Monday, February 17, 2014

Happy President's Day!


Tomorrow we will do our Russian BBC Country Profile, where the presidency is a bit different. For example, the Russian president can pass law by decree. But before we do, we should reflect back on the U.S. President's we honor today. At one time a day to honor George Washington, then another day was added to laud Abraham Lincoln, now it's one day to honor all 43 -- love 'em or leave 'em.
 As CitizenU wrote:
 Most of us learned our U.S. history by way of presidential stories.

Washington began it all.

 Jefferson purchased Louisiana then hired Lewis and Clark.
 Jacksonian democracy resulted in a chaotic inaugural.
 Lincoln saved the Union.
 Roosevelt gave us a New Deal and then saved the world.
 Kennedy brought sex appeal, and so began a revolution.
 Nixon broke our trust.
 Reagan made us feel good again.

  The threads that weave our American story invariably include one of our forty-three Masters of Ceremony, one of our Chief of State, one of our Presidents. For this reason we honor our Presidents today.
 President's Day, at one time only a day to celebrate Washington, is now dedicated to remembering much more. A strong single executive has guided the rich tapestry of American history. Our story is wrapped in Presidents’ stories.

 The President of the United States truly matters. Yet citizens matter too. Perhaps this is why our presidential candidates expend so much energy these days. Without us, their stories become less important.
 Happy President's Day. For a holiday bonus two points, blog here your favorite presidential quote captured here. And by the way, do you think the Youdia film poster was liberal, moderate, or conservative in the based on the quotes they chose?
 _________________

Traditional Government Assisgnment:
 Identify any presidential liberal or conservative quote and explain what makes it liberal or conservative. Do you agree or disagree with the quote? Answer here in the comment section (3 points, due Monday, 2/24.

3 comments:

Lotanna Ezenekwe said...

My favorite quote was the one by Abe Lincoln: "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Because it's one of the truest ones in the video. People can find strength within themselves when they encounter trouble but when you give them a position of power suddenly all the selfishness and self-preservation come out. At that point they're willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to get what they want, all because they can.
I thought the Youdia poster was a moderate because they included a nice range of quotes that could support each side.

Grant Pender said...

My favorite presidential quote was "Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war" - John Adams. This quote is extremely relevant 200+ years later when we have presidents sending us to war for fictitious reasons (Iraq). The only difference here is that Bush showed no remorse.

Bailey York said...

Regardless of how popular the quote may be, John F. Kennedy's inagural Adress quote in 1961, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" might be my favorite. I remember this quote as a banner above the white board in my third grade class. Since then, this quote has represented a fundemental belief I have; for all americans to contribute and strive for success.