Who is your favorite leader of the US?

My favorite leader is probably George Washington, because he dealt with being the first president, and leading an entire army through a tough time!

Also he is the only US president in history to go into war while in office.

Also he had wooden teeth so that's pretty cool haha.

 

The reason I really like George Washington is that he genuinely believed in the integrity of the new nation, something politicians don't seem to understand any more. When George Washington's tenure as president was up, the people still loved him and wanted him to remain president. But he stepped down anyway, stating that it was necessary that we not become a monarchy like the one we escaped from. He could have become a king if he wanted but he was strong of will and integrity.

 

I'm afraid this one is a myth... George Washington's teeth were not made of wood... he *did* have a lifetime of horrible trouble with his teeth and gums, though.

And which war exactly did he go to while in office? He served from '89 until '97. He was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from '75 until '83, however.

 

@Kate
Any idea where the rumor about Washington's wooden choppers originated? Or was it just because he had such bad teeth that people thought he needed dentures?

 

Don't quote me (hehe You can tell I have a journalistic background, yes? ) but I *think* I remember from when I visited Mt. Vernon, that it was said no one really knows, but it is most likely because the material they used (like ivory and human teeth... EEEEEEW!!!!) for his various dentures over the years may have started discoloring and taking on the appearance of wood.

Uh... 'scuse me, @Spowys ... I need to go brush my teeth now.

 

My favorite leader was Thomas Jefferson. He was such a lover of liberty and freedom and did a lot of the hardest work in forming the United States. Plus he did a lot to reverse some of John Adams' mistakes from his time in office.

 

I really can't say, I am not that much into American history. I do admire Al Gore, who managed to leave politics and dedicate himself to the environment, something noble to do.

 

Well now, I must say that's the first time I've heard Al Gore being called a leader. I can't get past the statement about him "inventing" the Internet... it's the first thing I think of when I hear his name.

Leave politics? Did he? Ooops, that shows how much I follow Mr. Gore's comings and goings. But if he left politics and is doing all this good, I say great for him! That's commendable.

 

He didn't really leave politics... He got forced out by losing an election then becoming a narcissist. He doesn't really do anything but talk about the environment, he doesn't do any research nor is he a scientist.

 

I do remember hearing that narcissist thing a few years ago. Maybe that's why he thinks he invented the Internet?

 

LOL, so he was almost a leader, but he has been leading in environmental issues, so I think he's doing a good job.

 

Okay, I'll take your word for it, Peninha. Here in America, we (or at least I, and I like to think I'm on top of most current events) haven't heard much about Al Gore since... hmmm, well since he evacuated the Veep house.

I think his main problem was making the climate change issue sound worse than it was at the time to get people on his side (I'm NOT saying it's not bad, this is about the way it was presented.) I'm thinking maybe no one believed him since the thing he said about him inventing the Internet.

The environment is important, obviously, so if he's working extensively on those issues now, it would be a good idea to try to get in the news more often.

 

I am not surprised you haven't heard from him, he has dedicated himself to environmental issues and that is something that the US don't want to hear about you know...

 

No, I didn't know. Actually this isn't a true statement because the US is more environmental-conscious than ever. Hey, what newspapers have you been reading there, Peninha!? Probably a good idea to ask an American to know what the pulse of America is... media (and troublemakers) outside of the country often get their jollies with untrue propaganda.

 

Well, I am not reading any newspapers (just the Daily Show by Jon Stewart ), but when I know that 50% of the Americans don't believe in global warming, this makes me wonder...

 

Ooooh! The alarmingly liberal Jon Stewart. Okay, that explains a LOT. You may want to check Gallop. Some people here don't believe there will be serious changes *in their lifetime* *BUT* 78% of 18 to 29 year olds believe it will happen in their lifetime (compared to 68% 30-39 yo, etc.) And of course if they believe it will happen in their lifetime, they "believe in it."

So not sure where Stewart got that 50%... it's not like he'd possibly have a liberal agenda... hmmm... ya think?

 

My favorite leader was Thomas Jefferson. He was such a lover of liberty and freedom and did a lot of the hardest work in forming the United States. Plus he did a lot to reverse some of John Adams' mistakes from his time in office.

 

By the way, I just saw a chart on "climate change opinion by country"... every country in the world. Portugal is the *highest* percentage of any country followed by Greece. Most of the rest are around the same as the U.S. or lower than the U.S. Interesting, yes?

 

James Madison. Father of the Constitution. The most important document in modern human history. Laid the foundation for a very successful country. It's been a very valuable document that has allowed itself to be improved over time. Unfortunately the courts have allowed the government to trample all over the Constitution at multiple points. And the unelected administrative state is a huge problem. But because of Madison's keen intellect we are able to live in the most successful country in human history. He wasn't alone, but he's definitely one of the most important leaders in our countrys history.

 

Great food for thought here! I probably shouldn't admit it, but here is a man I've given very little thought to, even though he did these things that should have made him as remembered and "important" as Jefferson.

Yes... main author of the Bill of Rights. He must be turning over right about now. But ever the optimist that I am (it's getting harder!) I keeping thinking that something *has* to change to start making things better again.

If Madison could only see the things people in supposed authority positions are trying to do to smash our rights into smithereens in the name of "equality" (which it's not at all, just a weak and lousy excuse) he'd not believe it in a million years. I'm *all* for equality, but when you remove the basic rights of others and use that as as excuse, I have a big problem with it. I figure giving every special interest group equal rights *without* taking the rights of others away to do it... well that's the way it should be.

Case in point (oh boy, now you got me going!) ... Christmas displays and saying Merry Christmas. That fiasco is the most ridiculous thing I've heard in years! Smash the rights of Christians in order to give atheists and other religions their own rights without realizing they're doing the same thing in reverse? What sense does that make?! Wouldn't it be a tad wiser to let everyone say the greeting they want to say?!

I have Jewish, Muslim, etc. friends and aquaintences who, contrary to what the PC Police claim, really do *not* slap me around if I put a manger scene up or say Merry Christmas! If it was an oversight, they'll say something like "Ha! You forgot I'm Jewish... Happy Hanukkah to you, too!" And it's over. Sheesh, such a basic concept!