Our generation, the generation which understood the lessons of the Great Depression (deprivation and sacrifice) and World War II (courage and sacrifice for the common good), understood what John F. Kennedy described in Profiles in Courage, an account of eight American politicians who were able to place the good of the country above their own political self-interests.
Today, unfortunately, it is difficult to find courageous politicians like Daniel Webster or Sam Houston. On the other hand, we have a group who could be featured in Profiles in Cowardice. The leading contender for a prominent chapter would, of course, be Eric Cantor, the Virginia Republican who wears a constant sneer and views compromise with derision. In his quest for power, he is willing to risk the full faith and credit of the United States. If our country does not raise the debt limit and defaults, we have Mr. Cantor to thank. He is more interested in his power struggle with Speaker John Boehner and preventing tax increases for his wealthy friends than he is the "general Welfare" of our country as stipulated in the Constitution.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Mr. Cantor chose a revealing quote to accompany his senior prep-school photo: "I want what I want when I want it." (cf. Dana Milbank, Washington Post Writers Group). That quote reflects the same self-interested attitude of those politicians who, along with Eric Cantor, deserve a chapter in Profiles in Cowardice.
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