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For Immediate Release
February 16, 2012
CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
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Weekly Column: Honoring our Founding Fathers & Learning from Their
Leadership
Next week our country will celebrate President's Day, a national holiday and
time for reflection on our founding fathers' leadership and accomplishments they
bestowed on us and our country. In doing so, we honor some of our greatest
leaders – such as Abraham Lincoln – and recognize their tireless work to advance
freedom and peace in some of our nation's most formidable years.
During the month of February, it has become a tradition to celebrate the
birth of President Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1860 as a minority
president taking on the challenge of a country which faced a great deal of
strife. Though unpopular in nature particularly for his stance on the war,
President Lincoln willingly accepted many challenges including the use of force
to defend federal law and the union. He was often mocked and ridiculed as he
stood firm for the union and against slavery. When confederate batteries fired
on Fort Sumter and forced its surrender, he called on the states for numerous
volunteers. More slave states joined the confederacy, but some remained within
the union, and the Civil War began.
The 16th President's extraordinary efforts and leadership positively framed
our history. Although at times unpopular for his decisions, he stood firm for
freedom and peace to our nation. Abraham Lincoln knew that the American
experiment was about people. His life's work was dedicated to inspiring
Americans that the difference between right and wrong is real.
Not so many years ago, Lincoln Day celebrations and parades were commonplace
across the country and in cities large and small. While many Americans remain
interested in President Lincoln as a historical figure, few understand him as a
source of moral or political wisdom for us – the living. Yet to many Americans'
past and future legacy, he remains infinitely important. His actions, speeches,
and principles help us understand leadership, statesmanship, and political
philosophy.
Abraham Lincoln provided a powerful lesson on leadership in his role as
president, a member of the Republican Party, and as an American. Under his
leadership, he showed us the value of standing up for what is right and what we
believe for our country.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Senate, I have taken great pride in learning
from the lessons of leaders like President Lincoln throughout his vision,
persistence, and tenacity. In this role, I listen to the needs of the people of
Pennsylvania and advocate policies on their behalf.
It is critical for citizens to contact their elected officials and share
ideas, questions, or concerns. This dialogue, in turn, helps make government
more responsive and efficient. Citizen participation was important in the time
of Abraham Lincoln and it remains so today.
That's why I host monthly town meetings throughout the 15th Senatorial District
to give my constituents and opportunity to make their voice heard (details are
available on my website). I can also be reached at my Capitol Office in
Harrisburg (787-6801); my district office in Halifax (896-7714);
by email at www.jpiccola@pasen.gov; or via my website at
www.piccola.org. |
