Phil's Personal Perspectives

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal. These two awards are bestowed by the president of the United States and by Congress to recognize people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” The Congressional Medal is given to a person “who has performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” My choice would be a person who spoke truthfully knowing there would be a serious price to pay. The price that most matters to me is a person’s personal integrity being attacked no matter how unjustly. Showing such integrity at a young age in one’s career is a greater sacrifice. Cassidy Hutchison demonstrated such integrity at the age of 24 with a significant future ahead of her although being advocated by some who lacked integrity themselves. Ms. Hutchinson when required looked inside herself and chose to speak the truth and not simply seek the economic security of going along. Cassidy Hutchinson in a time when scoundrels occupied high offices in our country chose an integrity that many of us call for but fall short in our personal lives. Her loss, her sacrifice is as it should be a model and a goal for all Americans, all people.