Theodore Roosevelt Island is in the Potomac River between Washington DC and Virginia. It's a great little space with a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, consisting of a statue of Roosevelt (taken from an image of him at a speech about unions, and looks a little like a statue of Lenin) flanked by four large stone tablets that have some of his words on the topics of nature, manhood, youth, and country. Reading his words made me feel patriotic and lucky about living in the US. I wonder if people in other countries feel the same way. I know that many people do, but in places where the government hasn't been stable or hasn't protected or provided for the people, do people feel optimistic about their government and it's future, or is it viewed as the problem? I know it's individual, but I'm curious to know if, even here in the US, more people feel that the government under which they live is a blessing, a curse, or both. Any opinions?
Some historians believe Teddy was manic-depressive. He was an extremely energetic guy. And it's a shame he always loses the Presidents' Race at Nats games.
ReplyDeleteI have a very clear memory of writing a 10 page paper on TR in high school. Those who went to Harlem will of course remember the great Mr. Zapke. The purpose of the paper was to determine whether or not Roosevelt was as great a president as popular culture has made him out to be. I concluded that he was, but it was clear the Mr. Zapke didn't share my opinion. I did well on the paper though.
ReplyDeleteFunny how we all have different opinions of the greatness of certain teachers from high school.
ReplyDeleteI meant that with a mild degree of sarcasm.
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