NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

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Civics And Citizenship

The definition of Character
 

Are you a person of character?

To some, the definition of character can be confusing. Those with character know the meaning. Those that have trouble defining it often don’t have any. The elements of character are clarity and absolutes.

Character is doing what is right when no one is looking. It is doing what is right when everyone is looking. It is not your intention but your resolve. It is your strength not your weakness. It is consistency not expediency.

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.. 

                                                                                              -John Quincy Adams

Those with character by their very nature court controversy. Holding an opinion in of it self is often controversial, expressing it without reservation is the ultimate test of integrity. It is better to have character and be despised by some then to compromise your values and have the admiration of many. While you may have their admiration, you will not have their respect.

I suppose, indeed, that in public life, a man whose political principles have any decided character and who has energy enough to give them effect must always expect to encounter political hostility from those of adverse principles.

                                                                -Thomas Jefferson, letter to Richard M. Johnson, March 10, 1808 

One of the greatest examples of character is Jesus. He was loved yet despised. His teachings were consistent and clear. While many things in life can be interpreted in shades of gray, character is something you either have or something you lack. The lack of character is often due to moral ambiguity brought about by the desire to please everyone. Do you go along to get along?

Men of energy of character must have enemies; because there are two sides to every question, and taking one with decision, and acting on it with effect, those who take the other will of course be hostile in proportion as they feel that effect.

                                                                           -Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, December 21, 1817

The definition of character is clear. It is living your life by example whether in public or in private. It is who you are to all of the people all of the time. It is a value not a compromise; it is an absolute.

Let the watchwords of all our people be the old familiar watchwords of honesty, decency, fair-dealing and common sense.

                                                                   -NY State Fair, Syracuse Sept. 7, 1907 Teddy Roosevelt.

Free will is endowed to all by our creator. We are responsible for our life choices as individuals. Character cannot be practiced in moderation. The choice is clear and the definition is absolute. Are you defined as a man or women of character?

The necessity of character was self evident to our founding fathers and is the bedrock of liberty. Those who rest their beliefs on the altar of men and reject the truth of character unwittingly aspire to the pathway of tyranny.