In the late 1700’s, John Adams was one of the leading forces behind the American
Revolution. He spoke daily in the Continental Congress, persuading, arguing and
at times verbally accosting other delegates to move them toward the idea of
Independence from Great Britain. He was dogged in his passion to see the
Thirteen Colonies become a free and independent nation. He did everything in his
power to ensure that the United States of America became a reality, even if it
meant years away from his beloved wife, Abigail, and their children.
John’s dream was not his alone, however. Abigail was just as passionate about the need to break away from Great Britain, as her husband was. She saw the tyranny of England, and knew that a new nation needed to be born. One that would defend liberty, grant freedom and one day bless the world with its democratic ideals. Abigail also understood what that goal would cost. She wrote,
How difficult the task to quench the fire and the pride of private ambition, and
to sacrifice ourselves and all our hopes and expectations to the public weal!
How few have souls capable of so noble an undertaking! How often are the laurels
worn by those who have had no share in earning them! But there is a future
recompense of reward, to which the upright man looks, and which he will most
assuredly obtain, provided he perseveres unto the end.
For a period of ten years, John and Abigail Adams lived the majority of their lives apart. First, John was in Philadelphia persuading his fellow countrymen to declare independence, he then sailed to France on two different occasions to ask for their help in the American war effort. He secured loans for the new nation of the United States from the Dutch, and he worked with John Jay and Benjamin Franklin as they negotiated the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. Finally, Adams became the first American ambassador to the court of George III.
It was not until the very end of the war that Abigail, and their daughter Nabby joined him, yet the years of separation had not lessened their love for one another, or their intimacy of thought. It had tested them both, however. John was almost lost to a severe illness while in the Netherlands, Abigail determined to inoculate herself and all of her children from smallpox, almost losing her beloved daughter, Nabby, while John was away. There was constant danger for Abigail at home during a war without a husband, and yet she supported John in his sacrificial service to their new nation.
John’s years of public service did not end with his arrival back in the United States after so many years abroad. He served as the first vice president, and the second president of the newly formed nation. He endured political intrigue, partisan politics, the assassination of his character, public and personal attacks by friends, and discouragement over his place in the annals of history as compared to his contemporaries. He had lain down his life for his country and wondered if his country even cared, but always at his side stood Abigail, strengthening his resolve to continue in service, even as their own family was hurt by all they had sacrificed for their nation.
They understood that there was a cause greater than themselves.
This idea of public service, and personal sacrifice did not die with the Revolutionary generation. The noble example of John and Abigail Adams continues today. Thousands of Americans place their country before their personal well-being, especially those in the military.
We do not often attribute the qualities of self-sacrifice to modern politicians, however. They tend to be seen as power hungry, arrogant individuals, who serve for selfish gain not national interest. The Founders stand on a pedestal of greatness because of all they sacrificed in the creation of our great nation, willingly setting aside their own fortunes and lives for the greater good. Yet, even today, individuals rise up who love their country more than their own lives, who believe in the ideals established in 1776. The ideals lived out by John and Abigail Adams.
Sarah Palin, as Governor of Alaska, had a job approval rating of 84%, the highest rating inthe nation, before she was tapped as John McCain’s running mate. Her family was secure financially, and their personal struggles were just that, personal. The people of her state valued Sarah. She was great at her job, a loving wife, and her family was well established in their home state. She had no reason to say yes to McCain, and every reason to say no. Yet, she and her husband, Todd, decided to place their personal well-being and the well-being of their family aside in order to serve their country.
If John Adams felt personally attacked, I wonder how he or Abigail would feel if they stood in Sarah and Todd Palin’s shoes. Every area of the Palin families lives has been invaded. The media has attempted to portray Sarah as unintelligent, backwards and uninformed.
(Saturday Night Live Skit http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/vp-debate-open-palin-biden/727421/ )
They have exposed the pregnancy of her seventeen-year-old daughter. They have accused her of placing her political goals above the needs of her son with Downs Syndrome, and they have tried to out every photograph she has ever had taken.
The public is using her image on items I am sure she would rather not have her face on, and her husband has been made to look like Mister Mom instead of the strong, commercial fisherman he is. The Palins have had their finances looked into, their past dredged back up, and their lives scrutinized in ways none of us would stand for. The amazing thing is that they knew all this going into the presidential race, yet they willingly decided to serve, to say yes to putting their country first.
They laid down their lives for a cause greater than themselves.
“whatever occurs, may justice and righteousness be the stability of our times,Service is sacrifice, and passion carries a cost, but a nation touched by those who understand this and are willing to endure is blessed.
and order arise out of confusion. Great difficulties may be surmounted by
patience and perseverance.” Abigail Adams
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