[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Coolidge and Harding are severely underrated, in my opinion.

It is impressive to discuss American history with someone who would not be expected to have studied it . . . and has opinions about things which I haven't taken note of.

I will note of Coolidge that Ronald Reagan, during his tenure in the White House, put up Coolidge's portrait in the oval office. And that is recommendation enough for me.

[MadIvan]

Coolidge understood what the modern impulses of government were - he spent much of his time trying to stop government from doing things, to restrain it, to make it work within its means. I heartily recommend Robert Sobel's biography, which is in my collection.

Harding took over an economy teetering on recession - if I recall correctly, he cut taxes and let the free market do its work.

Regards, Ivan