Sunday, November 7, 2010
The seventh and eighth presidents who make my top ten list are Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. To me, Truman (president from April 12, 1945-January 20, 1953) deserves mention because he promoted civil rights legislation and worked to integrate the US military. He also developed the "Truman Doctrine", whereby, the United States would support democracy worldwide and would act as a force against communism. He also helped to found the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) and led us through the Korean War, which probably helped us to avoid a World War III. He said in a message to Congress, on April 16, 1945, that, "The responsibility of great states is to serve and not to dominate the world", and surely this splendid notion summed up his administration and earned my great respect. Additionally, as I said, Dwight D. Eisenhower (president from January 20, 1953-January 20, 1961) also earns a place on my list. He achieved this by working for civil rights, beginning the US space program, and by expanding the interstate highway system. Furthermore, he instituted the "Eisenhower Doctrine" which allowed for countries to request US economic assistance if they were being threatened by a country controlled by international communism. Indeed, he was a voice of stability during the Cold War and also ended the Korean War. Still further, although he largely extended the programs of his predecessors, he did add initiatives and for this too I commend him.
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