Ideals Are Like Stars: Carl Schurz, born 1829 March 2nd.

German-American political leader, journalist, orator, and dedicated reformer, Carl Schurz was born on in 1829 on March 2nd.  He advocated for high moral standards in government in a period of notorious public laxity. ( What a concept? Ethics and integrity in government? Let’s hope such ideals will return.)

Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them.

Tis not, ‘my country right or wrong’; tis, ‘my country, that which is right to be kept right, that which is wrong to be set right’

We have come to a point where it is loyalty to resist, and treason to submit.

He help elect Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency.  Schurz returned to his political career after the US civil war ended. In 1869, he became a United States senator from Missouri. President Hayes appointed him secretary of the interior in 1876.

He helped get Abraham Lincoln elected President.  He participated in the American civil war as an army general.  Schurz returned to his political career after the war ended. In 1869, he became a United States senator from Missouri. President Hayes appointed him secretary of the interior in 1876.

Carl Schurz worked as a journalist to the end of his life in 1906. His articles and speeches had a powerful influence for the good in politics and on social issues. He gained the respect of the country he adopted and served so well. New York City built a park in his honor, which includes a statue of Schurz.