Happy Presidents Day!

More than just a day to buy a cheap mattress. Or, to kick off BBQ season in Las Vegas (President's Day - Halloween). This Day is actually one of my favorite Holidays. Right behind Christmas, Easter and the 4th of July. I am both a Political Scientist and Historian at heart. I have interest in not only studying the Presidents who have served us, but also the historical developments surrounding this service. So, in keeping with my obsession of making list's. Here is my list of favorite Presidents.

The list is not in any order, but I will save my favorite of them all for last. President's make this list for reasons other than just merely political or overall impact on the Country or World. Some of them make the list merely because of interesting personalities alone. Others make the list maybe for only one really stellar act of achievement. Plus, post Ronald Reagan on - no one is considered just yet. One they are all still with us and I think more years need to pass. More History of events post Presidency need to happen to honestly shape their terms of service.

Here they are! Actually - just go with the First Picture posted above - George Washington. He was more than just a General, which service all of us owe much. He was a very effective leader as President as well. Not sure our infant nation was quite ready for an Adams, Jefferson or ever a Hamilton Presidency. Yet, at the time, Washington truly was the person of the moment.

 Dwight Eisenhower - another former General whom we all owe so much in his dedicated service during World War II. As President he was seen as a golfer more than President. He was actually more active in duties than anyone gives him credit however. Three reasons have him in my favorite list. His professional personality (which can be seen in Federal Judgeship appointments and Civil Rights), Interstate Highway System and his awareness of the growing "Military Industrial Complex".

Okay, maybe the smartest person to be President. Although those Jimmy Carter supporters really support their guy. The only one smarter to me may have been Lincoln. Jefferson was always thinking, moving, creating and living. To me he is seen as doing so much in the founding of our Country (Declaration of Independence, Secretary of State, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark Expedition, one half of the first odd couple routines with John Adams). Yet, there is one thing I look to him for. This strictly is personal as well - he may have been the first Educator in Chief as President. You could NOT keep this man from learning!

Personality? BOLD AND BIG! BULLY!!! How could you NOT like this man. From wrestling with his boys on the White House lawn to Progressive Trust Buster. Not to mention pushing the big ditch connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. He was quick to fight, yet also quick to make peace (Noble Peace Prize for Russo-Japanese War). My personal favorite of his accomplishments - pushing for National Parks and Conservation. He was our Explorer President. Plus, both Teddy and I dropped out of Law School for much the same reasons. Gotta love him!

Yes, the Husband of Dolly Madison - James Madison. Thomas Jefferson thought he was the smarted person alive. As President though he really was not the best. War of 1812 did not help him much either. Yet, one of my favorites due to the Bill of Rights and The Federalist Papers. He was also a pretty fantastic member of the House of Representatives. Okay, all of these things, including having such a great wife have nothing to do with his Presidency per se. He really is  noted as being not stellar there. Yet, it is my list! I like him. Plus, that whole Bill of Rights thing - pretty big!!!

B rated actor. Really, the bedtime for Bonzo flicks and any of his Westerns just should not be watched. Frankly speaking  much I disagree with him over and many of his followers about. Yet, also in ALL honesty - I still really liked him. He was more pragmatic than legacy followers in the current state of the Republican Party care to admit. Yet, he was more conservative than I think even some moderate leaning, current, Democrats seem to remember. He seems to be more of an enigma now to some, ironic isn't it?

For some reason today, Woodrow Wilson, mostly in conservative circles; is deemed as one of the worst Presidents ever. I couldn't disagree more. The League of Nations never had a chance considering the heavy retribution laid on Germany after World War I. He also had a pretty severe Stroke near the end of his Presidency (can't help that - health happens). What puts him personally on my list - He was the first and only Professor of Political Science to actually BE a President! Wow, someone with the educational background for the job? :)

Another enigma for me. So much to like, yet, so much I need to look the other way on personally. I really like his Brother Bobby more. One of those if he only could have been President figures? Yet JFK, gave me a lot of personal inspiration and our nation as well. Great speeches and his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis - spot on. He was also surrounded by some really smart advisers. Senseless act of violence took him, and Bobby from our nation much too soon.

LBJ? Maybe the biggest of all enigma's for me. With current knowledge of the Tonkin Gulf incident and considering today's political climate - he may well have been impeached. The whole Vietnam War - his handling and escalating of it - awful. He was a BIG man, from a BIG state. He was a BIG politician. As I said, previous, some of the Presidents make this list for one or two stellar achievements. LBJ is here for Medicare, Welfare and Civil Rights. Amazing considering the climate in Texas politics today.

Okay a tie! As I said I would - save the last picture to show my favorite of all. As I studied the historical and political events surrounding the Presidencies of FDR and Lincoln. One phrase comes to mind - "divine inspiration." I truly feel these two served at the right time and moment. Coincidentally, they served at two of the most crucial and pinnacle times of our nations history as well. I cannot imagine any other contemporary political figure of their times guiding our Nation.

Cheerful and Grateful this day to all who served our Nation as President. Yet, for the ones listed, that gratitude stands a lot higher.

Running? doing okay. Lots of shorter tempo and hill runs last week. It was a busy week. Plus, some of my past time for running is now being used to walk our Husky pup. She is doing well as well. 13 weeks old today. Tomorrow the last of her shots. Then she can run and play with other doggies at the Park.

Family is doing well as well. We keep humming along!

Cheers!