Assignment Due 12.10.13.

"You know that it was Jefferson who said that the best government is that which does as little governing as possible, which exercises its power as little as possible. That was said in a day when the opportunities of America were so obvious to every man, when every individual was so free to use his powers without let or hindrance, that all that was necessary was that the government should withhold its hand and see to it that every man got an opportunity to act if he would. But that time is past."

   This part of the passage stands out to me, because it's amazing how our ex president can put into words and change the perspective of the words of a previous president. Times have changed is what Woodrow Wilson is saying. While I personally believe that Jefferson wasn't incorrect to say that, I also don't think Wilson was incorrect to challenge his statement. I do believe a government that does as little governing as possible is the best government, because ideally that implies that we as a society are making sure things are handled for ourselves as opposed to trusting the government to handle things for us. But in a time where everything is so fast paced, it's hard for that idealism to ever come about, and we're living in a time that back in the day, was probably not even dreamed of. Technology and progression have taken us so far, and if we couldn't govern ourselves back then, it's unrealistic to say we can now. But the fact that they're both not wrong, is a beautiful thing. 

 So I chose this passage for that reason. It's amazing to see how one president's philosophy can be correct but unrealistic, and a future president acknowledging that very statement, and admitting that it is highly unlikely, because he knows the times we live in and he knows, that we will always need to be governed. And speaking from the point of view of the president, I'm assuming that he knew why he said, exactly what he said. It's not like me, saying that, without all the power in the world. It's an amazing feeling reading a passage such as this. 

Assignment 12.3.13

Passage Chosen: "The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."

 My reason for choosing this passage is simple, I've heard the Gettysburg Address multiple times, but not until this very assignment, did I actually take the time to dissect the true significance of this speech, in history, and in our present. Although my honest opinion is, the nation does not know how to be as humble and as brave or as dedicated to the people, as Abraham Lincoln was. By far. Or maybe, it is us as a nation that have to pay more attention to who we decide to elect, because ultimately, we are the one's choosing who leads us, and it feels as if we have chosen qualified, but not exceptional leaders. 

 The significance of this passage and quote, I chose specifically from the Gettysburg Address because of how funny it is that Abraham Lincoln honestly kept it real, and said, that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but we can never forget what we did here." It makes me feel like in that moment, they didn't realize how big a change, they had made. What big a goal they accomplished. But regardless of the fact, I love that part, because I'm doing an assignment right now, more than a century later, on the very speech that Abraham Lincoln thought we wouldn't remember. And it's basic history as well. Truth be told, that was a well delivered speech, and it's sincerity and words, honestly, captivate me and motivate me. I would've loved to have lived in an Era where someone like Lincoln was president. Where the weight of the world is on his shoulders, and the lives of many lay on his command, yet he takes full responsibility and acknoledges them all for their sacrifices, even after succeeding. That kind of humbleness, is something I don't feel in our own time, and that's why I personally love this speech. It gives me hope. That one day a leader will rise up with his kind of bravery, and sympathy. Message well received, I'll never forget.