Louisville Courier Journal Editorial: [Ulysses S.] Grant's Proper Honor.
Grant's proper honor
Ulysses S. Grant once said, “I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally.”
Unfortunately, the reticence and diffidence of the former Union general and 18th president of the United States are no longer in vogue (are the words even in the dictionary?). Now, naming and branding are ubiquitous, even when it comes to commanders-in-chief.
Apparently it is not enough for the 40th president's fans that 79 schools, centers, courthouses, libraries, leadership academies, rooms, penthouses, awards, gardens, fields, roads, turnpikes, corridors, airports (and a ship) already bear Ronald W. Reagan's name — in this country. Numerous commemorations exist in other countries, too, and there has even been a proposal to name the International Space Station for him.
Several years ago, some Reagan partisans launched a very misguided effort to replace President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the dime with their favorite president, a blanch-worthy effort by people who did not know (or care about) their history. (FDR had polio and asked everyone to donate a dime for research and care of those with polio; that's how the March of Dimes got its start.) Nancy Reagan quickly opposed this ham-handed attempt to honor her late husband.
President Grant is even farther in the mists of American history than was FDR. Few may know or care about his victories as a Union general, or his efforts as president to secure and protect the rights of newly emancipated African Americans with constitutional guarantees. His presidency was not a perfect one, but it is worth remembering and commemorating.
President Reagan already enjoys an embarrassment of riches in salutes. President Grant should not lose the personal attention that being on the $50 bill affords him and his efforts to preserve and strengthen our union.
Ulysses S. Grant once said, “I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally.”
Unfortunately, the reticence and diffidence of the former Union general and 18th president of the United States are no longer in vogue (are the words even in the dictionary?). Now, naming and branding are ubiquitous, even when it comes to commanders-in-chief.
Apparently it is not enough for the 40th president's fans that 79 schools, centers, courthouses, libraries, leadership academies, rooms, penthouses, awards, gardens, fields, roads, turnpikes, corridors, airports (and a ship) already bear Ronald W. Reagan's name — in this country. Numerous commemorations exist in other countries, too, and there has even been a proposal to name the International Space Station for him.
Several years ago, some Reagan partisans launched a very misguided effort to replace President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the dime with their favorite president, a blanch-worthy effort by people who did not know (or care about) their history. (FDR had polio and asked everyone to donate a dime for research and care of those with polio; that's how the March of Dimes got its start.) Nancy Reagan quickly opposed this ham-handed attempt to honor her late husband.
President Grant is even farther in the mists of American history than was FDR. Few may know or care about his victories as a Union general, or his efforts as president to secure and protect the rights of newly emancipated African Americans with constitutional guarantees. His presidency was not a perfect one, but it is worth remembering and commemorating.
President Reagan already enjoys an embarrassment of riches in salutes. President Grant should not lose the personal attention that being on the $50 bill affords him and his efforts to preserve and strengthen our union.
Labels: Fitting tribute
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 4:44 PM
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