LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine leads off by stating that through peaceful diplomatic negotiations with both Great Britain and the Czar of Russia disputes regarding American continental territory have been settled, specifically the Pacific Northwest. As a result, Monroe declares the American continent closed to future European colonization. Next, he addresses the situation of war within the Iberian Peninsula, in which America has once again found itself spectating with eagerness. He states that American involvement in trans-Atlantic affairs was been nonexistent and the policy of neutrality in regard to the present situation is to continue; only if American rights "are invaded or seriously menaced" will the government take a military stance against belligerents in Europe. In essence, the European system of governments is different and harmful in comparison to the system adopted in the western hemisphere and America shall remain amicable and neutral towards European powers so as not to bring about the implementation of the European alliances in American affairs. Also, in regard to the recent revolutions in the West Indies, America will not seek to oppress or assert any control over these new nations, but will defend them in the instance of European attempts to reassert control over their prior colonies. Meanwhile, Monroe guarantees that present European protectorates will not be interfered and maintains that the United States will remain neutral in regard to European conflicts until American rights are violated by European powers. The United States has no reason to meddle in the affairs of "de facto" European governments and will continue to cultivate relations with the existing regimes in that they respect the established governments in the western hemisphere.
 

LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Jefferson starts out his inaugural address by first accepting his role as president, although his modest skills are not fit for the task. He still tells the American people that he will virtuously lead the nation on the same principles as the Constitution as it continues its incredibly journey of progress. He then goes on to state that the Union is run by the legislators and himself on the grounds of sound principles, not ideologies. The ideas of the minority who believe the government to be weak will be protected as intolerance is the ground on which a government cannot stand. All have to adhere to the American principles of tolerance and those who battle against the republic will be fought with reason. He believes American to be the greatest government of all, "where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern" and that abandoning the solid base republicanism has provided on the grounds of a theory that states it is not strong enough would be both foolish and preposterous. Then he goes on to describe the great pride and prosperity that is happening in America at that time that is paralleled nowhere else in the world, which each man has a right to practice in happiness within this tolerant nation. One more great stride can be achieved though, and that is the implementation of wise and helpful government that will protect the rights of the people, both personally and propertied. Then he says it is right for him to explain to them, whose rights he is protecting, what his values and expectations of government are. These include the keeping of justice for all men in their endeavors, maintaining peaceful relations abroad without alliances, protecting the rights of States to further the blockade against anti-republican tendencies, and to protect the vigor to the government provided by the pride of the Constitution. Also, he believes in strengthening the militia, supporting agriculture to stimulate the economy from the ground up, and to protect the rights of Americans guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. He concludes by asking for the American populace to support him through thick and thin, whether he missteps or others claim he has misstepped and by stating that he will work to his greatest extent until he is relieved of his duties or the peace and prosperity of the American people is compromised.

Columbus Blog #8

With Columbus Day in the near future, it is important to not only look at Columbus as the hero many perceive him to be, but also as the villainous person he actually was. Personally, it is my belief that Columbus was much more of an evil figure than he was the positive light we celebrate today. Many associate his name with genocide and social Darwinism, too terrible traits of the human race. When he first arrived at Hispaniola there have been reports of him mass murdering large groups of the native Taino Indians, enslaving their women, and separating families from their children. At one point, the Taino saw Columbus's advance into their homeland as destroying their future and they conducted mass suicides by jumping off cliffs or poisoning each other. Also, Columbus was not held in high regard as a captain and was known for nurturing mutinous feelings among his crew. Reports of his atrocities in Hispaniola even appalled Ferdinand and Isabella, known for their inhumane actions during the Spanish Inquisition, when they read them first hand. Obviously Columbus did open the door to the New World for Europe, but his actual character must much darker and more horrific than it was heroic as represented by our celebration of his holiday to this day. Some states have even ended their recognition of Columbus Day for these very reasons.