American History: 3 Patriots Who Helped Make America Great!

Speaking as an American, it is my opinion and firm belief that America may not be a perfect nation but it is a great nation. I believe that it is our country’s diversity that contributes to its strength. Sadly, our diversity also creates a weak link in the chain of humanity. But rather than dwell on the negatives, it is better to shine a light on the positives. That's what Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr. did. 

3 Historical Figures That Contributed to
America's Greatness

Read a Self Help Book For a U.S. History Perspective

The Robbins-McClendon collaboration was published 1997, i.e. pre-Obama. Now that America has made a choice and elected an African-American as POTUS, this self-help book could serve as a U.S. historical perspective.

Anthony “Tony” Robbins and Joseph McClendon III jointly authored a self-help book titled “Unlimited Power: A Black Choice”.

Ever hear of Tony Robbins? He’s an excellent motivational speaker and author of several bestselling books on how to forge your path to success. My son appears to be a huge fan. He’s always quoting him. This article is about one of the books found in my son’s personal library, which is now in my possession because when he moved out it was left in a box in the garage. No, I won’t be taking it to the Antiques Roadshow for appraisal. Instead, I’m giving it my own appraisal and sharing my valuation.

Tony or Anthony Robbins co-authored this book with a friend and fellow professional, Joseph McClendon III. Both of these guys have unquestionable credentials. If you want to know what makes them think that they know enough to tell you anything, just flip to the pages at the end entitled “About the Authors”. Also, an important note to mention is that Mr. Robbins is a philanthropist and in addition to operating his own non-profit organization, ten percent of the royalties from the sales of this co-authored work are donated to the Young Black College Fund for the mentoring of young African-Americans. The book is called: “Unlimited Power: A Black Choice”.

There are several reasons why a person, regardless of their background, would probably like this book. For one thing, it has great quotes woven into the chapters from celebrities like Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey; and historical Americans like Sojourner Truth and Booker T. Washington. There are also quotations from two people whose sayings appear in writings by almost everybody: Unknown and Anonymous. You might be tempted to just skim through the leaves looking for all the “Who said what” remarks.

Another reason? Quickly peruse the Table of Contents and your curiosity will be aroused. Although you may say to yourself that there is no new thing for you to learn, you might convince yourself that it’s worth further examination. For example, “Mastering Your Mind: How to Run Your Brain”. Sounds fascinating! I must figure out how to do this because my brain always runs away from me! Or how about this interesting title: “The Difference That Makes the Difference”. Hmm? What difference could that be?

In all, the book is very good motivational reading. Although, to be honest, the basics of how to develop a spirit and mindset to achieve unlimited success are something that surely every human being must already know, instinctively or intuitively.

(1) Don’t lie. (2) Don’t cheat. (3) Don’t steal.

These are not optional. They are commandments.

(1) Don’t whine. (2) Don’t complain. (3) Don’t make excuses.

Well thanks a lot, Joe and Tony! Now, what am I supposed to use for hindrances to slow me down and stop me?!

The basics aside, there is some awfully good information and advice which can be extracted and learned: memory management; the precision model; healthy eating tips (food is fuel); and various motivation strategies. The insertion and application of the Peanuts® comic strip is priceless.

One final reason one might consider reading or reviewing this Robbins-McClendon collaborative effort? It is 2014. America made a choice and elected an African-American who is now serving his second term as President of the United States. This book was published pre-Obama in 1997. I think it would be a good read for a U.S. historical perspective.

Unlimited Power: A Black Choice

Original source

Giving Honor to Those Who Served: Happy Veterans Day!

It’s November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!

Never served in the military but was hired by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and given the honor of working side by side with many who did serve in this country's armed forces. A deeply heartfelt shout out to my former co-workers at DVA and a salute to all U.S. Veterans everywhere - those who have served, those currently serving, and a special dedication to the memory of the men and women of valor who sacrificed their lives.

• November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".
• 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
• With the approval of P.. 380 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
• October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation".

History of Veterans Day -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

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Original source

American Politics and Government: No More Whigs

Spotlight on a U. S. political party that knew when to fold and merge. 

• Before the Republicans, There Were Whigs

The Whig was a U.S. Political party that was in existence from 1834 to 1856. It was formed in opposition to the Democratic party. They favored higher tariffs and a liberal interpretation of the Constitution. The members eventually united with the Republicans and their party, as we know of it in history, was no more. But before the dissolution, at least four of the active and influential members were honored to serve US as our leader. ...

Continue reading at HUBPages.com.

American History: Presidents Who Served First as Vice-Presidents

American vice-presidents must always be in a constant state of readiness.  At any given moment they may have to take over the duties of the most powerful office in the world.

What do American Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, and Calvin Coolidge all have in common with each other? These nine men served as Vice-Presidents before becoming Presidents.

Presidents Who Served First as Vice-Presidents

Additionally, they have something in common (or should have something in common) with all the citizens of the United States.  

They were just ordinary people yearning to pursue a peaceful life, individual liberty and personal happiness.  Why?  Because living on this planet earth doesn't get any better than that!

Veeps/Presidents from Adams to Coolidge

~ A span of approximately 140 years of nation building.

The gentlemen named below all served as vice-presidents during the years 1789 to 1929. Information contained in parentheses are the political parties* they were linked to, the presidents with whom they served, and the years they took the helm to lead America as POTUS.  What follows after are interesting trivia, tidbits and facts about each one.

* John Adams (F ; George Washington ; 1797 - 1801)

* Thomas Jefferson (D-R ; John Adams ; 1801 - 1809)

* Martin Van Buren (D ; Andrew Jackson ; 1837 - 1841)

* John Tyler (W ; William H. Harrison ; 1841 - 1845)

* Millard Fillmore (W ; Zachary Taylor ; 1850 - 1853)

* Andrew Johnson (R ; Abraham Lincoln ; 1865 - 1869)

* Chester A. Arthur (R ; James A. Garfield ; 1881 - 1885)

* Theodore Roosevelt (R ; William McKinley ; 1901 - 1909)

* Calvin Coolidge (R ; Warren G. Harding ; (1923 - 1929)

KEY:  F = Federalist; D-R = Democratic-Republican; D = Democrat; R = Republican; W = Whig

John Adams

October 30, 1735 - July 4, 1826

- The XYZ Affair happened under his watch. Three U.S. Agents were approached by three agents acting on behalf of France (dubbed X, Y and Z) and demanded money (a “bribe”) to settle a dispute about commerce. This incident almost caused a war between the two countries, but peace was secured before Adams left office.

Thomas Jefferson

April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826)

- The importation of African slaves became illegal. 

- He was the first POTUS to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. 

- During his administration the Louisiana Territory was purchased from France for $15 million.

Martin Van Buren

December 5, 1782 – July 24, 1862

- Because of the depression and economic crisis caused by the closing of banks in Philadelphia and New York City, he persuaded the Congress to set up a federal Treasury independent of the nation's banking and financial system. This would safeguard federal funds from private bank failures. The economy was in crisis mode for his entire presidential term.

John Tyler

March 29, 1790 – January 18, 1862

- Although he won the election, he angered members of his political party by vetoing banking bills they supported and they disowned him. 

- Undeterred by having fallen out of favor with the Whigs, he went about the presidential business by opening up trade relations with China, and admitting Florida and Texas to the Union (US). 

- His estate to which he retired was called “Sherwood Forest”, same name for the home of Robin Hood, the medieval English outlaw.

Millard Fillmore

January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874

- Put the debate regarding slavery issue on a back burner by sponsoring and signing the Compromise of 1850; a compromise that was ultimately settled by the American Civil War.

(There are times when you just can't build a bridge through compromise and build a united nation, at the same time.)

Andrew Johnson

December 29, 1808 – July 31, 1875

- Sworn into office the same day Lincoln died. 

- The 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was proclaimed. 

- Disputed with Congress about the Reconstruction Program

- Alaska was purchased from Russia for $7.2 million. - He left his footprints in the sands of American history by being the first president to ever be impeached. 

Chester A. Arthur

October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886

- Took office because Garfield was assassinated. He had New York “ties” or “connections” which he could never untie or disconnect from in the eyes of others; and consequently, never really accomplished much during his time in the Oval Office. Passed the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Bill which was aimed at the Mormons in Utah.

Theodore Roosevelt

October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919

- Sworn into office after William McKinley died from an assassin's bullet. A Nobel Peace Prize winner and one of the four presidents whose face is carved into Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The other three are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. The sculpted faces are intended to represent the founding, expansion, preservation and unification of the United States of America.

Calvin Coolidge

Born on the 4th of July, 1872 – January 5, 1933

- During his administration the Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed, an agreement banning war, actually renouncing war as an “instrument of national policy”. It was even ratified by more than 60 countries.Yeah!  The Nazis totally ignored that!

NOTE:  There were other veeps who became presidents after Coolidge - Truman, Nixon, Johnson and Ford. But I stopped at Coolidge because he was "Born on the 4th of July". I just thought that was so cool!

Related Links:

• U.S. History Timeline: From Washington to Tyler
• U.S. History Timeline: After Lincoln, Before Coolidge

Bringing White Feather From the Mountain

Let me tell you about a fellow blogger who goes by the name White Feather. The information he shares is so eye-opening and fascinating, the temptation to re-share is irresistible. You must be pointed in the direction of the paths he takes online in order to see the world through his lens. From his profile at a social network that no longer exists, I found my way to his website and the other links below that were posted to his activity timeline.

• Official Website: Writings of White Feather

The article of interest suggested for your review is:

• How Crazy Horse Treated Refugees : Wisdom from a Native American warrior (Applicable to the refugee crisis facing Western nations today?)

Why is this article so interesting to me? The first reason is that I am sort of impressed by the famous Native American known as Crazy Horse. I did a little research on this historical figure and learned that he was anything but crazy! However, while researching I did not come across any information about his dealings with refugees. So this article by White Feather was eye-opening. There is so much American history that we are never taught in school.

Also, I wanted to contrast and compare to my opinion piece which was published here at Medium titled: Syrian Refugees Go Home!

 ♦ How does this relate to bringing White Feather from the Mountain?

Yes, I know. My logic defies rationale and reasoning. Before discovering this website and its fascinating articles, for me, White Feather was “up in the mountain”. I determined to bring him down from that mountain and introduce him to others.

He has a couple more articles about Crazy Horse you might find fascinating.  Crazy Horse Races and Crazy Horse, St. Bernadette and Edgar Cayce

Crazy Horse #quotes.
~ https://t.co/qdzmF7ZrUh ~Even though I am proud to be an American, and claim #America as my native land, I have always thought our #history books would read a lot different if the white settlers had “come in peace”. #NativeAmericans #NativeAmericanChiefs pic.twitter.com/dMiGHq9o5h

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 14, 2020

A Nation in Decline (An Opinion Piece)

Living in America.

Born in the USA.

A lot has happened in my lifetime, since the 1950s. Grew up in a segregated neighborhood. Attended segregated schools from kindergarten to 8th grade.

People say water fountains, restrooms, and other public facilities were clearly marked with signs that said “Whites” and “Coloreds Only”. Of a truth, that’s not in my childhood memory. The Civil Rights Movement — the marches, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — those events are in my memory. My first experience attending an integrated high school with girls from ethnic and racial backgrounds different from mine. That’s in my memory.

(1) Use and abuse of illegal drugs becoming commonplace. Talkin’ ’bout my generation.

(2) Fornication — i.e. sexual relations outside of the marriage bed becoming acceptable and even expected behavior.

(3) Homosexuals coming out of the closets and parading in the streets.

(4) AIDS.

Many people point to (1) through (4) as “proof” that our nation is in decline.  We're just like the ancient Roman empire.  They were destroyed from within by their corruption, depravity. and a lack of morality.  The citizens don't respect God anymore!

(Yawn.) You want proof that the USA is following the path of the Roman Empire?

When the words “In God We Trust” are removed from our currency; and the phrase “one nation under God” is deleted from the Pledge of Allegiance, you’ll have PROOF!! OK?

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NOTE:  Unlisted content at Medium.com
♦ ♦ ♦

Similar or Related Content:

• A Collection of Quotes From Rome’s Intelligensia

• America is NOT the New Rome. I agree.

• Express Yourself! | Editor's Notes | Two takeaways from your article about ancient Rome

Read Treathyl Fox's answer to Roman Empire: What would the world be like today if Rome had never fallen? on Quora

3 Black Lives Who Made Sure What They Did Mattered for ALL Americans

Speaking as an American, it is my opinion and firm belief that America may not be a perfect nation but it is a great nation. I believe that it is our country’s diversity that contributes to its strength. Sadly, our diversity also creates a weak link in the chain of humanity. But rather than dwell on the negatives, it is better to shine a light on the positives.

One of the positives is that in America, even though we come together as one, we also choose to show appreciation for our differences. This is why there are certain months or time periods during the year where we celebrate the cultural differences and heritage of the citizens who comprise the United States of America and their contributions.

For example:

• February is Black History Month (also called African-American History Month)
• March is Irish-American Heritage Month
• May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
• November is Native American Heritage Month

Since it is the month of February and my background is African-American, this article is written for the purpose of highlighting certain African-American citizens who have made significant contributions to the building of America and who are human beings worthy of honor, admiration, and respect. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. Just summary highlights of three historical figures and what they did to make America great, with links that supply additional details and information if you want to know more.

No discussion of African-American history would be complete without the mention of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Frederick Douglass (1818 – 1895) was a free man who was born a slave. He made it his mission in life to change not only his circumstances but to fight for the human rights of all those who were enslaved in America. He had hope, he understood the vision of our founding fathers, and he truly believed that America was meant to be “the land of the free”.

• “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”, a speech by Mr. Douglass celebrating America’s Independence Day.
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.

Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) was a free woman who was born a slave. She escaped slavery and once those shackles were broken she set her mind to liberating others. She believed that she had been called by God to accomplish her work. Because of her contributions to the abolitionist movement and the fight for freedom in America, her name is on a list of the “100 Most Significant Americans of All Time”.

• Sojourner Truth, Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968) was a man with a dream. He died before he saw his dream become a reality; struck down by an assassin’s bullet. But the records of America’s history rightly credit him with playing a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement which ultimately resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And he did it without a gun!

• Martin Luther King Jr, Activist, Spokesperson/Leader of the Civil Rights Movement

It’s a blessing to celebrate America’s unity and diversity. We don’t have to make America great again. This nation is already great. We just need to keep it great and make it even better.

* * *

Interesting Note: America is not the only country that sets aside a month to celebrate the heritage and contributions of persons with African heritage. Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands also celebrate.