by A.E.McGrath

Created on: February 04, 2009

Eugene McCarthy described the presidency in the following manner: "No man could be equipped for the presidency if he has never been tempted by one of the seven cardinal sins." Just for review, the seven deadly sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth. Now, 43 men have earned the title, Mr. President, including the election of Grover Cleveland on two separate occasions. The U.S. Presidency is the most elite of all fraternities, a brotherhood few men achieve but many aspired to become. Four men only understand how the job rapidly ages you, continuously tests personal ideology versus bureaucracy, and the constant ebb and flow of public opinion. There are three points that encourage former U.S. Presidents to speak out against a current administration. First, each is a private citizen once again. Second, a former president can provide a different insight and solution to a particular situation, albeit domestic or international affairs. Finally, former presidents have an opportunity to enhance their legacies, which are filled with biases from both the academic world the court of public opinion.

Once ex presidents leave the Oval Office, their obligation to public service is not at all completed. As private citizens, they too have a right as Americans to exercise free speech, freedom of the press, and to petition. Do these unalienable rights cease to exist for the few who repeat the sacred Presidential Oath? Within the oath, there is a line that seems to encourage past, present, and future Presidents of the United States to speak: "I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." It is understood that at 12:01 p.m. on January 20th that the previous administration is relieved of their duties and the successor begins their term, but once a President of the United States, you still hold on to the title, Mr. President, for the remainder of your life.

We as Americans should investigate the term, "speaking out." It seems to suggest that a negative connotation, assuming that the former presidents are quick to question the fitness of an individual. Now, come on! I cannot believe a current administration is completely blindsided by a scathing article in the New York Times without notice. An individual is certainly calling the White House on behalf of former presidents. The ex-presidents should have a direct line to the office; some have resided in the residence four to eight years. A quote by Lyndon

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