Letter from Richard M. Sewall (Captain USN, Retired) regarding sentiments on national character and how to encourage growth of the same, February 23, 1977

02 February 23, 1977 JK The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20007 Dear Mr. President, On February 10, Admiral H. Rickover addressed the San Diego Rotary Club. HIS subject, dealt with the essential elements and the morality of the work ethic. Obviously it was a revelation of his own personal code, and it was in- deed impressive. These elements were Responsibility, Participation, Perseverance, Intellectual development, Creativity, Courage, and of course Excellence; all of which are vital to the character of a people destined to progress and to lead. They are our heritage and they are latent in us, but our abundance affords us the privilege of indulging those pressures which submerge them. Some of us worry lest they be forgotten in the lust for a soft life and spongy morality. Even a modicum increase in the practice of these ele- ments by all the people would significantly reduce many of our malignancies. An effective program to embrace them would work wonders. A vehicle to bring this about could be some form of executive commission charged with improving ethics and re- porting to the President. It would be tantamount to President Kennedy's commission for improving physical fitness. (As a vigorous opponent to bigger government I justify this only because it portends ultimately less government). Conceivably the commission would seek to popularize these and some related ethics at all levels of education and throughout our employed and employable population from the boardroom to the ghetto. The need is ongoing and transcends an administration, a party, or even a generation. It would be better if this move came from the people, but I know of no segment of our society, other than the Federal Government, capable of achieving this on a wide scale. -1- PAGE 2 If he could be persuaded, Admiral Rickover would be an ideal candidate to head such an effort. By precept and deed he is qualified. He could be counted on for a no-nonsense objectivity and for the wisdom and strength to suppress any tendency towards big brotherism. Certainly he has the vision and scope necessary, and as you well know, he merits the honor. I am at your service. Sincerely, Ruhard Sewell Richard M. Sewall Captain USN (Retired) 170 "F" Avenue Coronado, California 92118