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!!
I think we have people trying to be credible leaders today but they are being drowned out by the constant screaming of unethical and fascist leaning people we have allowed to be elected at all levels of our democracy. These crazies are supported by greedy corporations and foreign powers and media that just wants to see America weakened on the world stage. We have leadership what we lack is listening and following the truth.
"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."
Our northern Michigan Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, Dr. Bob Lorinser, fits this description of character, patriotism and willingness to give even more. Dr. Bob served in The National Health Service Corps on the Navaho Indian Reservation for 4 years after medical school. After working as a family doctor for 20 years in our Upper Peninsula he and his wife became U.S. Diplomats:
"In 2011, from a desire for national service, Peggy and I joined the Department of State as a Diplomat for ten years. We did five tours: Pakistan during the search and capture of Osama bin Laden, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and finally Iraq for the final two years.
"I came home in the Fall of 2020 to a planned retirement that never happened. Instead, I joined Marquette County Health Department as their medical director during the COVID pandemic, again, out of a sense of service and the community’s needs."
And now he is again offering to serve: to defeat seditionist U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (and "Send Jack Back" to his actual home in Louisiana). To learn more (and $upport):
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.
David, I hope people are reading what you have to say here. Your voice of reason and clarity is so much needed right now. I feel strongly that Biden took on the challenging role of POTUS as a measure to save our Democracy and because he knew that he had the best chance of doing that, given more than half a century of political experience and real-world knowledge that nobody else had bring to this ongoing crisis. Biden has been severely disrespected and unfairly criticized by far too many people who take for granted what he is doing for them and for this and other countries. What a thankless position he is in! I believe that Joe Biden is not on an ego-trip and that his service is selfless and that he will make the best decisions based on what is good for our country.
Nancy Pelosi was certain about Hakeem Jeffries and the timing, in order that she could step back -a wise decision. If Biden feels there is a better person to lead the free world than himself, and that it is worth adding chaos to the storm we're in, then he will make an appropriate decision, as did Nancy Pelosi. But, for all of the reasons you've listed, and I'd add a pandemic and the climate catastrophe, it may likely be imprudent for Biden to forego his position as POTUS until we are in calmer seas. Not enough people fully understand what Biden has done and continues to do for this country. Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi are SMART PEOPLE. I trust them! Thank you.
David, I'm sure you do feel that way at times. Most people haven't fully realized the complex web of factors that are hinged upon our need to maintain the stability that Biden has brought to the ongoing crises we are in. This is not politics as usual. This foul mess can get exponentially worse and there may be a point of no return. Please keep speaking out. Thanks:)
So happy we can agree that Joe should remain at the helm unless or until he decides otherwise. I appreciate Steve and all the smart people who read him.
Joe Biden has done more in two years than any past president.. let’s support him and believe he is the patriot that will put country first please believe!
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...
Welcome to this amazing community!
I’m grateful for this community!!!!!
Indeed. Gratitude is a force we share.
We are a grateful community! Welcome!
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!!
Hi Don Deffeo .. I lived thru the same
Events as you and have such
Respect for the way to wrote
To honor those who fought for supporting our democracy and volunteering God Bless you 💛
I think we have people trying to be credible leaders today but they are being drowned out by the constant screaming of unethical and fascist leaning people we have allowed to be elected at all levels of our democracy. These crazies are supported by greedy corporations and foreign powers and media that just wants to see America weakened on the world stage. We have leadership what we lack is listening and following the truth.
"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.
Our northern Michigan Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, Dr. Bob Lorinser, fits this description of character, patriotism and willingness to give even more. Dr. Bob served in The National Health Service Corps on the Navaho Indian Reservation for 4 years after medical school. After working as a family doctor for 20 years in our Upper Peninsula he and his wife became U.S. Diplomats:
"In 2011, from a desire for national service, Peggy and I joined the Department of State as a Diplomat for ten years. We did five tours: Pakistan during the search and capture of Osama bin Laden, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and finally Iraq for the final two years.
"I came home in the Fall of 2020 to a planned retirement that never happened. Instead, I joined Marquette County Health Department as their medical director during the COVID pandemic, again, out of a sense of service and the community’s needs."
And now he is again offering to serve: to defeat seditionist U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (and "Send Jack Back" to his actual home in Louisiana). To learn more (and $upport):
https://www.votedrbob.com/
Thank You.
I hope he’s successful!
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.
Beautiful and profoundly True, Martha -Thank You.
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.
David, I hope people are reading what you have to say here. Your voice of reason and clarity is so much needed right now. I feel strongly that Biden took on the challenging role of POTUS as a measure to save our Democracy and because he knew that he had the best chance of doing that, given more than half a century of political experience and real-world knowledge that nobody else had bring to this ongoing crisis. Biden has been severely disrespected and unfairly criticized by far too many people who take for granted what he is doing for them and for this and other countries. What a thankless position he is in! I believe that Joe Biden is not on an ego-trip and that his service is selfless and that he will make the best decisions based on what is good for our country.
Nancy Pelosi was certain about Hakeem Jeffries and the timing, in order that she could step back -a wise decision. If Biden feels there is a better person to lead the free world than himself, and that it is worth adding chaos to the storm we're in, then he will make an appropriate decision, as did Nancy Pelosi. But, for all of the reasons you've listed, and I'd add a pandemic and the climate catastrophe, it may likely be imprudent for Biden to forego his position as POTUS until we are in calmer seas. Not enough people fully understand what Biden has done and continues to do for this country. Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi are SMART PEOPLE. I trust them! Thank you.
Thank you for your reply! Sometimes I feel like I'm shouting into the wind on this. :/
David, I'm sure you do feel that way at times. Most people haven't fully realized the complex web of factors that are hinged upon our need to maintain the stability that Biden has brought to the ongoing crises we are in. This is not politics as usual. This foul mess can get exponentially worse and there may be a point of no return. Please keep speaking out. Thanks:)
So happy we can agree that Joe should remain at the helm unless or until he decides otherwise. I appreciate Steve and all the smart people who read him.
Thank you David. If you are shouting into the wind, keep shouting louder!
Thank you ..I’ve had enough insanity
Joe Biden has done more in two years than any past president.. let’s support him and believe he is the patriot that will put country first please believe!
David you’re so very kind ..Blessings
I Believe!! XO
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.
that's the trick Andrea, who wants the job!
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.