Good Point.
We see past politicians as fully-formed entities. In their own times, when they were active, the lines dividing them weren't always so clear.
Coolidge with TR Jr.
Posted on 12/31/2011 7:35:58 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Theodore Roosevelt seems to be in vogue among certain Republican contenders -- but his Republicanism might not be the most conservative brand available. In fact, a big ideological contender against Roosevelt is Calvin Coolidge, another Republican stalwart of the 20th century. Though these two men occupied the same political party, each embodies one side of a struggle between philosophical factions that continues today.
In summarizing his view of the proper role of the presidency, Roosevelt in his autobiography writes, "I declined to adopt the view that what was imperatively necessary for the Nation could not be done by the President unless he could find some specific authorization to do it"1.
In other words, Roosevelt rejected the notion that Article II defined his powers in the Constitution. If something needed to be done, according to Teddy, he should have the power to do it himself, unilaterally. In practical terms, this is a rejection of free-market capitalism and the separation of powers.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
Upon being told of the exchange between his wife and her guide, Mr. Coolidge asked, "Same hen?" The guide told him "Oh no, Mr. President. He performs his duty with a different hen each time." With a sly grin the President responded, "Tell that to Mrs. Coolidge."
from your post:
“A woefully ineducated populace was NOT equipped to take on any of these tasks”
“TR did what needed to be done”
These point to the crux of the problem with your claim and the cause of Progressivism. The Federal Government should have NOTHING to do with the claims you cite as problems. And, what if the goobermint was doing something contrary to specific constitutional provisions?
Coolidge’s brilliance was in getting out of the way. The second amendment takes care of most of the problems you cite.
The people are smarterer than most politicans see. (/sarc)
No food inspection, no child labor laws, widespread government corruption, particulary at the local level, unbelievable and unsafe living and working conditions, no enforcement of anti monopoly/trust laws; I could go on. TR did what needed to be done.
These are all conditions that have existed from the beginning of time. There was no impending doom forcing him to unconstitutionally create a huge nanny state. None of what he did has fixed more problems than it created.
I really think America peaked in the late 19teens to middle twenties. We’ve been costing and declining ever since.
One year while President he vacationed for a month in N. Wisconsin. The nearest phone was 30 miles away.
Good Point.
We see past politicians as fully-formed entities. In their own times, when they were active, the lines dividing them weren't always so clear.
Coolidge with TR Jr.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.