I think there is one higher office than president and I would
The words of Gary Hart resound with timeless gravity: “I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.” In this declaration, he reminds us that titles and crowns, though revered by nations, are but shadows when compared to the spirit of devotion to one’s land and people. The presidency is an office granted by ballots, but the honor of the patriot is carved into the soul, proven not by authority but by sacrifice.
Throughout the annals of history, men and women have sought the throne, the senate, the place of command. Yet the greatest among them were those who first belonged to their country in heart before they sought to lead it in name. For what use is a president who loves power but not the people? What worth is a ruler who wears the crown but forgets the soil from which it was raised? To be a patriot is to hold the eternal office, one unbound by law, one sanctified by loyalty and service.
Consider the life of George Washington. Though he became the first President of the United States, it was his spirit as a patriot that made him worthy of such a station. When the war was done, and the nation offered him the crown of kingship, he refused it, choosing instead to serve only as the guardian of liberty. His greatness was not in the power he gained, but in the power he declined—for his highest office was not president, but servant of his country.
Contrast him with countless rulers who sought only the grandeur of title. Their names are forgotten, or remembered in scorn, for they mistook position for virtue. Hart’s words caution us against this folly: the robes of state may command respect, but without the beating heart of a patriot, they are empty garments, soon to be discarded by time.
Let this teaching endure: the office of president may pass from one to another, but the call of the patriot belongs to every citizen. It is higher because it is eternal, nobler because it demands no crown, and holier because it serves not self but the common good. To be a patriot is to embody the true spirit of leadership, a fire that no election can kindle and no defeat can extinguish.
MHman Henry
Gary Hart’s quote made me reflect on the nature of political leadership and patriotism. Could it be that real patriotism requires putting country before self, which might not always align with the goals of a politician? What if holding political office sometimes gets in the way of serving the country’s true needs? How do we reconcile the pursuit of power with the desire to truly benefit our nation and its people?
MEMinn's Ebe
I’m curious about what Gary Hart means by patriotism being a higher office. Is he suggesting that a patriot is someone who serves their country selflessly, without seeking recognition? Does this mean the role of a president isn’t as significant if the person in the role isn’t genuinely dedicated to the well-being of their country? Can someone be a patriot and a politician, or are the two at odds?
ATPham Anh Thu
This quote seems to imply that patriotism transcends the desire for political power, which is a compelling idea. Could it be that the actions of a dedicated citizen, someone working to improve their country on a grassroots level, are more valuable than any political office? Maybe we’ve been too focused on the presidency as the pinnacle of leadership. Is there a way we can all embody patriotism in our everyday lives without seeking power?
QMQuyen Minh
I think Gary Hart's perspective offers a refreshing view on leadership and duty. The idea that patriotism could be higher than holding the office of president suggests that true devotion to one's country might not require fame or political power. In a time when political figures often seem more concerned with their image than with the country's needs, could it be that the real patriots are the ones working behind the scenes?
TL12 Thanh Loi
This quote resonates with me because it challenges the conventional idea that political power is the highest form of leadership. Maybe patriotism isn’t just about being a leader but being someone who works to improve their country, whether or not they hold office. What do you think—can someone be a great patriot without holding a position of political power? Could their actions be even more impactful?