We need a crop of political leaders who shun or even disdain accumulating political power (for power sake) personally, serving their country as a solemn duty rather than a political prize.

I was in the Czech Republic when Vascal Havel died on December 18th and had the opportunity to attend the funeral. I admit that I didn’t know too much about the man who led the then Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) out of the grips of communism in 1989. Now I know a lot more about Vascal Havel and wanted to contrast this great statesman with the current crop of professional politicians running for the office of president in America.

Havel was a Czechoslovakian leader who didn’t want to be a political leader, but he was courageous; loving freedom more than life. After the “Prague Spring” of 1968, he could have fled the country or collaborated with the communists like so many intellectuals in Czechoslovakia did, he instead stayed and led a philosophical war against it that caused his imprisonment. His most famous essay, “Power to the Powerless” is telling; I think we can learn much from it.

In it he reviews political ideology, saying that “sadly, ideology frees us from thought”. In other words our ideology often keeps us from thinking clearly and critically. He also believed and quoted the great Czech reformer of the 15th century, Jan Huss in saying that “truth prevails”, Havel stressed that truth must ultimately prevail over lies and the hatred that he saw in authoritarian communism.

Havel saw the propaganda machine of the communists in power spewing out “good news” of the advances of the proletariat..each year. Everyone knew they were lies, but fear of persecution and imprisonment kept people silent. Vascal Havel was a writer and playright. He exposed communism for what it was and paid a price. When asked to lead the country he did so reluctantly preferring a quiet life and returned to writing as quickly as he could.

In his first “new year’s address” he told that country that he could not bring “good news” of economic advancement that the communists always reported in their “New Year’s addresses” but he could and would only tell them the truth. Twice he was called back to lead the country in the 1990’s as it was painfully transitioning a political split (Czech Republic and Slovakia), enduring the pangs of transition from a controlled economy to a capitalistic one and learning the ways of a true democratic republic. Again, Havel did so without vigor for the pursuing the office; fleeing from politics as soon as it was feasible to pursue his writing.

Havel was a writer who wrote with humor and warmth, stating that true wisdom is not imparted but it is discovered by trusting in truth. His signature included a heart drawn after it. In every way he was an “anti-politician” political leader. He persistently sought the truth for his people, but sadly, he was probably not a Christian although he often said that he wished he could believe.

In watching our political debates today filled with professional, lifetime politicians and examining the candidates I wonder if America couldn’t use a “Velvet Revolution” of its own. We need a crop of political leaders who shun or even disdain accumulating political power (for power sake) personally, serving their country as a solemn duty rather than a political prize.

I teach American History in a private Christian school. The only President we had that came close to this idea was our first one, George Washington. He didn’t want the job, was recruited by a grateful nation without opposition. He hated politics, did not want political parties but desired for good citizens to work their problems out, honestly putting their country’s interest before their own political desires. When King George III heard that Washington turned down absolute power preferring instead life on the farm (Washington could have been crowned king in America) he exclaimed that this truly was a great man. When an enemy congratulates you for true leadership, that is a compliment.

Do you think there is a candidate out there this year, that would reluctantly take the office, serve honestly and boldly for one term, desiring more to give up the office than to hold on to power? If there is, let me know, he (or she) will have my vote.

Brad Winsted, a recent widower, is the Director of CMI-Children’s Ministry International. He has served a number of OPC churches as a Ruling Elder, but is currently serving as Children’s Director at Midway PCA in Powder Springs, GA.