God give us men. The time demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and willing hands
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie'
Men who can stand before a demogogue
Condemn his treacherous flatteries without winking;
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty and in private thinking!
For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds
Mingle in selfish strife; lo! Freedom weeps!
Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps!
by J.G. Holland, 1819-1881
With thoughts that these words from the past are fit for today's nation.
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