As I ponder the state of our state and country I read a poem written years ago by Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819-1881) and I ask that wee extend these words to God in heaven. Make this your prayer each day until God answers. May we look at our founding fathers faith and return to it.

God, give us men! A time like this demands

Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;

Men whom the lust of office does not kill;

Men who possess opinions and a will;

Men who have honor; men who will not lie;

Men who can stand before a demagogue

And damm his treacherous flatteries without winking!

Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog

In public duty, and in private thinking;

For while the rabble, with their thumbworn creeds,

Their large professions and their little deeds,

Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,

Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.

George Gracie Sr., Pasadena