Words that show us what we have to lose

History has taught us that during times of great crisis men and women in positions of leadership, power and authority have risen to the occasion. It has also taught us that others do not, cannot, will not.

Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression - "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself"; Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War - "It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong"; Winston Churchill during World War II - "To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for that which would be his finest hour"; Dwight Eisenhower's letter to the troops should the D-Day invasion had failed - "If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

In this spirit, the current occupant of the White House offers up - "I don't take any responsibility at all."

I am reminded of the 2016 Republican National Convention when the nominee proffered up his reassuring rationale to the electorate as he sought their vote - "What have you got to lose?" Sadly, belatedly and alarmingly, the answer to that question is staring us smack in the face. What have you got to lose? Your life.

Wayne Bartosik

Wheaton