My Presidents Day is one day late, sorry nevertheless, lets reach into the distant past to find a president that very few people (save history buffs and professors) know about. On Presidents day many yearn for the days of Reagan and his no nonsense approach and calm steady hand at the wheel. However there were other presidents that were very instrumental in shaping the country that we now live in.
Lets move away from Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Reagan, to our 11th president. This man came into office with four clearly defined goals. At the time our country was mostly east of the Missippi river and James Polk was poised to dramatically expand it!
Among some of his favorite quotes were: "Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true power the true character of our government." While in that day he was referring to Britain and Mexico, it couldnt be more true today. Our country power and respect has declined in the world, and many will continue to challenge it, not the least of which are the followers of Islam.
"There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress...than i have had any conception of, before I became president of the United States. "TRUE AGAIN. human nature hasnt changed at all, there are more self serving, egocentric people in Congress than anywhere else in the world.
Polk believed in being a one term president and stuck to his word,.More Congressmen and woman ought to follow the same lead. Congressmen go into Washington with the idea of changing it, instead it forever changes them!
He also said, "No president that preforms his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure" While i do not totally agree with this, his point is clear. His focus was on being a servant to the people, not a demagogue or celebrity to the masses. Today our presidents recline in luxury and take long extensive vacations, Polk was dedicated to the issues of state.
Among his goals were:
The expansion of Oregon territory, which included California, a vital acquisition for westward expansion.
the expansion of Texas and New Mexico, He established dominance with Mexico, which went to war with the country over New Mexico and California.
The lowering of tariffs, in the Walker tariff act of 1846, that opened up free trade.
He also consummated the Louisinia Purchase which articulated the "Manifest Destiny" so crucial to the growth of our nation, and the opportunity for each citizen to find his own place in the West.
These goals were essential to the continous growth and prosperity of the nation, and James Polk was front and center. He spoke and then delivered on those lofty goals.
Lastly Polk also oversaw some of the events;
The opening of the Naval Academy
The opening of the Smithsonian
The Washington Monument
The issuance of the first postage stamps.
The country by our standards was still raw and untamed, but Polk went a long way to moving America along to the country that it was bound to be.
On his deathbed he told his wife, Sarah Childress, which lived to be 88, "I love you sarah, for all eternity I will love you." Passing on early due to cholera, he embodied as steadfast love that is become rarer by the day. She never married again, and dressed in black until she died in 1891. Our country could learn something from this man.
We salute James Polk on this President day, long gone but not forgotten.
Lets move away from Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Reagan, to our 11th president. This man came into office with four clearly defined goals. At the time our country was mostly east of the Missippi river and James Polk was poised to dramatically expand it!
Among some of his favorite quotes were: "Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true power the true character of our government." While in that day he was referring to Britain and Mexico, it couldnt be more true today. Our country power and respect has declined in the world, and many will continue to challenge it, not the least of which are the followers of Islam.
"There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress...than i have had any conception of, before I became president of the United States. "TRUE AGAIN. human nature hasnt changed at all, there are more self serving, egocentric people in Congress than anywhere else in the world.
Polk believed in being a one term president and stuck to his word,.More Congressmen and woman ought to follow the same lead. Congressmen go into Washington with the idea of changing it, instead it forever changes them!
He also said, "No president that preforms his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure" While i do not totally agree with this, his point is clear. His focus was on being a servant to the people, not a demagogue or celebrity to the masses. Today our presidents recline in luxury and take long extensive vacations, Polk was dedicated to the issues of state.
Among his goals were:
The expansion of Oregon territory, which included California, a vital acquisition for westward expansion.
the expansion of Texas and New Mexico, He established dominance with Mexico, which went to war with the country over New Mexico and California.
The lowering of tariffs, in the Walker tariff act of 1846, that opened up free trade.
He also consummated the Louisinia Purchase which articulated the "Manifest Destiny" so crucial to the growth of our nation, and the opportunity for each citizen to find his own place in the West.
These goals were essential to the continous growth and prosperity of the nation, and James Polk was front and center. He spoke and then delivered on those lofty goals.
Lastly Polk also oversaw some of the events;
The opening of the Naval Academy
The opening of the Smithsonian
The Washington Monument
The issuance of the first postage stamps.
The country by our standards was still raw and untamed, but Polk went a long way to moving America along to the country that it was bound to be.
On his deathbed he told his wife, Sarah Childress, which lived to be 88, "I love you sarah, for all eternity I will love you." Passing on early due to cholera, he embodied as steadfast love that is become rarer by the day. She never married again, and dressed in black until she died in 1891. Our country could learn something from this man.
We salute James Polk on this President day, long gone but not forgotten.
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