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voting. Again, the importance was given to process — how the choice is made — and not to what is chosen.

Abraham Lincoln’s response to Douglas’ proposition was: “God did not place good and evil before man, telling him to make his choice. On the contrary, he did tell him there was one tree, of the fruit of which he should not eat, upon pain of certain death. I should scarcely wish so strong a prohibition against slavery in Nebraska.”

For Lincoln, the focus of importance was on what is chosen — that good be chosen over evil. And, for Lincoln, slavery was clearly evil.

Democracy was not the answer. Making the correct moral choice was the answer.

In Biden’s remarks on Jan. 6, he cited Gen. George Washington’s leadership during the American war of independence, and Washington’s calling the values for which they were struggling “sacred.”

Was Washington talking about a struggle for a political process or a struggle for sacred truths?

We can answer this by noting Washington’s famous remarks in his farewell address to the nation in 1796.

“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government,” said Washington. “Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”

Latest Gallup polling says 28% are satisfied with the way democracy is working in our country — an all-time low. Only 22% are satisfied with the direction of the country.

I think what is really bothering Americans is not about the state of our political processes but that we have lost touch with the core principles and truths that define our country.

Slow economic growth, inflation, breakdown of the American family, massive government spending and debt all point to a breakdown of sacred truths, not political processes.

It’s not about how we choose but what we choose.

And to return to the abortion issue, I don’t see how a nation can see itself as free, with control over its destiny, without appreciation for the sanctity of life.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS. COM