do you tink should be? I challegne all of you to state who you tink the bestest president is and give three reasons why. Then I tell you who it is for me. EOM
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
He is Smart, Intelligent, Humble, and most important: He knows politics!
Kali-fornia loves him, their political stand is neither right nor left, it's "Governor Arnold"
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The truth is that for an average American voter, a good president is the one with lower tax rate! Not understanding that hundreds of thousands of innocent people have to pay the difference with their lives.
Let's see what Bush gave you that Bill Clinton did not? I bet what ever it was; it did not worth the life of Iraqi kids!
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Please care enough and vote for the one who cares about humanity,....
Your votes make a difference in your taxes and these numbers:
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Iraq War Results & Statistics as of August 12, 2007:
3,691 US Soldiers Killed, 27,279 Seriously Wounded
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US SPENDING IN IRAQ
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Spent & Approved War-Spending - Over $600 billion of US taxpayers' funds. President Bush is expected to request another $140 billion for 2008, which would bring the cumulative total to close to $750 billion.
U.S. Monthly Spending in Iraq - $12 billion, in 2007
U.S. Daily Spending in Iraq - over $200 million, in 2007
Cost of deploying one U.S. soldier for one year in Iraq - $390,000 (Congressional Research Service)
Lost & Unaccounted for in Iraq - $9 billion of US taxpayers' money and $549.7 milion in spare parts shipped in 2004 to US contractors.
Mismanaged & Wasted in Iraq - $10 billion, per Feb 2007 Congressional hearings
Halliburton Overcharges Classified by the Pentagon as Unreasonable and Unsupported - $1.4 billion
Amount paid to KBR, a former Halliburton division, to supply U.S. military in Iraq with food, fuel, housing and other items - $20 billion
Portion of the $20 billion paid to KBR that Pentagon auditors deem "questionable or supportable" - $3.2 billion
Number of major U.S. bases in Iraq - 75 (The Nation/New York Times)
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TROOPS IN IRAQ
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Iraqi Troops Trained and Able to Function Independent of U.S. Forces - 6,000 as of May 2007 (per NBC's "Meet the Press" on May 20, 2007)
Troops in Iraq - Total 173,508, including 162,000 from the US, 5,500 from the UK, 1,200 from South Korea and 4,808 from all other nations
US Troop Causalities - 3,691 US troops; 98% male. 90% non-officers; 80% active duty, 12% National Guard; 74% Caucasian, 10% African-American, 11% Latino. 18% killed by non-hostile causes. 51% of US casualties were under 25 years old. 70% were from the US Army
Non-US Troop Casualties - Total 297, with 168 from the UK
US Troops Wounded - 27,279, 20% of which are serious brain or spinal injuries (total excludes psychological injuries)
US Troops with Serious Mental Health Problems 30% of US troops develop serious mental health problems within 3 to 4 months of returning home
US Military Helicopters Downed in Iraq - 66 total, at least 36 by enemy fire
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IRAQI TROOPS, CIVILIANS & OTHERS IN IRAQ
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Private Contractors in Iraq, Working in Support of US Army Troops - More than 180,000 in August 2007, per The Nation/LA Times.
Journalists killed - 112, 74 by murder and 38 by acts of war
Journalists killed by US Forces - 14
Iraqi Police and Soldiers Killed - 7,354
Iraqi Civilians Killed, Estimated - A UN issued report dated Sept 20, 2006 stating that Iraqi civilian casualities have been significantly under-reported. Casualties are reported at 50,000 to over 100,000, but may be much higher. Some informed estimates place Iraqi civilian casualities at over 600,000.
Iraqi Insurgents Killed, Roughly Estimated - 55,000
Non-Iraqi Contractors and Civilian Workers Killed - 536
Non-Iraqi Kidnapped - 305, including 54 killed, 147 released, 4 escaped, 6 rescued and 94 status unknown.
Daily Insurgent Attacks, Feb 2004 - 14
Daily Insurgent Attacks, July 2005 - 70
Daily Insurgent Attacks, May 2007 - 163
Estimated Insurgency Strength, Nov 2003 - 15,000
Estimated Insurgency Strength, Oct 2006 - 20,000 - 30,000
Estimated Insurgency Strength, June 2007 - 70,000
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QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS
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Iraqis Displaced Inside Iraq, by Iraq War, as of May 2007 - 2,135,000
Iraqi Refugees in Syria & Jordan - 1.3 million to 1.75 million
Iraqi Unemployment Rate - 27 to 60%, where curfew not in effect
Consumer Price Inflation in 2006 - 50%
Iraqi Children Suffering from Chronic Malnutrition - 28% in June 2007 (Per CNN.com, July 30, 2007)
Percent of professionals who have left Iraq since 2003 - 40%
Iraqi Physicians Before 2003 Invasion - 34,000
Iraqi Physicians Who Have Left Iraq Since 2005 Invasion - 12,000
Iraqi Physicians Murdered Since 2003 Invasion - 2,000
Average Daily Hours Iraqi Homes Have Electricity - 1 to 2 hours, per Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq (Per Los Angeles Times, July 27, 2007)
Average Daily Hours Iraqi Homes Have Electricity - 10.9 in May 2007
Average Daily Hours Baghdad Homes Have Electricity - 5.6 in May 2007
Pre-War Daily Hours Baghdad Homes Have Electricity - 16 to 24
Number of Iraqi Homes Connected to Sewer Systems - 37%
Iraqis without access to adequate water supplies - 70% (Per CNN.com, July 30, 2007)
Water Treatment Plants Rehabilitated - 22%
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RESULTS OF POLL Taken in Iraq in August 2005 by the British Ministry of Defense (Source: Brookings Institute)+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Iraqis "strongly opposed to presence of coalition troops - 82%
Iraqis who believe Coalition forces are responsible for any improvement in security - less than 1%
Iraqis who feel less secure because of the occupation - 67%
Iraqis who do not have confidence in multi-national forces - 72%
The "Average American" has one tit, one ball and half a cock!
I repectfully shggest that there is no such thing as the "Average American"
and Greatest and always will be, no other even comes close. The rational is this:
1. He was the first. As Henry Lee said at his funeral, he was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Because he was our first President, he set the precedent for all future Presidents to follow. He limited his service to two terms, because anymore would appear similarly to a monarchy.
He was the first to defend the constitution. When anarchists of the Whiskey Rebellion threaten to dissolve the framework of our fledging nation, he personally led the Federal force to suppress the rebels.
2. He set the model of government that was small and efficient. He chose the best people and let them do their jobs. These were members of his cabinet: Sec. Of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton, Sec. Of State – Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Hamilton was the architect for our financial system i.e. national bank, an effective tax system and centralized government that is today still, the true strength our nation.
He appointed all nine US Supreme Court Justices, that set the tone and influenced our laws for generations. He established the protocol for all future presidential administrations. For example: he preferred the title “Mr. President” rather than other majestic and pompous names.
3. Washington’s Farewell Address. This is the most singularly influential political speech in American history. In it, President Washington counsels the American people on the importance of national unity, value of the Constitution, rule of law, and a balanced budget etc. He warns us against partisan bickering and in entering long-term foreign entanglements. He advised us and showed us the virtues of a republican people; to put the common good above self and God above all else.
The greatness of our country is directly related to the republican virtues as best exemplified in practice by President George Washington
Did I mention he was also our greatest Commander-in-Chief? In the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge 2,500 troops out of a force of 10,000 soldiers died of cold, starvation and disease. The hopes and future of a nation was hanging by a prayer. With no money, hardly any supplies he managed to train and discipline a fighting militia to beat the British Army – the greatest military force at that time. That's leadership.
Today’s US Army is a direct descendant of Washington’s Army everything from fighting tactics to command structures and style. When his Army captured those bloody murderous Hessian troops, his soldiers wanted to execute them. General Washington said no, and instead treated the captured Hessians with the up most kindness and respect.
Finally, the idea of leading by example which was taught to us young recruits was originally exemplified by General George Washington. No one compares with him.
-- Modified on 8/26/2007 1:14:37 AM
I always put Washington first and I could not put the case for it as eloquently as you did.
Watch these two videos : "George Washington on the Cause of Despotism"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3liXXk_HTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygJTHSeh60
remain a national holiday. I have never liked President's Day. It doesn't mean anything to me other than another three-day holiday weekend.
Thank you for your post. With a heavy heart, I felt sorrowful when I read General Washington's passing. What a beautiful artifact. I was touched.
-- Modified on 8/27/2007 6:14:36 PM
delight in downplaying the greatness of our founding fathers.... Thank you for reminding us that not every thing they did was wrong. Well put.
Now Lincoln is up there for sure. But I gotta go with FDR as BPE. There are so many reasons why, but here are a few:
1) He ended the great depression.
2) He transformed the US economy into a super power.
3)He transformed the entire nation again during WWII transforming the economy, military and successfully rallying the pubic over the long term to win the war.
4) He won WWII in two different and major theaters in just fours years.
5) Created a system that allows people to retire in at least a minimal dignity.
-- Modified on 8/25/2007 10:23:09 PM
Ronald Saved the USA by:
Ronald Reagan's cutting taxes and championing freemarket economic policy turned our economy around. 20 million new jobs were created during the Gippers 8 years and inflation was tamed. YEEAAAAH
Ronald Reagan beat the USSR. He stood up to Gorbachev and beat him. In Iceland, Reagan said no to Gorbachev. Reagan told Gorbachev to tear down the wall--all of eastern europe became free.
Whenever people talk about the presidency in general, they always use Reagan as an example of being presidential, being eloquent, being a great communicator and being a world leader that the entire world looked up to for freedom and leadership.
Reagan was the epitome of a great president.
Ronald Reagan was the best president the USA has ever had. Maybe Washington was the best in the first 80 years and Lincoln in the next 80 years but I think Reagan beat them both.
FDR was a dummy. He put an oil embargo on Japan which many people believe forced Japan to attack the US.
FDR put US citizens of Japanese decent into internment camps---really stupid.
FDR was given information on Alger Hiss being a soviet spy and ignored it.
FDR f*CKED UP THE recovery from the depression with his stupid economic policy.
FDR loved Joseph Stalin and ignored all of Churchill's warnings about Stalin and even told Stalin what Churchill was saying!!
Totally agree with the writer....He had great charisma, but he was FAR from a great president....And who could forget Scalia & ALMOST a Bork on the Supreme Court....
"The Gipper, The Great Communicator and the Father of the Conservative movement has been lionized as "the sunny guy who brought us 'Morning In America.'" He is fondly remembered as a genial man and effective governor and president. Effective at what?
What am I not remembering here? What are THEY not remembering here?
Reagan and his cadre never were good sports. I remember The Great Communicator as being the master of double-speak, namely of accusing the opposition of his own sins. Reagan and his boys paved the way for all the excesses of both Bush administrations; "excesses" is a euphemism for a lot of bad things:
* Reagan was the first president to brazenly place foxes in charge of the henhouses at the Cabinet level. Reagan Attorneys General Edwin Meese and William French Smith viciously attacked the very civil rights and equal protection laws they were charged with upholding. Until Reagan, affirmative action was a sacred program that gave hope to impoverished Americans. Under Reagan's watch it became fashionable to punish people for being poor;
* Under Reagan, school lunch programs were severely cut back or eliminated:
* Under Reagan, pre-natal medical and nutritional programs for low-income and working mothers were ended. Children died as a result; so did some mothers before they could give birth;
* Under Reagan, James Watt and Ann Burford Gorsuch were placed in charge of the Interior Department and Environmental Protection Agencies. Their legacies were to auction off the precious natural resources they were charged to protect. Watt gave us the side show of ethnic jokes that managed to offend blacks, women and Jews in one spiel. Gorsuch gave us the Superfund scandal. Remem ber?
* Under Reagan, more high-level government officials were indicted than in any administration in history
* Under Reagan, the bizarre fantasy known as "Star Wars" was given billions of dollars and legs. More than 20 years later, it is still walking and soaking up even more billions to protect us from a threat that no longer exists. But it's great campaign fodder, so it lives.
* Under Reagan, most Federal job training and employment programs were ended.
* Under Reagan, food stamp allowances were reduced and the new requirements made many needy people ineligible.
* Under Reagan, the Legal Aid Corporation was eviscerated. This has enabled unscrupulous landlords, corporations and utility companies to abuse consumers, with the confidence that the people they're stealing from wouldn't be able to get effective legal assistance to fight them.
* Under Reagan, the US went from being the world's largest creditor to being the largest debtor nation. Until Reagan, a balanced budget was a sacred cow of the Republican philosophy. Under Reagan, the federal budget suddenly became a tool to eliminate the many programs that Roosevelt and LBJ initiated to help people get fed, find housing and jobs, and get medical care. This ushered in the mean-spirited conservative agenda; they eliminated programs they didn't like by eliminating the revenue through tax cuts and budget cuts. Out of this evolved Newt Gingrich's now dubious "Contract With America" and the mean-spirited, draconian policies of both Bush Administrations.
* Under Reagan, the US military became a tool of political jingoism not seen since Theodore Roosevelt. Superfluous excursions in Grenada and Panama, among other {countries][ did a lot to boost ratings, but not much for national security.
* Under Reagan, ketchup became a vegetable. That's always been my favorite. Reagan's cutbacks in the federal school lunch program elicited criticism that there was no longer funding to provide a "balanced diet" to schoolchildren, including fresh vegetables. Reagan argued that ketchup is a vegetable because it is red and comes from tomatoes. The "liberal" media yucked it up about that one for few days and then forgot about it as soon as the next outrage got their attention.
* Under Reagan, we had our first American president honor Nazi war dead at Bitteburg, Germany.
* Under Reagan, it suddenly became dangerous for Americans to travel abroad to countries where we had previously been welcomed. US Foreign Policy under Reagan manifested a profound ignorance about geopolitics, the balance of power and other issues. This led to an epidemic of American diplomats and businesspeople getting kidnapped or killed, including one of my undergrad professors, Mr. Adolph (Spike) Dubs.
* Under Reagan, it became OK to sell military supplies to a declared enemy (Iran) and use those profits to prosecute an illegal war (Nicaragua), and oust other popular elected officials (El Salvador). Under Bush Jr., it became OK to re-hire the people who enabled that scandal into sensitive national security positions.
* Under Reagan, it was considered acceptable to have made a deal with the regime of Ayatollah Khomeini in advance of the 1980 Election, in order to ensure that the American hostages would remain in captivity until after the election. What could be more unconscionable? Reagan used American lives as political fodder before he was even elected. They were released the day he was inaugurated.
* Under Reagan, the American ayatollahs were also empowered. Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and other religious right-wing ideologues were brought into the policy-making fold. That led to the ongoing agenda to eliminate a woman's right to choose a full range of health care options, and not just abortion. It led to censorship of textbooks that didn't give equal time to creationism as the theory of evolution. It's not unfair to argue that Reagan's giving political legitimacy to Falwell and Robertson, was the precursor to Bush Jr.'s "Faith Based Initiatives" that so brazenly dishonor our separation of church and state.
* Under Reagan, the need to humor and dignify the religious right led to years of denial and inactivity, while the AIDS crisis reached epidemic proportions. Since AIDS was considered a "gay disease", Reagan didn't dare utter the word for his first six years in office.
* Under Reagan the Camp David plan for peace in the Middle East came to a grinding halt. Clinton re-started the process to great acclamation and hope, and Bush Jr. let it die again. Is there a pattern here? Reagan turned a blind eye to Israeli brutality toward the Palestinians, demonized the leaders of a legitimate national liberation movement and ended any pretense of dealing with Israel and the Palestinians in an evenhanded manner. He enabled the hatemongering and brutality of Manachem Begin, Benjamin Natanyahu and Ariel Sharon. The US response to Israel's incursion into Lebanon was to do and say nothing, even when Sharon enabled the massacre of Palestinians at Sabra and Shatilla in 1982".
-- Modified on 8/26/2007 10:50:05 PM
-- Modified on 8/26/2007 10:53:53 PM
would not exist, because their would be no US as in United States of America and certainly no Office of the Presidency as we know it. Please read your history books.
As far as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt:
1. It was World War II that got us out of the Great Depression. The case can be made that Chancellor Adolf Hitler forced us out of our dire economic straits. Factory orders went up when Great Britain signed the lend-lease agreements which of course boosted our economy. The WPA and other job programs were notable but it was Herbert Hoover that started the great public work projects of Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge et al.
2. and 3. Let's be clear, FDR and Harry Truman formatted our permanent military arms industry i.e. the Military Industrial Complex. To put it bluntly they started the Cold War and the Republican President's Nixon and Reagan ended it.
4. The Allies won the war. FDR was a great wartime leader but we must not forget our friends, the English. In 1940 and 1941 the British alone faced the Nazis. God save the Queen. The French simply had given up.
The Russians lost twenty million lives during WWII. Yes, we must acknowledge their sacrifice. Their government was evil and Atheistic but that does not deter the fact, the Battle of Stalingrad was a monumental victory that changed the course of the war.
Oh by the way who was FDR's Supreme commander oh yea, General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
5. Social Security, I give him that and I do believe FDR had the best interests of America in his heart. The true legacy of FDR however, was the enactment of the Security Exchange Commission and the FDIC. Republicans won't admit this but the truth is, he saved capitalism.
-- Modified on 8/27/2007 12:00:56 AM
But Roosevelt liked Joe Stalin (Uncle Joe)and just forgot about how Stalin sent Molotov to Germany to negotiate the carving up of Poland with Mr. Ribbentrop of Germany and 38 days later, both Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia invaded Poland. Roosevelt just told everyone to not bring that up.
And that stupid Truman was the same way. He liked Joe Stalin! Plus, the FBI went to Truman about Alger Hiss and Truman then calls Alger Hiss into his office and said this:
Truman: Alger, are you a spy?!
Alger Hiss: NO!!!!
Truman: That's good enough for me!
Case closed as far as Truman was concerned. What a bonehead dumb sh*t.
Another example of Truman's stupidity;
The FBI told him that they cracked the soviet codes [Venona project] and were reading all of the Soviet cables. Truman told them to STOP!!!! Thank God the FBI ignored Truman's order.
Another example of Truman stupidity. Chou En-Lai
left his attache on an American transport plan. Truman ordered the military to return it to him without even looking at it. Some historians say that he had all his Western hemisphere contacts in that attache.
Truman was a very stupid man. His wife mother-in-law and daughter all had complete contempt for him. Roosevelt made Truman his VP. Course that Wallace, the VP before Truman, was a pure commie. So I still think Roosevelt is a dumb sh*t.