Martin Luther King lived a dangerous life. He was hunted and threatened because he believed in freedom, and like all true freedom fighters, he was a revolutionary. Like all revolutionaries, he was impatient for the completion of his work. He was the rarest type of revolutionary. King didn’t seek power, wealth, revenge, riches or land. He sought justice, and his weapon was love. Like all men, he was a sinner. Yet, within him was a singularity of wisdom that would topple mountains and carve valleys of hope like glaciers receding from their furthest reaches.
Those of us growing up in the 50s and 60s witnessed political leadership in the United States, the likes which have not been seen since.
Unlike the craven, corrupt and vainglorious celebrity politicians today, Sargent Shriver lived by force of example. He was an extraordinary and accomplished man by any measure.
When asked about my Peace Corp experience, "I went to give. I gave nothing and received absolutely everything."
Sargent Shriver: "It's the most rewarding thing to be a civil servant."
Steve Schmidt: "Sargent Shriver lived one of the most bountiful and productive lives of any American citizen who has ever been if the purpose of life is about service and love."
Steve Schmidt, home-run hitter: "America is making progress. Even as it decays, it is reborn. The resiliency of America will save us because resilience is a character trait that is indomitable in this country of hard and tough people, who are as equally vulnerable and loving."
Thank you, Steve, for this tribute to Sargent Shriver, whose Humanitarianism and Love Lives On.
...and with this beautiful tribute to Martin Luther King and Sargent Shriver you've gained a new subscriber! Beautifully written about an incredible American we hear far too little about. I'm reading one of Maria Shriver's books now so I knew she came from a family that believes in making the world a better place for those less fortunate. Thanks for shining a light on a beautiful life...
At 76 years of age, I have lived through those tumultuous days of the '50's, 60's and 70's. I listen to the words of Martin Luther King, John Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy now and think what ever happened to the leadership in this country that inspired and motivated these men. I volunteered on Bobby Kennedy's Presidential campaign and wept openly when I learned of his assassination. I was deeply moved by Bobby Kennedy's impromptu speech to a large crowd in Indianapolis the night of King's assassination. The calming, empathetic, encouraging and loving words inspired this crowd and calmed them. Virtually the only major American city that did not erupt in riots and flames that night. Many of us thought during that time that the world was coming to an end.
Where are leaders like this today? Either men or women? Are they waiting in the wings for some reason? Are we not seeing them in current media?? God knows we are in desperate need of leaders like these whose words truly inspire and actions take these words into fruition. Many of what we have now are are despicable dregs from the foulest edges of our society.
Thanks so much, Steve, for your excellent essay on Sargent Shriver....one who did inspire and act but never made it to political office....that's ok...he was one of the idealists who got things done. We need so many more like him!!
"Americans should think about injecting conviction, humanity, service, bravery, decency, compassion, courage and empathy into our politics by giving more people who have lived extraordinary lives a look when it comes to who it is that should lead us out of this abyss."
Remarkable essay, Steve. Thank you! And thank you for your remembrance of Sargent Shriver. It is good to recollect in this world where consumption and “influencing “ are so widely revered that some people are motivated by love and by wanting to the right thing for its own sake. We need more Sargent Shrivers.
Couldn't agree more. A former neighbor of mine was brought in by Sargent Shriver to help build the Peace Corp. He said they started with 5-6 guys throwing around ideas on what might have the greatest impact and how to implement them. He was invited to the funeral.
Well argued. I understand your point and your passion over these last two posts.
But, that said, I repeat:
President Biden will be the Democrat nominee in 2024 unless he has a medical reason not to be.
The Sargent Shrivers of the United States are not preparing for another Democrat presidential primary, either this year or next. They are not gearing up for an independent presidential campaign either, at least not one with any chance (or frankly, intent) of winning.
They are gearing up to support Joe Biden as our leader against the forces of bigotry and authoritarianism, here and abroad. They are doing so because despite his age, despite his imperfections, they think he has done as good a job as anyone could at leading us against those forces, and they think he deserves to be rewarded for it.
It is not "reverse-Trumpism" to make that case. Rather, I would call it simple prudence at this point.
We are in the middle of a full-scale war in Europe, an economic inflection point, and a cultural crossroads, while battling an economically suicidal GOP House, a nihilist Russia, a resentful, seething China, and our own insecurities and neuroses all at the same time.
Adding a Democrat presidential primary to all of that seems imprudent.
You've seen where that circus goes as well as anyone.
Joe Biden, advanced age and all, has done as well as anyone steering our ship through that storm. Sargent Shriver would likely advise him to stay at the helm for at least another two years, and do as little as possible to create more storms of his own.
I don't disagree with the underlying premise of this essay, i.e., that there are many extraordinary people who are not elected officials already who would make outstanding elected officials.
As a practical matter, however, those extraordinary people have to be willing to run for office.
Who in their right mind would want to run for office right now, given the five-alarm dumpster fire American politics has become? Who in their right mind would want to expose themselves to the kind of scrutiny that comes with campaigning? Who in their right mind would want unhinged crackpots publishing their address and photos of their kids on 8chan?
I have no doubt that Sargent Shriver was an exemplary person who would have made a fine politician. But as this essay demonstrates, he made plenty of contributions to the general welfare without running for office. I would venture a guess that he preferred it that way, and that he would prefer it much more strongly today.
Steve your knowledge of American history combined with your story telling acumen make The Warning one of the best. It’s good to hear an uplifting message in the daily barrage of dysfunctional media. I was in 5th grade when Kennedy was assassinated, I’ll never forget my teacher Ms. Brandt crying at the news and we were all sent home. By the time RFK and MLK were taken from us a month apart It changed my worldview forever. The political environment today reminds me of back then. Hopefully good will prevail over evil as we go forward.
You could not have written about a more honorable person in Sarge Shriver. I remember that phone call that President Kennedy made to Coretta King. I had just come to DC and was working for Congressman Charles Weltner of Georgia, the first Southerner to vote for a civil rights bill. Later I worked at the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) under Shriver, who was highly respected. Your values are so resonant with mine.
Again you have written so clearly about a true American hero. Coming of age in the 60’s he was a hero of mine along with his wife. There are many unsung heroes in our history whose goodness and courage will never be told. Gladly Sargent Shriver is not one.
"The brokenness of American politics is not an indictment of the American character, but rather, evidence of a rusted machine. The evidence of America’s character can be found in the story of Sargent Shriver’s life and his enduring legacy."
Thanks for this necessary reminder Steve. I honestly have been sinking into believing the brokenness actually IS an indictment of our collective character. Thank you for pulling me back from that abyss.
Because you are clearly right about Shriver, and his echo (if you will) in your friend Tim Ryan , and about all my honest, patriotic, and very worried friends -- All the people we all know and admire. Probably everyone on this site too... We are all more closely aligned with the great Sargent Shriver than with the "loudest voices in Congress" today.
I cannot tell you how much I needed your timely reminder of that fact. Thank you.
Those of us growing up in the 50s and 60s witnessed political leadership in the United States, the likes which have not been seen since.
Unlike the craven, corrupt and vainglorious celebrity politicians today, Sargent Shriver lived by force of example. He was an extraordinary and accomplished man by any measure.
When asked about my Peace Corp experience, "I went to give. I gave nothing and received absolutely everything."
Sargent Shriver: "It's the most rewarding thing to be a civil servant."
Steve Schmidt: "Sargent Shriver lived one of the most bountiful and productive lives of any American citizen who has ever been if the purpose of life is about service and love."
Steve Schmidt, home-run hitter: "America is making progress. Even as it decays, it is reborn. The resiliency of America will save us because resilience is a character trait that is indomitable in this country of hard and tough people, who are as equally vulnerable and loving."
Thank you, Steve, for this tribute to Sargent Shriver, whose Humanitarianism and Love Lives On.
...and with this beautiful tribute to Martin Luther King and Sargent Shriver you've gained a new subscriber! Beautifully written about an incredible American we hear far too little about. I'm reading one of Maria Shriver's books now so I knew she came from a family that believes in making the world a better place for those less fortunate. Thanks for shining a light on a beautiful life...
At 76 years of age, I have lived through those tumultuous days of the '50's, 60's and 70's. I listen to the words of Martin Luther King, John Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy now and think what ever happened to the leadership in this country that inspired and motivated these men. I volunteered on Bobby Kennedy's Presidential campaign and wept openly when I learned of his assassination. I was deeply moved by Bobby Kennedy's impromptu speech to a large crowd in Indianapolis the night of King's assassination. The calming, empathetic, encouraging and loving words inspired this crowd and calmed them. Virtually the only major American city that did not erupt in riots and flames that night. Many of us thought during that time that the world was coming to an end.
Where are leaders like this today? Either men or women? Are they waiting in the wings for some reason? Are we not seeing them in current media?? God knows we are in desperate need of leaders like these whose words truly inspire and actions take these words into fruition. Many of what we have now are are despicable dregs from the foulest edges of our society.
Thanks so much, Steve, for your excellent essay on Sargent Shriver....one who did inspire and act but never made it to political office....that's ok...he was one of the idealists who got things done. We need so many more like him!!
"Americans should think about injecting conviction, humanity, service, bravery, decency, compassion, courage and empathy into our politics by giving more people who have lived extraordinary lives a look when it comes to who it is that should lead us out of this abyss."
Thank you Mr. Schmidt. Thank you.
Remarkable essay, Steve. Thank you! And thank you for your remembrance of Sargent Shriver. It is good to recollect in this world where consumption and “influencing “ are so widely revered that some people are motivated by love and by wanting to the right thing for its own sake. We need more Sargent Shrivers.
Couldn't agree more. A former neighbor of mine was brought in by Sargent Shriver to help build the Peace Corp. He said they started with 5-6 guys throwing around ideas on what might have the greatest impact and how to implement them. He was invited to the funeral.
Please look at the life of Lillian Carter. A nurse at a segregates Black hospital, joined the Peace Corps at 68 yrs of age.
We need to remember that doing good is the meaning of life. We fixate on evil for logical reasons, but we need to know that it doesn’t always triumph.
Well argued. I understand your point and your passion over these last two posts.
But, that said, I repeat:
President Biden will be the Democrat nominee in 2024 unless he has a medical reason not to be.
The Sargent Shrivers of the United States are not preparing for another Democrat presidential primary, either this year or next. They are not gearing up for an independent presidential campaign either, at least not one with any chance (or frankly, intent) of winning.
They are gearing up to support Joe Biden as our leader against the forces of bigotry and authoritarianism, here and abroad. They are doing so because despite his age, despite his imperfections, they think he has done as good a job as anyone could at leading us against those forces, and they think he deserves to be rewarded for it.
It is not "reverse-Trumpism" to make that case. Rather, I would call it simple prudence at this point.
We are in the middle of a full-scale war in Europe, an economic inflection point, and a cultural crossroads, while battling an economically suicidal GOP House, a nihilist Russia, a resentful, seething China, and our own insecurities and neuroses all at the same time.
Adding a Democrat presidential primary to all of that seems imprudent.
You've seen where that circus goes as well as anyone.
Joe Biden, advanced age and all, has done as well as anyone steering our ship through that storm. Sargent Shriver would likely advise him to stay at the helm for at least another two years, and do as little as possible to create more storms of his own.
This..just gave me chills. Soaring, loving words of country, service & faithful service to democracy & equality & courage.
I don't disagree with the underlying premise of this essay, i.e., that there are many extraordinary people who are not elected officials already who would make outstanding elected officials.
As a practical matter, however, those extraordinary people have to be willing to run for office.
Who in their right mind would want to run for office right now, given the five-alarm dumpster fire American politics has become? Who in their right mind would want to expose themselves to the kind of scrutiny that comes with campaigning? Who in their right mind would want unhinged crackpots publishing their address and photos of their kids on 8chan?
I have no doubt that Sargent Shriver was an exemplary person who would have made a fine politician. But as this essay demonstrates, he made plenty of contributions to the general welfare without running for office. I would venture a guess that he preferred it that way, and that he would prefer it much more strongly today.
Steve your knowledge of American history combined with your story telling acumen make The Warning one of the best. It’s good to hear an uplifting message in the daily barrage of dysfunctional media. I was in 5th grade when Kennedy was assassinated, I’ll never forget my teacher Ms. Brandt crying at the news and we were all sent home. By the time RFK and MLK were taken from us a month apart It changed my worldview forever. The political environment today reminds me of back then. Hopefully good will prevail over evil as we go forward.
You could not have written about a more honorable person in Sarge Shriver. I remember that phone call that President Kennedy made to Coretta King. I had just come to DC and was working for Congressman Charles Weltner of Georgia, the first Southerner to vote for a civil rights bill. Later I worked at the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) under Shriver, who was highly respected. Your values are so resonant with mine.
Steve you are beyond phenomenal. Thank you for this beautiful writing!!
Again you have written so clearly about a true American hero. Coming of age in the 60’s he was a hero of mine along with his wife. There are many unsung heroes in our history whose goodness and courage will never be told. Gladly Sargent Shriver is not one.
"The brokenness of American politics is not an indictment of the American character, but rather, evidence of a rusted machine. The evidence of America’s character can be found in the story of Sargent Shriver’s life and his enduring legacy."
Thanks for this necessary reminder Steve. I honestly have been sinking into believing the brokenness actually IS an indictment of our collective character. Thank you for pulling me back from that abyss.
Because you are clearly right about Shriver, and his echo (if you will) in your friend Tim Ryan , and about all my honest, patriotic, and very worried friends -- All the people we all know and admire. Probably everyone on this site too... We are all more closely aligned with the great Sargent Shriver than with the "loudest voices in Congress" today.
I cannot tell you how much I needed your timely reminder of that fact. Thank you.