(no subject)

[ink_splotch]

I want a FDR or Eleanor Roosevelt icon. Just because I've seen so many John F Kennedy icons lately, and I think if we're going to make icons of late Democratic presidents, I think we should make icons of ones that made huge, big, positive differences. Now, I appriciate that JFK is a iconic figure, mostly because of his youth (youngest president etc. etc) and death, and in part because of the huge big Cuba problems during his tenure, but he was not a great president. Abraham Lincoln was a great president. FDR was a great president. Jefferson was just cool, and he bought the Louisiana Purchase, which has to count for something. [Yes, I realise that FDR was the only democrat mentioned. Abraham Lincoln was Republican (and there is irony here, waiting to thwap you over the head) and Jefferson was, um, Federalist? I think. He was for strict interpretation anyway, that much I can remember]

JFK is a pop culture figure, much like Marilyn Monroe.

Personally? I like LBJ better anyway.

Don't mind me. I have a tendency to go off on American History rants. It cmes from being one of the few American savvy people in my area. And from a general annoyance about JFK. I don't know why, but he always seemed too slick for me. And yes, I am passing judgement on someone who died before I was a twinkle anywhere. Shhh.

---



Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I've often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I'm alright, I'm alright
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far a-way from home, so far away from home

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
or driven to its knees
but it's alright, it's alright
for we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
road we're traveling on
I wonder what's gone wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what has gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the a-ge's most uncertain hours
and sing an American tune
Oh, and it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest


Does anyone know when CSI starts up again on Danish TV? I am so sick of only having CSI Miami, I want my geeks back. I also want West Wing to start again, but it could be that it's actually on, and I just haven't been paying attention.

If they release the 'Old Friends Madsion Square Garden concert' I don't care how poor I am that month, I am buying it the day it comes out.

School starts again in two days. *sigh* I have mixed emotions about this. On one hand, I really want to get back to school. On the other hand..I'm hella lazy. And I dislike the start of school. I love it much more when we get back into rythm, and the days seem normal length again.

But I can wait to start Social Studies. I've been excited about it basically all summer. Gonna be great. Hopefully.

I should go to bed. Yes.

Comments

[damiantarrant.livejournal.com]

I think JFK is remember so lovingly because he was assassinated in the 60's, when so many of the politicians and newscasters and other makers of public opinion were old enough to be interested in politics. He was so charismatic that they loved him and were broken up when he was shot. My parents can remember the exact moment they heard the news, and still get teary about it.

That said, my grandparents would spend hours talking about how wonderful FDR was, and how he piloted the country through awful times and gave people hope. He was an icon to them, beloved.

History will be the judge of who is remembered most fondly/as the better president - but only after those who have lived through the events and are still biased about them have died.

Right now, it's the best thing Kerry could do to be compared to JFK because it will give people something positive to hang on him, when a lot of people are voting for him simply because he's not Bush. It's a smart political move and really has nothing to do with how JFK or FDR will be remembered historically. Although I would like to finish by commenting that building one president's image up does not require detracting from another president.