Today is Presidents Day.
The day is especially significant this year because last week was the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of our nation's most beloved chief executives, President Abraham Lincoln.
We honor Lincoln's memory today, as we honor all of the Americans who have occupied the Oval Office. One wonders, though, how Lincoln or any of the other revered presidents from the past-Washington, Adams, Jefferson and others-would fare in today's world of talk radio, blogs and other assorted blather.
In the past, Americans respected the office of the presidency. Some may not have agreed with the president in office at the time. Some might not even have liked him very much. But there was a respect for the office itself
That respect was reflected in the press and the Congress. There was a sort of unspoken agreement in those days. The press kept quiet about personal indiscretions. Representatives and Senators from both parties protected one anothers' backs.
The people, as well, felt a patriotic duty to speak respectfully of the president, even when they disagreed with what he was doing. Overall, the arrangement was considered good for the country. And it worked pretty well.
Things started changing with President Lyndon Johnson and the Vietnam War. Every president has had his critics, but because of the war's unpopularity and the fact that television cameras broadcast the jeers and protests around the country-and the world-it became open season on his administration.
President Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal further damaged the presidency. Nixon's resignation in disgrace amid allegations of his involvement in the cover-up of illegal activities by his aides was a deep blow to the credibility of the office.
Things only got worse. Along with newspapers, magazines and television, talk radio emerged as a popular medium. It thrived on attack journalism. About the same time, any remnants of a "gentleman's agreement' among members of the House and Senate vanished and the two major political parties went to war with each other. The party without a president in power extended the war to the White House.
Now, we have the Internet and instant worldwide access not only to news, but to scandal, rumor, hearsay and innuendo. The nation has divided along red and blue lines and there is little respect shown by about half the people at any given time for the sitting president.
And that's too bad. Where once we had civil disagreement-for the most part-now we have an abundance of bitterness, rancor and disdain.
That's not good for the country.
But today-at least this one day-let us put aside modern bad manners and join together as Americans to remember the men who have, in good times and bad, led this nation and preserved our republic for more than two centuries.