The Revolution was practically over. But a new one had threatened to begin.
As with many troubles in the fight for American independence, it started from lack of money. As the war wound down, Congress had stopped army pay as a cost-saving measure, to be made good when the fighting stopped.
Naturally, this did not exactly produce happiness.
Historians now call it the “Newburgh conspiracy,” a number of officers who organized to insist on the army receiving its long-overdue back pay. A letter to Congress warned that “any further experiments on their patience may have fatal effects.”
Naturally, this did not exactly produce happiness.
In a surprise visit, Gen. George Washington himself addressed the ringleaders at an assembly. He urged patience. And then he struggled to read a letter from Congress … before pulling out a pair of reading glasses that almost no one had ever seen him wear.
“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles,” Washington apologized, “for I have not only gone gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
Naturally, this produced …. compassion. Emotion. And a renewed loyalty to Washington and the country.
In a moment of seeming weakness, everyone became stronger.
We don’t often like to put our weaknesses on display, especially in more modern times, where just one bad night can practically end a career.
FDR famously understated the effects of his polio, typically using braces at public events rather than his wheelchair. JFK concealed the back problems that his Addison’s disease caused, putting forward a public image of long hikes and rough family football games to project a display of vigor.
Of course, you don’t have to be a public figure to feel the pressure. To want to be seen as strong and not struggling. As a nation, we practically raise independence to a holy status, mythologizing the rugged individual … which can lead to unfortunate consequences for those who don’t make the grade.
And that can be any of us. A single bad moment can transform a life – a lost job, an injury or diagnosis, an emotional weight that gets too much to bear. Our life is not totally ours, and it can change without our consent, no matter how much we prepare.
As much as we value independence, the truth is we’re all “in dependence.” We rely on each other to succeed and thrive. When we realize that, when we’re unafraid to let our weaknesses be seen and unhesitant about lifting each other up … that’s when we truly achieve greatness.
Bronco fans will remember the last season of Peyton Manning. Like the recently departed Willie Mays, he stayed one year longer than his talent did, his body no longer able to make the effortless plays that had once been routine. But he still had his brilliant mind for the game. And with an unbeatable defense and its “No-Fly Zone” to lean on, it was enough to reach one more championship.
A team came together, aware of the need, and together achieved greatness.
Again, that doesn’t require celebrity. Just compassion. Awareness. Honesty. And a willingness to stand together rather than let anyone struggle alone.
It means seeing each other. And allowing ourselves to be seen.
With or without glasses.
