LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, in order to satisfy the agreements made with the governments of imperial Russia and Britain, President Monroe initially declared that the American continents are free and independent of any chance of being colonized. From this, Monroe then transitions onto the issue of international alliances given the Civil Warfare in Spain. The United States is ultimately forced to once again choose neutrality, while recognizing the claims of the Spanish rebels for independence while also justifying that they are not a legitimate government in themselves. This, in turn, allows America to not interfere with the concerns of "de-facto" governments. Too, this neutrality guarantees that this still vulnerable nation will not become absorbed in the conflicts and allied systems throughout the European Union, as the policies of the Eastern hemisphere often do not parallel those of the Western world. Monroe claims that this is because America now holds the power to act only when individual rights and liberties are no longer being protected under a governmental system on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, America is allowed to prepare their defense against such oppressions. Lastly, Monroe designates that any involvement with the allied systems throughout the European powers will only result in conflict and unhappiness, allowing neutrality to be the only logical option.

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson modestly accepts the task as president in his first inaugural address. In this, Jefferson remains adamant that this duty may be far too great for his talents as a politician. Yet, he continually promises the people of America that he will discover resources of zeal and wisdom through which he will be able to resolve the physical, commercial, and industrial issues presented through the countries recent expansions. Defined by Jefferson, in order for the nation to be successful the people of this sovereign land must unify their efforts for the common good of American society. He continually advocated tolerance, stating that, although individuals within the nation will undoubtedly differ in their opinions, they will at least uphold the same ideologies in respect to virtue. Even with issues to this tolerance movement being proposed by social opinions idolizing Republicanism, as will inevitably occur with minorities present, Jefferson states explicitly that they are entitled to disagree with the viewpoints of others. In this, the examples and experiences of history, rather than the actions of a current era, would act as the model for which changes to society could be made. With European influence being suppressed by a unified movement towards social independence rather than simply the Atlantic Ocean, individuals could now make significant strides towards the development of Republicanism and Federalism. Now, sovereign in its truest form, America has been placed into a state of political growth, forever forging a sort of "religion" through political expression in favoring the virtues of honesty, gratitude, temperance, and love for all of man kind. Every man is now guaranteed "equal rights to the use of their faculties"but, despite the viewpoints of many, honor and confidence are not something bestowed upon you at birth, rather they must be grown through these civic virtues. Too, the government now has been given the responsibility to ensure these liberties are not denied to any man. With these virtues of the public in mind, Jefferson then transitions into a state of promise. Expressing his own political priorities, Jefferson seeks to provide for the social equality and liberties of all men despite their opinions regarding politics or society; he seeks to support the domestic policy rights of State Governments while also offering support for the Federal Government's efforts towards peaceful foreign policy; he seeks to offer his full agreement with the wishes of the majority; he seeks to maintaining a well trained militia until a full time army can be established; he seeks to advocate for the supremacy of an agricultural society while also ensuring that an individuals rights to speech, trial by a jury, and press are not infringed upon; finally, but all the more importantly, he promises to uphold all of the ideals stated above to the best of his ability but, in his humility, seeks the forgiveness of the American people if he, despite all of his positive initiatives, fails. In the end, despite any ill judgments that he may make, his primary concern is to provide for the liberties and happiness of the American people.

Columbus Blog #8

Upon Columbus' arrival in the New World, a truth that would ultimately lead to the prosperity of numerous world powers for centuries to come, was paralleled by the demise of the unsuspecting Arawak Indians. The vast atrocities committed by this early explorer, a truth often overshadowed by the celebration which is placed upon his accomplishments, exemplifies the essence of human nature in regards to history. Now, there are multiple opinions on this rather controversial issue; either we, as individuals of a nation who celebrates a national holiday in the name of this nation's "founder,"are far too half-hearted when it comes to punishing those who made developments for this country or we, once again, just feel as though the atrocities committed in the name of progress were necessary, a reoccurring reality which has plagued history since its initial documentation. Despite the reality that the world as we know it would be vastly transformed from the one witnessed today without Columbus' contributions, is that enough justification to permit the praise of such a villainous being? I cannot and will not submit myself to such uninformed conclusions. For, although many often view this historical figure as a discoverer and a founder of this sovereign nation primarily out of their neglect for the truth, I desire to erect for all to see the facts regarding the life fulfilled by this man. According to Zinn, Columbus and all of his deeds were equivalent to that of Pizarro and Cortez, for, through his own internal greed for gold and kleos, forever glorifying himself in history books, this man enslaved and killed entire Native American populations. In the name of God he conducted these treacherous acts, setting this precedent for all explorers of this new frontier to do the same. Ultimately, reality set in for Columbus; his ambitions and imaginations of locating vast gold reserves for the benefit of his European brethren had failed and soon he turned to a new source of riches for his nation. This new source, obtained through loading his ships with kidnapped Indians proved to be inefficient as many of them died on the way back to Europe through disease and mistreatment. Again, in a desperate and pleading attempt to find the gold, he made orders for the natives to follow. He ordered them, as his slaves, to locate the gold in return for the payment of copper trinkets, in turn freeing them from the harsh punishment of losing a hand for their disobedience. However, when little gains were made and the punishments proved far too harsh to endure, many of the natives fled inward where they were often killed by the Spanish seaman and their dogs. If these truths do not solidify this highly exalted individual as anything other than a villain, a man so possessed by greed that he was willing to commit actions of malice and ignorance towards a native population, it is then that I will truly fear for mans judgment of character.