WHAT ARE WE CELEBRATING ...
COMMEMORATING ...
OBSERVING ...
THIS PRESIDENTS DAY?
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| Presidential Portraits Mount Rushmore National Monument |
But what the heck does that really mean?
And what are we supposed to do about it -- other than shop for mattress bargains? (Does the emphasis on mattress sales come out of the “George Washington slept here” tradition?)
The answer: It’s complicated.
In a nutshell: Presidents Day (or President's Day, or Presidents’ Day – the official holiday has no apostrophe but... you choose) is the bungled attempt of the federal government – encouraged, some say, by travel professionals – in 1968 to implement a Monday Holidays Act.
Essentially the day is what had been a date-specific Washington’s Birthday observance ... with heavy overtones of also February-born Lincoln ... and now, in some parts of the vast country, flavored with more than a passing jingoistic acknowledgement of any other Presidential notable with local roots or devoted following.
But hold on a TGIM minute. What if Presidents Day is not about a man or men (so far) but a concept of leadership?
TGIM Takeaway: Then, just maybe, we all have something to celebrate.
Consider this: While we traditionally imagine George Washington nobly turning down the opportunity to become King of America, the facts are, even before the lead-the-new-nation opportunity arose for General Washington, the individual who presided over the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary period and under the Articles of Confederation had the title President of the United States in Congress Assembled.
Consider this: While we traditionally imagine George Washington nobly turning down the opportunity to become King of America, the facts are, even before the lead-the-new-nation opportunity arose for General Washington, the individual who presided over the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary period and under the Articles of Confederation had the title President of the United States in Congress Assembled.
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| Etching of John Hanson based on a portrait by Charles Wilson Peale that was painted from life in 1781–1782 the time of his "Presidency" |
The first was John Hanson.
And guess what: That was often shortened to President of the United States.
That job, however, conveyed very little distinct executive power.
With the 1788 ratification of the Constitution, a separate Executive Branch was created.
At its head: The President of the United States – straightforward and without qualification or limitation.
Now we’re talking “Executive Power.” And compared to the “President of Congress” designation, even this presidential title was a major understatement of the actual role empowered to the office by the Constitution.
But ... BIG BUT ... even at that, the deliberate choice of words can be understood as a purposeful effort by the Founding Fathers to prevent the head-of-state position from becoming monarchial, with the accompanying potential for abuse of such power.
A president's executive authority under the Constitution, tempered by the checks and balances of the Judicial and Legislative branches of the federal government, was designed to solve several political problems faced by the young nation and to anticipate future challenges, while still preventing the rise of an autocrat.
So today – Presidents Day 2022, when people around the world still valiantly strive for what American citizens enjoyed for over two centuries, let’s celebrate, commemorate and observe the Founders’ IDEA of a presidency, as well as the worthy individuals who filled the presidential position and continued to shape the job and the republic.
TGIM ACTION IDEA: Assume your “Glorious Burden.”
That’s what the presidency has been called.
As we consider an office that many would seek to hold but, to date, only 46 have achieved, we should be committed to learning all we can about what characteristics have made the greatest of those office holders great and what flaws have hampered the achievements of those who stumbled on their way.
TGIM IDEA IN ACTION: Take an oath to use your “Executive Power” wisely, justly and democratically. Become the commander in chief … head of state … principal diplomat … and political leader of the constituents who elect to put their faith and trust in you.
As you do, be guided and inspired by the best efforts and successes of the 46 individuals (6 living) who -- often in their unique way -- represented that they were caring for our fragile democracy and steering us safely.
And even if you can’t name them all in numerical order ... or don't need a new mattress ... and/or don’t celebrate, commemorate or observe any particular Presidents Day ritual --
Enjoy the day.
Geoff Steck
Chief Catalyst
Alexander Publishing & Marketing
Englewood, NJ 07631
P.S. “I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.” George Washington wrote that sentiment in a letter to Henry Laurens, dated January 31, 1778.
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