US Election 2004

Several weeks ago, I posted about a lecture by Lee Sandstead discussing the work of Evelyn Beatrice Longman.  Most might think that a lecture on one of the best American sculptors of the 20th century would not really touch on the presidential campaign. 

For what is popularly called art today that would be true.  However, Longman’s focus on reality and the potential of man for the heroic demonstrates what art has been and should be again.  As evidence from our common experience, I point to the statue of Lincoln in his memorial; Longman was the one who convinced Daniel Chester French that the statue must be large instead of the planned life size version.  There were three particularly relevant pieces: (1) Spirit of Victory, (2) Victory of Mercy, and (3) Genius of Electricity. 

According to Sandstead, the Spirit of Victory is unlike any other Nike statue.  Instead of coming after the battle and bringing the news of victory, Longman’s Nike is not only engaged in the battle but leading the charge.  This reminded me of General Patton’s observation while fighting in France, “We can still lose this war,” and of an observation by Churchill to the effect that it is not the end but the end of the beginning.  There is a long way to go in the War against Terrorism.  Tehran, Damascus, and Beirut have neither surrendered nor been liberated yet.

The Victory of Mercy was created as a memorial to the fallen of WWII.  We have injured and dead from the present war that must be considered on Election Day.  Unlike the candidates, we should not remember their sacrifice, but instead how they chose to live their lives.  At this point, it would be a betrayal to them to elect a coward, war criminal, and appeaser of the enemy like John Kerry.  

The Genius of Electricity was created to stand on the AT&T headquarters in New York City.  It is a creation of and testimony to the productivity in America’s private enterprises.  There are untold geniuses encumbered by federal regulation and progressive taxation that must be liberated.

Spirit of Victory

Victory of Mercy

Genius of Electricity

Images Source: Sandstead.com

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