The Last Great Democrat

I have had a kindly disposition to Harry S Truman sever since he sent me a personal letter in 1952 concerning a different government job. I worked at the Justice Department at the time but Mr. Truman felt the nation would be better served if I transferred to the Department of Defense. Even though we were separated by party differences, I respected his intentions and complied. In retrospect, I’m pretty sure that failure to follow his direction may well have resulted in lengthy incarceration. Also, I had become tired of reading musty, dusty files and the possibility of visiting foreign lands had such an allure that I went almost immediately to a local recruiter and enlisted. The rest, as they say; is history—undistinguished but history none the less.

After his decision to use all means at his disposal to end the conflict with the Japanese, I had developed an affection for Mr. Truman. This was clouded by other matters which he embraced regarding the fledgling United Nations, monetary policy and China but on balance, I found him a capable leader. This may well have been predicated on our mutual mid-western background and his obvious acceptance of the role of God in our lives. This is demonstrated in what has become a largely ignored opinion which he uttered:

“The fundamental basis of this nation’s law was given to Moses on the Mount.” Harry S Truman
This assertion should stand as evidence of his clear understanding of the US Constitution and the intentions of the founders at the inception of the nation. Collectively, they well understand that the enumerated rights come from the Almighty and their sacred document was little more than a clear outline of the protections of those rights.

As God slips deeper into the lost memory of our leaders, that “fundamental basis” grows fuzzier day by day in their minds. One need not read very far into Genesis to see the beginnings and actualization of a universal conceit. Men are disobedient and assume for themselves that which they should rightfully attribute to the God of their fathers.

Given the mercy of God and the ever present option of repentance, we constantly have the opportunity to make those changes to alter our lives. For those of us who firmly believe that this life does not end upon our last earthly breath, these alterations are essential. That possibility is clearly recorded in Matthew 28:1-5 (KJV) and sets the pathway for redemption and eternal life. One would think that the prospect of an eternal life in the company of God and all that entails would be a sufficient carrot on the end of any stick. Judging from man’s disobedience and self-indulgence, we may safely conclude that many “just don’t get it.”

Harry Truman “got it.” As a result, I choose to single him out as a true American hero. He rose above his education in Democrat machine politics in Missouri to become what is best described as a statesman. As you thoughtful readers reflect on this important holiday weekend, make the obvious comparisons of presidents of the last century and include him in your celebration of true American patriots.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon