“Ten Cannots” . . . Wise words . . . Can we still hear them?

Often misquoted but the words still ring true.

The Reverend William John Henry Boetcker originally published the Ten Cannots in 1916 in a leaflet entitled "Lincoln on private property." One side had words by Abraham Lincoln, the other side had the "Cannots" that Rev. Boetcker wrote. It was republished by the Inside Publishing Company in 1917 and 1938.

“The Ten Cannots”

by Rev. William J. H. Boetcker Presbyterian Clergyman in 1916

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they should and could do for themselves." – Rev. William J. H. Boetcker

It’s funny how this has recently been popping up all over the internet before and since the election. I guess many of us are worried how the new administration will conduct themselves in the coming days. I see in the paper this morning that along with announcements of staff and the rounds made on the Sunday television news programs there will be a push for another stimulus package rivaling the bank bailout of 700 billion dollars.

Whether Boetcker or Lincoln spoke the words maybe we should still send this message to Washington for the ideals still ring true today as in the last century.

I think most people want to be hard working and those that may need a “hand up” not hand out really try to be productive to our society. The old saying that “Sometimes Life is just hard . . . for no reason at all” may hit a little closer to home in these times but it is always our nature to just get back up and work through the problems.

It’s a choice we make, to make things better around us and not let ‘things’ happen “to us”. Man has the unique ability to make choices that bring about a cause and effect to our surroundings.

We can only hope that in the days to come, sound choices will be made to make our country strong, our economy stable, and the world a safer place.

Happy Holiday week for we have much to be thankful for.

Ice