John Lewis Quotes

After returning from church one Sunday, Coolidge’s wife asked him what the sermon was about and in his usual taciturn manner, he replied, “Sin.” His wife asked for details about what the preacher specifically said and this was his answer.

The Dixie Chicks were a female country singing group that originated in Dallas, Texas. The right wing supporters of President Bush were incensed, and the conservative Talk Show hosts pilloried Maines and the singing group in general. Ironically many of the same conservative pundits who so castigated the Dixie Chicks for their anti-war and anti-president rhetoric several years later were themselves attacking Bush and his Iraq War with far greater intensity and reach than the one small singing group–The Dixie Chicks. This quotation also gives us insight into the Tea Party and ultra Conservatives who were vehement and totally committed to attacking their enemies but who, in a short period of time, could totally flip flop as to who their enemies were. They were quick to jump onto bandwagons, loud and vigorous while they were on, but also quick to jump off.

Some scholars credit this quote earlier to Comedian Will Rogers.

She accompanied William Howard Taft at his inauguration from the Capitol to the White House—what we call the ‘Inaugural Parade’. No first lady had ever done that, and there was much criticism. However, she was a staunch feminist and so was the new President—see {639924} .

The only soldier ever so honored. Marshall was then the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army. The President was meeting with the Army leadership to plan the nation’s preparedness to come with the Nazi menace. Army brass had wanted to build up large ground forces. However, conservatives (in those days opposed to military spending) accused the Roosevelt administration of fomenting war. FDR wanted to be less visible and opted for a program that would build 7 aircraft factories first and later build ground forces. He asked if all agreed and the army heads all bobbed except for Marshall, then a relatively junior general. FDR never forgot the one general who told him, No, and when War was eminent, he selected Marshall lead the military and promoted him over 34 more senior generals. Great leaders appreciate people who have the courage and integrity to say No to power and FDR had the confidence in himself that he could handle people who disagreed or were difficult. This was one of FDR’s many great appointments.