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6 MARTHA GOLENSKY Presidential Potpourri Washington set the bar high for heroics. His war exploits gave him an aura of power, his service not tainted by acts of deceit. Lincoln too wore the mantle of greatness. In mighty speeches he proved an example of what it means to do one’s duty. Teddy Roosevelt embraced the clear call of duty. No stranger he to dramatic heroics, he led his Rough Riders by fiery example! Wilson, a scholarly gent, exuded quiet power. But where should we rank him in greatness? Hiding the extent of his illness was surely deceit. FDR also proved a skillful master of deceit. Yet his stewardship in crisis was more than mere duty. His extraordinary feats make us admire his greatness. Truman surprised everyone with understated heroics. Dropping the bomb was the epitome of power! Others should heed this straight shooter’s example. JFK’s moral failings belie his rep as a worthy example. His recklessness defined his practice of deceit. Family money and connections were his bases of power. LbJ stepped up, assumed the heavy yoke of duty. His legislative know-how achieved notable heroics. Sadly, the Vietnam War marred claims to greatness. Nixon’s paranoia cancelled any hopes for greatness. The best one can say is he offers a timeless example of a leadership style totally lacking in heroics. Reagan’s supply-side economics was crafty deceit! His rhetorical gifts enabled him to obfuscate duty, to trivialize it as he exuded conservative power. Clinton the Chameleon understood the nature of power. History may judge him more favorably for greatness, applauding his tightrope act to carry out his duty. George W. accomplished little to anoint him an example, the Iraqi War WMD scam the height of deceit, a little man with virtually no capacity for heroics. In duty, presidents must lead by positive example, exercising power justly and fairly, eschewing deceit, doing us proud in their greatness, their American heroics. ...

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