As we begin to see the unraveling of politics, economics, and societal norms, the message of warning and the sentiment of the inevitability of change seem alarmist and extreme to some. But among those who support Leadership Education, the time for false optimism is past. We must join ranks with those who understand our place in history to answer the call and use the remaining months and years of security to prepare for what will surely be. I do not know what shape it will take, but the daily news suggests many plausible forms: economic collapse, catastrophic violence, threats to our food supply, pandemics and plagues, the rapid and drastic alteration of constitutional forms and protections - or the likely combination of many of these factors.
I assert that God's miraculous power delivered those rag-tag American revolutionaries from challenges at least as great as the ones we face. And while there are many in our generation who may be their equals in terms of scholarly understanding, perhaps we have yet to prove that our character is sufficient to merit the intervention of Providence. True, many are well-educated in the proper role of government, are well-practiced in dealing with crises and challenges, are gifted in leading, teaching, serving and inspiring. And for all the good they are capable of due to these attributes and this consecrated preparation, the greatest threat still lies within. Building on Commonalities A statesman is more than just a scholar, a leader or a public servant. The George Wythe University mission statement defines statesmen as "men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy and courage who inspire others to greatness and move the cause of liberty."
To truly fulfill that mandate, we must surrender our personal weaknesses, insecurities and pride. We must celebrate the best effort of every man or woman, no matter what else we may disagree upon; we must learn to recognize allies in strange places, and set aside differences that render such alliances ineffective. During the Third Turning it was critical that we diligently worked to define our cultural ideals and ensure that our education and efforts were in concert with those ideals. It brings to mind the epoch of biblical history in which the Third Turning prophet Isaiah was so vehemently opposed to the intrusion of Babylonian values into the Israelite nation. And yet, as the cycles turned, the Fourth Turning prophet Jeremiah spoke boldly for a new policy of tolerance and friendship. This was not a repudiation of Isaiah; both were right for their time.
We should consider how this applies to us today. Diplomacy in the Fourth Turning Jesus crossed the societal lines of religion, principle, decorum and propriety to move the cause of liberty and to inspire greatness in the leper, the tax collector, the prostitute and the Pharisee (in Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea). In every conceivable way he modeled for us that there is a time to take the hand of "the enemy." Our good friend Mark Siljander crossed (and redefined) enemy lines in a crusade to build a sustainable peace, and has braved accusations, allegations and lies meant to discredit him as a result. Our country's history is decorated with the sacrifices and compromises made by men who knew when cooperation was called for. And these moments, while demanding the single-mindedness and humility of those whose role it was to stand for something, are some of the great, defining triumphs in our history. The Challenge to Transcend "Us" & "Them" Would you win the battle for freedom? Then consider this challenge: Who is your nominal "enemy"? If it can be said of him that he loves freedom and family, be an asset in his effort to achieve his worthy goals. Be a model of peaceful conduct, of fearless friendship.
Make him your ally. Aristocratic tyranny will not rest lighter upon our children because of our unyielding, narrow-minded loyalty to lesser objectives and affiliations in the battle against it. Our only hope to turn back the tide already too far gone is to have no other object in mind than this. We must model virtue, wisdom, diplomacy and courage. We must lay aside our pride and bring down our walls. We must link arms with any who is willing to make a gain on any front against the advance of tyranny. We will hope in vain for an ideological army large enough that consists solely of those who agree with us on all points. Such zealous crusades may win many skirmishes, but will ultimately lose the war. Yes, we must stand for something; and core principles must not be compromised. Honest disagreements will persist, but they need not hinder us from accomplishing our common goals - those aims which are more important than the labels and controversies that we sometimes use to define "us" and "them." Points of Cooperation It is time to re-examine our assumptions and our definitions, even as we take a stand. Upon challenging our own assumptions, we find adequate justification for granting to others the latitude of their own conscience, and the ability to agree to disagree on some things as we stand firm together on others.
For example: Should we not cooperate with those who believe in public virtue, no matter their stance on public prayer? After all - are there not some prayers that we would not want our children to be exposed to? Should we not cooperate with those who believe in the rule of law, no matter their stance on defense? After all - are there not moral quandaries in every armed conflict? Should we not cooperate with those who believe in freedom of conscience, regardless of their stance on privacy? After all - can we reasonably suppose that the intrusion of tyranny will respect the bounds of one group after it has found a way to mandate the conduct and conscience of another? We can be tolerant of differences on principle; and in so doing we transcend lines and factions among those who share our vision of family, freedom and prosperity. If each faction, each activist with a pet issue represents a muscle in the body, as statesmen we must be the ligaments that combine and coordinate their efforts to achieve a meaningful victory. Conclusion: Time to Turn Inward There are many levels on which we must improve. Too few of us are prepared to give a persuasive voice for the protection of life, liberty and property, and we "persuade" only those who already agree with us. Too few of us have our own houses in order in terms of health, finances and relationships, and this will render us less effective. Too few of us are willing to dismiss others' weaknesses, ignorance or deficits of character to instead master and eradicate our own.
I believe freedom will win. I believe that, to be truly worthy to be numbered in the ranks that fight in Freedom's name, we must surrender the battle within to act with true integrity. The battle now is, as it always has been, a battle for men's hearts and souls, one by one. We must each look within to ensure that our hearts are whole, and then seek to win allies not by shouting them down, demonizing or marginalizing them or overpowering their minds or their wills, but by entreating their hearts with honest friendship. This is the true victory of Freedom, and our only hope for victory.
