Unlike the huge majority of articles and essays that find their way here, this one made my day! (Not that I’m complaining about all of the others, mind you. That’s the purpose of this forum – to bring to light all of the depressing truth-based information that the media chooses to keep under wraps.) Yet this story is a priceless gem, on several levels, and the thread comments are wonderful, too.
First: Just the seemingly insignificant fact that the President requested to meet with the family of the ‘quilt Frau’ who had presented him a handmade quilt speaks volumes about the stark difference between him and his opponent (a related aside: an appliqué, small-stitch quilt made by Amish women is every bit as much a work of art as a fine painting or sculpture).
Maybe ten years ago, I recall reading a story in Reader’s Digest written by a reporter who accompanied Reagan on many of his trips as President. In it he marveled at the number of unscheduled side-trips Reagan would take in order to visit a children’s hospital, or a Salvation Army center, or the like. Reagan would often spend several hours in such a place, conversing with (and sometimes comforting, if it were appropriate) the people whose lives he was touching. And reporters were given strict orders that no photographs were allowed, and no stories were to be written about these unscheduled side-trips.
When I read this short article Clinton was in the White House, and I recall thinking about this (completely expected) illustration of the difference in his and Reagan’s character. Reagan was not a believer in photo-ops, unless they furthered a worthwhile conservative political cause. That they would further his own personal image or legacy would have been unconscionable to him. Reagan was not the least bit concerned with either. And yet, Mr. Clinton built an administration on empty photo ops. Do we all remember him dancing, dreamy-eyed, on the beach with his ‘beloved’ Hillary, or forming a cross in the sand out of strategically pre-placed stones on the beach at Normandy, or reading (just long enough for photographers to record the event, and no longer) to a group of kindergartners in Harlem? …
President Bush was being somewhat Reagan-esque in his visit to the quilter’s Amish farm -- and even moreso since this brief article appears to be the only media mention of it (I live about twenty miles from the Gordonville farm. I read both the morning and evening Lancaster newspapers, and yet this is the only mention that was made of his visit there).
Yet, had John Kerry paid such a visit … I won’t even go there. We all know the coverage it would have received -- so as to paint him as a ‘man of the people’ who can relate to all Americans. And who so graciously took time out of his busy schedule to properly thank an American woman for her generosity and thoughtfulness.
The Amish told the president that not all members of the church vote but they would pray for him … Bush had tears in his eyes when he replied. He said the president needs their prayers. He also said that having a strong belief in God is the only way he can do his job.
This is truly the one and only aspect of Amish belief I would want them to change. They are good people, conservative by definition, and yet their shunning of ‘worldly’ things often includes an aversion to participating in politics – even including choosing not to exercise their right to vote. Although this is slowly changing (as a result of the state and federal governments consistently seeking to infringe on their freedom to live as they choose), still too many of them want no part of politics. They base much of their belief on the scriptural admonition, ‘Therefore come out from them and be ye separate’ … 2 Cor 6:17.
I believe (and I always express this belief to those who come into my office and are receptive to ‘political talk’) that prayer is indeed our most powerful tool … but the Lord also commands us to do all that is within our own power to see to it that righteous causes are advanced and evil ones are buried. In addition to prayer, being a part of the electoral process (no matter its degree of corruption), and speaking out in the face of evil, are the only individual avenues open to us to that end.
It took a while to get them [the Amish] through the metal detectors as these were farmers and shop men, with vice grips, pocket knives, and nuts and bolts in their pockets. Some ladies had baby gear. All pockets had to be emptied.
Too funny! I would say a full ninety percent of the Amish (both men and women) I meet in the course of doing business place very little emphasis on outward appearance and social formality. And I admire them deeply for that. Their focus is on other, more eternal, concerns. I cannot tell you how many times an Amish farmer has come into my office to take care of some business with the tiny creases in his hands and face seemingly permanently soil-filled, wearing a straw hat whose brim is soaked with old sweat, and boots that have walked hundreds of miles behind a horse-drawn plow. Clean people, and yet permanently work-stained. Yet you would be hard pressed to find a more honest, decent, hard-working, faith-filled person.
As I have said before here, these people still cling to their eighteenth-century traditions and beliefs, and the timelessness of scriptural truths. They love and nurture their children in a home in which the mother comprehends the significance of that most-important of all human callings. They teach their children self-discipline and personal responsibility virtually from birth. And they take care of their own – steadfastly refusing government help, and banding together to ride out times of difficulty or sorrow within their families and communities. They revere their elders, and provide for them in their own homes until their time on earth is over. In many ways, they represent what America used to be. And many of the values and beliefs to which they cling (among them honesty, dignified work ethic, personal responsibility, and a God-centered view of the world) represent those to which we must return if we are to survive.
I truly believe that, as honored as the Gordonville Amish appear to have been by the President’s time spent among them, the honor (apparently comprehended by him) must have been perceived as mutual. And rightfully so.
(As you know), I just returned from spending three days in a crowded, crime-filled metropolitan area. After such a trip, I am always (always) grateful to return to Lancaster County. And it is the Amish influence that has played the greatest role in helping to keep this area both ideologically conservative and physically pristine. For that reason, and so many others, my respect for them is without exception.
~ joanie (www.justiceandliberty.com)
I truly believe that, as honored as the Gordonville Amish appear to have been by the President’s time spent among them, the honor (apparently comprehended by him) must have been perceived as mutual. And rightfully so.
Spot on! I suspect that this president covets prayers offered up on his behalf no doubt more than he does votes.
I know the Amish don't need to be defended, but if they did they would want you in their corner!
I hope your trip went well. I'd like to hear about it.
Beautifully said, Joanie. I have never met any Amish people but I would like to.
bump