As the 2010 November Election Day draws near, the hearts of many long for common sense to prevail this time in the selection of candidates. People no longer need hope and change as much as they need assurance and commitment to sound fundamental moral and economic principles. Multitudes are praying that the candidates chosen for high office will be men and women of sensitivity and substance with a firm understanding of the principles which built America, including faith in God and fear of the Same. Psalms 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” When men and women learn to fear God, then the hope can be had of a government without compromise, corruption, or controversy.

With a lighthearted look backward in American history, there was one brief shining moment when such a “government” existed, as least in regard to the presidency. History records it this way.

At exactly 12 noon on March 4, 1849, Zachary Taylor was scheduled to succeed James Polk as chief executive. But March 4 was a Sunday and Zachary Taylor, a devout man of God, refused to take the oath of office on the Sabbath. Mr. Taylor's Vice Presidential running mate, Millard Fillmore, likewise was not inaugurated. Therefore, under the Succession Act of 1792, Missouri Senator David Rice Atchison (August 11, 1807 – January 26, 1886), as President ProTempore of the Senate, automatically became officially the “Acting President of the United States.”

Senator Atchison, 41 years of age at the time, was said to have taken the responsibilities of his “office” with great aplomb, and with a sense of humor. Judge Mangum of North Carolina suggested with a smile he be appointed as secretary of state. Senator Atchison enjoyed a few drinks with his friends, finished up some congressional business, and went to bed to go to sleep for the remainder of his brief administration. On Monday at noon General Taylor took the official oath of office for the presidency of the United States. Nevertheless, the nation can remember with fondness the Atchison “presidency” and the good old “day” as a peaceful one without compromise, corruption, or controversy.

Special Note: The right to place Senator Atchison as a legitimate Acting President of the United States under the existing Constitution (1787) is highly questionable by competent historians, but it does make for a fun moment in American history.