Who do you feel was the best US President of all time? My vote is with FDR. He was the human equivalent to Jesus.
Best US President
Roosevelt? I don't think so. Yes, he is a great man. He saved USA from the dark days of the ecnomic crisis in late 1920's and fought back Japan and German. But his fame was limited among the US people. I am a foreigner. When you ask me some achievements of Roosevelt. I am sorry because I don't know anything more than I mention above. But Jesus is much more faous. At least in these world more than one billion people believe that he is their god.
| iZen wrote: |
| Who do you feel was the best US President of all time? My vote is with FDR. He was the human equivalent to Jesus. |
Maybe Clinton. During his presidency, our dictator president was stepped down by his own followers and people.
The best president is a tough one... the most influential is definitely FDR though. This is partly because he served longer than any other president, but also because he introduced many new ideas to try to pull us out of the Depression, many of which are still in effect today.
For best president it would probably be either Lincoln or FDR
For best president it would probably be either Lincoln or FDR
I'll bite my tounge and not say anything about Clinton (Bill) being our best president.... 
My top five are as follows:
1. Lincoln - Not a difficult choice at all
2. Washington - The first always sets the standards for the rest
3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them)
4. FDR - again, not a tough choice here
5. Reagan - singlehandedly pounded the Soviet Union into extinction, even though everyone in the US was screaming for him to back off.
Honorable mentions go to Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Nixon (no I'm not kidding).
My top five are as follows:
1. Lincoln - Not a difficult choice at all
2. Washington - The first always sets the standards for the rest
3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them)
4. FDR - again, not a tough choice here
5. Reagan - singlehandedly pounded the Soviet Union into extinction, even though everyone in the US was screaming for him to back off.
Honorable mentions go to Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Nixon (no I'm not kidding).
| HDirtwater wrote: |
| I'll bite my tounge and not say anything about Clinton (Bill) being our best president....
My top five are as follows: 1. Lincoln - Not a difficult choice at all 2. Washington - The first always sets the standards for the rest 3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them) 4. FDR - again, not a tough choice here 5. Reagan - singlehandedly pounded the Soviet Union into extinction, even though everyone in the US was screaming for him to back off. Honorable mentions go to Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Nixon (no I'm not kidding). |
I do agree with you about your choice of Lincoln!
I am not American BTW.
My favorite has to be Washington, because he was a humble leader who did not think of himself as a king, but rather a president in a time of autocracy. A close second is Wilson, because he knew and fowarned Britain and France that if they punish Germany it would come back to haunt them later, and he was right. Third is Lincoln, because he was quite a brave president - simply inserting assasination threats from southerners into a little folder, leading the country that was in the turmoil of Civil war, and supporting the reconstruction of the south.
I would say it is Franklin D. Roosevelt...
Lincoln. Got America out of the Civil War. Didn't want to punish the rebelling south, but to preserve the Union. Excellent speaker. Fair to all walks of life. A real people's man. Got things done.
I think the best American leader, isn't a president, but is Martin Luther King Jr.
Maybe the best US President is still yet to come, However anyone can be a real pain. I think they should get rid of President Rank and just use the house of REPS. because they decide what the president does anyhow. All it seems as the president does it make the world look more official ( as least in my opinion. So I so no president is the best president. 
This is just like "Greatest 'Evil Person'? :D" Please give what your definition of "best" is. I do agree with you iZen FDR was pretty good.
| silverdown wrote: |
| Maybe the best US President is still yet to come, However anyone can be a real pain. I think they should get rid of President Rank and just use the house of REPS. because they decide what the president does anyhow. All it seems as the president does it make the world look more official ( as least in my opinion. So I so no president is the best president. |
Read or re-read the U.S. constitution. There are many powers held by the executive branch that are not held by the legislative or judicial branches.
Furthermore, the U.S. can't have a system based solely upon a House of Representatives, since that is based upon population distribution. Thus smaller states would have virtually no power in such a system. The U.S. would be dominated by New York, California, and Texas. Thus the reason for the senate, where all states are equally represented.
Respectfully,
M
Even though I do not live in USA, and I don't know the presidents, all I know is that BUSH sucks. Isn't he gone soon. No offence to anybody, but he caused the war in Iraq, hes power hungry.
Thats just my opinion.
Thats just my opinion.
George Dubya gets a really rough time, not living in the US can I ask any American reading this is he really as thick as is he is portrayed in the media. All we see are clips of him making gaffes. Is this representative of the man??? Or has he some hidden depths us outsiders are not privy to?
Clinton is the best among last four president.
The others are not good enough.
The others are not good enough.
ye no doubt . clinton was good . atleast world was at peace when he was a president . Dont know what is wrong with this bush. why he wana attack the whole world. May God show him the right path 
| assee wrote: |
| ye no doubt . clinton was good . atleast world was at peace when he was a president . Dont know what is wrong with this bush. why he wana attack the whole world. May God show him the right path |
Yes, of course you're right. There wasn't any violence in the world at all when Clinton was president.
The best is a tie between Lincoln and FDR. Overall, however, Lincoln would probably win my vote because of who he was outside of the presidency. FDR was no better than Clinton when it came to scandalous affairs. The only difference between the two was that Cinton did it while in office, while FDR did it while he was running. Lincoln, however never cheated on his wife and was very devout to her, despite her crazyness. But as presidents, they both did the same type of work and bettered the country when it was down. No recent president could be in the category though. Too much corrpution lately.
The best US presidents would have to be Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. I don't choose them because they are well know but because of what they did in office. Lincoln helped the slaves gain their freedom and worked to abolish it completely during his years in office. He was a strong steadfast leader whos genuine concern was for the people. Theodore Roosevelt known for his cowboy charge on San Juan hill is my personal hero. He was a very big conservationist and during his years in office was bent on preserving the natural wonders that surround us and keep america a beautiful nation. Through his efforts he saved millions of acres land peserving it for all americans and also to protect the animals that live within.
I consider Lincoln to be the best president. The Civil War could've split the country and prevented us from becoming the prosperous world power that we are. Lincoln single-handedly (well, almost) prevented that.
and now i heard that His wife is going to be the next candidate for Presidentship? and she has bright chances to win these election .
As Democrats are in majority in both houses. Am not actually a american .. But am keen to know and beware of the America's Politics. and no doubt evryone does
As Democrats are in majority in both houses. Am not actually a american .. But am keen to know and beware of the America's Politics. and no doubt evryone does
| HDirtwater wrote: |
| I'll bite my tounge and not say anything about Clinton (Bill) being our best president.... |
...Must...not...make...Lewinsky joke...
Anyway, I think it was Truman, which for me is a hard choice, since although he wrote the death sentence for thousands of innocent people, it is highly likely that an invasion of Japan would've resulted in the death of many more people on both sides. No doubt he thought long and hard about the decision, and we must respect the mans resolve.
| brucedes wrote: | ||
...Must...not...make...Lewinsky joke... Anyway, I think it was Truman, which for me is a hard choice, since although he wrote the death sentence for thousands of innocent people, it is highly likely that an invasion of Japan would've resulted in the death of many more people on both sides. No doubt he thought long and hard about the decision, and we must respect the mans resolve. |
I agree. Truman was a good president. Maybe not the best, but he did what was necessary. I actually had to write a paper on whether it was ethical or not for Truman to have dropped the bomb and whether the decision was diplomatic or a military one.
Truman's decision to drop the bomb was arguably not much of a decision. Under Roosevelt, the Manhattan Project had been proceeding as if the drop were the ultimate goal, not simply the creation of a bomb. Scientists were, for the most part, debating drop sites - not morals.
There was also concern that Russia would enter the war if it dragged on too long, and this would mean communism in Japan. A demonstration was argued, but this suggestion was trashed because I was unsure that this would be enough to sway Japan, and scientists were not sure if it would work.
When Truman took office after the death of the popular Roosevelt, he had to keep his popularity up. Many were shocked that the new president had been a small-town farmer. He wanted to end the war, it was a drain to his popularity, and many were dying. Whether it was right or wrong, he continued Roosevelt's plan, and ordered the drop. It effectively ended the war.. after two bombs were dropped (Truman ordered the third to be withheld).
Many veterans of WWII will attest that Truman saved their lives by dropping the bomb, or support his action.
Anyways, Truman had reactively low popularity levels during his presidency, but after it, many looked back on Truman as a good president. Only after his presidency did they fully appreciate his policy.
There was also concern that Russia would enter the war if it dragged on too long, and this would mean communism in Japan. A demonstration was argued, but this suggestion was trashed because I was unsure that this would be enough to sway Japan, and scientists were not sure if it would work.
When Truman took office after the death of the popular Roosevelt, he had to keep his popularity up. Many were shocked that the new president had been a small-town farmer. He wanted to end the war, it was a drain to his popularity, and many were dying. Whether it was right or wrong, he continued Roosevelt's plan, and ordered the drop. It effectively ended the war.. after two bombs were dropped (Truman ordered the third to be withheld).
Many veterans of WWII will attest that Truman saved their lives by dropping the bomb, or support his action.
Anyways, Truman had reactively low popularity levels during his presidency, but after it, many looked back on Truman as a good president. Only after his presidency did they fully appreciate his policy.
| knightandre wrote: |
|
Many veterans of WWII will attest that Truman saved their lives by dropping the bomb, or support his action. |
to use an atom bomb on civilian territory is a cowardly and dishonorable action.
| palavra wrote: | ||
to use an atom bomb on civilian territory is a cowardly and dishonorable action. |
Teaching little girls (as well as everyone who can even walk) to kill Allied Soldiers isn't exactly a very moral thing to do either, but knowing Japanese at the time, it wouldn't have scarred them for life like it would do to little girls nowadays.
The bomb was necessary, the Japanese didn't care if you kill their soldiers, but when you hit them where it hurts and scare the hell out of the civilians, it becomes much more effective, the US effectively protected the entire world, and all thanks to a certain "Little Boy".
| reddishblue wrote: |
| Teaching little girls (as well as everyone who can even walk) to kill Allied Soldiers isn't exactly a very moral thing to do either, but knowing Japanese at the time, it wouldn't have scarred them for life like it would do to little girls nowadays.
The bomb was necessary, the Japanese didn't care if you kill their soldiers, but when you hit them where it hurts and scare the hell out of the civilians, it becomes much more effective, the US effectively protected the entire world, and all thanks to a certain "Little Boy". |
-i did't tell japanese did everything correctly
-could you kill an innocent japanese baby to win the war?
-to use an atom bomb over a city is the same with 9/11. it is a terror activity and that horrible president was a terrorist.
- i hope he is in hell with his "little boy"
| palavra wrote: |
|
-to use an atom bomb over a city is the same with 9/11. it is a terror activity and that horrible president was a terrorist. |
That is an absolutely wrong moral comparison! A proper moral context for Hiroshima and Nagasaki is that they are the same as fire bombing Hamburg and Dresden, Germany.
Morally Hamburg, Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki are all the same. The only difference is the technology used to inflict the damage. The atomic bomb did not exist yet when the allies sent thousands of bombers over Hamburg and Dresden for several consecutive days and nights.
If you think the Hamburg and Dresden bombings were immoral, then yes you must believe that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were immoral. If you believe that the bombing of Hamburg and Dresden was moral, then you are more far more likely to believe Hiroshima and Nagasaki were moral.
However 9/11 is in an utterly different warfare, temporal, and motivational context.
Respectfully,
M
| Moonspider wrote: |
|
If you think the Hamburg and Dresden bombings were immoral, then yes you must believe that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were immoral. If you believe that the bombing of Hamburg and Dresden was moral, then you are more far more likely to believe Hiroshima and Nagasaki were moral. However 9/11 is in an utterly different warfare, temporal, and motivational context. |
yes , i think hambug and dresden bombings were immoral like all the other events against to civilians.
it does not make any difference bombers wear a uniform or not
| palavra wrote: |
| -could you kill an innocent japanese baby to win the war?
- i hope he is in hell with his "little boy" |
To stop possibly MILLIONS more dying...yes...in what way is one life more important then so many, and anyway, I didn't say that it was the right thing to do, I ment it was the ONLY thing to do.
| palavra wrote: | ||
yes , i think hambug and dresden bombings were immoral like all the other events against to civilians. it does not make any difference bombers wear a uniform or not |
I respect that.
However I disagree with you based upon the context of that war and the technology of the period. World War II was a total war in every sense of the term.
Respectfully,
M
well, we all agree that is a Democrat at least 
I think Bill Clinton was the best president of US ever.
The worst, definitetly George W. Bush.
I think Bill Clinton was the best president of US ever.
The worst, definitetly George W. Bush.
| polis wrote: |
| well, we all agree that is a Democrat at least. |
Actually I also saw people mention Washington, Lincoln, and Reagan.
| polis wrote: |
| I think Bill Clinton was the best president of US ever.
The worst, definitetly George W. Bush. |
You must be relatively young.
Respectfully,
M
| Moonspider wrote: | ||||
Actually I also saw people mention Washington, Lincoln, and Reagan.
You must be relatively young.
Respectfully, M |
Oh rly? why is that?
I know it sounds like a "cliché", but it's true.
| polis wrote: | ||||||
Oh rly? why is that? I know it sounds like a "cliché", but it's true. |
Only because you chose "best" and the "worst" from the two most recent presidents.
Respectfully,
M
| Moonspider wrote: | ||||||||
Only because you chose "best" and the "worst" from the two most recent presidents.
Respectfully, M |
Amazing, so from now on, it is forbidden to choose from the most recent presidents. Very clever from you.
| polis wrote: | ||||||||||
Amazing, so from now on, it is forbidden to choose from the most recent presidents. Very clever from you. |
No. It's your prerogative to choose whomever you wish. I simply surmised that since you chose the last two presidents to have served in the office since 1789 that you have limited experiences with presidents. It’s nothing personal. Just my summation based upon the limited evidence before me.
For example, I doubt any American from the Depression Era would have chosen Bill Clinton as the best. And many people who lived through the Watergate scandal might choose Nixon over Bush as the worst.
I also surmised that someone older might have a broader perspective of American history. However that is not always the case, especially since people in advanced civilizations tend to be more specialized instead of traditionally educated.
Respectfully,
M
I'd say Abraham Lincoln!
| reddishblue wrote: |
|
To stop possibly MILLIONS more dying...yes...in what way is one life more important then so many, and anyway, I didn't say that it was the right thing to do, I ment it was the ONLY thing to do. |
If you honestly think that it was literally the only thing to do, you are objectively wrong and I think you understand that. I think we'll both agree that hard times breed hard decisions and disgusting events though, and I understand the reasoning behind dropping the bomb.
M - I just thought I'd say that I consider the Dresden bombings and Hiroshima/Nagasaki to be equally disturbing and disgusting. However, that is my opinion on total war in general, I don't like the idea of killing civilians in war (Who does?).
If I had to pick a 'favorite' (Calling it the 'best' president feels too... wrong), it would be a tie between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. However my knowledge of american history is very limited, and I'm not really sure what I base my thoughts on here, they just both feel like natural choices. Maybe something that I will give a thought.
The best US resident is Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was the best. He helped US a lot. He was the 32 US president. He was the best president.
George Washington.
He led the country to places it had never been. He was the first president, yet he probably did the greatest job. One of the things that probably got him that far was the lack of political experience. Politics have a tendency to corrupt people who want the power. He had no political party because he didnt believe in that and in his farewell address, even encouraged us to stray away from party politics.
On another note, most people who say "Bush sucks", etc, etc are little kids who don't know what they're talking about and probably got what they know from their parents or their teachers/professors. Mostly all they know is that we are in a war. Bush didn't completely start the war. You guys forget, he had to have congress' approval to go anywhere, and most people should know it was the whole country's fault for acting on false information. You shouldn't pin the blame on Bush, and even still your'e going off topic. This isn't a "I hate Bush topic, who else does" kind of topic.
-IHMUN-
He led the country to places it had never been. He was the first president, yet he probably did the greatest job. One of the things that probably got him that far was the lack of political experience. Politics have a tendency to corrupt people who want the power. He had no political party because he didnt believe in that and in his farewell address, even encouraged us to stray away from party politics.
On another note, most people who say "Bush sucks", etc, etc are little kids who don't know what they're talking about and probably got what they know from their parents or their teachers/professors. Mostly all they know is that we are in a war. Bush didn't completely start the war. You guys forget, he had to have congress' approval to go anywhere, and most people should know it was the whole country's fault for acting on false information. You shouldn't pin the blame on Bush, and even still your'e going off topic. This isn't a "I hate Bush topic, who else does" kind of topic.
-IHMUN-
| budiman wrote: |
| Maybe Clinton. During his presidency, our dictator president was stepped down by his own followers and people. |
Haha.. lets see clinton.. let osama go.. gave secrets to n. korea hmm the best!
I believe during <my time not all of history> that
President Ronald Reagon was the best.
He was a great speaker.
When he said it he made sure they heard it.
HE is the reason the Berlin Wall is down today.
No one would ever dare go against him you could see it in his eyes.. i suggest if you watch some of his videos online you will think alot more of him.
Reagan, IMHO. Downing the Soviet Union with a stern hand is not an easy job and he sent the U.S. economy in the right direction. Although the oldest president, he certainly was not the weakest, and was in general just a great leader.
| HDirtwater wrote: |
| I'll bite my tounge and not say anything about Clinton (Bill) being our best president.... :roll:
My top five are as follows: 1. Lincoln - Not a difficult choice at all 2. Washington - The first always sets the standards for the rest 3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them) 4. FDR - again, not a tough choice here 5. Reagan - singlehandedly pounded the Soviet Union into extinction, even though everyone in the US was screaming for him to back off. Honorable mentions go to Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Nixon (no I'm not kidding). |
Lincoln? He was the second most hated president of all time. People only began to like him after he died. He did nothing. I guess you can give him some credit for the Civil War but he was about ready to reestablish slavery after the war to preserve the Union. So it's highly likely that if he wasn't killed, slavery would have been reestablished. Washington? He did nothing. He's only known because he was the first president. But then again doing nothing is what the country needed, because the country was too fragile for big change. But all he basically did was eat ice cream. Wilson? He was all right. He got stuff done, so did FDR. Reagan? Yeah he ended the Cold War and came out with his Reaganomics. But didn't he tripple the national deficit or something close to that? Jackson? He was all right. Truman? I guess you can give him credit for ended WWII but he did drop two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki when it wasn't necessary (in my opinion). Jefferson? He was all right. Added 1/3 of the United States from the Louisianna Purchase so I'll give him a little credit there. Nixon? I like him. He was one of my favorite presdients. Watergate just screwed him over but I liked him. Sorry, as you can see I don't always look at people in the best way lol.
| I Hate My User Name wrote: |
| George Washington.
He led the country to places it had never been. He was the first president, yet he probably did the greatest job. One of the things that probably got him that far was the lack of political experience. Politics have a tendency to corrupt people who want the power. He had no political party because he didnt believe in that and in his farewell address, even encouraged us to stray away from party politics. On another note, most people who say "Bush sucks", etc, etc are little kids who don't know what they're talking about and probably got what they know from their parents or their teachers/professors. Mostly all they know is that we are in a war. Bush didn't completely start the war. You guys forget, he had to have congress' approval to go anywhere, and most people should know it was the whole country's fault for acting on false information. You shouldn't pin the blame on Bush, and even still your'e going off topic. This isn't a "I hate Bush topic, who else does" kind of topic. -IHMUN- |
Nicely said... I've been fighting for Bush for the past few years. I have to admit that not all of his plans have worked out, but he's decent.
| et-configs wrote: | ||
Haha.. lets see clinton.. let osama go.. gave secrets to n. korea hmm the best! I believe during <my time not all of history> that President Ronald Reagon was the best. He was a great speaker. When he said it he made sure they heard it. HE is the reason the Berlin Wall is down today. No one would ever dare go against him you could see it in his eyes.. i suggest if you watch some of his videos online you will think alot more of him. |
Clinton did do all of that, but one thing I do have to give him credit for is opening up trade with Venezuela.
lol i am going to go with George Bush. he is the greatest. just look at what hes done. hes a genuis.
i would say George Washington because he was very much devoted to what he did.
as for george bush this imgae suits this
source http://funnyemails.uni.cc/content/view/35/
as for george bush this imgae suits this
source http://funnyemails.uni.cc/content/view/35/
I've posted comments here but have not stated my opinion. Thus I will do so now.
Best U.S. President:
Abraham Lincoln - Preserved the United States through the course of the Civil War. (Even though he crushed many liberties to do so, including the suspension of habeas corpus during the war. Arguably it had to be done.) Elevated the abolition of slavery to a war cause, not just the preservation of the Union.
Worst U.S. President:
James Buchanan - A very weak leader. His ineptitude and inaction (as well as his support of the Dred Scott Decision and interference with the Supreme Court) directly lead to the Civil War. Furthermore, when the secession crisis first began on his watch, he did nothing.
I felt compelled to add my "Worst" choice since so many feel compelled to name Bush as the worst. I personally believe that President Bush will probably fall in the middle of presidential rankings in the future, about the same place as President Clinton. We'll see in a decade or two.
Respectfully,
M
Best U.S. President:
Abraham Lincoln - Preserved the United States through the course of the Civil War. (Even though he crushed many liberties to do so, including the suspension of habeas corpus during the war. Arguably it had to be done.) Elevated the abolition of slavery to a war cause, not just the preservation of the Union.
Worst U.S. President:
James Buchanan - A very weak leader. His ineptitude and inaction (as well as his support of the Dred Scott Decision and interference with the Supreme Court) directly lead to the Civil War. Furthermore, when the secession crisis first began on his watch, he did nothing.
I felt compelled to add my "Worst" choice since so many feel compelled to name Bush as the worst. I personally believe that President Bush will probably fall in the middle of presidential rankings in the future, about the same place as President Clinton. We'll see in a decade or two.
Respectfully,
M
| assee wrote: |
| ye no doubt . clinton was good . atleast world was at peace when he was a president . Dont know what is wrong with this bush. why he wana attack the whole world. May God show him the right path :D |
Peace? What about the conflicts that he had in Africa? Mogadishu?
| Afaceinthematrix wrote: | ||
Peace? What about the conflicts that he had in Africa? Mogadishu? |
Don't forget Bosnia. That was a fairly major international conflict.
Respectfully,
M
It is very interesting to see all the opinions expressed on this subject, especially those from outside the US. It also cracks me up to see so many take this opportunity to call Bush the worst president ever. I believe that if this topic is started 40 years from now in a forum somewhere, that he would probably not even be mentioned.
If I had to pick, I would say Lincoln. If you will allow me, I will add Reagan as my favorite during my lifetime. Never before or since have I been inspired by a leader of my country than when he was in office.
If I had to pick, I would say Lincoln. If you will allow me, I will add Reagan as my favorite during my lifetime. Never before or since have I been inspired by a leader of my country than when he was in office.
| Moonspider wrote: | ||||
Don't forget Bosnia. That was a fairly major international conflict. Respectfully, M |
The conflict in Bosnia (the US involvment there I mean), and the US involvment in Somalia (Mogadishu - Blackhawk Down) both took place during Bill Clinton's presidency. I find it funny how when a president starts to get criticism (whether deserved or not), ignorant people just pile on without knowing the facts.
I don't claim to be a GW fan, but let's at least blame him for stuff that he actaully did.
| HDirtwater wrote: | ||||||
The conflict in Bosnia (the US involvment there I mean), and the US involvment in Somalia (Mogadishu - Blackhawk Down) both took place during Bill Clinton's presidency. I find it funny how when a president starts to get criticism (whether deserved or not), ignorant people just pile on without knowing the facts. I don't claim to be a GW fan, but let's at least blame him for stuff that he actaully did. |
Both Afaceinthematrix and I were talking about the Clinton administration.
Respectfully,
M
For me, it would be Abraham Lincoln as he was the one actually united America. He accomlished a feeling of togetherness amongst the people and taught them to treat each other equally without racism on the basis of colour.
He also rescued America as far as the civil war was concerned. He stopped fellow Americans from killing each other.
It was a pity that he had to die due to the stupidity of doctors.
He also rescued America as far as the civil war was concerned. He stopped fellow Americans from killing each other.
It was a pity that he had to die due to the stupidity of doctors.
agh , all presidents are corrupted.....
i think clinton was the best American has produced.Lets face the fact and put his affair with mOnica aside.
His diplomatic dealings with Asia where very ok, our army was not fighting a war that we don't know when it'll end.
I can't recall a bomb blast in America during Clinton's time as president, the citizens where safe and not scared like the caase is this days.
Osama was a time bomb waiting to explode but we didn't see it exploding during Clinton's eight years term.
I wasn't alive when most past president rule but i was and still alive when Clinton was in charge, and America was very normal and nothing seems to happen in the midle east to foster us into any kind of war.
As for me Clinton will for now be y best American president EVER.
His diplomatic dealings with Asia where very ok, our army was not fighting a war that we don't know when it'll end.
I can't recall a bomb blast in America during Clinton's time as president, the citizens where safe and not scared like the caase is this days.
Osama was a time bomb waiting to explode but we didn't see it exploding during Clinton's eight years term.
I wasn't alive when most past president rule but i was and still alive when Clinton was in charge, and America was very normal and nothing seems to happen in the midle east to foster us into any kind of war.
As for me Clinton will for now be y best American president EVER.
| sandra wrote: |
| i think clinton was the best American has produced.Lets face the fact and put his affair with mOnica aside.
His diplomatic dealings with Asia where very ok, our army was not fighting a war that we don't know when it'll end. I can't recall a bomb blast in America during Clinton's time as president, the citizens where safe and not scared like the caase is this days. Osama was a time bomb waiting to explode but we didn't see it exploding during Clinton's eight years term. I wasn't alive when most past president rule but i was and still alive when Clinton was in charge, and America was very normal and nothing seems to happen in the midle east to foster us into any kind of war. As for me Clinton will for now be y best American president EVER. |
Again, facts are your friend. During Clinton's presidency, he ignored Bin Laden while that maniac bombed US embassys and the USS Cole. Also, the original World Trade Center bombing took place in 1993, under Clinton's watch. It's funny how you mention these things almost by name and yet ignore who was president when they happened.
Personally, I don't believe any event that takes place necessarily has anything to do with who is president at the time, unless it is of his own doing (the Gettysburg Address, the Man to the Moon speech, etc). If I were to go out and bomb something or someone, I guarantee a whole bunch of people would still blame it on GW,,,,
I'll go for Lincoln
FDR - He did great during the WW2 days
Washington - A great general turned into a great president even tho he didnt want to be president
Lincoln - Come on its lincoln
Reagan - Hes amazing
Washington - A great general turned into a great president even tho he didnt want to be president
Lincoln - Come on its lincoln
Reagan - Hes amazing
I think we should award Alexander Hamilton an honorary ex-presidentialship title. He might never have held the highest office, but I think he is the single most important man in the history of the United States. His arguments on federalism and the constitution defined modern democratic government and constitutional interpretation. His economic policies saved the United States from the brink of bankruptcy and set the US on track to become one of the leaders of the industrial revolution. As much as we all love Jefferson, if Jefferson's economic policies had been used instead of Hamilton's, we would most surely be a third world country right now.
If Burr hadn't been such a tool and killed Hamilton in a duel that wasn't supposed to mean anything, who knows how much better off this country might be.
If Burr hadn't been such a tool and killed Hamilton in a duel that wasn't supposed to mean anything, who knows how much better off this country might be.
me too! fdr rulez
| jabronie25 wrote: |
| FDR - He did great during the WW2 days
Washington - A great general turned into a great president even tho he didnt want to be president Lincoln - Come on its lincoln Reagan - Hes amazing |
Yeah man rounding up every Japanese person on the west coast and basically putting them in concentration camps is doing great =/
COLBERT 08....Oh wait he's not President yet..But he will be someday...
the father and son THE bUSH
| HDirtwater wrote: |
| I'll bite my tounge and not say anything about Clinton (Bill) being our best president....
My top five are as follows: 1. Lincoln - Not a difficult choice at all 2. Washington - The first always sets the standards for the rest 3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them) 4. FDR - again, not a tough choice here 5. Reagan - singlehandedly pounded the Soviet Union into extinction, even though everyone in the US was screaming for him to back off. Honorable mentions go to Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Nixon (no I'm not kidding). |
So, I'm gonna have to nix Reagan off that list. I would suggest that running up a massive budget deficit is a bad thing. I would also suggest that he had LITTLE to do with the fall of the Soviet Union. The fall of the USSR was largely due to three things: (1) economic instability, (2) overextention in Afghanistan and other regions w/o popular or economic support, and (3) emergence of characters like Gorbachev and eventually Yeltsin who further softened the hard-line framework. Reagan spoke loudly and harshly against the USSR, but he didn't actually DO anything to cause it to collapse.
| benjmd wrote: | ||
So, I'm gonna have to nix Reagan off that list. I would suggest that running up a massive budget deficit is a bad thing. I would also suggest that he had LITTLE to do with the fall of the Soviet Union. The fall of the USSR was largely due to three things: (1) economic instability, (2) overextention in Afghanistan and other regions w/o popular or economic support, and (3) emergence of characters like Gorbachev and eventually Yeltsin who further softened the hard-line framework. Reagan spoke loudly and harshly against the USSR, but he didn't actually DO anything to cause it to collapse. |
I'll argue your three points against Reagan:
1) Soviet economic instability - Reagan encouraged this instability by buildling up the U.S. military in an arms race the Soviets could not afford to wage.
2) Overextension in Afganistan - Once again, the Reagan administration poured a fortune into Afghanistan, providing weapons, military and intelligence advisors to the Afghan rebels fighting the USSR, thus prolonging the war and sustaining the quagmire in which the Soviets found themselves. (And before anyone makes a fool comment on how we created bin Laden and Al Qaeda in the process, I'll tell you that funding and aid in that war went to Afghan rebels, not to any of the foreign fighters like bin Laden's organization.)
3) Gorbachev may have helped, but I will argue he was actually doing his best to preserve the Empire through his reforms, not destroy it. It fell despite his efforts, not because of them.
But I can say nothing more eloquently to refute your comment than the following article by Lech Walesa on the occassion of President Reagan's death:
| In Solidarity - The Polish people, hungry for justice, preferred "cowboys" over Communists. BY LECH WALESA, Friday, June 11, 2004 12:01 a.m. EDT wrote: |
| GDANSK, Poland--When talking about Ronald Reagan, I have to be personal. We in Poland took him so personally. Why? Because we owe him our liberty. This can't be said often enough by people who lived under oppression for half a century, until communism fell in 1989.
Poles fought for their freedom for so many years that they hold in special esteem those who backed them in their struggle. Support was the test of friendship. President Reagan was such a friend. His policy of aiding democratic movements in Central and Eastern Europe in the dark days of the Cold War meant a lot to us. We knew he believed in a few simple principles such as human rights, democracy and civil society. He was someone who was convinced that the citizen is not for the state, but vice-versa, and that freedom is an innate right. I often wondered why Ronald Reagan did this, taking the risks he did, in supporting us at Solidarity, as well as dissident movements in other countries behind the Iron Curtain, while pushing a defense buildup that pushed the Soviet economy over the brink. Let's remember that it was a time of recession in the U.S. and a time when the American public was more interested in their own domestic affairs. It took a leader with a vision to convince them that there are greater things worth fighting for. Did he seek any profit in such a policy? Though our freedom movements were in line with the foreign policy of the United States, I doubt it. I distinguish between two kinds of politicians. There are those who view politics as a tactical game, a game in which they do not reveal any individuality, in which they lose their own face. There are, however, leaders for whom politics is a means of defending and furthering values. For them, it is a moral pursuit. They do so because the values they cherish are endangered. They're convinced that there are values worth living for, and even values worth dying for. Otherwise they would consider their life and work pointless. Only such politicians are great politicians and Ronald Reagan was one of them. The 1980s were a curious time--a time of realization that a new age was upon us. Communism was coming to an end. It had used up its means and possibilities. The ground was set for change. But this change needed the cooperation, or unspoken understanding, of different political players. Now, from the perspective of our time, it is obvious that like the pieces of a global chain of events, Ronald Reagan, John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher and even Mikhail Gorbachev helped bring about this new age in Europe. We at Solidarity like to claim more than a little credit, too, for bringing about the end of the Cold War. In the Europe of the 1980s, Ronald Reagan presented a vision. For us in Central and Eastern Europe, that meant freedom from the Soviets. Mr. Reagan was no ostrich who hoped that problems might just go away. He thought that problems are there to be faced. This is exactly what he did. Every time I met President Reagan, at his private estate in California or at the Lenin shipyard here in Gdansk, I was amazed by his modesty and even temper. He didn't fit the stereotype of the world leader that he was. Privately, we were like opposite sides of a magnet: He was always composed; I was a raging tower of emotions eager to act. We were so different yet we never had a problem with understanding one another. I respected his honesty and good humor. It gave me confidence in his policies and his resolve. He supported my struggle, but what unified us, unmistakably, were our similar values and shared goals. I have often been asked in the United States to sign the poster that many Americans consider very significant. Prepared for the first almost-free parliamentary elections in Poland in 1989, the poster shows Gary Cooper as the lonely sheriff in the American Western, "High Noon." Under the headline "At High Noon" runs the red Solidarity banner and the date--June 4, 1989--of the poll. It was a simple but effective gimmick that, at the time, was misunderstood by the Communists. They, in fact, tried to ridicule the freedom movement in Poland as an invention of the "Wild" West, especially the U.S. But the poster had the opposite impact: Cowboys in Western clothes had become a powerful symbol for Poles. Cowboys fight for justice, fight against evil, and fight for freedom, both physical and spiritual. Solidarity trounced the Communists in that election, paving the way for a democratic government in Poland. It is always so touching when people bring this poster up to me to autograph it. They have cherished it for so many years and it has become the emblem of the battle that we all fought together. As I say repeatedly, we owe so much to all those who supported us. Perhaps in the early years, we didn't express enough gratitude. We were so busy introducing all the necessary economic and political reforms in our reborn country. Yet President Ronald Reagan must have realized what remarkable changes he brought to Poland, and indeed the rest of the world. And I hope he felt gratified. He should have. Mr. Walesa, winner of the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize, was president of Poland from 1990 to 1995. |
Respectfully,
M
Yup, I support Reagan as one of the best. While he may not have done the actual work, the job of a leader is to see that it gets done, and lots of things happened under his reign. I believe the world would be a different place if not for him.
As for what he did for the nation, I do not have a favorite president. Yet, based on personality, it is most definitely Andrew Jackson by a long run.
This man was amazing. Spending the whole of his presidency with a bullet lodged next to his heart. Defeating the 10,000 man army that just recently defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, with his own army of 4,000 pirates. He was really an amazing person.
This man was amazing. Spending the whole of his presidency with a bullet lodged next to his heart. Defeating the 10,000 man army that just recently defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, with his own army of 4,000 pirates. He was really an amazing person.
I would have to say President Abe and President Roosevelt were the best presidents. I can't really decide which would be better between the two of them.
Many people argue that FDR was a good president. And I too think he was. But people like Hoover where also good at times. Hoover led the country through the depression which has to be hard. Lincoln was also a good president. Again he led us through a hard time in American life. He led us through the civil war. He helped shape America how it is today. If the Union weren't to win and the Confederates where too then this country would possibly be 2. There might still be slavery. So with him helping the north out it led the country to be how it is today.
| Blaster wrote: |
| If the Union weren't to win and the Confederates where too then this country would possibly be 2. There might still be slavery. |
I don't think slavery would have lasted much beyond the end of the war if the Confederacy had won. Southerners for the most part had already accepted that slavery was approaching its end. It certainly was not the cause of the war. Making it a cause of the war was a master stroke of the Union though, for it gave the United States the moral high ground that it lacked when the war first started. (Lincoln actually fired a general in the Western theater for freeing slaves early in the war.) As Confederate General Longstreet said in 1863, "We should have freed the slaves and then fired on Fort Sumter."
Respectfully,
M
Bill Clinton, just wonderful in everyway...... except when he lied
Has to be Washington for me!
So much would need to be considered and so different were the times in the past 200+ years, that I simply can't answer that question. If you had asked about my favorite President, then it would have been ...
.. (as 1. not 3.). I can very much identify for what he stood for, although he partly failed to do what he had set out to. Close second would have been Adlai Stevenson but not enough people "called" him
.
| HDirtwater wrote: |
|
... 3. W. Wilson - Had great ideas that were far beyond their time (league of nations being one of them) ... |
.. (as 1. not 3.). I can very much identify for what he stood for, although he partly failed to do what he had set out to. Close second would have been Adlai Stevenson but not enough people "called" him
.
| Adlai E. Stevenson wrote: |
|
I dont know, but I think Obama gonna be a good president. Because he gonna win...
| czc587 wrote: |
| Yup, I support Reagan as one of the best. While he may not have done the actual work, the job of a leader is to see that it gets done, and lots of things happened under his reign. I believe the world would be a different place if not for him. |
If I remember well Reagan was already affected by his disease when he was president. Or at least it is the explanation that we can give for some of the "blackout" time he had (if I remember well, he was for instance joking saying that a nuclear war was started... very funny joke indeed)
So, don't tell me that the best president you had was the one who had a mental disease !
Sorry to say but Most of them tried or did screw the USA in a way or another.
Some are/were better then others don't get me wrong
Some are/were better then others don't get me wrong
| iZen wrote: |
| Who do you feel was the best US President of all time? My vote is with FDR. He was the human equivalent to Jesus. |
Heh; not quite Jesus in my book. But I also vote for FDR. He was a truly great man IMO..
And terrific president. You know it must be so hard to be president; so much responsibility all on your own shoulders. And look at him; his time period, look how much he had in regards to responsibility
All I can say is - WOW! Great man, great job, FDR!
Way to gO!
Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, FDR and Eisenhower in modern history. They were the right men at the right time. I personally like reading about Eisenhower because his presidency has largely been swept into the annals of time and forgotten. He really did a lot of great things setting up science programs and investing in the interstate highway system, without those investments I believe America would be a very different country today.
My vote would go to Ronald Reagan. He was known as the great communicator because of his acting training and his ability to give A+ speeches. If he needed something and Congress was draggging its feet, he would take it to the people with an effective prime time speech. The American people would take matters in their own hands and lobby their foot dragging reps. He was also tough with respect to National defense and was able to end the Cold War. The wousy stuff of the world today is nothing in comparision to the tension that existed between super powers during the cold war. The change was like getting rid of the biker gang and replacing it with annoying kids that you can no longer treats as adults. N Korea and Iran may get the bomb, but that is chicken stratch to the Soviet Union that had 1000's of bombs that reach anywhere in the world.
On the negative side, Regan's trickle down economics didn't pan out because capitalism uses greed to maximizes allocation of resources. The trickle down fron the top stopped at about the upper middle and never fully reached the middle-bottom. The union busting took away job security but was necessary to make US more competitive in the lower cost international labor markets that were beginning to expand. Losing jobs overseas, meant American jobs, but jobs overseas it the best defense against poverty and tin horn dictators.
When Reagan came to office in 1981, he inherited interest rates at 20% and high unemployment from Jimmy Carter. He turned that around to a time of prosperity in a few years. This increased the national debt due to high military spending but brought an end to the cold war. Today the debt is back down and the world is far less threatened by nuclear extinction.
On the negative side, Regan's trickle down economics didn't pan out because capitalism uses greed to maximizes allocation of resources. The trickle down fron the top stopped at about the upper middle and never fully reached the middle-bottom. The union busting took away job security but was necessary to make US more competitive in the lower cost international labor markets that were beginning to expand. Losing jobs overseas, meant American jobs, but jobs overseas it the best defense against poverty and tin horn dictators.
When Reagan came to office in 1981, he inherited interest rates at 20% and high unemployment from Jimmy Carter. He turned that around to a time of prosperity in a few years. This increased the national debt due to high military spending but brought an end to the cold war. Today the debt is back down and the world is far less threatened by nuclear extinction.
Why didn't you tell about Kenedy?
I heard that Kenedy had did many things for USA, and his scandal.
I heard that Kenedy had did many things for USA, and his scandal.
I just watched a documentary on PBS on Andrew Jackson and I was quite impressed.
I like the following presidents :
Abe Lincoln
Teddy Roosevelt
John F. Kennedy
Andrew Jackson
Ronald Reagan
I dislike what the following presidents did during their tenture in office :
George W. Bush
Harry Truman
Woodrow Wilson - He sold us out!
"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country.
A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit.
Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation,
therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men.
We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely
controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world.
No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by
conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by
the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men." - Woodrow Wilson
I like the following presidents :
Abe Lincoln
Teddy Roosevelt
John F. Kennedy
Andrew Jackson
Ronald Reagan
I dislike what the following presidents did during their tenture in office :
George W. Bush
Harry Truman
Woodrow Wilson - He sold us out!
"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country.
A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit.
Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation,
therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men.
We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely
controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world.
No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by
conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by
the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men." - Woodrow Wilson
i dunno who was the best, but the Bush is the worst...
| iZen wrote: |
| Who do you feel was the best US President of all time? My vote is with FDR. He was the human equivalent to Jesus. |
Roosevelt was certainly one of the greatest. For this one reason: he was intelligent enough to see the danger known today as the new world order... he warned us all againt the industrio-military complex...and we haven't been intelligent enough to take him seriously. we all, the people andgovernments of the world, fell down to the new world order.
the second greatest has got to be JFK, and his brother too, although his brother never was a president. For the right reasons, once the industrio-military complex sees that it's losing it's battle against you, to stay in the secrecy, they don't hesitate to kill you. so my answre is very simple:
ex-Aequo: Roosevelt and JF Kennedy.
| iZen wrote: |
| Who do you feel was the best US President of all time? My vote is with FDR. He was the human equivalent to Jesus. |
FDR was a Communist.
It worked though.
For me, it has to be good ole Abe Lincoln. A text book answer, I am well aware, but the man saved the Union. Without him, there would be no "United States of America."
I'd have to go with Teddy Roosevelt. He busted trusts, expanded U.S. influence (to our benefit), and setup the national park service. He was also part of a calvary, attempted to simplify English spelling (but failed), and survived an assasination attempt, and right afterwards gave a speech with the bullet still in him.
My other favorite would probably have to go with Woodrow Wilson, because he had the foresight that there would be reprocussions to some of the actions taken by the allies in World War I.
Of course, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison were all great people as well, but they're on a higher plane of existence and deserve more credit than being presidents, because they were the revolutionaries and the founding fathers.
My other favorite would probably have to go with Woodrow Wilson, because he had the foresight that there would be reprocussions to some of the actions taken by the allies in World War I.
Of course, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison were all great people as well, but they're on a higher plane of existence and deserve more credit than being presidents, because they were the revolutionaries and the founding fathers.
When you think about it, and perhaps this is simply an exaggeration, JFK's judgment, in the face of contrary advice, may have halted the 'end of the world.'
All drama aside, when you consider the cuban missile crisis, with the 'countdown to midnight,' one misstep would have been all it took to start some sort of nuclear war. The untold damage that such a conflict would have wrought, when one envisions it, qualifies JFK to be considered one of these top guys, I believe.
All drama aside, when you consider the cuban missile crisis, with the 'countdown to midnight,' one misstep would have been all it took to start some sort of nuclear war. The untold damage that such a conflict would have wrought, when one envisions it, qualifies JFK to be considered one of these top guys, I believe.
My most favourite President is definitely Theodore Roosevelt. He showed the most integrity, he loved life and what he was doing, had the guts to take unpopular decisions and did not care whether they were at risk of himself. He is a hero of mine.
Abraham Lincoln was not as charismatic but did live during a very interesting part of the American history and had to make important decisions. He put an end to slavery.
I really liked Ronald Reagan. There was something very special about him. A very carefully spoken person who motivated every one. He had a knack of not making any enemies. I liked his style.
I am very sorry John Kennedy's reign got cut short so early in his life. He was very special to me. He was young, had lots of guts, was super intelligent, and was like a breath of fresh air after decades of old cronies. Wonder whether that is the very reason that he got assassinated. His passing was very sad to me and it would be interesting to wonder about his accomplishments if he had had the opportunity to stay on. Also sorry about Bobby's passing. That was indeed a sad chapter in the history of US Presidents.
We do not hear much about him, but I cannot help but admire Jimmy Carter for his ability to survive. I was not too crazy about him as a President as he gave me the impression of being totally naive. Particularly regarding the Iranian Embassy crisis. But still, it would appear his major works all came after the end of his Presidency. He did not retire and is still working hard for world peace.
I am not as much of a fan of Franklin Roosevelt, even when he is given as a fantastic President. Think most Presidents would have done well at the time and he was lucky to to have been President at a time in US History when US was in demand by its European allies. I still wonder whether Pearl Harbour could have been avoided.
Harry Trueman and Woodrow Wilson were Presidents during a very dark era for me. Definitely of my less favourite Presidents.
Abraham Lincoln was not as charismatic but did live during a very interesting part of the American history and had to make important decisions. He put an end to slavery.
I really liked Ronald Reagan. There was something very special about him. A very carefully spoken person who motivated every one. He had a knack of not making any enemies. I liked his style.
I am very sorry John Kennedy's reign got cut short so early in his life. He was very special to me. He was young, had lots of guts, was super intelligent, and was like a breath of fresh air after decades of old cronies. Wonder whether that is the very reason that he got assassinated. His passing was very sad to me and it would be interesting to wonder about his accomplishments if he had had the opportunity to stay on. Also sorry about Bobby's passing. That was indeed a sad chapter in the history of US Presidents.
We do not hear much about him, but I cannot help but admire Jimmy Carter for his ability to survive. I was not too crazy about him as a President as he gave me the impression of being totally naive. Particularly regarding the Iranian Embassy crisis. But still, it would appear his major works all came after the end of his Presidency. He did not retire and is still working hard for world peace.
I am not as much of a fan of Franklin Roosevelt, even when he is given as a fantastic President. Think most Presidents would have done well at the time and he was lucky to to have been President at a time in US History when US was in demand by its European allies. I still wonder whether Pearl Harbour could have been avoided.
Harry Trueman and Woodrow Wilson were Presidents during a very dark era for me. Definitely of my less favourite Presidents.
Washington considering there's a slight possibility our country wouldn't exist in this nature without him.
What is funny about people saying Lincoln is that he was one of the most unpopular presidents of his day. Makes you think
What is funny about people saying Lincoln is that he was one of the most unpopular presidents of his day. Makes you think
| liljp617 wrote: |
| Washington considering there's a slight possibility our country wouldn't exist in this nature without him.
What is funny about people saying Lincoln is that he was one of the most unpopular presidents of his day. Makes you think |
Why do you think Lincoln was so unpopular? Was it because he rarely smiled and was a little stiff and formal? Or just the way he looked? Or the political tensions of the day? How did he become President if he was so unpopular? Curious ...
| deanhills wrote: | ||
Why do you think Lincoln was so unpopular? Was it because he rarely smiled and was a little stiff and formal? Or just the way he looked? Or the political tensions of the day? How did he become President if he was so unpopular? Curious ... |
Well, I’d say that since he won the election in 1860 without even campaigning in the South (I believe he may have won one or two counties in all of the southern states) and the fact that seven states seceded from the union because of his election speaks to the notion that he wasn’t that popular in 1860.
Lincoln was the first Republican president, an anti-slavery party founded in 1854. Many Southerners perceieved his election, accomplished by winning only the North, a region to which the South already had grievances, as a threat to their way of life and independence.
Lincoln is my favorite president, but during the war he was arguably a tyrant, certainly no president has ever wielded more power in the history of the United States! I believe that he had to be so in order to restore the union, but Americans in this century would probably tie the hands of any president who attempted such draconian measures today. Many people scream about President Bush trampling the U.S. Constitution, but compared to Lincoln, President Bush is as liberal as they come with regard to civil liberties and constitutional protections. Here are some examples of Lincoln’s actions during the War Between the States:
- Suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus – As Yale professor Joshua Kleinfeld said, “when Lincoln suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus, he clothed himself with more power then any individual had possessed in America before, or since.” (BTW, Franklin Roosevelt used this precedent to suspend the writ and imprison Japanese-Americans during World War II.)
- Declared Martial Law – Went so far as to arrest people for protesting the war and shutting down anti-war newspapers. And since the writ of habeas corpus had been suspended, there was nothing they could do about it.
- Had Congressman Vallandigham of Ohio (an outspoken political opponent) taken into custody by armed soldiers in the middle of the night, thrown in a military prison, convicted by military tribunal of treason because of a speech he gave in the House of Representatives, and was promptly deported.
- Issued an arrest warrant for Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney after Taney issued an opinion that only congress could suspend habeas corpus.
His assassination also speaks to his unpopularity, in no small part due to his perceived tyranny. Remember, his assassination was part of a wider conspiracy (born out of the war, to be sure) and carried out by the second-most photographed man of the era (second only to Lincoln himself). That assassination would be akin to Harrison Ford walking up to a president today and killing him.
Respectfully,
M
I can't quantify a president as "Best" but there are a few presidents as a history major that I have a lot of respect for, particularly Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt(FDR), Kennedy, and Clinton.
I've never understood the collective boner a perceived majority of the American people have for Reagan. I see a lot of problems which could in part traced to his administration, then again I have been called a liberal, to a lot of Americans that means I have no credibility.
I've never understood the collective boner a perceived majority of the American people have for Reagan. I see a lot of problems which could in part traced to his administration, then again I have been called a liberal, to a lot of Americans that means I have no credibility.
| EyesBlu wrote: |
| I can't quantify a president as "Best" but there are a few presidents as a history major that I have a lot of respect for, particularly Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt(FDR), Kennedy, and Clinton.
I've never understood the collective boner a perceived majority of the American people have for Reagan. I see a lot of problems which could in part traced to his administration, then again I have been called a liberal, to a lot of Americans that means I have no credibility. |
What problems do you trace in part to he Reagan administration? Why do you rank Clinton so high among the presidents?
Respectfully,
M
Many problems with our economy are caused by Reagan's deregulation of big business. He also used his influence to cut health spending and damaged our reputation world wide. He evicted tens of thousands of mentally ill patients from public facilities.
I rate Bill Clinton highly because he balanced the budget and had an effective foreign policy. His well executed intervention in Kosovo a great accomplishment, an example of what Americans should be like.
I rate Bill Clinton highly because he balanced the budget and had an effective foreign policy. His well executed intervention in Kosovo a great accomplishment, an example of what Americans should be like.
| EyesBlu wrote: |
| I rate Bill Clinton highly because he balanced the budget and had an effective foreign policy. His well executed intervention in Kosovo a great accomplishment, an example of what Americans should be like. |
Bill Clinton was a great diplomat as well. Came across positively all over the world with respect for all human beings. He has a modesty as well as a touch of humbleness that is charming. In contrast with Bush who comes across aggressive, arrogant, tactless and lacking in respect.
Reagan was a fantastic diplomat as well as endearing. But the points made about healthcare cuts and enriching the rich to the detriment of the poor are valid. Not too crazy about the Republican Party behind him at the time. Not so sure that he was a strong and active President either, perhaps more of a front person for more powerful players behind him.
In my mind, Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt are the three president who best had represented their country.
Bill Clinton is probably my favorite president! He was able to put our country into a surplus (he got rid of the national debt). I'm just mad that Bush ruined all that! Also, why do many republicans blame Clinton for the trouble BUSH has got us in!!! I guess I'll never know.
Have you, the poster, even read anything about FDR biography? How can you say he's the greatest without say at least 1 reason why?
Mine would be Kenedy, he was a great politician that put a man to the moon and dealt with Civil right movement.
Mine would be Kenedy, he was a great politician that put a man to the moon and dealt with Civil right movement.
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