Dear Editor:

A quote from President George Washington from his Thanksgiving proclamation, Oct. 3, 1789:

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal flavors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

If only our leaders of today spoke with such eloquence, patriotism, love of God, love of country, and love of people instead of spewing hate and discord, what a much better America we would have.

Martha Morrissy
Downey