Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Virtue is as important as talent

TO THE EDITORS:

Dora Catherson's letter, Feb. 5, leads me to this response.

The Declaration of Independence does state that all men are created equal. This means from birth on we are entitled to equal treatment with regard to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I cannot deny these rights to others and others cannot deny those rights to me.

The Declaration goes on to say that, to make this happen, governments are established. First, the people established the Articles of Confederation to govern, but that didn't work well. Then they created the Constitution, which has worked better. It is not perfect, but is was never intended to be; just more perfect than the Articles of Confederation, and is still worthy of our support

It is interesting to note that Jefferson, at a later time said, to the effect, that all men are not equal. They differ one from an other in virtue and talent. It is among the virtuous and talented that the people should select their leaders.

Ms. Catherson is correct to condemn the fuss the media makes over notorious people who may have acquired a talent, but failed to combine it with virtue. We should withhold our praise (and our vote) for those who exhibit both virtue and talent.

Paul Hessemer

New Holland