“Now we are convinced that there is nothing that can undermine our democracy. Not a single aspect of Ukrainian life is and will ever be fragile. Our strength is a powerful contribution to the strength of all freedom-loving nations in the world,” – President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine upon the occasion of President Biden’s surprise visit today
I awoke this morning unaware that it was an American holiday. The only thing that tipped me off this morning was an ad in the newspaper for a furniture store announcing a Presidents Day sale. Presidents Day? When is Presidents Day? I checked online to find out, lo and behold, it was today. Gee thanks for letting me know. It’s a holiday. I could have slept in.
I remembered when there used to be two holidays celebrating our most revered Presidents: Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and Washington’s birthday (February 22). Later they were combined into one Presidents Day that is supposed to be a celebration of all the Presidents. However you can tell that this year, this holiday did not get much attention. Little wonder when you think of how the office of the President of the United States has lost its luster with our last two Presidents receiving the lowest ratings in years.
It used to be the President of the United States was the most prestigious job in the world. Now, who wants it? All the more reason we should pray for the President, whoever he/she is or may be. Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:2 to “pray for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” And we need to pray for democracy in general but especially for America as the leader of the free world. There is no perfect government, but democracy provides for the greatest amount of individual freedom, including religious freedom. Join me in praying for America and for democracies around the world, and especially for Ukraine.
John Fischer The Catch 
Guess the e-mail I sent you on Saturday was either ignored or wasn’t deemed worthy of your attention or acknowledgement.
I understand losing track of holidays and other significant dates is common for retirees and others who have little-to-no structure in their daily routines but I find it hard to believe that you can plead ignorance on this one, John.
You do own a calendar, don’t you?
After some 70-odd years, you’d think certain significant holidays would be ingrained into our brains – there’d be no need for a calendar, or newspaper ad.
You still read a newspaper but you can’t remember an important holiday???
Well, I had a bunch of stuff to write in addition to the above – a tirade if you will – but, instead, I’ll just copy and share the e-mail I hoped you’d at least ruminate on.
It has nothing to do with George Washington or Abraham Lincoln but it does have to do with a President in the thick of things during Boomers’, Mils’, and Gens’ lifetimes.
Even though he wasn’t the greatest of leaders, Jimmy Carter, deserves a tribute so here is mine:
Hi John and Happy Presidents Day weekend!
As you may have heard, President Carter is now under hospice care at his home in Plains.
It doesn’t appear his body will live through to the end of February but he, Rosalynn, and the rest of their family are at peace while awaiting the inevitable.
I suspect you supported Jimmy Carter’s campaign when he ran against both Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.
Being a fairly new born-again Christian myself, I was conflicted as whether to back this outsider who declared an obvious allegiance to my same Lord Jesus, or to the men whose perceived moral and political ideals more closely aligned with mine at the time.
After being elected, I didn’t agree with many of President Carter’s policies and actions (or inactions) during his term in office. However, through his tenure and especially afterwards, I always thought of him as an honest, decent, selfless, and compassionate man who sincerely tried to do the right thing – despite being constantly mocked, criticized, given poor counsel, and living in the messy morass of the labyrinth we call our nation’s capital.
He was once the most powerful man in the world as well as one of the humblest of souls – and in the realms of faith: my brother.
My admiration and respect for Jimmy Carter has only increased over the decades.
So, I thank Mr. and Mrs. Carter for their many years of dedicated service and I am happy that they are content during their final days.
I write all of this in hopes that you’ll have something prepared for the Catch when the due time comes for President Carter.
He was, after all, a relevant figure in the time of Boomers, Mils, and Gens.
And whether we agreed or disagreed with him, he deserves the respect and a tribute that a man – a fellow brother – in your position can offer.
Sure, his passing will be in all the news, there will be many days of mourning, and many words will be written; but your unique insight may help toward your goal of binding generations together.
So, please ponder this request.
Before too long, someone will possibly be asked to write a tribute to you and, maybe, me.
What would we like to read in that writer’s reflections?
“…my Christian faith includes complete confidence in life after death. So, I’m going to live again after I die — Don’t know what form I’ll take, or anything.”
~ James Earl Carter, Jr. (39th President of the United States of America)
Shalom, Peace…
Dear Mr Fischer
I remember you saying about praying for our leaders. I agree with that and especially when we don’t especially like the decisions they have made. Everyone needs Jesus no matter position in life. I remember President Carter over the years and always had a way with people. I also liked the fact long ago talking about being a Born Again Christian. It was great to hear at that time and still now. He had a way with leaders. I always try to remember the best in anyone no matter if I disagreed with their policies.