Character Matters: An editorial by Craig Silver

Character Matters

An editorial by Craig Silver
Chairman, International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Box 941
Washington, D.C.  20006

August 10, 1998

Only in modern times have the media and liberal elite been able to create the question, "Does character really matter?" The real question is, "Are there really any fundamental truths which should influence us?"

Of course, as a nation, we have historically applauded those individuals, and groups of individuals, who persevered or overcame hardships because they were motivated by some inner truth or conviction. Our Founding Fathers sought basic freedoms. Before them, Puritans sought freedom of worship. More recently, oppressed groups obtained basic civil rights.

Out of these, leaders emerged and were hailed as heroes for putting inner conviction of truth above comfort and security of self. Today, and to our shame, we choose to ignore noble character and instead, redefine a hero to be a basketball star or entertainer. By pretending to have "heroes" we delude ourselves into believing that we are still a people of noble character. We resent anyone who propounds virtue and honor. On the other hand, we hypocritically decry the acts of violence in our schools and the workplace; or when a mother or father murders his own children; or when a nine-year old murders a playmate; or that the use of drugs among teens continues to spiral out of control.

Certainly, the very definition of "character" denotes an understanding that suggests inner traits, convictions, and tendencies are a part of the soul. Our every act stems from our inner convictions C our character. We can pretend that intellectual relativism will bring social order. But, in the end, America will cease to be what it once was... a noble nation founded by noble people for noble purposes. Only by loving positive character traits will our actions reflect honorable ends.

America must choose. Just like our real heroes of old, we may have to put selfish notions aside and embrace a character trait called courage. We may have to say "no" to a few economic opportunities because we have instead chosen to honor ideals that burn deep within. If we are unwilling to pay the price we should at least be willing to recognize that we made a choice, and that too, has become a part of our character.

Today, in various parts of the world, individuals and groups of individuals, facing imprisonment or death, in places like China, Pakistan and Egypt, like Americans of old, seek to establish for themselves and "for their posterity" basic freedoms of Worship, Speech and Assembly. Tragically, America, while hiding within a bubble of an "Age of Aquarius" mentality, denies the very embodiment of these ideals. America no longer has the character to assist in these efforts. She has purchased with her soul the mantra of the liberal elite and has said, "Character does not matter."

Posted:  August 17, 1999

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