Founders not alone in failure

I was impressed by Michael Gerson’s opinion piece, “We must concede founders’ failure” in the Sept. 11 Spokesman-Review. I have long felt that, though cultural acceptability was an excuse for slavery in America, it was never a justification. Gerson cites three Christian ministers who pointed out the evil and hypocrisy of slavery in the United States as far back as 1759. He further states, “America’s founders stand accused by the best, most humane standards of their own time.” These were Christian standards.

Gerson goes on to make the point that the very people who were oppressed - the slaves - carried forth the radical principle of human equality set down by the country’s deeply flawed founders. He concludes, “This story is not simple to tell. But it is miraculous in its own way. And it is good reason to be proud of America.” I couldn’t agree more.

Yes, our founders were men of their times, flawed as we all are. Which is why the ideals of this country found in its Constitution and Bill of Rights are what should guide us, not fallible men. Who knows, perhaps in the future the leaders of today will be seen as having failed morally because they approved of and possibly participated in the killing of unborn children.

So, two points here: Cultural acceptance does not make something right; and the ideals of the United States will long outlive the moral failure of its leaders.

Karen Getman

Spokane