The First Cold Warrior, Elizabeth Spalding's new book on Harry Truman, quotes this little prayer that the Missourian used daily during his presidency:
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Oh Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of heaven and earth and the universe: Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right: Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things: Make me intellectually honest for sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with my fellow men -- Help me to understand their motives and shortcomings -- even as thou understandest mine: Amen.
I used this to open and close today's edition of Backbone Radio, remarking how different our political and media discourse would be if more us made this our standard of conduct and truly sought God's aid in living up to it. If only--