Students, what makes a 'good' president? As you get used to philosophical argumentation and constructing ideas, you may find it helpful to start with an example (find a past president you admire) and move to more general qualities that all presidents should have (in your opinion) and why.
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15 comments:
Nabilah Keys
Being the President Of The United States Of America is one of the toughest jobs in America. With that being said i do beilieve Abraham Lincoln was one of the best Presidents America has ever had. I chose President Lincoln because he did the impossible and gave freedom to the slaves. This was a brave decision being as though his peers themselves owned slaves. Abraham Lincoln alowed my ancestors to experience what it is to be a human being and not just some mans "cattle". One of my favorite quotes from Abraham Lincoln is: "There are no accidents in my philosophy. Every effect must have its cause. The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite." (Herdons Life of Lincoln by William H. Herdon and Jesse W. Weik New York, Da Capo Press, 1983, pg 354)
The Criteria I look for in a president is:
1. Confidence
2. Intelligence
3. Motivation
4. Drive/Determination
5. Experience
6. Trustworthy
7. Goal Oriented
Susan McCliment
I would like to start by saying that I don't believe that any one President is the best. A lot of them did really good things, but many of them have also done bad things. I feel that in order to be President of the United States, a person should meet the following criteria, in order of importance: they must have no Felony Convictions, be at least 45 years of age, have a lot of political experience, have experience in the U.S. Military, be a natural-born U.S. Citizen and be well-educated.
I chose to do my research on Lyndon B. Johnson. During World War II, Johnson served briefly in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, and received a Silver Star for his service in the South Pacific. I believe that he did a number of really good things for this country. LBJ passed 13 major bills: the Civil Rights Act, the Urban Mass Transportation Act, the Wilderness Act, the Nurse Training Act, the Food Stamp Act, the Economic Opportunity Act, the Higher Education Act, the Social Security Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Immigration and National Services Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Public Broadcasting Act and the Bilingual Education Act. Johnson lost the majority of his popularity when he didn't take the United States out of Vietnam. His reasoning for that was because he believed in the “Domino Theory,” which stated that if one country in a region fell under communist control, others would inevitably follow. I can not say that someone was a bad President because of one of the choices that he made, especially when he felt that it was in the best interest of our country.
Once again, I don't feel that any one President was the best. I chose a President that I feel did a lot of really good things for this country. I feel that he did more good than bad, and really support all of the good things he did.
Peter Ngor
The past president that I choose is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the sixteen president of the United State of America. He was born in February 12, 1809. Lincoln was an open minded person who like to try every that come in his way. At his young age he join the army during the black hawk war and serve there as a captain in the U.S army. After his military career he tried some businesses and also involved in some political thing before he elected to the Illinois legislature. He later elected to the congress and along with that he was having a very successful law practice in Illinois. He later run for presidency and he become the first president from the Republican party in 1861-1865 and he later assassinated.
During his president he got a lot of praise for restoring of the unity of the country by defeating secessionists confederate States of America and he play a big role in ending in United States of America. President Lincoln is relevant today situation because he a man of unity bring people from different background for of peace. This is true for today we want somebody who will bring us together as Americans and our allies and the rest of world.
The most important for in choose a president is that a president should be an open person who can try different situation see what benefit the country than to seek your own way doing things. Another thing I like a president whose his focus on to bringing peace and protection of our freedom. To add to is the economy we need the better economy person deliver from this bad economy time. These are the points that I had on this topic.
Citation Wikipedia
Leah Anne Penus
Being new to this country, and having a very little information about its history, I found it hard at first picking who would be my favorite president. I had to do an extra effort of reading each president’s profiles, and surprised to find out that there have been 43 of them. It was interesting though, and I got to say it’s really educational. I learned a lot from their experiences, views, ideals, and how they handled the country during their time.
And after reading President Herbert Hoover’s brief profile, not only did I learn a lot, but his story also touched my heart. And that’s how I knew; he’s indeed my favorite American President.
It was like I wasn’t reading a typical politician profile at all. Looking back at Herbert Hoover’s time, who would have thought he’s going to be one of America’s remarkable president. His path was totally different from anybody else that I read about.
He was an engineer, administrator and humanitarian. He extended himself helping people across the world, selflessly and devotedly. When he worked in China as an engineer, together with his wife, Lou Henry, they were caught on a rebellion in Tientsin. Hoover once risked his life rescuing Chinese Children. When he was in London, Germany declared war on France. He helped the stranded tourist get home. He devoted his time and strength helping and feeding helpless people across the world during times of war.
I believe that what Herbert Hoover had is a big heart. He served his fellow countrymen as well as random people from other countries that needed help and caring in times of trials and darkness. And that is something that you will remember forever. A loaf of bread or a carton of milk might be just some things that we keep in our fridge, but during times of war, Herbert Hoover was passing them out to people, here and across the nation, as symbols of hope and encouragement, guarantee that times of trials will soon be over. Leaders of the country trusted him during those times, appointing him to commissions that focused on helping others such as American Food Administration, American Relief Administration, American Friends Service Committee and Secretary of Commerce just to name a few.
But of course, politics is such a tricky world. No matter what you do, people would still look for your flaws and mistakes. During his presidency, the Great Depression challenged the country, and none of his efforts resulted in economic recovery during that time. And that also resulted in him losing on the 1932 Election. It was a sad scenario to see that people were throwing eggs and rotten fruits on his motorcades, some even tried to kill him.
Indeed, one can never please everybody. But still, I am very proud of Herbert Hoover’s history. He’s a proof that goodness still exists in mankind. Every soul that he touched, every hungry stomach that he fed, and every hand that he held will always be incomparable and unforgettable no matter how cruel this world is. I think in the end, what he did good, is just what matters. Nobody’s perfect anyways, especially if you’re working with different types of minds, personalities and idealisms in the government. What’s important is how he used his time in helping others. And that is what a real president is, a real leader, a real human being. And just as how strong the Hoover dam is, so as his memories will live forever.
Criteria for the New President:
I’d like to keep it simple. I hope that if someone chooses to run for presidency, they should have had a record of good public service, something that the people did really benefit from. I hope that they will have a humanitarian heart, since it’s for the people why they’re running for presidency, people that they will serve. I hope that whoever it will be, and after his term we will look back at what he did for the country, and it will have a great impact on our lives. A looking back that will make us smile.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Hoover
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/hh31.html
Liz Stern
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself' said Franklin D Roosevelt as he brought hope and promised prompt, vigorous action in his Inaugural Address" The White House Library. Of all forty-three presidents the United States has had, only Franklin Delano Roosevelt served twelve years as President. As the thirty-second president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt made many contributions that allowed him to become one of the better presidents in history.
In his four terms he established and enforced many laws and regulations that benefit the American community. President Herbert Hoover, who took office before Roosevelt, was slow and stubborn when it came to providing support and relief during the great depression. When president Franklin Roosevelt took office that was his first priority. The establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority provided the country with help recovering businesses and agriculture as well as aiding relief to unemployed citizens. Knowing that now there will be an organization to help provide relief to Americans from tragic economical disasters, people began to see that Roosevelt was a caring and selfless individual. Roosevelt also created the "New Deal" as a different form of tragic relief. As part of Roosevelt's New Deal program he brought on the ideas of “Social Security, heavier taxes for the wealthy, new standards of control over banks and public utility services, and an enormous work relief program for the unemployed” The White House. This was very beneficial and created a more stable environment for Americans during the peak of The Great Depression.
Later on in his presidential career Roosevelt started concentrating on foreign affairs and consequently the New Deal reform legislation lessened. “When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Roosevelt directed organization of the Nation's manpower and resources for global war and became Commander-in-Chief during World War II” The White House. Once Hitler attacked Poland in September 1939, Roosevelt stated that, “although the nation was neutral, he did not expect America to remain inactive in the face of Nazi aggression" Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. President Roosevelt made the most of his presidency in the beginning of the war by providing support and armed forces to create the "grand alliance” against the Axis powers. It was during president Roosevelt’s term that they created "The Declaration of the United Nations." Then and still today the United Nations provide peace and tranquility among nations and it is to be recognized that President Roosevelt initiated the alliance. To Conclude, President Roosevelt set a strong example for future presidents that the presidency is power and with that power one can make or break a country.
Many of the qualities that President Roosevelt displayed were qualities that I would expect of a president: dedication, enforcement of new ideals and values, and sensitivity to the country's issues. Of course trust and honesty are among the most important attributes in a person running for president, but loyalty holds a stronger significance. Loyalty to the country and the people is important to allow the citizens of America to see that their president cares about economic stability. Economic stability is important to a healthy country and a healthy planet and therefore is a concern for a future president.
"Franklin D. Roosevelt Biography" Franklin D. Roosevelt Digital Archives. 8 Sep. 2008 .
"Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt" 8 Sep. 2008 .
"Franklin Roosevelt" Spartacus Educational. 8 Sep. 2008http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USArooseveltF.htm.
Y Fleming
Theodore Roosevelt was the best President the United States ever had. He took over his presidency right after the turn of the 20th century. His focus on the average man, nature, and foreign affairs made him a great leader.
Throughout his presidency he fought against monopolies and corruptions in big businesses. He felt it was important to defend the common man as well as the capitalist ideas that this country was founded on. In 1906, he passed the Hepburn Act, which regulated railway rates. This was substantial because it kept rates more reasonable.
He saw the shifting tides in health care and worked toward health insurance on a grand scale. We can still see the effects now more then ever as to the great investment that was. Perhaps you or someone you know was unfortunate enough to have to go to the hospital without health insurance.
Roosevelt saw the importance in conserving our natural resources and using them more efficiently. He worked to conserve natural forest and set aside wildlife preserves for animals they feared would go extinct. Also, he set aside large amounts of protected land (i.e. National Forests, National Parks). Even, putting away “Special Interests” areas, such as our beloved Grand Canyon.
As far as foreign affairs go, Theodore Roosevelt was given a Nobel Peace Prize for making peace between Russia and Japan. The two were at war at the time. He negotiated taking over the Panama Canal and it’s construction, a huge international feat.
All around Theodore Roosevelt was an innovative man, who was well liked and respected by the people of his time. His face occupies a space on Mount Rushmore for his great contributions to this nation. I believe it is all these reasons that make Theodore Roosevelt the best president of the United States.
**Works Cited:
“Theodore Roosevelt.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 9, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Theodore_Roosevelt&oldid=237206432
Jessica Meza
I. Criteria that matters most to me in a President:
v Good moral character
v Diversity
v Professionalism
v Education
v Background in politics
v Innovative
v Loyalty
v Strong independent person
v Leadership
v Selfless
v Drama free
v Focused
v Universal role model
v Honest
v Drama free
II. In my opinion, a past president that was one of the better presidents was Ronald Reagan. The bold decisions and actions Reagan took during his presidency has most greatly affected my life as well as the United States. My parents and some of my family were a part of the millions of illegal immigrants that came to the United States illegally to have their chance at achieving the American Dream. Today, many look back on the amnesty that Reagan granted to approximately 2.5 million illegal immigrants in 1986 as a huge mistake because it is an issue that the U.S. still faces. Although I was not even born yet when this happened I would not be so fortunate if Reagan chose to punish and deport my family as the government is doing so presently. So because history is repeating it self, as it usually does, we can all see the negative effects that mass deportation has on our economy now, instead of the positive that took place then with the creation of new laws that unfortunately were not followed by many. None the less his life changing choice most exemplifies and reflects the values that I withhold. I believe that Reagan was and should be a role model to the future presidents to come. In our day it seems as though Presidents are all about personal vendettas, fulfillment, and scandal instead of universal problems that affect the greater population on a daily basis. Therefore, even though former President Ronald Reagan has passed he will always be remembered for his hand in altering the future of the United States.
Ryan Keene
President Theodore Roosevelt was born October 27, 1858 to a wealthy family in New York. He became the 26th president in 1901 after the assassination of President McKinley. President Roosevelt had the view that his role was a “Steward of the People”. He had a strong view to take whatever actions necessary that would benefit the people unless it was against the Constitution, or un-lawful. During his presidency, Roosevelt accomplished many acts of good towards the nation. His reasoning and just mind de-fused conflicts-most notably the Russo-Japanese that led to a Gentleman’s Agreement on immigration to the United States. He thought more of what would be better for the general public, but also thought about what would be good for capital gain. He did not attempt to squander the masses in order to further benefit what Congress would find lucrative, instead he led the Congress vigorously and demonstrated good leadership. He focused not only on his own point of view, but that of the world as a whole.
He was a great spokesman and had little issue with acquiring the attention by asking the questions and telling the answers to the public about conservation of state matters, as well as natural resources. He was a thinker of how to make things better and what it would cost versus what the overall benefits would result to. This makes him a good philosophical and logical leader. He did not think inside the box, and was very perceptive of what was real and not apparent. Conserving peace with public, as well as foreign people, while also conserving wildlife and forests is an act not easily accomplished by someone who thinks in black and white terms. Roosevelt thought more of what others are thinking and integrated it into his own thoughts and actions.
By researching his presidency, it gave me insight as to what I personally would look for in selecting a president. It is not something to wonder how they are going to increase wages, while decreasing taxes, moreover how things will be fair and just among the general public and the politicians. A good president will take leadership and responsibility. A good president will take action, but before, will ponder what would benefit the people, what would open new doors and new opportunities. Taking responsibility as a national leader and realizing that the path has been construed, and needs to be aligned in a direction that not only focuses on certain matters, but focuses on them all and how they relate. A honest, logical and aggressive leader is necessary for this all to take form, and someone who is educated in more than just book knowledge. This person needs to be educated in the mind as well. Someone who will ask questions and reflect all possible outcomes and then do what is necessary and right, not what is expected. In my opinion, the position of president is not a popularity contest, but a position that requires someone who will do whatever is required even if it is something that is not popular.
Jessica Southland
The 40th President of the United States would be my pick for the best President in our time. He was an actor in his younger years; he also had an early political career. Reagan’s passion for his country and his wonderful sense of humor made him that all around good guy. In 1967 threw 1975 Reagan was governor of California, it seems that Reagan has had a lot of time in the spot light which would lead me to believe that he does well with the public.
Ronald Reagan in his time has accomplished a lot. First and for most, one thing that really caught my attention was that Reagan in the early years as a politician would right his own speeches. Although when he had speech writers in the White house he would still edited and ever once in awhile would still right his own. Showing the country that the speeches he made where very important to him, and that he wants what he is saying to have come from his mouth and so he would now what to expect. Reagan also had a great deal of experience and had been in politics for many years. If Reagan made a decision that he later realize probably was not the best he would admit that he should probably not have went with the decision he did. For example : Reagan signed the Therapeutic Abortion Act , after recognizing the consequences that followed Reagan stated “ had he been more experienced as governor, it would have not been signed.”
Ronald Reagan also contributed to the end of the cold war which is a big plus in my book. There was also a tax act signed in 1981 (Bipartisan Economic Recovery Tax Act) in which income tax rated were lowered significantly after it’s signing. When running for his second term in office he won 49 out of 50 states, he had 525 electoral votes, which was the most of any candidate in us history. While serving his second term he signed a drug enforcement bill, indicating a mandatory minimum penalty for drug offences. As well as the IRCA which made it illegal to knowingly hire illegal immigrants, which required the employer to attest to the status of there employees status and granted amnesty to approximately 3 million illegal immigrants who enter the us prior to January 1st 1982.
I would have to say that there are some things that I really don’t agree with. However Ronald Reagan met more of the criteria I feel a President should meet or have. He had a great sense of humor, had quite a good amount of experience in the field (at least 5 to 10), should be a us citizen, should have good people skills (not just for show), right there own speeches or at least help, should have no criminal back ground, lived here in the us for more than 20 years. I would just like them to care more about the welfare of there people instead of money and material things.
Stephanie Spencer
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty second president of the United States who served from the year 1933 to the 1940’s. Franklin D. Roosevelt is my choice of a better president because he helped the United States get out of the Great Depression in the 1930’s into the 1940’s. By getting the United States out of the Great Depression, Roosevelt created the “New Deal” that provided relief to for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the economic and banking systems. Programs that he initiated were the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (which insures accounts at different banks separately), Tennessee Valley Authority ( a federally owned corporation in the United States that provides navigation, flood control, electricity generation, fertilizer manufacturing and economic development in the Tennessee Valley) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. One of his most important legacies is the Social Security system. Social Security in the United States refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and the Disability Insurance program. Social Security is funded through dedicated payroll taxes called Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It is the largest government program in the world. These are some of the programs that Roosevelt came up with that didn’t complete until the 1940’s. These are the programs that Roosevelt helped get the United States out of the Great Depression, he did other stuff but him getting the United States out of the Great Depression was his greatest accomplishment while being president.
I think what matters most in a president is about good leadership, good background, and good experiences. Pleasing us Americans is being a good president and keeping America safe to prevent terrorism. Keeping his promises when he says what he’s going to do for America. Those are a few things that might matter most in a president.
Curtasca Whiten
Thomas Jefferson would be one of my favorite president because he is the only president that spoke and wrote from his heart about the treatment of black folks. He also help wrote the declaration of independence which was finish in just three weeks. This day later became a holiday which was origanally celebrated on July 2nd. But, do to his death on July 4th it was later changed in honor of him and John Adams the editor who also died on this day.
Zabrina Ybarra
There are many questions that arise while trying to consider which candidate is best qualified to become the next President of the United States of America. Not only because they will be the most powerful person in the world, or because their influences around the world, but because their person and decisions will reflect which direction our country would be lead. However, I believe that the most crucial qualities that one must contain to ensure great leadership for our nation, is their ethics and wisdom, the ability to envision flourishing resolutions for our country, and their courage within themselves; similar qualities that constructed Abraham Lincoln’s legacy throughout American History.
First and foremost, while leading this great nation, one must question the candidate’s wisdom, judgment, better yet, their whole structure of ethical behavior that reflects their person overall. Speaking of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, this man based his judgment on civil liberties for human rights itself. Not because of the color of skin or because of who was against him, but because he had great judgment within himself to choose what was right from wrong for these Americans. He led and protected the Constitution of the United States with all his might, by fighting for civil liberties so that all Americans beyond judgment could be free and follow in which seemed like his own ‘Golden Rule’. It takes wisdom to see beyond reasons of right and wrong and to perhaps be able to put your feet someone else’s shoes. These qualities in Abe Lincoln, by far, projected the most accurate ethics and judgment any president had carried within them self. This is why our country was able to advance in the direction it had to in order to mold our country into what it is today.
Simultaneously, the ability to dream and envision is significant to our country’s fate. It takes faith and hope to properly and effectively envision development to bring the American people together as a country. After all, the preamble articulates, “We the people of the United States”, for a reason. In this case, Abe Lincoln kept the ‘American dream’ alive by granting hope to the slaves and answered to the constitution of the United States by envisioning his own “American dream” and interpreting it with the assistance of our constitution. This gave the country the faith that was needed to keep our Americans dreaming just as our founding fathers were while constructing what they thought the genuine pursuit of happiness was. Through times such as these, is when our country truly benefits itself and flourishes with success.
Finally, it takes courage to stand up for one’s rights as Abe Lincoln did by granting undeniable freedom to our own American citizens, slaves, despite their color. Having courage can reflect on how one properly executes and manages to reach their own findings despite ones views. Having fearlessness and following intuition of personal judgment can reflect one’s courage and discover hidden successes. Abraham Lincoln followed his intuition by leading the country into the Civil War, knowing that it was the only way to abolish slavery and forced the country into trusting his courage. In this case, the aftermath of the war soon summed into what we know as his courage throughout the Civil War.
To conclude, there are countless amounts of beneficial qualities it takes to run a country effectively, better yet, successfully. On the contrary, these traits depend on each person individually, and others stand out more than one simply because of our own views and experiences. In final consideration, I believe the qualities such as wisdom and ethics, the ability to envision flourishing resolutions for our country, and courage within, is what lead Abe Lincoln to such great leadership. By following the constitution and what it stands, he was able to permanently imprint the footsteps he left behind in American History that our own Americans would one day be inspired to follow.
Suzy Hall
As I sit here and think about what makes a good president three presidents pop into my head. The first one was our 4th president James Madison who is known for his part in the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. He was a very intelligent man yet he did not take all of the credit for the work on these two documents. The second president that comes to mind is Abraham Lincoln who is known for his freeing of the slaves. Lincoln was a hard worker, he was self taught, he was caring, and he was very determined. The third president that comes to mind is Franklin Roosevelt who created the New Deal to help the unemployed. Roosevelt actually cared for those less fortunate and tried to find ways to help others.
Even though I only mentioned a few good qualities of the presidents above there are many good qualities that a president needs such as: being intelligent, having good morals, being caring, being compassionate, they need to be determined to stand up for what they think is right for the people, they need to be able to admit to their wrong doings, they should be honest, they should be responsible, be a good listener and listen to the peoples concerns, but most of all the main quality I believe makes a good president is to be genuine.
Most of all I believe that if a president we genuine they would be sincere and honest with their decisions as President of the United States of America.
Nicole Hahlen
September 10th 2008
Abraham Lincoln was the second president of the United States; he was able to get a job on a farm where he split rails for fences. He was a captain in the black Hawk war, and spent eight years in the Illinois legislature. He was also such a hard worker that his law partner would often tell him “your ambition is like a little engine that knew no rest”. He later went on to marry and have four children. In 1858 Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglas for Senator. He lost the election, but while debating with Douglas he gained a national reputation that won him the Republican nomination for President in 1860. As the President, Lincoln built the Republican Party into a strong national organization. He also went on to rail most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever to free those slaves within the Confederacy. Lincoln was one of the most appreciated presidents for what he accomplished during his time in office. He literally turned the world around for the better, not only did he free the slaves and stop slavery in his time, he stopped it for good, and made his point clear across America that we should all be created equally, and slavery should no longer exist. He made a huge impact on the civil war, this is where the Gettysburg comes into place “That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.(Lincoln)”. Lincoln than went on to win the re-election in 1864. He brought peace across the nation and joined rivaled unions together in peace. Although so many were triumph to have him re-elected he was sadly assassinated at Fords theatre in Washington on April 14, 1865 by John Booth a former actor who thought he was helping the south, sadly it was the opposite which was the result, for Lincoln's death, the possibility of peace with magnanimity died. Lincoln is considered my favorite past president because in my opinion he did the most for America, not only did he bring peace and unite the world together he was able to free the slaves and bring rivals together. He created unison and stood up for the one he thought lead him this far “God”. I am very pleased with Lincoln and hope someday that we can get another president who follows in his footsteps.
Things to consider when selecting criteria - First, it is important to clearly identify what minimum competencies you expect anyone who wishes to serve as president to have. Then indicate why those particular criteria are necessary. Be sure to consider whether any of your criteria have unintended consequences? For example, requiring military service would automatically eliminate large numbers of women from consideration because women were not permitted to serve in the military for many years. By the time women were permitted to serve, some were too "old". Is it ok to eliminate them from consideration as a result? Why or why not? If prior political experience is required, does this eliminate the poor and middle class from consideration (who can't afford to hold some of the low paying entry level political jobs or can't afford campaigns for better paying positions)? Are they really being eliminated from consideration for lack of relevant experience or for their socioeconomic status? If "values" or "morals" are important, please specify which (or whose) values or what constitutes "good" morals.
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