Weekly Tools and Tips to Improve Any Relationship
This month, in honor of Independence Day, the following are some tidbits about presidents that have led the US through good and bad times and are historically considered to be “great presidents”. Identify the color of each President for a chance to win a free t-shirt.
Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States. Known as the “Silent Member” of Congress, he was a reluctant candidate for President. Jefferson was a quiet, but effective manager. He preferred working in the privacy of his own office rather than in the public eye. He did not like to give public addresses, but was more comfortable using his pen than his voice. He often answered the door of the White House himself, wearing his slippers. Jefferson was considered to be a brilliant and cunning politician. He is best known for penning the Declaration of Independence at the age of 33, and writing a bill establishing religious freedom.
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States. Renowned for his toughness, he was nicknamed “Old Hickory.” Jackson considered himself the voice of the common man, but in reality, he knew what he wanted to do, did it, and then tried to enlist public support. If his character, honor, or integrity was challenged, Jackson was known to publicly cane or duel the person responsible. He had a furious temper, but knew how to use it to get his way. In meetings he would slam his fist on the table and when the attendees left, he would joke, “They thought I was mad.” In reality the tantrum was just to get his way.
Kennedy, the 34th President of the United States, was very social—he had a way with people. His prankish casualness, quick charm, endeared him. He was quick to joke, especially about himself. “I have just received the following telegram from my generous daddy. It says, “Dear Jack: Don’t buy a single vote more than necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.” When he was first in office, the public was seemed less interested in the problems of the world than what parties the Kennedys went to, or what hairdo Jackie wore. But, his presidency wasn’t all glamour and parties. He tackled many challenges including the Cuban Missile crisis, equal rights, and communism.
George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States was known throughout his career as a decent and generous man who tried to do what he thought was right. As Commander in Chief he was known as a “guardian President”—watching over and protecting what was already in existence. Bush was a highly likeable individual who inspired great loyalty on the part of his staff. He was dedicated to public service. Bush signed a number of major laws in his presidency, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; this was one of the most pro-civil rights bills in decades. He worked to increase federal spending for education, childcare, and advanced technology research. In dealing with the environment, Bush reauthorized the Clean Air Act, requiring cleaner burning fuels.
http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/bush/essays/biography/7
http://www.trivia-library.com/a/president-john-f-kennedy-physical-description-behavior-and-personality.htm
http://www.history.com/presidents
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents
http://www.wikipedia.org/
