True grit and prayer will see us through tough times
Judge Layne Smith
Let’s begin by acknowledging the obvious — God has blessed this nation.
The United States is an agricultural paradise. We feed ourselves and are the “bread basket” of the world.
Our nation is also rich in natural resources. We possess water, oil, natural gas, coal, sunshine, wind power, minerals, metals, etc.
We embrace all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and religions. We unite as Americans and celebrate our differences.
As a people, we derive our strength of character from men and women who had true grit. They faced their fears head-on and we must too. Our forebearers possessed courage, a strong work ethic, and a can-do attitude. Their true grit is in our DNA and that alone should reassure us.
Congress and the states’ legislatures must grapple with the policy decisions that will best arm us to protect those vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and protect our jobs and security too. Let us put partisanship aside and take care of people and pets.
Let’s appreciate the sanctity of debate and the vetting of ideas. We need smart people to think through our options, and those with common sense to keep us grounded too. Like it or not, we must sink or swim together. Our challenge is to be generous to those in need without being wasteful.
In addition to our physical health, I am ever mindful of the value of work and paying jobs. As President Reagan said, “the best social program is a job.” Let’s pray for Congress, the legislature, the president, and the governor. May they skillfully address the dual threats of pandemic and mass unemployment.
The lesson we can learn from American history is that we rise to the occasion and overcome obstacles. We weathered the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Civil War, two World Wars, and lesser conflicts. We endured smallpox, typhoid, tuberculosis, polio, and the Spanish Flu. We have survived multiple recessions and the Great Depression.
When prior crises unfolded, our forebearers didn’t know how things would play out. Yet, they lowered their shoulders and worked through each one until prosperity and happy days returned.
For example, history didn’t script which army would win the Battle of Gettysburg. Rather, the Union Army was better equipped and provisioned, did a better job of executing its battle plan, and made less mistakes. Winning the battle cost blood and coin, but the Union Army, and the people, made the necessary sacrifices. Like our forebearers, we will make the necessary sacrifices and weather this storm, because that’s who we are and what we do.
The Honorable J. Layne Smith is a Leon County Judge. Email your questions to askjudgesmith@gmail.com.
