Monday, February 20, 2012

Pick a President

Presidents' Day is an interesting American occasion. Not all people receive a paid holiday. Retailers use the weekend prior as an opportunity to promote sales and discounts. Advertisements or school information about the day show images of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, although the state holiday was originally designated to celebrate our country's first president. Aside from shopping, there are few cultural traditions related to the day.

If you used Presidents' Day to honor your favorite president, who would it be and why?

134 comments:

  1. TroyH 098 Since, I was a smal child during the 70's and it was the 70's. The President with the greatest impact on my life and influence was....? Ronald Reagan. Here is man that was rediculed at the begining of his term and redeamed at the end. Ronald Reagan faced many, many adverities.. Lybia, Solviet Union and The Berlin Wall. Our country was as it safest. And Reaganomics Help out alot too!

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    1. Angela Reisen 89 OnlineFebruary 23, 2012 at 10:29 AM

      I agree with you 100%. He was in office when I was born and I just wish I could have been a little older so I could enjoy everything that he had brought to the table.

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  2. Jenn B 98 - The president I would most like to honor had a rough road out of office due to a poor decission in his personal life - President Bill Clintion. He was the first presidaent i ever voted for and was very imprested with the reluts he had in office and even the legacy he is leaving eith the works that he is doing since. I think it was aweful that he was judged on an act that involed his pleasonal life and he is remebered more for that then all the good he did do, Don't ask, dont tell, Nafta, FMLA, and lead the nation to a period of strong economic prosperity with the lowest unemployment rates in recent times, the lowest inflation rate in decades, the highest homeownership rates in its history, and improving economic equality.

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    1. Shana W.(online)96 in response to Jenn B.98

      I also must agree with you about president Clinton. He is neck and neck with Obama in my eyes. I can just relate to Obama a liitle more. However, Clinton did alot for this country, and I will always have respect for him and Hilary.

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    2. Shana W.(online)96 in response to Jenn B.98

      I have to agree with you about Mr. Clinton. He has contributed alot to this country, and I personally put him by Obama, I just relate to Obama a little more. However, president Clinton was a great president and I have alot of respect for him and Hilary Clinton.

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    3. Brian C in response to Jenn B 98

      I said something similar about President Clinton, although he dealt with the personal issues and the scandal, he did a lot for our country in so many positive ways.

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    4. Quuena G 96

      I agree with you Bill Clinton did alot for our country.

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  3. Lovely A(ONLINE)
    The president i would honor would be President Clinton. just because he was the best president this country has ever seen. he made sure all americans were treated fair and equal. his results were very effective and benefited alot in various ways.

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  4. Akia G.97 online I agree that President's day is a very honorable occasion in America. It gives you asense of pride for the country representation. I feel all presidents should be held in high esteem. I have all the respect towards all the presidents for the integrity, dignity and overall concern for the well-being of the country and its people. I do most admire President Barack Obama. He is the president of my generation that I can relate to. I felt he has taken over a position that had fallen apart. The economy had tumbled. He had the most bravery and intelligence to lead. I perceive him as a great leader. I am looking forward to more changes to come in a positive way.

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  5. Akia G.97 response to Jenn B98 I also have a great deal of respect for President Clinton. He did lead with the lowest unemployment rate and he can take credit for the highest homeownership rate. I can also state, that he is still an international figure for the USA.

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  6. Peter A. 96

    Today is Presidents' Day and I would like to honor Lyndon B. Johnson. Lyndon B. Johnson had many concerns when he was first put in office. Although an accidental president, he started a war on poverty. Lyndon b. Johnson had many programs that he exercised, and he referred to these life changing programs as the "Great Society". The Texas native had many aspirations, and he wanted to see others advance. Before the Great Society things were quite different. Programs such as job core and medicare were unheard of. Before Lyndon B. Johnson's inauguration, there were still whites only signs. There were many programs that were influenced by moral issues. Therefore, I celebrate his term and honor the former president.

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  7. Peter A. 96 Online

    In Response to Akia G. 97 Online

    I agree with your choice. Barack Obama has an inspirational life story. No one would have guessed that he would be a president because he was a fatherless african american child. Statistically speaking the odds were againt President Obama. As a young african american I can relate to some of the obstacles he onced faced. Therefore, I view him as a role model and I honor him on Presidents' Day.

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    1. Jenn B 98 in response to Peter and Akia - He is definatly my number 2 choice, President Obama has one heck of a mess to clean up and will probably never recieve proper creit for what he does get accomplished - hope he's re-elect in 2012!!

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    2. Alexander Hall 40987

      If i were to use this day to recognizes a president i would choose Ronald Reagan. He was a great man and had many economic struggles to deal with after his actions on cuba and their imports

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  8. Shana W.(online)96

    President Barack Obama would definitely be the number one president ever in my book. He came from the same streets as i did Chicago Il, and has an hawaiian history as so do I. That just scratches the surface of some of the many reason why I love him as president. He has done a whole lot for this country. From bring our troops home, to providing better healthcare, to giving closure to many families across america by eliminating Osama Bin Laden. He had to really prove himself by being the first African American president, and I do believe that he did that. He has single handedly began to clean up the mess our economy is in. I hope he is re-elected this November to finish his outstanding job and finally get America back to where it need's to be. I got your back Obama!

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  9. COURTNEY MARKS

    I would still pick George Washington. He is the most honorable President to me because he was the first one. He got this country going President wise and without him, there wouldn't be any other Presidents at all. I mean he has a state and "territory" named after him for pete's sake. He was a man of war, and he knew what it took for the position, so George Washington, I commend you (a day late). Thanks for the great start!

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  10. Diana C. 98 online

    Presidents Day to me is honoring my favorite president Abraham Lincoln, I have read a lot of things he did for our country before being assassinated. Here a few things about him: He was known as "Honest Abe". He created a national banking system resulting in a standarized currency. He delivered the Gettysburg Address and it is an iconic statement of America's dedication to the principles of nationalism, equal rights, liberty, and democracy.He also ended slavery on January 1, 1863. Back in the 70's Lincoln had his own holiday so did Washington, but now it is celebrated as one and called Presidents Day. I think this is unfair and a dishonor to Lincoln because of all the great things he did for this country.

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  11. M. Dixon (40896-online)
    I would honor president Barack Obama. First and foremost, he is the first african american to become president. that in itself is awesome. he has done great things for this country. i hope that he is re-elected.

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  12. M. Dixon (40896) in response to Shana W.
    I didn't grow up in Chicago, Il, but i agree with you in reference to all the good he has done for our country. i hope he gets re-elected as well.

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  13. Lovely A.(ONLINE) in response to Shana W online 96
    i totally agree with you Shana!! he is a very good representation of a president. even though he has had to clean up alot of mess that came before him he did and he came through with his promises. America is not perfect but YES WE CAN do it with President Obama!!!!

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  14. Morgan P. 96 (online)

    I would have to say I would honor FDR. Although I was only born in 1991, I just finished American history. Learning about him was great and all the changes he made to get this country back on track. He made fire side chats to help build American's integrity. After the stock market crashed most american's had little pride and FDR tried his best to right for the people not just for the sake of being re-elected.

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    1. Stacey F. in response to Morgan P.

      I agree that FDR saved this country in a very hard time. And I also agree with how he cared about the people, not himself.

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  15. Morgan P/ 96. (online) in response to COURTNEY MARKS

    If I didn't choose FDR I was going to choose George Washington for all the same reasons you did he got this country rolling and took on an extremely difficult position when no one else had done it before and he had no one else to look to for help.

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  16. I think Lincoln showed leadership in a time when our country was extremely divided. Though the divisions now are over different policies, we could use a leader that could mend a broken and divided nation.

    randy hamilton

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  17. Stacey F. 96

    My choice would have to be FDR, since he got this country back on its feet from the devastation of the Great Depression. Within just hours and days of him being elected into office, he paved the way to end this harsh time in American society. When other presidents and officials merely blew off this era feeling that it was only temporary, FDR took it as seriously as the citizens and took action. He was the only president that was in office for more than 2 terms, he died in office shortly after he was re-elected his fourth term. He was an amazing individual and deserves honor and respect. Another president I would keep in mind is JFK, since he began the exploration of space and was in the process of passing The Civil Rights Act of 1964 before he was assassinated. I believe strong men with morals in politics doesn't really seem to exist anymore... it's all about politics, popularity, and who can raise the most money for their campaign. This is my own opinion, but one day in my lifetime I hope to see another "game changer" that can make a difference for the good, not for their wallets.

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    1. Bjorn S. 67 in resonse to Stacey F. 96

      I am not a big fan of FDR and a lot of the things that made him a terrible leader are often left out of the text books. FDR during WW2 placed Japanese Americans in internment camps for no reason. He also mandated many policies in the free market. There used to be a large number of tire companies and now there are only a few. He Instated the NRA (National Recovery Act) which included price fixing. Many companies disolved becuase they were not able to compete with the larger companies at the lower costs. He also continued to fight against the 1934 anti lynching bill because he didn't want to lost the souther votes. He was a progressive right up there with Wilson and did tremendous damage to this nation. There is a reason why congress voted to mandate a two term maximum. Unfortunately they didn't impose it on themselves. To each there own though and I respect your opinion.

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  18. Bjorn S. 67
    I would choose George Washington. He was a terribly humble man that did not want to be president, but felt that he had the duty to step up and deter his retirement to his farm. I have so many quotes of his that I absolutely love and look to. I admire the fact that he created the badge of merit for those that acted galiently in combat, today it is used as the purple heart. He was a true leader and I wish that we have had a leader of his equivelance now becuase our country is in big trouble and truely lack a leader. He understood that if you want people to prosper you have to let them fail. He once said that if you want to get rid of poverty you have to let them fail and suffer, not coddle them. I am paraphrasing but I agree that we go to far to ease discomfort and not allow people to learn from their mistakes.

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    1. SummerC replying to BjornS. 67:
      I agree with you that President Washington was the foundation for what we have today. He was a very accomplished man. Being that he had all that Military background he showed lots of tough love to folks that were lazy and professed that they could not do anything about their own poverty level.

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  19. Ashley H.

    I hope its not weird to say that i would celebrate President Abraham Lincoln...only because i found the story of his assassination an interesting one. Not only did i do a report about it in middle school and read some of John Wilkes Booth diary entries before and after the assassination. Also after the Civil War he made that incredible speech The Gettysburg Address that changed slavery forever. Plus he had a handsome beard and lived in a log cabin :) hehe

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  20. Amber F. 97
    I would choose President Barack Obama to honor. I would celebrate his courage and humility to this country. I would also celebrate the dedication he has to uplift the middle class and help those who just need one opportunity to become stable. His efforts are slowly but surely starting to benefit the working class and underprivileged individuals. I believe that he has done an great job as his role as President. I can not state the Barack Obama is the better President of the United States because I have not experienced the certain efforts from other Presidents. However, I will state that our present representative is accomplishing a job that most would be overwhelmed with.

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  21. Amber F. 97 in response to Shana W. 96
    I certainly agree that his efforts to make America a better place are in effect. He has definitely "cleaned up" what was left behind from former Presidents. I do believe that he is very effective President and I also hope that he is re-elected for another term.

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  22. Kathy W. (online96)

    I would use our current president to celebrate president's day.Why you ask? President Obama is the first African American to hold such a position, which happens to be the most elite position in the United States. Do you realize the impact it can have on young African American men. I tells them that through hard work,dedication and perseverance, you can be ANYTHING you aspire to be. In a world where you were thought to be less than the family dog to being seen as the President of the United States. So on this president day.....I salute you President Barack Obama!!!!

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    1. Kathy W.96 in response to Amber F.97

      Amber, I whole heartedly agree with you on this one. I honestly feel like President Obama has done the best he can CONSIDERING. I didn't expect his term to be easy simply because he the FIRST but considering all the obstacles and that fact that people has a history of NOT doing well with change. I just hope God will continue to protect him and may God bless America.

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  23. The President that I would honor would be our current Commander and Chief, President Obama. He has not only made history but has opened the door for women and minorities alike. I never thought like so many people that I would live to see the day that an African-American would be our President but I am excited and proud that not only me but my children as well were able to live to see this. I admire him as a man, husband, father and a true American who hopes for the best for all Americans. He has overcome huge obstacles and has learned a great deal in this role. I, too have learned quite a bit about politics and the challenges one must go through to get things done. It isn't as easy as you may think when your peers fight against you. America still has a ways to go but I believe that this historical moment will somehow make things a little easier for all of us. President Obama, (knock on wood) has not had any incriminating life experiences like so many of the candidates that have run. As an American it makes me proud to see this country move forward and overcome a lot of the unnecessary challenges we had in the past. Our President is an advocate of education and I know that through education is the only way this country will thrive and become what it can be.

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  24. In response to Kathy W., I salute President Obama as well!! I teach my children that through hard work, dedication and perserverance they too can become anything they want to be. I think the history of this election has opened the door for so many future triumphants. I am looking forward to being apart of them all.

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  25. Nicola F.97 (Online)
    Mine would be President Abraham Lincoln because he helped to abolish slavery.

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    1. Dashuna L 44
      I agree, he was fair and def. wanted everyone equal

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  26. Nicola F.97 (online)in response to Shana W.
    I hope Obama gets re-elected as well.

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  27. Misty H. (92)
    Ok, I would have to say Bill Clinton. Not because I think that he was the best President or anything like that, but because I think that the "sexual relations" that he did not have with "that woman" based off "what the definition of is, is" showed that he was still human. I don't think he was a bad President, just too much of a horn-dog for his own good. :) And because that human aspect was seen and he dealt with the fall-out from it, I would pick him.

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  28. Stephanie L. 96
    The President I would pick to honor is Ronald Reagan. Predsident Reagan promoted reducing tax rates to motivate economic growth, controlling the money supply to decrease inflation, and he also reduced government spending. He survived an assasination attempt, put an end to the Cold War, and supported anticommunist movements worldwide. He was also a a fair man who treated all people as equals. In my opinion, I believe President Reagan has greatly impacted our country and many of his "Reaganomics" are implemented today.

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    1. I completely agree with you Stephanie. I think that Ronald Reagan was a great leader and did great things to benefit this country during his term.

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  29. Stephanie L. 96 in response to Randy Hamilton.
    President Lincoln is also at the top of my list for all his accomplishments during his presidency. Lincoln did a great job of unifying a country during a time when people were divided the most. He stood up for what is morally right, even though half of the nation was against him.

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  30. Rainey S. 98 (Online)

    If I used president’s day to honor my favorite president, I would choose Ronald Regan. Regan was a Hollywood actor turned politician. No one saw him as a challenge while he was running for election. I believe he was one of the oldest presidents that we have had when he was elected president in 1980; he was 79 years old yet he contributed a great deal to this county. He turned out to be a visionary and one of the best leaders of this world. After the Cold War ended and the Soviet Union went bankrupt he single handedly ended the error of the Berlin Wall. He negotiated the destruction of the Berlin Wall which reunited families from East and West Germany. During his time, he pulled us out of a recession brought on by Jimmy Carter’s presidency. I feel that history may be repeating itself right now as far as the recession that we are currently in, unemployment rates and tax increases. During Regan’s administration the unemployment rate declined to a mere 5.4%, inflation decreased, taxes were decreased and he stimulated the economy. In a nutshell, I believe that Ronald Regan was a great president.

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  31. Diana C. 98 online in response to Rainey S. 98

    Ronald Reagan was actually 69 years old when he was elected, and i feel that there should be a limit of how old you can be to run for president. Just like you have to be 35 years old to run, i think you should be no more than 50 years old to run for president also.

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  32. Brandon M. 93
    I would have to honor President Obama and what he has done for others and the United States. From the war to finding Osama but most importantly allowing people to see and believe that if you work you can become anything you want to be.

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  33. Crystal N.97 (online)
    Bill Clinton is my favorite president. I was in elementary school when I first saw him campaigning and I told my my that he would be the next president. I like Bill Clinton because he seems very down to earth.I realize some people may consider that an oxymoron, however, I feel that was more in touch with the people than any living president that I have witnessed. No pun intended.Despite the Monica Lewinsky scandal, he was an overall great leader. I was actually kind of sad when he left office.

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    1. Amario J. 97 in response to Crystal N. 97
      I strongly agree, as president, Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history. He signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement. He implemented Don't ask, don't tell, a controversial intermediate step to full gay military integration. After a failed health care reform attempt, Republicans won control of Congress in 1994, for the first time in forty years. Two years later, the re-elected Clinton became the first member of the Democratic Party since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second full term as president. He successfully passed welfare reform and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, providing health coverage for millions of children.

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  34. Brandon M. 93 in response to Morgan P. 96
    I agree FDR did a whole lot for the United States when it looked like nothing could be done to help the people.

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  35. Crystal N.97 in response to Jenn B.98 I agree with you Jenn. Clinton brought a gret deal of economic prosperity to this country. I think the american people were able to look over the scandal because their bank accounts were full! People also felt sorry for him because he was married to Hillary.

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  36. SummerC98:
    Presidents day is a way for us to remember that here in the United States we all get to lead the lives that we do thanks to the leaders we have had here. I would like to honor our first president George Washington. He was our first president of the U.S., a general in the military, had no schooling behind him, and refused to be associated with a certain party. He sought out to please the people and to strictly work for them and their needs. He did all his own book keeping. Without this very intelligent man who know how our government would be ran today.

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  37. Sylvenna H. 96
    If I were to celebrate a president it would have to be Araham Lincoln. Even though he made a small change in america by abolishing slavery and protesting, I feel that his achievements was a small step that other people followed to make america what it is today. I would also celebrate the presidents that got us out of hard times like Clinton, Regan, and obama.

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  38. Sylvenna H 96
    In response to Brandon M. 93

    I agree with you i would also honor Obama, because he has helped change america and bring jobs back. I will also honor him because he is trying to have business make their products here instead of them being made in china

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  39. Heather Puckett96 in response to Jenn B 98
    I totally agree about Clinton. Even though I was very young when he was in office I always hear how good of a president he was. My dad always talks about how good of a country we had when he was in office. I believe that personal matters do effect the country when you are the president but if the country is doing better than It ever has when that president is in office let him continue to take care of the country.

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  40. I do not follow alot in politics or presidents honestly. If I had to choose a president to honor it would probably be George Bush. I know I know... but he did actually have to face alot of difficult situations when he was in office. Just knowing that he had to handle 911 and the recession I give him props. I know I could not handle all of that.

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  41. Jamesatta M.02

    The president I would choose to honor will have to be Bill Clinton.During his time, he brought a lot of changes to our country, more then 22million job was created in 8years under his administrtion and unemployment was 7percent under his Administration, Raised education standards, increased school choice, and doubled education and training investment

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  42. Jamesatta M.02 in response to Heather Puckett96

    I disagree with you about the difficultis that Bush had to face, alot of those difficultis Bush brought it on himself, He and his adminitration cause the recession. Bush had us spending billions of dollar in Iraq and he raised defense spending 5.7% a year on average.

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  43. Stephanie M. 98 (ONLINE)

    I always thought that Theodore Roosevelt was an interesting person. He was the figure of a great American "cowboy": masculine yet with a great sense of humor and boisterous personality. I remember hearing a quote in a textbook when I was really young that always stuck with me: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." He was a Naturalist, hunter, explorer, author, soldier...plus he won a Nobel peace prize for helping to end the Russo-Japanese war. If I were to honor anyone, it would be him. :)

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  44. Stephanie M. 98 (ONLINE) in response to Stacey F. 96:

    Actually, Stacey, FDR was going to be my first choice but I remembered TR. He was an inspirational man in some respects, but in others (as Bjorn said) he fell short. He was an activist for most American rights and privileges and instituted well-needed changes in our country when we were going through such a harsh crisis with the Great Depression. He also had a great personality, and that helped the American people pull themselves out of their rut. I think you had a valid choice there. :)

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  45. Brian C 92

    I would choose Bill Clinton to honor for Presidents day just because of the success that he did have while in office, despite the impeachment and scandal he faced. He had a large impact on the economy and job market at the time and the economy was much better than it is today or has been recently as well as the lowest unemployment rate; at the time of his presidency, the United States had the lowest crime rate due to his prevention strategies and strict penalties, and many other improvements in our country in general. I think when people look past the scandal he dealt with and looked at the statistics and accomplishments during his presidency, they would see a lot more.

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  46. Angela Reisen 89 OnlineFebruary 23, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    I really never got into any political views, but if I had to pick on president to honor for presidents day it would have to be Ronald Regan. Since he was president when I was born, and personally I think he did a great job. I wish I was a little older at the time so I could really get into it but I wasn't.

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  47. Deana L.I would choose President Theodore Roosevelt. I think he was prob. one of the most inspriational presidents weve had. I also remember a quote from him, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" This is a quote that pretty much everyone knows as well.

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  48. OLIVERIO VASQUEZ

    If i had to pick a president it would have to be ronald regan even though i dont know much for politics my mom always told me she liked ronald and thats coming from someone who also isnt good on polotics. so if she she knows that he did good i cant argue with that

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  49. Christa H. 98 (Online)

    Considering I have never really paid much attention to politics I am not quite sure who my favorite president is. I do favor Ronald Reagan. From what I have heard from my dad and many others, he was a good leader. He gave America faith after the Vietnam war, created the largest economic boom in history, sounds to me like some of our new candidates running for president should take a look at what he did and learn a lesson.

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  50. Christa H. 98 (Online)
    In response to Brian c. 92
    I really like how you pointed out everything good he did. I was young when he was president but my parents always loved him and now I can see why.

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  51. Amario J. 97
    Abraham Lincoln. He opposed slavery and he issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The Proclamation made abolition of slavery a central goal of the war. His assassination shows how powerful his actions were.

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  52. Queena G 96

    I would have to say Obama. Obama is doing his best to fix what Bush messed up, it is not going to happen over night but he is getting it done.

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  53. Shenique G 97

    Im not really all into politics like that but i would have to say. If i were to use presidents day to honor one of my favorite President. The president i would be honoring would be Barack Obama. I feel like since he has been in office there has been alot of good changes made. I feel like he is trying to work with us and not against us.

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  54. Shenique G.97 in response to Amario J.97

    I honestly didn't even think about Abraham Lincoln, but i completely agree. If i could honor two of my favorite presidents he would be one of them.

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  55. Gladys M.98-On-line.

    Of all the presidents,each has his own improvements and shortcomings.None of the presidents has ever satisfied the whole of the USA neither do I think there will ever be one.However,some have always outdone the others in one aspect or the other.All in all I would honour Abraham Lincoln.He is a great motivator in my life to keep pressing on no matter what.Am always fascinated by his autobiography which keeps me going everyday.No matter the obstacles and failures,success will come my way with determination and focus.

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  56. Gladys M.98-Online in response to Shenique.

    I am in conjuction with you that Barack is doing all he can to fix America.What people do not understand is that it cannot all be fixed overnight.Lets not always see the half empty bottle and never see that it is half full.

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  57. Assel O. 96

    I am not from here, and not familiar with American politics. But i will say that i like Obama's decision when he took the American army out from Irak. He is doing his best for this country, i think. Therefore honor to Obama.

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  58. Adrienne K. 97 (online)

    I would say Lincoln or Kennedy. To me, they were both great presidents and were doing great things when they were assassinated.

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    1. Clint G (97)
      If I had to pick a president to honor on President's Day, I would have to choose Obama. All of the presidents in the past have made contributions to this country, but if we sit back and think about it, Obama hasn't been that bad of a president. He hasn't done much for the country, but look at the condition that our country has been in. He came into a chaotic mess when he came in to presidency. So step in his shoes for a minute. Would you be able to turn this country around 180 degrees overnight? Would you be able to take the US out of the trillions of dollars of debt we owe overnight? No. So, even though he hasn't made that many monumental achievements, he has still tried, and that's all he can do. That's all any president can do at this point is just try to make a better country day by day. So, I would honor him on President's Day.

      In response to Brian C 92
      I agree with you on Bill Clinton. despite his impeachment, he was a really good president. So I would honor him as well. And Hillary because she practically ran this nation as well, and I would vote for her if she ever ran for president again.

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    2. kobra z.98
      In response to Clint G (97)
      I am new in this country, and I am not familiar with the all former presidents, but I read some books about Abraham Lincoln and Roosevelt and heard a lot of good thing about Bill Clinton and I like these three presidents; But if I have to choose on president definitely I’ll choose Mr. president Barack Obama. I admire him for his domestic and foreign policy and the way how handle the U.S. economy ; however the congress making so hard for him.
      He is very smart, educated, dynamic, very responsible person , thoughtful leader and cool. He is trying to fix and lead country to new and stable position. Unfortunately
      he is being blamed for what George Bush did before him and if the others let him, he will defiantly bring prosperity to American’s life. So I am honoring him on president day .

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  59. Deidre W. 97-I would celebrate Bill Clinton on presidents day. I think while he was in office this country was in good shape financially. Jobs were abundunt and the cost of living was down. We didn't have a lot of conflict that we were involved in for political reasons. Even though he might not have made some good decisions personally, decisions that he made for the country were right on the mark. It's also my belief that Hillary was helping him and I would vote for her in a minute.

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    1. CandissR98 I can agree with you on that. The country did not have as many problems. Jobs were easier to get too. And not to mention low gas prices.

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  60. Deidre W. 97 in response to Brian C. 92-I agree with you on Clinton. I think out country was in good shape when he was in office. And we agree on what he did good while he was in office.

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  61. Jamie M.96 I would choode FDR. He faced many challanges when this country had financial difficulties. He made choices that made improvements to the country and provided much needed jobs.

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  62. CindyH47
    I would have to say Ronald Regan. He won the Cold War, and pulled the US economy out of the hole it had been in for so long. Since he left office, no one has done as well as he has, especially not GW Bush or Obama.

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  63. in response to Gladys M.98 and Sheneque

    "Can't fix things overnight"
    I agree that you can't fix things overnight, but in 3 years things should have gotten a little better right? They haven't. I just wonder when the Obama Administration will find any other excuse besides blaming Bush. Just my two cents.

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  64. Anna M. 92

    The first persident I would think of would defiitely be persident Lincoln. One of the best things that I believe he did was having the courage to emancipate the African-Americans from the bonds of slavery. He did several other good things for this country (civil war), he also wanted the reunition of the north and south, and definitely left a good impression. He had the traits of a good leader and I believe he did a wonderful job.

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  65. Anna M. 92 in response to Cindy H. 47

    I agree the no one has done as well as President Regan since he left office. Bush and Obama could learn a thing or two from him for sure.

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  66. CandissR98
    I would honor President Obama. Our first black president in office. A lot of people doubted him and are still criticizing him. He can't change everything in 1 day but he did a lot so far.

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  67. reply to Stephanie M. 98 I agree FDR would also be my personell favorite. He brought this country through the Great Depression and WW11. He was both admired and scorned, but he was a decisive President. Jamie Mitchell 96

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  68. Merry B, 97 online
    I like John F Kennedy because he was a religious man and did not put his faith second to his job. The brilliant man actually wanted to solve issues like poverty and war and gave a realistic response saying it probably won’t even happen in our life time but we need to start it now for the future. He created the Peace Corps. He supported civil rights and racial integration. He got M.L.K. out of prison here in Georgia. He truly stood up for what he believed instead of letting congress make every decision for him. I think without him “the land of the free” would not be.

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  69. Merry Burnette, 97 online in response to Deidre W. 97
    i agree with you. he might have had relationship problems but who doesn't. he knew exactly what to do in order to take our country to the top.

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  70. Steven T 53 night class 6-7:15 TR
    First i want to honor George Washington who started it all. There were a lot of great presidents in the history of the USA. Abraham lincoln united the country when it was so divided after the civil war. Jhon F Kennedy was a great leader who fought for human rights for all people. Bill Clinton was a good president besides his ..... you know what. But my favorite President is Obama. He did a lot of good things already and if it wasnt for Assholes like Jhon Bainer he would do much more.

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  71. Carolyn.W
    I would have to pick FDR and I dont have a good reason why. Then I would tour the Little White House in Columbus GA. Its just a neat placed to go and learn about him. I do have to say that is is still kinda creepy to go down into the warm springs pool for polio treatment.

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  72. joseph c 96
    it would be between washington and lincoln. Washington because he started everything and he has made a foundation for us. Lincoln for being so against slavery.

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  73. joseph c in response to Anna M. 92
    I like the fact that you pointed our that lincoln tried to keep our country together and didnt want to treat anyone different and thats why he opposed slavery

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  74. Tanya G (Online) 98
    I have so many and for so many different reasons. I believe I would have to say George Washington, as one of our founding fathers, would have to be my first choice. He was the first President and therefore was leading a country with no experience or examples to go by. He was the example.

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  75. Tanya G (Online) 98 In response to Bjorn S. 67
    I completely agree with you. I believe George Washington was a great leader and our country could use a leader of his integrity and caliber. I think he was a very interesting and endearing man.

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    1. maureenG62
      I would like to agree George Washington was a great man and was inspiring but, on the down side he owned slaves.

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  76. Aaron

    George Washington, quite simply because he was the first.

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    1. Angelia D 98(online) in response to Aaron. I agree if I had not gone with who I went with it would have been George. He was the first he set the standard for all the rest who followed.

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  77. Jaime H online 96

    I would celebrate Ronald Reagan. He did amazing things in his presidency. The United States has not been the same since he left.

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  78. Henry B. 1101

    Honestly I can't really answer this question. I'm not a political person and I haven't really viewed a president into detail. I don't like to put myself into such questions because politics (like religion, in my opinion) brings about hate. Republicans and democrats.... two different kinds of people, two different views of how the government should be ran. BUT if I had to pick one, Abe Lincoln just because he was against slavery. Everyone is equal! :)

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  79. Jaime H online 96 in response to Cindy H

    I agree with you. Reagan did some great things for the American people.

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    1. Robin 07
      It seems as though Ronald Reagan's time in office was the last time that there was real pride in our President. It seemed like a magical time...I am not sure if it was him or it was me being young and naive.

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  80. I would honor President Bill Clinton, just because he was the President in office when I was born and considering I don't know much about politics i am going to go with that. lol

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  81. Micah S 96

    I don't know much about politics but if I had to choose one president it would be Abraham Lincoln. I don't know much about him but I do know that he was the president during the civil war which is a very important part of history. I do know that he wanted to preserve the union which, to me, seems like the more logical side of the argument. And he led the war in a victory so that says something about his leadership skills.

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  82. Micah S in response to Tanya G

    Even though I chose Abraham Lincoln, I can totally see where you are coming from. George Washington was the first to lead this country and had no examples to follow. It must have been difficult but only a good leader could take on such a job!

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  83. If I have to choose one president from the American presidents, well since I am not from here, but not withstanding I follow the news media; I will definitely choose president Obama. I am neither for Democrats nor republican, but one thing I do know is president Obama is doing his best to revive the American economy. Given the time Obama came to power he has passed many bills and proposed more to be passed. I am very particular about the Health Bill, The common man or woman should be able to afford basic health care.

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  84. Agho N.E Online, in response to Abdus.

    I like your ideal of choosing President Clinton, you basically choose him because he was the serving president when you were born, and well that’s a good one. I think he was also a very adorable president and the economy grew by some good margin during His presidency.

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  85. maureeng62
    I'm really impressed with President Franklin Roosevelt, he was president for 4 terms. The time he was president was one of the darkest in U.S. history,he was president during the "great depression"and helped this country get its self out of the depression and did all of this from a wheel chair.

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  86. Dashuna L44
    Abraham Lincoln, because he was all about stopping slavery and fair and equality.I admired his goal to help any and everyone of all race not just African Americans. He had a nice heart. I would also celebrate John F Kennedy, he was a realist. He knew a lot about what was going on in the government and he tried to warn the people.

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    1. Antonio C. 96 (online)

      I agree with what you commented on Lincoln & JFK. Two smart man that tried changing our country. It was sad that both were also assassinated. Who knows how good they could been if that didn't happened.

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  87. Jewel A. 98

    If I used Presidents’ Day to honor my favorite president, it would be Barak Obama. Obama is currently our 44th President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama has made the future look much brighter for a lot of African American children in the United States. He is a well-respected man and I’m honored to have him as a President.

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    1. Yes I agree that black young children in the U.S. have a brighter future and that they to can be inspired by an African American president that who is telling them that one day they can be president of the United States.

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  88. Jewel A. 98 in response to Brian C 92

    If Barak Obama was not President, I would choose Bill Clinton as the President that I would honor. I agree that he had a large impact on the economy and jobs. Bill Clinton did a lot of good during his Presidency and I respect and honor him as well.

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  89. KemiO.098
    I am huge fan of Barak Obama simply because he is not just a black president but he had every creed and color in mind when safety came down to United States. I think we will remember him not just because he is the 1st black president of the United States but because he has made it possible for the Americans to gain their trust and security what the American people once had by assassinating Osama bin Laden along with other terrorist leaders.

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  90. Meredith P. 98

    I would choose to celebrate Franklin Roosevelt; in my opinion he is the greatest president. When America was in the Great Depression, he found ways to put America back together. Step by step. There has never been another president like him and I don't know if there will ever be. He also wanted to get to know the American people. He wasn't a president that just try to use his power to change the country into what he thought it should be but, he wanted to try to listen. He would have radio time to talk to the people and share ideas on things that have been brought to his attention. He realized that being president was more then a job but, a voice to the American people.

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  91. Antonio C. 96 (online)

    This is hard for me to answer because I'm not a big political person. If someone ask me if I am Democrat or Republican, i would say neither. I go by person over party. I go with the person who goes after the issues and makes no excuses. It's a tie between three guys who I always liked and that I would honor: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, & Ronald Reagan.

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  92. Meredith P. 98 in response to Kami O.

    First, according to a Gullap poll, 46% of American disapprove Obama and the policies he has made as president. Less American approve of Obama; due to this I believe Obama as not gained the trust of most Americans. Second, Obama did not kill bin Laden the Navy Seal accomplished that. He acctually has strived to make the military forces small, lessen the defense budget, and remove troops. He does not support the War on Terrism. Obama did nit instight, traveling to gain information, put in the hundreds of work hours to get information on where bin Laden was located; in all he tried to pass policies to make it more difficault to find terrorit. Third, Obama isn't the first black president but, the first mixed president. He is just as much white as he is black.
    I do agree that Obama has put in place some policies that will help with the growth of American and the president should be recpected. But, if you are going to praise him and look up to him, research should be done on his policies.

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  93. TamikoK 40897
    If I used Presidents Day to honor my favorite President, it would President Barack Obama. I admire President Obama because of his extensive educational background. President Obama has been the most disrespected Ameican President during my time and continues to hold his head high. Not only does he posess knowledge, integrity and wisdom, he seems to be a down to earth kind of guy, a wonderful husband and a wonderful father.

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  94. Tamiko K 40897 in response to MaryB 97
    I totally agree with the Comments about JFK. I am really into my religion and I also believe that religion comes before anything else.

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  95. Sarah B. 96 Online
    Hmm... I've never had a favorite president or even cared much about the topic. If I gun to my head, I would say that George Washington is the best souly because he is a tactical missions BOSS. Just from common knowledge alone, everyone knows he was the best at being first.

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  96. Sarah B. 96 Online in Response to Courtny Marks.

    I totally agree with you on Washington. I think the fact that the US capitol is named after him is a good enough reason to say, "Hey...that's one epic dude." So naturally that's a reason to host a cookout :)

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  97. Shalon H. 67 (Online)

    I would use Presidents Day to honor Obama. He if the first and only black presdient and he was bold enough to take on the role of presdient in a tough ecomony such as the one we are in. People sometimes question his race, however if he was to commit a crime they would say he was black. I think he has done a good job overcoming the barriers he has had to overcome. He has a good educational background as well as he is family orientated.

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  98. Robin 07
    George Washington should be honored on President's Day. It is unbelievable what this man achieved with no model to follow. A new country, a new constitution a group of men who didn't agree with how the new nation should be run, therefore putting him in the position of being a mediator to the unknown. I understand he was an incredibly humble man when it would have been within his rights to bask in his accomplishments.
    The other President I would think deserves mention is Thomas Jefferson. He has been shown as a man ahead of his time...slow to comment...deep thinker... multi-talented as well as a man who stood by whom he loved despite society's ideas. Both men had such passion for the new country.

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  99. Nate H 92

    On President's Day, I will not be honoring any of the past "Leaders of the Free World," nor will it be likely that any of them will even cross my mind, unless of course, I happen to be reading the news or something else which pertains to political history. In response to this blog, I was going to be sarcastic and say something like "Taft, because he got stuck in his bathtub" or "Jackson, because he was really sweet," but there is no need. Great leaders are largely a myth. Most of what they do, like most of what anyone does, is based mainly upon circumstances and the general direction of history. This is not to say that their personalities amount to nothing in the equation, or that certain individual decisions are not critical, but that leaders, like all people, are both shaped and constrained by their times and the people around them. No leader goes it alone. It's not out of bitterness that I say this, but setting aside a day to honor the "Great men" of history does not interest me or seem appropriate. There are many millions who deserve higher accolades, from the soldiers and civilians that destroyed the Nazi government, to Civil Rights workers, to the labor movement, etc. President's Day makes just as much sense as "Congress' Day" or "Judicial Branch's Day." They are, afterall, supposed to be equally balanced, and so it would follow that they all deserve equal respect.

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  100. JamilaJ 92

    Of course I would choose Barack Obama. First he made history by being the first black president.I will pick him because he is really trying to make a difference in this world. He is dealing with the major issues we are having in this world as far as jobs,healthcare,debt,war,etc.I just love the dude he's intelligent and handsome.I will be voting for him again in November!!

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  101. Sean O.
    I would pick our current President Obama.Even though he has underwent a high amount of displeasure, he has to be remembered because he made history of being the first African- American president even if he did not accomplish much while in office.

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  102. Devin K. 98
    I have never really been into politics much. I don't not pick a political view or side. Every president has his accomplishments and criticisms. Maybe I would pick George Washington just b/c those are some big shoes to fill and I know it couldn't have been an easy job. My nerves would be shot!

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  103. Devin K. 98 in response to Nate H.92

    I agree with you. Does anybody REALLY celebrate President's Day or just thank God they got the day off of work? And, yes there are many more people that deserve their own day to be honored.

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  104. Angelia D 98 (ONLINE) I will say I do not follow politics I can’t tell you much about any president we have had or what they have done in office. So for this blog I went to two people who I admire more than anyone I know, my parents. I ask each of them the question and they both gave me the same answer, the president they would honor is President John F. Kennedy. My dad was the only one to give me a why (my mom was in the hospital during this week, she wasn’t awake enough for a why). His response was as follows. “He told the African American people to sit down, that is how the sit in started it was a non violent way for them to get their point across.” So for that reason I will pick the president my parents chose President John F. Kennedy.

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  105. Victoria M.96
    If I have to pick a president I would choose Bill Clinton. I thought he did a great job and I think he would have continued to do a great job if his private life wasn’t condemned the way it was. Personal mistakes shouldn’t have interfered with the good work and progress he was making, what a shame.

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  106. Fese E. 01
    President Clinton and Obama are two presidents I would honor because I really believe they have our nation's best interest at heart, and have/are doing the best they can to rectify the problems we have.

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  107. Fese E.01 in response to Amber F.97
    I agree with you, I haven't experienced all the other presidents ruling; however, in my opiion our current president shows that he is doing what he can to uplift everyone from of every status. I also hope that he is re-elected for another term and if he is cannot wait to see what greater things he will accomplish.

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  108. Becca jobe t/r 6:00
    I think i would pick abraham lincoln, he did many remarkable things for our country and truly made a mark on our country. I do believe he should be honored completely, and even have his own day. He stood up when our country was at our weakest points with discrimination, and in a way whether people agreed with him, began to bring us all together as one.

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  109. Mark (40892)
    I would celebrate George Washington, a man that never wanted to be president, never wanted to be general of the Armies of the United States. A man that rarely did what he wanted to and always did what was best for his country, what was asked of him. A man that never asked what he would get in return. A man that had the single most impact on the formation of America. We would all have bad teeth, horrible accents, and would be kneeling to the Queen of England if it were not for him.

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  110. There's so many good ones that come to my mind immediately! Although, I think I'll have to go with Harry S. Truman. He took over when FDR passed away, and had to lead our country out of WWII. He had the heavy responsibility of deciding to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. I did a project on him in middle school, and forgot almost everything... but I still think he was pretty cool.

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  111. Brian D. Hulsey, Sociology, Chattahoochee Tech

    i have never realy followed politics, but i would probably have to say George Bush Senior because america's economy flourished under him and our dollar was on top of the world.

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  112. Since i was born in 1993 i do not know all about the presidents we have had but, i will just choose one that i know about and was alive for. George W bush was a man that helped us in hard times but also screwed us over many times, i also do not think that 1 president should be praised on presidents day i think it should be all of them.

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