An Open Letter to President Bush
Dear President Bush:
You will soon proclaim October 21 to 27, 2007 as National Character Counts Week. That proclamation usually comes in mid-October. Every president, including you, has been doing so since 1994, and setting aside one week for a focus on character seems to be a worthy idea.
However, I have a troubling question. Why does our government call this National Character Counts Week? Why not use the more generic label: National Character Week?
Character Counts is an organization. It is only one of a number of organizations in the United States that promote strong character. It is only one of a number of organizations that provide materials and training in character building, i.e. character education.
Yet, when our Senate presents its annual resolution setting aside this week to celebrate character, it is common for that resolution to speak about the Character Counts organization alone. It is common for the resolution to speak in detail about the Character Counts organization. In fact, past resolutions clearly imply that this week is dedicated to celebrating that organization: Character Counts.
To use an organization’s name in such manner strongly promotes that organization above all others doing similar work. It gives that organization an unfair advantage over all others in that field.
Your administration has made many proclamations this year setting aside days, weeks, or months for various emphases. Seldom, however, have those proclamations included the name of an organization.
Religious Freedom Day was not proclaimed as United Methodist Freedom Day. To do so would have given favored treatment and attention to the United Methodist denomination.
National Consumer Protection Week was not proclaimed as National Consumer Reports Week. To do so would have been to assign greater attention and importance to Consumer Reports than to other groups involved in similar work.
Yet, when a week in celebration of character and moral values is proclaimed, Character Counts is given preferential treatment. Instead of National Character Week, a name similar to that of other emphases, Congress and our President boldly advertise one organization above all others teaching character.
Such a proclamation is, in truth, an act that lacks character. It is unethical. It does not conform to accepted standards of conduct. Such a proclamation lacks fairness. Every first grader who has listened to the story Charley Chimp’s Jungle Fairness would understand that. Fairness is, sir, one of the six pillars of character that Character Counts teaches. Fairness demands that every character building, character education organization’s name be omitted or included equally. How about National Character-in-Action Week, to name but one?
Finally, I am astonished that the Character Counts organization itself so eagerly concurs with the name assigned to this week of emphasis on character. Despite their claim to be leaders in the field, they close their eyes to the unfairness of the proclamation. They flaunt the week’s name. They relish the attention it gives them each October.
It is too late this year to exercise fairness in the matter. It is too late this year for the Senate to draw up a fair resolution and for you, Mr. President, to make a fair proclamation. Perhaps next year.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?