Keith, Patrick AMH2010
My understanding of Robert E. Lee had at least one slave even though he felt that the slavery was wrong. Lee was a good tactician, I do not know how good of a strategist that he was, because I do not know how much liberty he had in forming strategy for the Confederacy. Inevitable it was strategic error that cost the union the war, but then isn’t that always the case.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
John Jay-abolitionist
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
John Jay, our nation's first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was an ardent abolitionist. He was so adament about abolition that it even hurt his election chances in upstate New York, where slavery was still practiced in the late 1700s. He made practice of buying young black men as slaves, and freeing them when they were adults. He considered their work during time of enslavement as payment for their freedom. I think it is awesome that the first man to head the Supreme Court was against slavery. I was honestly surprised to find this out; I assumed that an abolitionist would not be able to attain such popularity.
John Jay, our nation's first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was an ardent abolitionist. He was so adament about abolition that it even hurt his election chances in upstate New York, where slavery was still practiced in the late 1700s. He made practice of buying young black men as slaves, and freeing them when they were adults. He considered their work during time of enslavement as payment for their freedom. I think it is awesome that the first man to head the Supreme Court was against slavery. I was honestly surprised to find this out; I assumed that an abolitionist would not be able to attain such popularity.
The Donkey and The Elephant
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
It seems to me that the rise of the Republican Party revolutionized politics in the United States. The Republican Party developed a central and specific platform to campaign from. This platform galvanized its supporters, socially conforming them to a specific ideal, and further polarized politics forever more in the United States. Because of the early development of the GOP, parties other than the surviving Democratic party and the GOP could never find room in the political landscape to survive.
It seems to me that the rise of the Republican Party revolutionized politics in the United States. The Republican Party developed a central and specific platform to campaign from. This platform galvanized its supporters, socially conforming them to a specific ideal, and further polarized politics forever more in the United States. Because of the early development of the GOP, parties other than the surviving Democratic party and the GOP could never find room in the political landscape to survive.
Who's First?
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
It is an interesting nuance of distinction of who was the first none elected president of the united States. John Tyler was elected to serve as vice president of the U.S., so that under the protocols of the constitution he would then be President of the U.S. He was elected to the presidency it seems, though not elected to be President of the U.S. Gerald Ford was not elected at all to the presidency, he was appointed to be the Vice-President of the U.S by Richard Nixon.
It is an interesting nuance of distinction of who was the first none elected president of the united States. John Tyler was elected to serve as vice president of the U.S., so that under the protocols of the constitution he would then be President of the U.S. He was elected to the presidency it seems, though not elected to be President of the U.S. Gerald Ford was not elected at all to the presidency, he was appointed to be the Vice-President of the U.S by Richard Nixon.
Joseph Smith's death
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon religion, met his demise at the hands of an armed mob. He was being held in a jail awaiting trial for the destruction of a newspaper. In fact, he was supposed to be under the protection of the state, as there were non-Mormon mobs who wanted him dead. He had pistols that a friend had smuggled in, though he was unable to escape the confrontation with the mob. He jumped from a second-story window in attempt to escape, fell injured, and was shot to death. This is a very controversial religion so I am not surprised to find out that Joseph Smith's life ended like this.
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon religion, met his demise at the hands of an armed mob. He was being held in a jail awaiting trial for the destruction of a newspaper. In fact, he was supposed to be under the protection of the state, as there were non-Mormon mobs who wanted him dead. He had pistols that a friend had smuggled in, though he was unable to escape the confrontation with the mob. He jumped from a second-story window in attempt to escape, fell injured, and was shot to death. This is a very controversial religion so I am not surprised to find out that Joseph Smith's life ended like this.
John Adams defends slayers of Crispus Attucks
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
John Adams handled the criminal defense of the soldiers who opened fire during the Boston Massacre. He was able to get the murder charge down to manslaughter. He called the assembly that day in Boston: "a motley rabble of saucy boys, negros and molattoes, Irish teagues and outlandish jack tarrs." I think this is an incredible piece of information considering the role that Adams played in American history. I never would have expected him to defend British soldiers in a court of law.
John Adams handled the criminal defense of the soldiers who opened fire during the Boston Massacre. He was able to get the murder charge down to manslaughter. He called the assembly that day in Boston: "a motley rabble of saucy boys, negros and molattoes, Irish teagues and outlandish jack tarrs." I think this is an incredible piece of information considering the role that Adams played in American history. I never would have expected him to defend British soldiers in a court of law.
The Confederate Flag
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
I had heard that the flag some southerners display as the "Confederate Flag" has been inappropriately designated as such. Upon investigation, it turns out that the modern Confederate flag is a combination of a couple different designs, and was never actually flown by the Confederate States of America. This common design is also often called the "Stars and Bars," another misnomer. The Stars and Bars was the first flag design for the CSA, and looks little like the flag of "Dixie" we see today. As the flag we know today was never even flown, I am appalled that it is recognized as the symbol of the Confederacy.
I had heard that the flag some southerners display as the "Confederate Flag" has been inappropriately designated as such. Upon investigation, it turns out that the modern Confederate flag is a combination of a couple different designs, and was never actually flown by the Confederate States of America. This common design is also often called the "Stars and Bars," another misnomer. The Stars and Bars was the first flag design for the CSA, and looks little like the flag of "Dixie" we see today. As the flag we know today was never even flown, I am appalled that it is recognized as the symbol of the Confederacy.
George Washington's Teeth
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
I thought it would be fun to look into the story of our first president having wooden teeth. Though he did in fact have false teeth, they were made from gold, ivory, lead, human teeth, and animal teeth. These primitive dentures even had springs to open and shut them, and bolts to keep the unit together. Apparently horse and donkey teeth were common components of this style of denture. It is amazing what dentists were able to accomplish even back in colonial times. Now I would just like to know how they would have fit a person for dentures.
I thought it would be fun to look into the story of our first president having wooden teeth. Though he did in fact have false teeth, they were made from gold, ivory, lead, human teeth, and animal teeth. These primitive dentures even had springs to open and shut them, and bolts to keep the unit together. Apparently horse and donkey teeth were common components of this style of denture. It is amazing what dentists were able to accomplish even back in colonial times. Now I would just like to know how they would have fit a person for dentures.
Monitor vs. Merrimack
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Most students are well aware of the battle between these two ironclad ships in 1862. The four-hour battle proved to be a stalemate, which most people know. What is interesting is the fate of these two ships. The Merrimack was intentionally blown up by the Confederates about two months after the battle in an effort to prevent the ship from falling into Union hands. The Monitor was sunk while being towed during a storm about fifteen miles off the coast of North Carolina. I think this is an ironic end for the two deadliest ships of the time.
Most students are well aware of the battle between these two ironclad ships in 1862. The four-hour battle proved to be a stalemate, which most people know. What is interesting is the fate of these two ships. The Merrimack was intentionally blown up by the Confederates about two months after the battle in an effort to prevent the ship from falling into Union hands. The Monitor was sunk while being towed during a storm about fifteen miles off the coast of North Carolina. I think this is an ironic end for the two deadliest ships of the time.
William Lloyd Garrison
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent white abolitionist. He was known for his "radical" belief in immediate and complete emancipation of slaves. He even publicly burned a copy of the U.S. Constitution, declaring the document as being pro-slavery. Though a good friend of Frederick Douglass, they disagreed about the Constitution. Douglass thought that it guarranteed rights for all men regardless of color, ethnicity, or creed. I am quite shocked to learn of his burning of the Constitution, and though I understand his point, I liken this to burning the flag.
William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent white abolitionist. He was known for his "radical" belief in immediate and complete emancipation of slaves. He even publicly burned a copy of the U.S. Constitution, declaring the document as being pro-slavery. Though a good friend of Frederick Douglass, they disagreed about the Constitution. Douglass thought that it guarranteed rights for all men regardless of color, ethnicity, or creed. I am quite shocked to learn of his burning of the Constitution, and though I understand his point, I liken this to burning the flag.
Frederick Douglass
Evan Squires, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Surprisingly, Douglass did not harbor resentment against his former owners. Though he acknowledged their harsh deeds and cruel behavior in his autobiography he does not speak hatefully about his experience. Instead of blaming the slaveowners, he blamed the system. He said that slavery itself was responsible for the degradation of both slave and slaveholder. I think this is quite remarkable given his upbringing and the horrors he experienced during his time as a slave.
Surprisingly, Douglass did not harbor resentment against his former owners. Though he acknowledged their harsh deeds and cruel behavior in his autobiography he does not speak hatefully about his experience. Instead of blaming the slaveowners, he blamed the system. He said that slavery itself was responsible for the degradation of both slave and slaveholder. I think this is quite remarkable given his upbringing and the horrors he experienced during his time as a slave.
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Real Romance: Ambrose Bierce
Lawrence Hill AMH 2010 11:20 a.m.
American literature has a drastically different style and dialect from all previous styles in history. Certain similarities can be drawn however, no groups contain the same blood, sweat and tears that our country has conveyed through words. Our country has fought for their lives every step of the way and only by our resolve did we succeed under such low odds. From our beginnings in Jamestown to our ruthless politics of slavery to the French and Indian War to our own Civil War. The American writer Ambrose Bierce is one of those writers who can show us the true America. Being a Civil War veteran turned socialite he became famous. But he spoke of death, war, lust, greed,honesty and hardship. He truly conveyed the real romanticism of America. Other writers who created the mystique of Romance in America, like Whitman and Emerson, do not tell of the struggle and sacrifice of America. Our country was not contemplating our feelings on nature or longing for old the hellenic philosophies to triumph in the world again. They were dying, fighting and doing anything to keep a family going. Ambrose Bierce, just a solider, recognized a true America. He saw the true culture beneath our romantics and greccophiles lilly prose. America should recognize the same determination, they should cherish our true romance.
American literature has a drastically different style and dialect from all previous styles in history. Certain similarities can be drawn however, no groups contain the same blood, sweat and tears that our country has conveyed through words. Our country has fought for their lives every step of the way and only by our resolve did we succeed under such low odds. From our beginnings in Jamestown to our ruthless politics of slavery to the French and Indian War to our own Civil War. The American writer Ambrose Bierce is one of those writers who can show us the true America. Being a Civil War veteran turned socialite he became famous. But he spoke of death, war, lust, greed,honesty and hardship. He truly conveyed the real romanticism of America. Other writers who created the mystique of Romance in America, like Whitman and Emerson, do not tell of the struggle and sacrifice of America. Our country was not contemplating our feelings on nature or longing for old the hellenic philosophies to triumph in the world again. They were dying, fighting and doing anything to keep a family going. Ambrose Bierce, just a solider, recognized a true America. He saw the true culture beneath our romantics and greccophiles lilly prose. America should recognize the same determination, they should cherish our true romance.
Burr shoots Hamilton's Vision
Lawrence Hill AMH 2010 10:58 a.m.
Alexander Hamilton was the catalyst to create a national bank in America. His policies as the Secretary of the Treasury sustained an early America and made to be one the greatest economists in American history. However, due to a fierce rivalry between him and Aaron Burr he was killed. His death ended the nationalized bank. One can only wonder how the economy in America would have progressed if the bank had been completed. Throughout history the key to most events and wars revolves around money. History could be a true example of the flow of the money or the greed of humanity. Imagine how the events around the world could have changed if only one man had not had shot and killed just one man. Maybe that was the silent shot that should have been heard around the world. Perhaps the shot heard around the world might not have ever happened. Hamilton's vision might have even effected the flow of money in Europe upsetting the scales and maybe prevent World War. Our history could have all come down to one bullet.
Alexander Hamilton was the catalyst to create a national bank in America. His policies as the Secretary of the Treasury sustained an early America and made to be one the greatest economists in American history. However, due to a fierce rivalry between him and Aaron Burr he was killed. His death ended the nationalized bank. One can only wonder how the economy in America would have progressed if the bank had been completed. Throughout history the key to most events and wars revolves around money. History could be a true example of the flow of the money or the greed of humanity. Imagine how the events around the world could have changed if only one man had not had shot and killed just one man. Maybe that was the silent shot that should have been heard around the world. Perhaps the shot heard around the world might not have ever happened. Hamilton's vision might have even effected the flow of money in Europe upsetting the scales and maybe prevent World War. Our history could have all come down to one bullet.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
BIrth Of A Nation
Lawrence Hill AMH 2010 11:47 a.m.
D. W. Griffith's "Birth of a nation" is regarded as one of the most influential films of all cinema. Films in American culture directly influence American culture's thoughts, feelings and future actions. Entire generations in American can be described by the films of their time. However, the other name for "Birth of a Nation" is "The Clansman" it is a piece of extraordinarily racist entertainment. As a people we have come together against slavery and the horrible things that happened during that time in our nation. Should we still exalt one of cultures most beloved films even though it supports highly racist ideas?
I believe that the film does show distinct moments of pure racism and bigotry. The film portrays blacks as sub human monkeys incapable of the most basic tasks. It even makes the clansmen in the story to be the heros of America. The film should be remembered for its significance to our culture in film but should be recognized as a perpetrator of violence and evil. Our culture should know our culture.
D. W. Griffith's "Birth of a nation" is regarded as one of the most influential films of all cinema. Films in American culture directly influence American culture's thoughts, feelings and future actions. Entire generations in American can be described by the films of their time. However, the other name for "Birth of a Nation" is "The Clansman" it is a piece of extraordinarily racist entertainment. As a people we have come together against slavery and the horrible things that happened during that time in our nation. Should we still exalt one of cultures most beloved films even though it supports highly racist ideas?
I believe that the film does show distinct moments of pure racism and bigotry. The film portrays blacks as sub human monkeys incapable of the most basic tasks. It even makes the clansmen in the story to be the heros of America. The film should be remembered for its significance to our culture in film but should be recognized as a perpetrator of violence and evil. Our culture should know our culture.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Caesar Rodney's Ride
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Americans in 1775 were wondering if the 13 colonies should be free from Britain. Delegates from each colony got together to vote on it. Delaware delegate Caesar Rodney had to be in Philadelphia on July 2, 1776, to vote. But on July 1, he was still in Dover, Delaware. He was busy fighting those who favored staying with Britain. He rode 80 miles on horseback through a stormy night and reached Philadelphia on July 2. His vote swung Delaware for independence and made the colonies' vote unanimous.
Americans in 1775 were wondering if the 13 colonies should be free from Britain. Delegates from each colony got together to vote on it. Delaware delegate Caesar Rodney had to be in Philadelphia on July 2, 1776, to vote. But on July 1, he was still in Dover, Delaware. He was busy fighting those who favored staying with Britain. He rode 80 miles on horseback through a stormy night and reached Philadelphia on July 2. His vote swung Delaware for independence and made the colonies' vote unanimous.
Rum, Slaves, and Molasses
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Merchants in Rhode Island and other New England colonies became very wealthy in what was called the "Triangle Trade." They shipped rum to West Africa and traded it for slaves. Then they shipped rum to West Africa and traded it for slaves. Then they shipped the slaves to the West Indies and traded them for molasses. Then they shipped the molasses back to New England and used it to make more rum. The Rhode Island slave trade stopped in 1774. Because it is on the ocean, Rhode Island was a center of trade and shipping in the 1700s.
Merchants in Rhode Island and other New England colonies became very wealthy in what was called the "Triangle Trade." They shipped rum to West Africa and traded it for slaves. Then they shipped rum to West Africa and traded it for slaves. Then they shipped the slaves to the West Indies and traded them for molasses. Then they shipped the molasses back to New England and used it to make more rum. The Rhode Island slave trade stopped in 1774. Because it is on the ocean, Rhode Island was a center of trade and shipping in the 1700s.
Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
When James K. Polk ran for President in 1844, he used the slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" The Oregon Territory was owned and settled by both British and Americans. Polk said the United States should own the land all the way to the latitude of 54 degrees 40'. He said he was willing to fight to own the land. When Polk became President, he compromised. He agreed to set the border at 49 degrees latitude. Today this is Washington's northern border.
When James K. Polk ran for President in 1844, he used the slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" The Oregon Territory was owned and settled by both British and Americans. Polk said the United States should own the land all the way to the latitude of 54 degrees 40'. He said he was willing to fight to own the land. When Polk became President, he compromised. He agreed to set the border at 49 degrees latitude. Today this is Washington's northern border.
The State of Franklin
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
The United States came close to having a state named after Benjamin Franklin. In 1784, North Carolina offered some of its land to the U.S. government. Congress did not vote to accept the property.
The people in the area elected a governor, John Sevier, and wrote a constitution. They named their state Franklin. In 1788, North Carolina got control of the area again. Franklin became part of Tennessee in 1796. John Sevier eventually became Tennessee's first governor.
The United States came close to having a state named after Benjamin Franklin. In 1784, North Carolina offered some of its land to the U.S. government. Congress did not vote to accept the property.
The people in the area elected a governor, John Sevier, and wrote a constitution. They named their state Franklin. In 1788, North Carolina got control of the area again. Franklin became part of Tennessee in 1796. John Sevier eventually became Tennessee's first governor.
Friday, July 24, 2009
What if?
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
What if the South had just quickly mustered up and sacked Washington D.C. The strategy would be to allow the Union to go ahead and invade the South. After the Union forces enter the South, the massed Confederate forces invade just north of the border of Virginia and sack Washington D.C. Confederate forces could then easily destroy supply lines and communication to the Union army.
This strategy would totally demoralize the North. The Confederate army is not faced with the logistical problems of invasion and controlling the North. After they are done with Washington D.C. they could sack any exposed flanks in the Northern defense and/or assault the Union army in the south. Meanwhile the Union army would invade a southern territory abandoned like the attrition tactics implemented by the Russians against Napoleon and later Germany Russian.
The effect mainly would be, like I said, to quickly dishearten the Northern resolve.
What if the South had just quickly mustered up and sacked Washington D.C. The strategy would be to allow the Union to go ahead and invade the South. After the Union forces enter the South, the massed Confederate forces invade just north of the border of Virginia and sack Washington D.C. Confederate forces could then easily destroy supply lines and communication to the Union army.
This strategy would totally demoralize the North. The Confederate army is not faced with the logistical problems of invasion and controlling the North. After they are done with Washington D.C. they could sack any exposed flanks in the Northern defense and/or assault the Union army in the south. Meanwhile the Union army would invade a southern territory abandoned like the attrition tactics implemented by the Russians against Napoleon and later Germany Russian.
The effect mainly would be, like I said, to quickly dishearten the Northern resolve.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Chicago, Wisconsin
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday 10:30 am
Back in 1818, Illinois' northern border was at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. A man named Nathaniel Pope suggested moving the border about 50 miles farther to the north. This move gave Illinois some land along Lake Michigan. The piece of land included the small town of Chicago. Chicago came close to being in Wisconsin.
Back in 1818, Illinois' northern border was at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. A man named Nathaniel Pope suggested moving the border about 50 miles farther to the north. This move gave Illinois some land along Lake Michigan. The piece of land included the small town of Chicago. Chicago came close to being in Wisconsin.
Charter Oak
Carol Blake, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Back in the 1600s, the British government was taking the charters of the colonies in order to control them. Leaders in Connecticut refused to give theirs up. They cleverly hid it in a huge oak tree. This magnificent tree was then called the Charter Oak and stood for the "strong colonial spirit and love for freedom." A bad storm took it down in 1856. A memorial is placed where the tree once stood. The charter is kept in a frame made from its wood.
Back in the 1600s, the British government was taking the charters of the colonies in order to control them. Leaders in Connecticut refused to give theirs up. They cleverly hid it in a huge oak tree. This magnificent tree was then called the Charter Oak and stood for the "strong colonial spirit and love for freedom." A bad storm took it down in 1856. A memorial is placed where the tree once stood. The charter is kept in a frame made from its wood.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thomas Jefferson Changed His View
Carol Blake,AMH2010,Monday-Friday,10:30am
Thomas Jefferson thought that blacks possessed inferior intellect and talents to white Americans. Benjamin Banneker, a black man, wrote a lengthly letter to Jefferson informing him of the accomplishments and contributions of the African race. Banneker, a highly educated man in the areas of astronomy, architecture and mathematics, convinced Jefferson that his previous opinion was in error. Jefferson then wrote a personal letter back stating "African Americans possess talents equal to those of 'other colours of men'." His views changed from that point on.
Thomas Jefferson thought that blacks possessed inferior intellect and talents to white Americans. Benjamin Banneker, a black man, wrote a lengthly letter to Jefferson informing him of the accomplishments and contributions of the African race. Banneker, a highly educated man in the areas of astronomy, architecture and mathematics, convinced Jefferson that his previous opinion was in error. Jefferson then wrote a personal letter back stating "African Americans possess talents equal to those of 'other colours of men'." His views changed from that point on.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Benjamin Banneker, Genius
Kyra Jenkins, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
President Washington commissioned a famous French architect Pierre L'Enfant to design Washington, D.C. L'Enfant's plan included grand streets and boulevards radiating from the Capitol building and the President's home (the White House) like spokes on a wheel. Unfortunately, L'Enfant had headstrong ways which eventually forced President Washington to dismiss him.
This left many people wondering who would complete L'Enfant's grand design. Benjamin Banneker, one of L'Enfant's assistants, announced that he had memorized every detail of the architect's designs. Washington promptly appointed him to finish designing the nation's capital.
Not only was Benjamin Banneker, a black man, known for being a strong spokesman for his race, but was also noted for studying the heavens and accurately predicting an eclipse in 1789. He also built a remarkable clock made entirely of wood.
President Washington commissioned a famous French architect Pierre L'Enfant to design Washington, D.C. L'Enfant's plan included grand streets and boulevards radiating from the Capitol building and the President's home (the White House) like spokes on a wheel. Unfortunately, L'Enfant had headstrong ways which eventually forced President Washington to dismiss him.
This left many people wondering who would complete L'Enfant's grand design. Benjamin Banneker, one of L'Enfant's assistants, announced that he had memorized every detail of the architect's designs. Washington promptly appointed him to finish designing the nation's capital.
Not only was Benjamin Banneker, a black man, known for being a strong spokesman for his race, but was also noted for studying the heavens and accurately predicting an eclipse in 1789. He also built a remarkable clock made entirely of wood.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Ulysses S. Grant
Kyra Jenkins, AMH2010, M-F 10:30 am
Having been born and raised in the very small town of Bethel, Ohio, I have come to know a lot about America's 18th President. Ulysses S. Grant was born in the area and was eventually a resident of Bethel, which has left quite a stir in our little town. There stands a Grant Memorial Building on the main street which contains a museum in his honor.
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822 at Point Pleasant, Ohio on the Ohio River in Clermont County. The birth was attended by Dr. John Rogers. The home where he was born is now a national monument. His parents were Jesse R. and Hannah Simpson Grant.
When Ulysses was 15 years old his father requested aid from Congressman Thomas L. Hamer in gaining an appointment to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. Congressman Hamer did not know that the young man's first name was not Ulysses, and therefore, filled out the application using Ulysses S. Grant. The S. was for his mother's maiden name Simpson since it was common during this time in history to use the mother's maiden name as a child's middle name. He was now and forever Ulysses S. Grant. Grant entered West Point in 1839 and graduated in 1843. In 1848, he married Julia Dent of St. Louis. Ulysses s. Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States in 1868 receiving 214 of 294 electorial votes and was re-elected President in 1872 with 268 of 348 electorial votes. In 1880, he was a candidate for a third term as President, but lost the nomination to General James A. Garfield.
Grant's father (who called Ulysses "useless" Grant) was eventually elected the first mayor of Bethel in 1848.
Having been born and raised in the very small town of Bethel, Ohio, I have come to know a lot about America's 18th President. Ulysses S. Grant was born in the area and was eventually a resident of Bethel, which has left quite a stir in our little town. There stands a Grant Memorial Building on the main street which contains a museum in his honor.
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822 at Point Pleasant, Ohio on the Ohio River in Clermont County. The birth was attended by Dr. John Rogers. The home where he was born is now a national monument. His parents were Jesse R. and Hannah Simpson Grant.
When Ulysses was 15 years old his father requested aid from Congressman Thomas L. Hamer in gaining an appointment to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. Congressman Hamer did not know that the young man's first name was not Ulysses, and therefore, filled out the application using Ulysses S. Grant. The S. was for his mother's maiden name Simpson since it was common during this time in history to use the mother's maiden name as a child's middle name. He was now and forever Ulysses S. Grant. Grant entered West Point in 1839 and graduated in 1843. In 1848, he married Julia Dent of St. Louis. Ulysses s. Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States in 1868 receiving 214 of 294 electorial votes and was re-elected President in 1872 with 268 of 348 electorial votes. In 1880, he was a candidate for a third term as President, but lost the nomination to General James A. Garfield.
Grant's father (who called Ulysses "useless" Grant) was eventually elected the first mayor of Bethel in 1848.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Relative of Thomas Jefferson
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
I did not know that the ancestors of Thomas Jefferson got together and celebrated their ancestry. It is somewhat disturbing however that they would exclude their relatives that were originally birthed also under the sign of slavery. It makes some sense though since there may be no official record, however it would seem proper and appropriate for those relatives that claim descendance through public record to include also their probable relatives, even to include relatives of the Jefferson plantation “family.”
It seems that a DNA test of the oldest relatives claiming ancestry can prove their hereditary background, their relation to Thomas Jefferson, thus establishing a public record for their descendents to claim blood relation to Thomas Jefferson.
I did not know that the ancestors of Thomas Jefferson got together and celebrated their ancestry. It is somewhat disturbing however that they would exclude their relatives that were originally birthed also under the sign of slavery. It makes some sense though since there may be no official record, however it would seem proper and appropriate for those relatives that claim descendance through public record to include also their probable relatives, even to include relatives of the Jefferson plantation “family.”
It seems that a DNA test of the oldest relatives claiming ancestry can prove their hereditary background, their relation to Thomas Jefferson, thus establishing a public record for their descendents to claim blood relation to Thomas Jefferson.
Unequal County Funding of Students Unconstitutional
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
It bothers me about the inequalities in education between one school zone and another. I cannot express clearly how much this bothers me. In any case I have a half cooked idea that hopefully will brew to fruition.
If the laws governing Affirmative Action dictate that all things that inhibit African-Americans from gaining inequality in the society of the United States that are remnants of their past enslavement are constitutionally mandated to be counter acted, then the segregation of school zones and the dispersal of funds to these schools based on the collection of property taxes collected from these school zones is Illegal. This may only apply to counties that have school zones where at least one African American attends a school located in a school zone that receives school funding from the respective county of the school this one student attends that is less than the highest level of funding provided by the respective county per student.
To have a fair advantage, an equal advantage in education, based on a monetary understanding, all of the students in the school must be funded equal to or greater than any other student or any other school in the school’s respective county. If funding is not equal to or greater than all other student funding then any funds provided for the single student will inevitable be drained off to support the inadequacies in education of unequally funded students. Further if the single student is removed and given special education that would be indicative of an individual funding that is greater than or equal to any other student(s) funding in the county, this too would be illegal because the student is being segregated due to their racial background.
Further, since segregation is illegal, no Americans of African descent can be collectively placed in a school for the purposes of funding that school and all of its students with a greater than or equal funding of any other individual student in the county.
In summation what I am saying is, that any county with at least one American of African descent attending school will create by legal demand equal funding for all students, black, white, poor, rich, etc. within their respective county school system.
It bothers me about the inequalities in education between one school zone and another. I cannot express clearly how much this bothers me. In any case I have a half cooked idea that hopefully will brew to fruition.
If the laws governing Affirmative Action dictate that all things that inhibit African-Americans from gaining inequality in the society of the United States that are remnants of their past enslavement are constitutionally mandated to be counter acted, then the segregation of school zones and the dispersal of funds to these schools based on the collection of property taxes collected from these school zones is Illegal. This may only apply to counties that have school zones where at least one African American attends a school located in a school zone that receives school funding from the respective county of the school this one student attends that is less than the highest level of funding provided by the respective county per student.
To have a fair advantage, an equal advantage in education, based on a monetary understanding, all of the students in the school must be funded equal to or greater than any other student or any other school in the school’s respective county. If funding is not equal to or greater than all other student funding then any funds provided for the single student will inevitable be drained off to support the inadequacies in education of unequally funded students. Further if the single student is removed and given special education that would be indicative of an individual funding that is greater than or equal to any other student(s) funding in the county, this too would be illegal because the student is being segregated due to their racial background.
Further, since segregation is illegal, no Americans of African descent can be collectively placed in a school for the purposes of funding that school and all of its students with a greater than or equal funding of any other individual student in the county.
In summation what I am saying is, that any county with at least one American of African descent attending school will create by legal demand equal funding for all students, black, white, poor, rich, etc. within their respective county school system.
Vice Presidents Who Became Presidents
Kyra Jenkins, AMH2010, Monday-Friday 10:30 am
It is interesting to me to learn how many United States Vice Presidents eventually became President. Nine Vice Presidents became President by election. They are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and George H. W. Bush. There are eight Vice Presidents who became President by the death of the sitting President. Those men would be John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The four men who fall into both categories are Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson. Of these men, eight were notable prior to 1877
It is interesting to me to learn how many United States Vice Presidents eventually became President. Nine Vice Presidents became President by election. They are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and George H. W. Bush. There are eight Vice Presidents who became President by the death of the sitting President. Those men would be John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The four men who fall into both categories are Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson. Of these men, eight were notable prior to 1877
"Rule of Thumb"
Kyra Jenkins, AMH2010, Monday-Friday 10:30 am
We have an old saying in America that was birthed out of our "growing pains" of either the 1700 or 1800's and is still being used right up to now. The phrase "rule of thumb" has never meant much to me until I recently learned its original meaning. Someone might say, "just use the rule of thumb" when talking about a vague measurement of how to do something, but do they truly know what they are referring to? In the South, a husband was permitted to beat his wife as long as he did not use a rod or branch bigger than his thumb. Anything bigger than the thumb was considered cruel and unacceptable. The husband must not cause "permanent" injury or death. You will think differently the next time you hear this phrase.
We have an old saying in America that was birthed out of our "growing pains" of either the 1700 or 1800's and is still being used right up to now. The phrase "rule of thumb" has never meant much to me until I recently learned its original meaning. Someone might say, "just use the rule of thumb" when talking about a vague measurement of how to do something, but do they truly know what they are referring to? In the South, a husband was permitted to beat his wife as long as he did not use a rod or branch bigger than his thumb. Anything bigger than the thumb was considered cruel and unacceptable. The husband must not cause "permanent" injury or death. You will think differently the next time you hear this phrase.
Sundown Towns
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
I remembered hearing a radio broadcast on NPR where an author was researching a new book on “Sundown Towns.” The concept of the book was to write about the segregation that is still implemented in the United States. A Sundown Town was simply a town where if you were not white, you had better not be in town after sundown. The last physical road sign to mark a town to actually pronounce this clearly for anyone in public to see I remember the interview claiming was taken down in the 1990’s during the Clinton administration.“Sundown towns existed throughout the nation, but more often were located in the northern states that were not pre-Civil War slave states” (Wikipedia).
I remembered hearing a radio broadcast on NPR where an author was researching a new book on “Sundown Towns.” The concept of the book was to write about the segregation that is still implemented in the United States. A Sundown Town was simply a town where if you were not white, you had better not be in town after sundown. The last physical road sign to mark a town to actually pronounce this clearly for anyone in public to see I remember the interview claiming was taken down in the 1990’s during the Clinton administration.“Sundown towns existed throughout the nation, but more often were located in the northern states that were not pre-Civil War slave states” (Wikipedia).
The Seminole Tribe
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
I had thought that the Seminole tribe was actually an amalgam of several tribes that were pushed to the south into Florida. So I looked it up. The Seminoles are of Creek origin and moved south into the territories of the Apalachee and Timucua. They also included among their number runaway slaves, Native American and African American. Most of the Seminole Tribes surrendered and were moved west during the Second Seminole War.
"Seminole." Encyclopedia Britannica. Deluxe Edition. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008.
I had thought that the Seminole tribe was actually an amalgam of several tribes that were pushed to the south into Florida. So I looked it up. The Seminoles are of Creek origin and moved south into the territories of the Apalachee and Timucua. They also included among their number runaway slaves, Native American and African American. Most of the Seminole Tribes surrendered and were moved west during the Second Seminole War.
"Seminole." Encyclopedia Britannica. Deluxe Edition. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008.
The South
Keith, Patrick AMH2010
I am glad for the Civil War; I am glad that I did not have to fight such a war. There are new wars that must be fought, though I think that the outcome of these wars can be litigated through an evolution in society.
I presume that most of those soldiers in the South fought for their freedoms; however they inadvertently fought to maintain the enslavement of their fellows. Enslavement, in any form, is wrong and will fail, always. You can not control someone or something forever. Eventually whatever is being controlled will escape the energy that is exerted and spent to bind that which would be controlled to whatever artificial state was desired. Everything will revert to its natural state.
I digress, my point is: I do not believe that all southerners were so naively deprived to have dreamed the desires to enslave humans. Humans have great capacity for cruelty, perhaps because they have such great capacity to experience cruelty. This however is a blessing, a duel edged blade. For so many of us with enough strength, we can strive above our adversities and live with compassion in our hearts.
I am glad for the Civil War; I am glad that I did not have to fight such a war. There are new wars that must be fought, though I think that the outcome of these wars can be litigated through an evolution in society.
I presume that most of those soldiers in the South fought for their freedoms; however they inadvertently fought to maintain the enslavement of their fellows. Enslavement, in any form, is wrong and will fail, always. You can not control someone or something forever. Eventually whatever is being controlled will escape the energy that is exerted and spent to bind that which would be controlled to whatever artificial state was desired. Everything will revert to its natural state.
I digress, my point is: I do not believe that all southerners were so naively deprived to have dreamed the desires to enslave humans. Humans have great capacity for cruelty, perhaps because they have such great capacity to experience cruelty. This however is a blessing, a duel edged blade. For so many of us with enough strength, we can strive above our adversities and live with compassion in our hearts.
The Nation vs. the Republic
Keith, Patrick N. AMH2010
If The Articles of the Confederation were the basis for our initial government, succeeding the Declaration of Independence, and then it was determined that they did not provide sufficient power and control for those in power of the Continental Congress, who’s member’s thus then decided arbitrarily to form a new government, in essence a second revolution, though bloodless I presume, does this not make our current government, The federal government Of the Republic of The United States, the second instituted bureaucracy of this nation of the United States? My main point is that the formation of the United States was the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was only the formation of the second government instituted to preside over this nation that is the United States.
The United States the Nation and The Republic of the United States; they are not the same. I do not know if this clear, there is though an important point I wish to make, I am a patriot of my country, I am a patriot of the ideals instilled in me buy the elusive dreams of freedom and equality for all souls here in the U.S., these are my ideals, and I am of the nation of the United States.
If The Articles of the Confederation were the basis for our initial government, succeeding the Declaration of Independence, and then it was determined that they did not provide sufficient power and control for those in power of the Continental Congress, who’s member’s thus then decided arbitrarily to form a new government, in essence a second revolution, though bloodless I presume, does this not make our current government, The federal government Of the Republic of The United States, the second instituted bureaucracy of this nation of the United States? My main point is that the formation of the United States was the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was only the formation of the second government instituted to preside over this nation that is the United States.
The United States the Nation and The Republic of the United States; they are not the same. I do not know if this clear, there is though an important point I wish to make, I am a patriot of my country, I am a patriot of the ideals instilled in me buy the elusive dreams of freedom and equality for all souls here in the U.S., these are my ideals, and I am of the nation of the United States.
Ohio's Seven Presidents
Kyra Jenkins, AMH2010, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
The state of Ohio can boast of seven men who emerged from this area and became a President of the United States of America. Only six of the seven were actually born in Ohio. At the time of election six of the seven were residents of the state. William Henry Harrison was not born in Ohio, but was a resident when elected. Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison were born and raised in Ohio, but were not a resident at the time of election. Those who were both born and residents of Ohio are as follows: Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
The state of Ohio can boast of seven men who emerged from this area and became a President of the United States of America. Only six of the seven were actually born in Ohio. At the time of election six of the seven were residents of the state. William Henry Harrison was not born in Ohio, but was a resident when elected. Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison were born and raised in Ohio, but were not a resident at the time of election. Those who were both born and residents of Ohio are as follows: Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Who's still a slave?
Keith, Patrick N. AMH2010 Monday-Friday 10:30 am
It was amusing to me that in our “History of Minorities I” it is noted that for “[blacks] slowly returned to the farms and resumed work under circumstances scarcely more favorable than before the war.” Further it is pointed out that “Black farm workers… since the cost of maintenance was so great₁…that workers were indebted to their employer for most of what they had made and sometimes more”
I find it amusing for the comparison that I make in regards to the past being scarcely better than slavery and the current situation of being indebted to society. The mechanism and constraints are all still there. The Power of the elite, as class, strives towards enslavement, in one form or another, over those that it can enslave, regardless of class. Thus here I elude that no man is every free so long as one man is not equal in society.
“The aggregate stock of US debt rose from a mere 163 per cent of gross domestic product in 1980 to 346 per cent in 20072.”
We are slave to our standard of living. Our slavery is enforced, because if we do not work we cannot live. The government demands that taxes be paid, if you do not pay taxes, you will be penalized. I empathize with a sales taxes and an income tax. However a property tax is unjust. To force someone to pay for their land every year is extortion.
I may not want to sell my food that I grow on my land to support my chosen standard of living for me and mine for a price that I do not want to sell it for. However, if I do not provide a monetary sum to the government for the payment of my land then the government will forcibly remove me from my land. I have two choices, fight against the tyranny of the government or sell any commodity, resource, or service that I have to provide money to the government. Like math, I reduce the equation to; the government intimidating violence if I do not work for them, or concede to a given price established by a government, or established by ruling class that establishes the protocols of “our” government.
So really, the line between freedom and slavery was never crossed; it just got blurred and disguised so that all of us, even the “Most Equal Citizen” is still in a reality a slave.
1. For the standard of living?
2. By Martin Wolf Financial Times
Published: September 23 2008 19:38http://2164th.blogspot.com/2008/09/total-us-debt-rose-from-163-of-gdp-in.html
3. Highlighted is taken from our notes “History of Minorities 1”
It was amusing to me that in our “History of Minorities I” it is noted that for “[blacks] slowly returned to the farms and resumed work under circumstances scarcely more favorable than before the war.” Further it is pointed out that “Black farm workers… since the cost of maintenance was so great₁…that workers were indebted to their employer for most of what they had made and sometimes more”
I find it amusing for the comparison that I make in regards to the past being scarcely better than slavery and the current situation of being indebted to society. The mechanism and constraints are all still there. The Power of the elite, as class, strives towards enslavement, in one form or another, over those that it can enslave, regardless of class. Thus here I elude that no man is every free so long as one man is not equal in society.
“The aggregate stock of US debt rose from a mere 163 per cent of gross domestic product in 1980 to 346 per cent in 20072.”
We are slave to our standard of living. Our slavery is enforced, because if we do not work we cannot live. The government demands that taxes be paid, if you do not pay taxes, you will be penalized. I empathize with a sales taxes and an income tax. However a property tax is unjust. To force someone to pay for their land every year is extortion.
I may not want to sell my food that I grow on my land to support my chosen standard of living for me and mine for a price that I do not want to sell it for. However, if I do not provide a monetary sum to the government for the payment of my land then the government will forcibly remove me from my land. I have two choices, fight against the tyranny of the government or sell any commodity, resource, or service that I have to provide money to the government. Like math, I reduce the equation to; the government intimidating violence if I do not work for them, or concede to a given price established by a government, or established by ruling class that establishes the protocols of “our” government.
So really, the line between freedom and slavery was never crossed; it just got blurred and disguised so that all of us, even the “Most Equal Citizen” is still in a reality a slave.
1. For the standard of living?
2. By Martin Wolf Financial Times
Published: September 23 2008 19:38http://2164th.blogspot.com/2008/09/total-us-debt-rose-from-163-of-gdp-in.html
3. Highlighted is taken from our notes “History of Minorities 1”
Friday, June 26, 2009
Test Run: War; what is it good for?
Keith, Patrick N. AMH2010 Monday-Friday 10:30 am
In reference to the importance of war as applied to the idea of causal relation between war and a positive influence on economic development of that state or society participating in the process of war.
I can understand the principle idea that war can be beneficial to the overall surviving majority of a society, if they are victorious. However the major factor I present to corroborate my view of descent is that war can only be beneficial to the survivors of the conflict. The survivors of the conflict will and do form a new social model for the state that does not include the participation of the dead.
Many resources go into the development of each individual member of a society. These resources of society are invested in the individual member of society for the purposes of sowing a potential gain to the society. These potentials, when they come to fruition, may then be harvested for the greater development or expansion of the society.
Every potential moment of human life wasted by a termination of life, is a failure of society to maximize on its potential. Perhaps these failures are inevitable, they happened so then I suppose that these failures were indeed inevitable. Remember that even though the past is inevitable from the perspective of the present it could seems fruitless for a society to presume that the future to is also inevitable.
Perhaps a society would be better served to work together instead of against one another. I imagine though that we as a human race are far away from a social model where the dominate motivation of the individual goes beyond our human, subjective needs and instead encompasses an objective understanding of social needs.
In reference to the importance of war as applied to the idea of causal relation between war and a positive influence on economic development of that state or society participating in the process of war.
I can understand the principle idea that war can be beneficial to the overall surviving majority of a society, if they are victorious. However the major factor I present to corroborate my view of descent is that war can only be beneficial to the survivors of the conflict. The survivors of the conflict will and do form a new social model for the state that does not include the participation of the dead.
Many resources go into the development of each individual member of a society. These resources of society are invested in the individual member of society for the purposes of sowing a potential gain to the society. These potentials, when they come to fruition, may then be harvested for the greater development or expansion of the society.
Every potential moment of human life wasted by a termination of life, is a failure of society to maximize on its potential. Perhaps these failures are inevitable, they happened so then I suppose that these failures were indeed inevitable. Remember that even though the past is inevitable from the perspective of the present it could seems fruitless for a society to presume that the future to is also inevitable.
Perhaps a society would be better served to work together instead of against one another. I imagine though that we as a human race are far away from a social model where the dominate motivation of the individual goes beyond our human, subjective needs and instead encompasses an objective understanding of social needs.
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