TR understood the value of deterrence, but was chary with the use of military force. As president he ended the Filipino Insurrection and put the Philippines on the path of self government. He earned a Nobel Peace prize by brokering the peace between Russia and Japan. An endlessly fascinating and complicated man.
Thought For The Day
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
Personally, TR was just so loveable. His politics, maybe not so much (at least in certain areas). He was a quintessential American, I would say, at least in our “native stock” Protestant variation.
I would listen to him when he talks about the importance of virility and manliness. After all, he was shot during a speech, briefly takes a moment to recover (would-be assassin is hauled off), and basically says, “So, anyways, as I was saying ….”
Fr. J: Quite correct. His social views were “evolving” but in the right direction even if not very speedily. His international views and programs could be profitably dusted off and studied by many politicians today.
As one of TR’s worst enemies said of him: “A man would have to hate him a lot not to like him a little.”