Tha Prez

Yesterday, while mowing the lawn, I found myself thinking about presidents.

Former president Clinton recently visited with the Miami Dolphins, and everyone seemed happy and excited. I thought about which president I would like to meet.

The answer was not simple. As I realized, there were many presidents that I’d like to meet. And the reasons are as varied as the men themselves. There is a thread, though, that seemed to link them. I would love to learn more about the man and his ideals.

Because it is my game, I got to set the rules: I could meet each of these great men one on one, and have all the time I want with them.

Without further adios, in order of their terms:

Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809). I’d like to know his take on the country’s development during its early years. I’d also like to know what he would think about things going on today.

Andrew Jackson (1829-1837). Ever since I wrote a first-class report on Old Hickory in elementary school, I have been fascinated by this man. I’d like to know what he thought about the development of the country during his presidency, and I’d also like to ask him his thoughts on the civil war, which happened many years after his death.

Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865). I’d just like to know about his dreams for the American people, and how he dealt with the burdens he carried during the Civil War.

Teddy Roosevelt (1901-1909). Teddy Roosevelt was an explorer and a true American man. I’d just like to talk to him and hear about his experiences.

Franklin Roosevelt (1933-1945). In the realm of great presidents, FDR was certainly high on the list. Bringing the US through a lot of social change brought about by the great depression, and World War 2, I’d be curious to meet the legend, and talk about every possible thing under the sun.

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963). Was he as great as everyone says? I’d like to find out for myself. My grandfather had a picture of JFK in his office, and I was always impressed by the man in that picture. I wonder what he thinks about his death bringing about the death of American innocence.

Barack Obama (2009- ). I really believe that Obama has the interest of the American people in mind as he implements change. I believe that he may not exactly know the best way to get these things done. I want to meet him, talk to him, and find out if I am wrong in my beliefs, or if I am simply being bamboozled. I really don’t think that’s the case, but I would love to have a chance to find out!

As a result of meeting these current and former leaders, I like to think that I would be more patriotic, more understanding of the way this country should be, and perhaps be inspired to do something about it. 

That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?