38th President: Gerald R. Ford

All things considered, especially after the Watergate scandal, President Ford did well for the presidency. It seems he is remembered as yet another president who restored some integrity to the office in the mind of the public.

I am grateful for Gerald R. Ford.

37th President: Richard M. Nixon

It was John F. Kennedy who declared the national goal that by the end of the decade (the 1960s), an American would walk on the moon. Richard Nixon's presidency saw that happen in 1969.

Of course, there was also the controversial Vietnam War at the time as well. Also, Nixon is perhaps most well known by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation. But, I am grateful even for that because I was once an intern in the Watergate building in Washington D.C., just a few floors above the former DNC offices. I'm grateful for this because of the opportunity to discover the Watergate complex. Had the scandal not happened, I probably wouldn't have heard of this place as much or cared as much, especially as I discovered how nice the complex is, and the quality of the restaurants and shops there. I now see the scandal as but one piece of the building's history.

I have one more reason to be grateful for Nixon: his 1972 visit to China. Why? Because a man named John Adams wrote an opera about it. I once was writing a paper on the history of minimalistic music, and I ran into this opera in my research. I also watched a DVD recording of it. It is a long, slow, and sometimes nonsensical piece, part satire and part melancholy reflection. Still, I was impressed that a full-length opera had been written on so recent a subject. And truly, Nixon's visit to China was noteworthy, given the history of China and the United States.

Take all this as you will, I am grateful for Richard M. Nixon.

36th President: Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson was the president through some of the most intense years of the civil rights movenent. It was during his presidency that the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were put into law. His presidency also saw the formation of Medicare and Medicaid.

Even with these achievements, I can imagine race riots, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the issues surrounding the Vietnam War encouraged his decision to not seek a second presidential term.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for Lyndon B. Johnson.

35th President: John F. Kennedy

Ten presidents ago, America had John F. Kennedy. Every president must handle tough issues in tough times. In his case, the Berlin Wall was built in his time, and the Cuban Missile Crisis was in full swing.

He is remembered for his youth, his Catholicism, his role as a civil rights advocate, and many other things. But of course, most memorable was his tragic assassination. It certainly wasn't the first time an American president was killed while in office, but it was the most memorable.

I am grateful for John F. Kennedy. I am grateful that he established the Peace Corps. I am also grateful that his life and work was found worthy of a Pulitzer Prize (for his biography, Profiles in Courage).

34th President: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Do you like Ike? Well, I do, and evidently most Americans in the mid 1950s to early 1960s did too. President Eisenhower helped keep peace in a time of the Cold War and Sputnik. One source called his time in office "a time of great national pride."

I am grateful for Dwight D. Eisenhower.

33rd President: Harry S. Truman

"The Buck Stops Here"

Here is an example of a president who had extremely low approval ratings when he left office(Gallup Poll in 1952 showed 22%), but then became very well respected in his retirement and eventual passing (he died around the time of the Vietnam War and Watergate, so people looked back at his presidency with greater respect).

His associates said he worked very hard, and I believe it. He had to lead the country through the finishing of WWII (including the releasing of the atomic bombs that led to the end of the war), the Nuremberg Trials, a continuation of the New Deal, the Korean War, and the Red Scare with the start of the Cold War.

I am grateful for Harry S. Truman.

32nd President: Franklin D. Roosevelt

What an incredible leader was Franklin D. Roosevelt. No matter how you feel about Democratic policies, I think all can agree that he did so much to help America recover from the Great Depression. What's amazing is that he didn't just try to offer physical or financial aid, he offered emotional aid. Taking advantage of radio technology, he spoke words of hope, confidence, and encouragement to the American people. From the Great Depression through WWII, this nation triumphed through some very dark times thanks in part to FDR.

In my most recent visit to Washington D.C., I discovered the FDR Memorial for the first time. I was blown away by the stoic beauty of the site. Each facet of the place begged for me to walk through and examine it all slowly. I especially loved the statues of the American people of the time. There is one that depicts several thin, desperate men lined up at a bread line for their food. My favorite was a more intimate sculpture depicting a blue-collar man (or a farmer, perhaps) sitting near his radio, leaning towards it, listening in earnest to the speeches of FDR.

Although Constitutional amendments now forbid any president from serving more than two terms, I think we can all agree that this four-term president was there when the country needed him most.Of course, his wife, Eleanor, was equally accomplished in her own right, but I choose to focus this particular post on Franklin because of my intent to focus on the presidents themselves.

I am grateful for Franklin D. Roosevelt.

31st President: Herbert Hoover

Who was the president of the United States when the Great Depression was in full swing? Herbert Hoover. Soon after Black Thursday hit in 1929, he was there in office. I remember learning in history classes that most of the public didn't like what Hoover did, his approach to this dark time in America before Franklin D. Roosevelt came to the office.

But, I am grateful for Herbert Hoover because despite what went wrong, I am confident that he did what he felt would be best in such challenging circumstances. Very few people would want to be in his position at that time.

30th President: Calvin Coolidge

President Calvin Coolidge saw a few historic moments during his presidency, including the first "talking" motion picture in 1927, but his term ended shortly after the Great Depression hit the nation. In the ups and downs of his four years, Coolidge brought dignity back to the presidential office, in the aftermath of the scandals and affairs of Harding.

Also, this is just a little thing, but the main reason I recognize Calvin Coolidge's name is from a line in the classic film Singin' in the Rain (which, incidentally, is set in the 1927). There is a moment when Lina Lamont, a film actress and a complete diva, is jealous of Don Lockwood. She boasts, "Why I make more money than...than Calvin Coolidge! Put together!" So, every time I see or hear Coolidge's name, I think of that line. :)

I am grateful for Calvin Coolidge.

29th Presdent: Warren G. Harding

Warren G. Harding was very well liked at the time of his death. However, public opinion soon shifted to total animosity as more information circulated about his presidency and his cabinet's political actions. Did you know about this? Do you know what Harding did to earn such disrespect as a person and as a politician, even now?

Unless you are a historian who, by trade or mere interest, specializes in the post-WWI era of America (circa 1918–1925), chances are you are like me and know little to nothing about Harding or his administration.

If we lived in an alternative world and Harding was the king of America, his actions would have a far greater effect because there would be fewer forces checking and balancing him and his colleagues. We've had great presidents, and we've had corrupt presidents, and we've had everything in between. One man or woman may make a significant political or social impact, but the reach of any one person is always limited by space or time, or both.

The constant in American history has been the nation's people. I have faith in the democratic republic that is the United States of America, and the events and effects of President Harding's administration further convinces me of the importance of trusting in the goodness and freedom of citizens.

I am grateful for Warren G. Harding.

28th President: Woodrow Wilson

World War I (then called "the Great War")
The Treaty of Versailles (the document that ended WWI)
Prohibition
The historic 19th amendment to the Constitution (giving women the vote)

Each of these events occurred during Woodrow Wilson's presidency and were defining moments in his public service. These events and documents changed the country...and the world.

I am grateful for Woodrow Wilson.

27th President: William Howard Taft

President Taft lived in a time when monopolies were a much bigger issue (case in point: Rockefeller's oil monopoly of the time). Taft was progressive in dealing with and regulating monopolies.

I am grateful for William Howard Taft.

26th President: Theodore Roosevelt

The man who ran the "bully pulpit," and boy did he use his presidential term to the fullest. Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy carried the following slogan: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." (I believe the phrase originated before Roosevelt's time, but he made it popular.) Roosevelt also started the effort to conserve American wildlife and lands by establishing national parks, forests, and monuments (the first wildlife refuge was created in Florida, the first national monument in Wyoming). He is also known as the first truly modern president, since his entire presidency took place in the first years of the 20th century (1901–1909). Also, most people know he was instrumental in the building of the Panama Canal. That saves so much trouble and time when traveling by sea!

I am grateful for Theodore Roosevelt.

25th President: William McKinley

(Remember that Grover Cleveland is considered America's 22nd and 24th president.)

William McKinley is considered the president to begin "U.S. expansionism," one of—if not the main—reason the United States had/has territories as well as states. The Philippines were given their independence after WWII, but apart from that this country still has territories that were claimed during McKinley's presidency. This is, admittedly, one of the more controversial topics of McKinley's presidential service.

It was also during his time that the modern era began, and with it modern politics. McKinley was the one to lead the nation into the 20th century.

I am grateful for William McKinley.

23rd President: Benjamin Harrison

One thing that stands out to me about Benjamin Harrison is the number of states he admitted into the union during his presidency. It caught my attention because I grew up in the Midwest area. He admitted the following states:

North Dakota
South Dakota
Montana
Washington
Idaho
Wyoming

What would our country be without these states? Fargo? Mount Rushmore? Idaho potatoes? Fantastic northern hunting and fishing? Tillamook dairy products? Boeing? All of that and more exists thanks to those states.

I am grateful for Benjamin Harrison.

22nd and 24th President: Grover Cleveland

Had he not been beaten by Benjamin Harrison in the election of 1888, Grover Cleveland would have just been the 22nd president, and perhaps for four terms. Now, he will be known as the one man who became president twice.

What did he do in his four-year absence? Went back to private life, returned to his private law firm, but determined to return to the presidency in 1892, which of course he did.

Grover Cleveland was also known to be the first president to use the executive veto power freely. It seemed he executed the laws of his time, but didn't do much to help shape new laws. Like it or not, this is another good example of checks and balances at work.

I am grateful for Grover Cleveland.

P.S.—I debated on whether or not I should give Cleveland separate blog entries here, but I settled on just doing the one.

21st President: Chester A. Arthur

President Chester A. Arthur dedicated himself to proposing and supporting reforms to reduce and avoid government corruption. One source even says he "restored dignity to [the] presidency." I truly feel that, no matter who serves from the Oval Office, the title and mantle of President of the United States should be treated with dignity and respect. We can agree or disagree with the human under that mantle, but the station itself, the office, the tremendous responsibilities and expectations involved with being president should be, I think, considered respectable.

I am grateful for Chester A. Arthur.

20th President: James A. Garfield

President Garfield's time in office was short, but in that time his accomplishments included increasing the American naval power and purging corruption in the U.S. Postal Service. He also proposed a bill that eventually became the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which stated that federal government positions are to be awarded by merit, not by political affiliation.That is something I think we can all agree on, no matter our political affiliation.

I am grateful for James A. Garfield.

19th President: Rutherford B. Hayes

The legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes' presidency includes his acknowledgement of injustice to the American Indians (in his first message to Congress), the promotion of a canal that crosses Panama, and the ending of the Reconstruction period for the country. He has done several things to move this nation forward in an important time.

I am grateful for Rutherford B. Hayes.

18th President: Ulysses S. Grant

History seems to consider Andrew Johnson (17th president) the father of segregation. On the other hand, our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, is considered the father of the civil rights movement. Part of his legacy is the effort to reconstruct the South to allow full suffrage for blacks.

Also, regarding his management style, my sources tell me that he "believed congress sets policy—president carries it out." I like that. The branches of government working together as well as balancing each other out.

I am grateful for Ulysses S. Grant.

17th President: Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson took office in place of Abraham Lincoln, right as the Civil War was ending and the Reconstruction was beginning. Despite general historical disfavor, I can see one thing to be grateful for because of him: he was the first American president to be impeached.

While not good for him at the time, I see this as a good thing overall because that fact is yet another piece of evidence that this country's Constitution and rule of law works for the people. This reminds us all that the president is really just a high executive officer in our government. There are so many more people involved in national policy, who are in turn very much influenced by their own people and by each other.

In light of this view, I am grateful for Andrew Johnson.

16th President: Abraham Lincoln

The president hailed, celebrated, and admired by so many as the one who saved the union of the United States of America. I have many reasons to be grateful for Abraham Lincoln.

I am grateful that he filled his cabinet with people who disagreed with him. Lincoln's "team of rivals," in my opinion, sets a wonderful example and precedent for this country.
I am grateful that he took executive initiative in measures such as the Emancipation Proclamation.
I am grateful for the Gettysburg Address.
I am grateful for the profound, inspiring experience I had when I visited Ford's Theatre myself, as well as the museum across the street dedicated to Lincoln's life and legacy.

What would this country be like without our 16th president? I am grateful for Abraham Lincoln.

15th President: James Buchanan

I am grateful for President James Buchanan. Lifelong bachelor (only president to be such). Minister to Russia. Prominent Democrat of his day. Called "The incorruptible statesman whose walk was upon the mountain ranges of the law." President of the United States in a trying and tumultuous time of slavery and secession.

I am grateful for James Buchanan.

14th President: Franklin Pierce

Here's something cool about our 14th president: the Gadsden Purchase. Without this purchase, our country wouldn't have the areas near present-day Tucson, Yuma, or Sierra Vista in Arizona, as well as the southwestern boundary of New Mexico (the portion that gives the state a couple extra "steps" in its shape). Without this purchase, Phoenix, AZ and Las Cruces, NM would be at the edge of the country. I wonder what those cities would be like? Would they have become the major immigration or emigration thoroughfares of the Southwest? It's a fun thing to think about.

In even a small way, President Pierce helped America grow and expand. For this, I am grateful for Franklin Pierce.

13th President: Millard Fillmore

It seemed that President Fillmore endeavored to be an appeaser, especially with regards to slavery.

Another notable thing about Millard Fillmore is the fact that he opened Japan to U.S. trade. We have much to be grateful for to be friends with such a good country like Japan (we even have Japanese blossoms all around Washington D.C.!).

I am grateful for Millard Fillmore.

12th President: Zachary Taylor

A couple of interesting facts about the life and presidency of Zachary Taylor:

He was the last American president to own slaves.
He was the second president to die in office.
He was credited with the quote, "Don't eat raw cherries with sour milk."

Apart from those facts, he also had an extensive military career, having served in the War of 1812 and on through the Mexican-American War.

However brief his presidency, however grand and largely unknown his military and public service, I am grateful for Zachary Taylor.

11th President: James K. Polk

President Polk must have been a hard-working man. If my sources are correct, he was responsible for creating the U.S. Naval Academy and the Smithsonian Institution. He also oversaw the groundbreaking of the Washington Monument, and started the official distribution of the first postage stamps (collectors of American stamps owe a lot to Mr. Polk).

I'm sure he did a great many more things, but I think what I've mentioned is reason enough to say I'm grateful for James K. Polk.

10th President: John Tyler

John Tyler was in the then unprecedented situation of filling the presidency during his intended term as vice-president. He apparently never had a vice-president of his own. This and other faccts seem to indicate that John Tyler was an independent, perhaps even stubborn man.

Not much is said of President Tyler today. But, I am grateful for John Tyler. I am grateful that he was able to be a national leader even when he didn't quite expect to.