John Dickinson - The Overlooked American

Another Presidential election come and gone and again I voted not to vote. Again the system failed to offer a candidate that I could support enough to vote for. Too much slinging of vitriol designed to tear down an opponent and no dialogue on what is better for the country. "I'm 100% right and the other guy is 100% wrong."

To cope with this I was drawn to the HBO production "John Adams." I really liked this series. The performances of the cast were riveting. The lengths that they went to to try and illustrate the legendary American struggle for liberty as being a collection of individual struggles is especially poignant. Plus it is apparent that extensive research was involved to present these men and woman as real people with real strengths and real weaknesses. That they had moments where they could have just given up but they felt it a duty to continue working for the greater good.

There is one particular point in the story where the greater good is is highlighted. John Dickinson of Pennsylvania had given a heartfelt and elegant appeal for a reconciliation with England rather than embarking on revolution. He and John Adams had championed opposing causes. Both were lucid and intellectual in their arguments. Both equally committed to their side of the political spectrum.

But Adams' arguments prevailed. And then Dickinson, who passionately and fervently worked against the war, enlisted in the Army and fought for the liberty and independence of America. He looked beyond his politics and found a way to work for the greater good of his country.

I feel confident to say that just about every American has an idea of who John Adams was but I am less sure about our recognition of John Dickinson. Yet with all the polarizing rhetoric and antagonism that pervades the governing of the country these two helped found, I believe we need more of what Dickinson stood for than Adams.

Dickinson was able to rise above his own status and ego to live up to his responsibility as a leader. His arguments were overruled. His beliefs were countermanded. The voice of the people spoke of a future different from what he envisioned. But he gave his best anyway.

Our founding fathers went through great trials to establish the United States of America. Many brilliant minds contributed to the philosophy, theory, and organization of a nation which grew into us. We have grown as nation so very far and in so many ways that I think they would be proud.

But I fear that the spirit and commitment to a greater good that Dickinson personified has lost its luster in today's political forum of red certainty vs. blue assuredness. I pray for a leader to emerge with Dickinson's overlooked assets. The energy, passion, and conviction that when the votes are in there is still a greater good beyond one's parochial stance to strive for.