I watched last night the first episode of History Channel's three part mini-series Hatfields & McCoys. What a fantastic film so far and an excellent actor Kevin Costner is, especially in western style movies. I highly recommended watching this because it accurately depicts this era and a story that has become folklore in our American history.
http://www.history.com/shows/hatfields-and-mccoys
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day Poem by Longfellow
On this Memorial Day I would like to personally thank, on behalf of my family, the sacrifice that has been made and continues to be made by the brave men and women that fight for freedom and liberty. Since the early days of our country we see people volunteer to fight for our nations values. This is a day to remember those that were lost in that struggle. Thank You and May God Bless You!
Decoration Day
Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest
On this Field of the Grounded Arms,
Where foes no more molest,
Nor sentry's shot alarms!
Ye have slept on the ground before,
And started to your feet
At the cannon's sudden roar,
Or the drum's redoubling beat.
But in this camp of Death
No sound your slumber breaks;
Here is no fevered breath,
No wound that bleeds and aches.
All is repose and peace,
Untrampled lies the sod;
The shouts of battle cease,
It is the Truce of God!
Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!
The thoughts of men shall be
As sentinels to keep
Your rest from danger free.
Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Individuals Deserving of a Statue in Washington D.C.
For many of us who have done the tour of Washington D.C. once or twice we have seen the famous statues of individuals such as: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and the newly constructed Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. Then there are those memorial statues that you have to pay a little bit closer attention to in order to take notice of such as: John Barry, Philip Sheridan, John A Rawlins, and William O Douglas. Not that these men are not deserving in some way however when one examines the full list it is hard not to consider certain individuals without memorials whose achievements in American History are deserving of a memorial statue in Washington D.C.
1) John Adams - Although these are written in alphabetical order it is hard for me not to consider John Adams as the most deserving of a memorial than anyone else on this list. Adams was a delegate for Massachusetts to the Continental Congress. He assisted Jefferson and Franklin in drafting the Declaration of Independence, nominated Washington as commander-in-chief of the continental army, negotiated the peace treaty with Great Britain, served as the first Vice-President of the United States and served as the second President of the United States. It is difficult to look at Adams resume and understand why he does not have a memorial in Washington D.C. honoring him and his achievements. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Adams had a bit of a temper and a way with words that tended to frustrate people and alienate him from those who disagreed with what he said. Adams took this into the Presidency and despite being a very intelligent and thoughtful leader he alienated Congress and even his own cabinet. In addition, Adams was convinced by others to pass the "Alien and Sedition Act" which limited the freedom of press and speech against the government. This move was seen as tyrannical and monarchical causing many in the nation to turn against him. Unfortunately for Adams, histories of the United States and its founding were being written during this time and downplayed his role in the American Revolutionary War. This caused Americans for the next 150 years to consider Adams role in our founding history as a minor. It really was not until David McCullough's book John Adams was published that the role of Adams in the founding of our country was elevated. Now we see Adams role in the American Revolution and beyond as a key to the founding of our country.
2) Crispus Attucks - If there is a memorial to Nathan Hale in Washington D.C. there should be one for Crispus Attucks. Little is known of Attucks' life aside from his martyrdom for American liberty at the Boston Massacre in 1770. Many historians consider him the first casualty of the American Revolution despite five others getting killed. We should celebrate his sacrifice and desire to fight for independence from Great Britain and its tyranny. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Technically his death did not occur during the actual American Revolution which started five years later. Another factor could be our overall lack of knowledge about his past and why exactly he was protesting that night in Boston. Plus the controversy of that night was played out in the courts when John Adams defended the British soldiers and won. In reality though Crispus Attucks was an African-American and unless the memorial was commissioned in the last 20 years there is little chance it would have been put up due to prejudice.
3) Henry Clay - In school we learn of Henry Clay as the "Great Compromiser". He helped stave off war between the North and South by helping both sides come to an agreement both in 1820 and in 1850. In hindsight the war between the states was inevitable with slavery still in place, but Clay worked hard at appeasing both sides and keeping the peace. Clay served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Secretary of State under John Quincy Adams. Despite owning slaves like many of his counter parts at the time, he freed them all upon his death. In fact Lincoln was quoted as saying Clay was his "ideal of a great man". To honor him fifteen states named counties after him. Clay played an very important role in holding together the union during the early-nineteenth century when we were on the edge of breaking apart. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Henry Clay is highly revered in his home state of Kentucky where you will find Ashland, Clay's home turned museum, as well numerous memorial statues in the Lexington, Kentucky area and around the state. Looking back on the events of the Civil War it is difficult to say Clay prevented bloodshed in America, he simply delayed a war that had to be fought. Therefore his accomplishments are diminished as trivial rather than vital to our nations stability. Also Clay is sometimes seen as a big Presidential loser having lost his bid to become President of the United States three times.
4) Thomas Edison - I questioned the idea of putting an inventor on the list of people that deserve a memorial in our nation's capital but if Albert Einstein has one, why not Edison. His list of accomplishments and contributions stands second to no one. As the "Wizard of Menlo Park" he created culture altering devices such as the phonograph, motion-picture camera, and the light bulb. He was also the founder of what is today, General Electric. Edison's contributions to American life are prolific and desiring of honor. Why He Doesn't Have One?: More than likely it is because he is not a politician or military hero. Washington D.C. is associated with politics and war and an inventor usually is not thought of on that list. However Edison did so much for this country and the world that he is deserving of a memorial in our nation's capital.
5) Dwight D Eisenhower - Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II and President of the United States for two terms, Eisenhower's leadership was pivotal in the defeat of Germany army and bringing an end to World War II. As President he is best known for the creation of the Interstate Highway System which holds his name. Eisenhower was consider a man of great integrity and an excellent leader. He truly is a man worthy of honoring. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Well frankly it just has not been built yet. In 1999, Congress approved a commission to be formed with the purpose of designing and creating an Eisenhower Memorial. A design was officially approved in 2011 (can you believe it took over ten years to make that happen) and groundbreaking for the project is set to begin in the fall of 2012. It will be located near the National Mall on Maryland Ave, across the street from the National Air and Space Museum.
6) James Madison - This is another major omission from the Washington D.C. memorial landscape that I do not understand. Madison was the "Father of the Constitution" and creator of the Bill of Rights. If it was not for Madison's determination the Constitution would not have been ratified in the United States and become the law of the land for the last two and a half centuries. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson and then as President of the United States. As President he led the nation through the War of 1812 and into the beginning of the "Era of Good Feelings". Madison is such a great man and vital to the founding of our of country, that he is well deserving of a large memorial to his accomplishments on par with Jefferson and FDR. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Honestly I'm not sure. Madison has his name attached to one of the three buildings that make up the Library of Congress but there is not much beyond that honoring his achievements. Maybe its the fact that he stood only 5'4". Madison along with Adams is probably the most deserving Presidents in need of a memorial that do not have one currently
7) James K Polk - This may take some convincing because very few people know about President Polk and what he achieved but he is in my top ten of favorite Presidents of all time. Polk served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor of Tennessee, and then President of the United States. As President he wanted to accomplish four items: 1) Establish a Treasury Department, 2) Reduce Tariffs, 3) Acquire Oregon Territory, 4) Acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico. At the end of his term he promised he was not going to seek a second term. He accomplished all four of his goals within that first term and fulfilled his promise to not seek a second term. He chose not to seek a second term because he had nothing further to prove. Polk is typically rated high among historians as greatest presidents of all time. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Polk is one of the least known U.S. Presidents despite his achievements and overseeing a war (Mexican-American War). It honestly is not surprising that he is without a memorial but one which I believe would be well deserved, even if it was small.
2) Crispus Attucks - If there is a memorial to Nathan Hale in Washington D.C. there should be one for Crispus Attucks. Little is known of Attucks' life aside from his martyrdom for American liberty at the Boston Massacre in 1770. Many historians consider him the first casualty of the American Revolution despite five others getting killed. We should celebrate his sacrifice and desire to fight for independence from Great Britain and its tyranny. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Technically his death did not occur during the actual American Revolution which started five years later. Another factor could be our overall lack of knowledge about his past and why exactly he was protesting that night in Boston. Plus the controversy of that night was played out in the courts when John Adams defended the British soldiers and won. In reality though Crispus Attucks was an African-American and unless the memorial was commissioned in the last 20 years there is little chance it would have been put up due to prejudice.
6) James Madison - This is another major omission from the Washington D.C. memorial landscape that I do not understand. Madison was the "Father of the Constitution" and creator of the Bill of Rights. If it was not for Madison's determination the Constitution would not have been ratified in the United States and become the law of the land for the last two and a half centuries. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson and then as President of the United States. As President he led the nation through the War of 1812 and into the beginning of the "Era of Good Feelings". Madison is such a great man and vital to the founding of our of country, that he is well deserving of a large memorial to his accomplishments on par with Jefferson and FDR. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Honestly I'm not sure. Madison has his name attached to one of the three buildings that make up the Library of Congress but there is not much beyond that honoring his achievements. Maybe its the fact that he stood only 5'4". Madison along with Adams is probably the most deserving Presidents in need of a memorial that do not have one currently
7) James K Polk - This may take some convincing because very few people know about President Polk and what he achieved but he is in my top ten of favorite Presidents of all time. Polk served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor of Tennessee, and then President of the United States. As President he wanted to accomplish four items: 1) Establish a Treasury Department, 2) Reduce Tariffs, 3) Acquire Oregon Territory, 4) Acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico. At the end of his term he promised he was not going to seek a second term. He accomplished all four of his goals within that first term and fulfilled his promise to not seek a second term. He chose not to seek a second term because he had nothing further to prove. Polk is typically rated high among historians as greatest presidents of all time. Why He Doesn't Have One?: Polk is one of the least known U.S. Presidents despite his achievements and overseeing a war (Mexican-American War). It honestly is not surprising that he is without a memorial but one which I believe would be well deserved, even if it was small.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Rebuttal: Islam's Influence on Founding Fathers
Seriously... I can not believe I am reading things like this. Ms Shadia I know you are not a historian and I barely claim to be but it is difficult for me to read this blog Unveiled: A Muslim Girl in the O.C. and not be a little frustrated by the content. First let me be clear that I understand you are wanting to make a connection to your heritage and history and the place you call home today. I am glad you feel at home here in the United States because that is exactly what America is all about. Since its beginning America has been a refuge of people from all over the world seeking something different whether it be religious freedom, economic independence, or 15 minutes of fame. And for whatever reason you have arrived in our country I am happy for you and excited you call this home.
http://www.dailypilot.com/opinion/tn-hbi-0426-shadia-20120425,0,5532464.story
I do have to address however the idea that the founding fathers used Islamic teachings in the foundation of our country. It's true Locke, Smith, and Montesquieu were key figures in influencing individuals such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison but the connection from those Middle Eastern ideas and religion to our founding fathers is difficult to connect. When Europe decided that the crusades were a good idea they came to the Middle East and surprisingly learned a lot from the Muslim culture. Much of this is rarely talked about but technology, government, economics, and culture were among the many things that Europe took away from the Muslim people (along with Jerusalem briefly but that's another topic). So it goes without saying that Islam had a major impact on the European culture. If that is where your connection is coming from I have to say it is a little weak. All cultures have taken ideas and technologies from other cultures. It does not mean that the ideas came from them. Mongolia overtook China, Persia conquered Babylon, Greece ruled over half the world, and then Rome did, England became one of the most recent empires stretching across every ocean; the point being ideas have been spread and exchanged throughout history. My difficultly is in stating "America's forefathers were influenced by Islam." I have been studying the founding era for some time, it is my favorite, and I have seen no evidence of Washington, Jefferson, or Adams being students of Islam, reading Islam teachings, or stating they are influence by Islam or anything from the Middle East. Of course we would see hundreds to thousands in this country who were Islamic. There were hundreds or thousands of different religions in this country... we were founded as a country of religious freedom and refuge. Something Islamic nations have not been able to claim since their beginning. Of course Jefferson owned a Koran he was a student of religion and culture, he was a renaissance man like no other at the time. These connections from America's founding to Islam is weak at best.
I am not trying to disparage the Islamic religion simply the correlation to America's founding. I think more investigation needs to be found, more research needs to be done before we simply throw out statements of that nature, and an Islamic researcher probably has a bit of bias, not your best source to prove a point like this.
http://www.dailypilot.com/opinion/tn-hbi-0426-shadia-20120425,0,5532464.story
I do have to address however the idea that the founding fathers used Islamic teachings in the foundation of our country. It's true Locke, Smith, and Montesquieu were key figures in influencing individuals such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison but the connection from those Middle Eastern ideas and religion to our founding fathers is difficult to connect. When Europe decided that the crusades were a good idea they came to the Middle East and surprisingly learned a lot from the Muslim culture. Much of this is rarely talked about but technology, government, economics, and culture were among the many things that Europe took away from the Muslim people (along with Jerusalem briefly but that's another topic). So it goes without saying that Islam had a major impact on the European culture. If that is where your connection is coming from I have to say it is a little weak. All cultures have taken ideas and technologies from other cultures. It does not mean that the ideas came from them. Mongolia overtook China, Persia conquered Babylon, Greece ruled over half the world, and then Rome did, England became one of the most recent empires stretching across every ocean; the point being ideas have been spread and exchanged throughout history. My difficultly is in stating "America's forefathers were influenced by Islam." I have been studying the founding era for some time, it is my favorite, and I have seen no evidence of Washington, Jefferson, or Adams being students of Islam, reading Islam teachings, or stating they are influence by Islam or anything from the Middle East. Of course we would see hundreds to thousands in this country who were Islamic. There were hundreds or thousands of different religions in this country... we were founded as a country of religious freedom and refuge. Something Islamic nations have not been able to claim since their beginning. Of course Jefferson owned a Koran he was a student of religion and culture, he was a renaissance man like no other at the time. These connections from America's founding to Islam is weak at best.
I am not trying to disparage the Islamic religion simply the correlation to America's founding. I think more investigation needs to be found, more research needs to be done before we simply throw out statements of that nature, and an Islamic researcher probably has a bit of bias, not your best source to prove a point like this.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Our Nation Divided: Civil War 150th 2012
I know it has been forever since I wrote about the Civil War and for that I am sad. I was so excited to read more and understand more about the Civil War during this period of the 150th anniversary but living in the Midwest, one is far removed from the action. This is something I will remedy.
These next few years are a once in a lifetime opportunity for the public and so many states are taking advantage of it. I want people that read this blog to not miss out on all the great events, reenactments, and living history presentations that are happening. One of the best sources I have found is through The Civil War Trust. They have been an active leader in informing the public so they won't miss out on these fantastic events. It is a must visit website for events, news, and history of the Civil War. They also have links to other sites that can help you along the war such as finding events in your state, NPS, history.com, and my favorite which are the blogs to the Washington Post and New York Times on the Civil War. I encourage everyone to click the link and investigate the website so you won't miss out on any events in your area.
http://www.civilwar.org/150th-anniversary/
@civilwartrust
http://www.civilwar.org/150th-anniversary/
@civilwartrust
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