CREEDE HINSHAW: A Presidents Day story of personal ethics

Here’s a President’s Day story:

The soldiers of the Army of the Potomac were supplied with fresh beef during the Civil War by a commissary led by Maj. John H. Woodward. At any given time, that commissary would herd thousands of head of beef. During the early days of the Civil War, the herd was corralled on the grounds of the Washington Monument, the base of which was beginning to rise from the mall.

In the winter of 1862, the chief butcher, convinced the best cut of beef was a chuck steak from the neck of the cow, proposed to Woodward they send that cut to Lincoln each morning. Without telling Lincoln, they upgraded his breakfast.

A week later, Lincoln, while strolling down the mall, ran into Maj. Woodward and remarked that the beef had been exceptional lately. When Woodward explained what he and the butcher were doing, Lincoln replied, “I learned of the fact upon inquiry of the porter on account of its better quality. I wish it may be discontinued.”

Woodward protested mildly, “Certainly, if Your Excellency so requests, but it is a matter of very insignificant importance.”

Lincoln replied, “That is true, but my observation is that frequently the most insignificant matter is the foundation for the worst scandal.”

This account, printed in from the journal of Maj. Woodward (Civil War Times February 1970, page 30), is a stunning example of the personal honesty and integrity of a nation’s leader. Lincoln’s example ought to be forwarded to the leader of every nation in the world.

Consider these three reports, each from this week’s news:

Israeli police, after a thorough investigation, are recommending that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel be charged with bribery and corruption of the most egregious type, enriching himself and his cronies in Israel. His wife has also been the focus of similar charges.

On the same day, the African National Congress has demanded that Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa and head of their party, resign in the face of withering charges of cronyism, rape and enriching himself and his business associates illegally.

The very same morning comes the admission that President Trump’s personal lawyer paid off a porn star $130,000 out of his own wallet, keeping her quiet about any alleged sexual fling. Mr. Trump could therefore claim that he or his campaign never paid this woman any money.

Every accused leader claims that the charges are the work of political hacks out to ruin him or her. Politics, after all, is a dirty business, sickening to the extent that a good person is disgusted by it all.

One prays for the day when leaders at all levels of government (and business and church) will practice a deep sense of morality. In terms of religious faith, we call this personal holiness or righteousness. Although many leaders practice such ethics, some of our most prominent men and women are deeply lacking.

We desperately need in our nation and world leaders who live up to the highest standards of personal holiness and social righteousness.

Email columnist Creede Hinshaw, a retired Methodist minister, at [email protected].