Resuscitating America: Character, Ethics, Leadership

The following is an excerpt from my newest article titled Resuscitating America: Character, Ethics, Leadership released today in The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, April 2014 edition:

Lincoln: An Icon of Character

During speaking engagements with students, educators and law enforcement personnel throughout the country, I am continually astounded at the detailed information individuals have on Abraham Lincoln including specific dates from his life, the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, his second inaugural and his assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC on April 14, 1865.

During one of my character education presentations, students from a 3rd grade class were able quote with admirable precision Lincoln's words from Gettysburg on November 19, 1863:

"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

In our troubled times, so besieged by violence, turmoil and scandal, Abraham Lincoln remains an icon of character, ethics and leadership. From his early days of studying by the fireside as a young boy to his presidency; Lincoln is worthy of emulation. His courage and perseverance in the face of great adversity serve as an example that what is needed in America's response to the current corruption, scandal and violence is dedication to perseverance, determination and transformation.

Character Education: Vital to America’s Future

“Within the character of the citizen lies the welfare of the nation.” — Cicero

It has taken generations for this culture of corruption to cultivate and it will take time for America’s transformation. This is why the enhancement of character education initiatives in our nation’s schools is paramount to America and must clearly be understood by all who are dedicated to transforming the nation. Since law enforcement officials are critical to this call as they work in partnership with school officials; their understanding of character education, a philosophy that teaches the habits of thought and deed that help people live and work together as families, friends, neighbors, communities and nations, is essential.

As specified on the United States Department of Education website, Character education is a learning process that enables students and adults in a school community to understand, care about and act on core ethical values such as respect, justice, civic virtue and citizenship, and responsibility for self and others. Upon such core values, we form the attitudes and actions that are the hallmark of safe, healthy and informed communities that serve as the foundation of our society.

Details on Photo's in Blog
*Statue of Lincoln reading riding a horse titled "On the Circuit" by Anna Hyatt Huntington at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. (Vincent J. Bove)
*Bust of Abraham Lincoln is by Daniel Chester French-photographed at the New York Historical Society, New York City. (Vincent J. Bove)