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America’s Monumental Vote
(George Washington, History.com)
How did we start with George Washington and get to the absurdity of 2016?
A question and answer for another day…
Today’s Throwback Thursday will be cheered by Americans.
(Brits who loved their 18th century monarchy, not so much)
“On this day in 1789, America’s first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors…George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789.”
–“First U.S. presidential election,” History.com
George Washington led this nation as its first president without any predecessor to seek guidance from. The pressure he must have endured is almost unthinkable. He had to be a great, unifying leader with a strong vision because the very future (and beginning) of America was at stake.
227 years later and America would do well to vote like it’s 1789.
The Speech Of, By and For the People
November 19, 1863: One of the most important days in American history.
President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in the namesake city in Pennsylvania. Despite its admittedly brief nature (~2 1/2 minutes), his profound words defined a presidency and a nation.
The Gettysburg Address changed the trajectory of a country and its purpose from that moment forward.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Director of the 2012 film Lincoln, Steven Spielberg immersed himself into the turbulent life of the 16th president. Spielberg stuck tight to facts in his sincere effort to accurately illuminate an ordinary man’s passion and conviction for shining a light across a nation during some of its darkest, most uncertain days.
As a student of history (perhaps a teacher, as well), Mr. Spielberg gave his own speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania while promoting his film on the anniversary when Mr. Lincoln gave his most consequential two cents.
We should all be Lincoln obsessives.
Happy Monday!
Walking through the life and career of Abraham Lincoln at his presidential museum and home in Springfield, Illinois last Thursday was a thrill. Even with a solid understanding of his legacy, there was so much to learn and admire about this giant of American history. There was one exhibit set-up across the street that housed sets and costumes from Steven Spielberg’s 2012 movie Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The magic of film making combined with the defining power of President Lincoln created a great experience in addition to his impressive museum.
In the movie, there’s a particularly towering moment that captures Lincoln’s persuasive skill at getting tough things done, against all odds.
(Turn the volume up)
Achieve Something Great Now!
America’s Tip of the Hat to President Lincoln
From a cramped log cabin to the White House, Abraham Lincoln’s personal story in becoming the 16th president of the United States of America is remarkable. His perseverance combined with his vision and sense of humor in a stressful job resulted in a legacy that stands as tall as the man himself.
Exploring the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Illinois today was insightful and impressive. Here are a few pictures that include said museum, as well as his preserved home nearby.
President Lincoln’s presence was felt all day long, partly due to the historic items from his life and partly due to his selfless and consequential service for his country that provided optimistic light during some of this nation’s darkest years.
Mr. Lincoln was (and still is) an icon of strong American leadership.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 