate chose someone else, or when two terms were completed.
These remarkable American traits ought to unite a divided nation in a moment of mutual celebration, independent of any pressing contemporary controversy.