In 1924 the first gay rights foundation is founded by Henry Gerber, the Society for Human Rights. The society publishes the first writing for homosexuals, Friendship and Freedom, but soon after political pressures force the society to disband. In 1948, Alfred Kinsey, developer of the Kinsey scale, reveals the his findings show that 37% of males have enjoyed homosexual activities at least once. This information shocked many conservative officials, and contributed to the awareness of the gay community. A setback occurred in 1950, when a Senate report called homosexuals “sex perverts” and declared homosexuality a mental illness. over 4,000 gay men were discharged from the military for their sexuality. 3 years later, president Eisenhower signs Executive Order 10450, banning homosexuals from working for the federal government or any of its private contractors. Landmark Supreme Court Case One Inc. vs Olsen was the first recorded case of the Supreme Court siding with LGBT rights. Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality in 1962, which is much too recently, when it repealed its sodomy laws. A riot at the Stonewall In breaks out, when police officers raid the bar trying to rid the town of "sexual deviants". The first Gay Pride Parade occurs in New York City in 1970, an event that would continue year after year and in expand to numerous cities and states. Three years later, the American Psychiatry Board finally takes homosexuality off of its list of mental disorders. Kathy Kozachenko makes history by becoming the first openly gay elected American official in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1974. In 1980, the Democrats become the first American political party to endorse gay rights. In 1987, hundreds of thousands of Americans demand that president Ronald Reagan address the AIDS epidemic. President Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act, declaring that marriage is between one man and one woman, setting back the gay rights movement. In 2003, Lawrence v Texas rules sodomy laws are unconstituonal. In 2010, the Senate officially repeals the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the military. Finally, most recently the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states can not ban same-sex marriage, that it is unconstitutional. While America still has a ways to go for social and political equality for the LGBT community, in the past 50 years we have made great progress towards and better and more equal America.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Wrongful American Involvement In Vietnam
The United States removed its troops out of Vietnam knowing that they had made a huge mistake. Thousands of American troops never came back, with billions of dollars down the drain. Their ultimate goal of anti-communism was a failure, as a year later the north engulfed the South and created a unified communist nation of Vietnam. With every goal of the US in the war ending in failure, we must look back and see why and how Vietnam became such a failure.
The entire war in Vietnam was poorly planned, fought, and executed. For starters, we had no concrete goal in the war. US soldiers were sent to Vietnam on the vague goal of "stopping communism". Soldiers were sent to patrol the country side, defending South Vietnam from communists. No cities were to be captured, no visible enemy to destroy. With the United States unable to invade the communist north without Soviet intervention, there was no way to win the war. The United States had no way of victory. With their goal of the elimination of communists, United States marines and soldiers were sent into the jungle to kill an unseen enemy. A communist and farmer look exactly the same, and US soldiers many times were unable to kill an enemy until they shot first. As new Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara came into office, he asked questions about the Vietnam war. He asked what our goal was in Vietnam and he received an answer of "we don't know". When he asked how many more troops had to die before we left he received the same answer. When even the highest level of US military leadership doesn't know the goal or when the war should end, there is a fundamental problem. Only after huge public opinion became against the war, did the United States begin to pull out of Vietnam.
Source: http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/resources//mcnamara/
The entire war in Vietnam was poorly planned, fought, and executed. For starters, we had no concrete goal in the war. US soldiers were sent to Vietnam on the vague goal of "stopping communism". Soldiers were sent to patrol the country side, defending South Vietnam from communists. No cities were to be captured, no visible enemy to destroy. With the United States unable to invade the communist north without Soviet intervention, there was no way to win the war. The United States had no way of victory. With their goal of the elimination of communists, United States marines and soldiers were sent into the jungle to kill an unseen enemy. A communist and farmer look exactly the same, and US soldiers many times were unable to kill an enemy until they shot first. As new Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara came into office, he asked questions about the Vietnam war. He asked what our goal was in Vietnam and he received an answer of "we don't know". When he asked how many more troops had to die before we left he received the same answer. When even the highest level of US military leadership doesn't know the goal or when the war should end, there is a fundamental problem. Only after huge public opinion became against the war, did the United States begin to pull out of Vietnam.
Source: http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/resources//mcnamara/
Political Families in the US
In this election, there have been growing feelings of dislike towards the “establishment” and career politicians, especially those from wealthy, politically involved families. Despite the seemingly recent appearance of this, political families are not a new thing in American politics. They date back to the founding fathers; John Adams, second president of the US, was father to the sixth, John Quincy Adams. Other notable families include the Harrisons (William Henry and Benjamin were both president, although WHH died extremely early on in his term), the Roosevelts, and of course the Kennedys.
,_2nd_president_of_the_United_States,_by_Asher_B._Durand_(1767-1845)-crop.jpg) |
| John Adams |
,_c._1850_after_1844_original_-_DSC03235.JPG) |
| John Quincy Adams |
Back in the modern day, politicians like Hillary Clinton and Jeb! Bush are both considered to be part of political “dynasties” and that may hurt their chances at getting elected. Being related to other politicians may make it harder for a candidate to distinguish themselves from their predecessors, as Jeb struggled to do when asked about how he was different from his brother, especially about Iraq. In January, while Jeb was still in the race, he and Clinton had higher unfavorability ratings than Kasich, Cruz and Sanders, although lower than Trump.
However, being part of a political family may actually be a benefit for candidates. It gives them name recognition, which is important in elections. Growing up in a family involved in politics also may help candidates gain connections, resources, and funding. This can help them, making it easier for candidates from political families to get elected.
Sources
http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/hillary-clinton-favorable-rating and the other candiates from the same poll aggregate
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-politics-dynasties-idUSN0332238720070304
Images:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/US_Navy_031029-N-6236G-001_A_painting_of_President_John_Adams_(1735-1826),_2nd_president_of_the_United_States,_by_Asher_B._Durand_(1767-1845)-crop.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/John_Quincy_Adams_by_George_Caleb_Bingham_(detail),_c._1850_after_1844_original_-_DSC03235.JPG
The Freedom Riders
The Freedom Riders were a group of Civil Rights Activists who traveled in a series of bus trips throughout the South during the 1960's. The CORE, or the Congress of Racial Equality, established in 1942, who fought for the rights of minorities, worked with the Freedom Riders in an attempt to desegregate the south. The Freedom Riders defied segregation by using bathrooms and restaurant counters, that were labeled white only. The freedom riders received an incredible amount of violence from whites while traveling southern. Although they faced little suppression in Virginia, with some violence and arrests from South Carolina, which later culminated in violence in Birmingham Alabama. A group of Ku Kulx Klan members attacked a Freedom Rider bus, slashing its tires and firebombing it. They held the door closed, trying to burn the riders inside, and beat them after they were able to escape. Despite warnings from Rob Kennedy, who opposed the riders from continuing, after hearing of the violence, the riders continued to Alabama, where they were met with mobs and many were arrested.
Below: The Freedom Riders in their bus
http://mdah.state.ms.us/freedom/
Below: The Freedom Riders in their bus
http://mdah.state.ms.us/freedom/
Sharp Dressed Men: A Summary of Presidential Fashion
You know what they say: clothes make the man. This could not be more true in the case of our presidents, whose occupations demand a well-put-together look. Just as the fashion scene is continually changing, the trends in clothing changed, as well. In fact, the sartorial choices of political figures often has a sizable effect on our perception of them. Let's look at some of the most well-dressed presidents and reflect on the values they displayed in their clothing.
George Washington
Always conscious of his appearance and what it signified, president Washington set the tone for excellence. In the portrait seen here, Washington is seen wearing a somewhat plain, black garment, which reflects the idea that he was a leader elected by the people, not a king. He avoided wearing brightly colored, fine clothing that could have evoked a sense of royalty. In his public appearances, Washington wore clothes that suited his position and sense of duty to the American people.
Portrait of Washington made during his second term as president
Abraham Lincoln
A simple dresser like Washington and most of his predecessors, Lincoln had one key item that separated him from the rest: his stovepipe hat, which only added height to his six foot four inch frame. This hat became synonymous with Lincoln, although the top hat had been in style for a relatively long time already. It helped him to stand out amongst his political competitors, but it came at a cost: he was exceedingly easy to spot in a crowd. Lincoln survived an assassination attempt in 1864 when a bullet pierced through his hat, narrowly missing his head.
An illustration of Lincoln and his trademark hat
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was young, charismatic, and handsome, and he certainly dressed the part. Educated at Harvard, Kennedy wore a sharp, classic, Ivy League style that continued throughout his presidency. Known for his expertly tailored Brooks Brothers suits and cool sunglasses, Kennedy's image certainly was of help to him during his campaign. Although he kept it refined, his effortless stylishness sent a message to later presidents: step it up.
Conclusion
Although the popular styles of clothing have changed, the responsibility of the president to dress himself well has not. These leaders are constantly being watched and analyzed, so it is crucial for them to do everything they can to present a good image to the public.
The recent election raises a new question: whose style will we see in the White House in the coming months? Will Donald Trump proudly wear his Donald Trump Collection™ suits? Or will Hillary Clinton become the first female president and introduce another wrinkle into the history of presidential attire? We don't know for sure yet, but the country will be anxiously waiting.
Sources:
http://georgewashington.si.edu/portrait/dress.html
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/abraham-lincolns-top-hat-the-inside-story-3764960/?no-ist
http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/president-john-f-kennedy/
Lincoln Douglas Debate
A popular form of high school and college debate is LD, or Lincoln Douglas Debate. The format consists of one on one argumentation, and all of the topics are ones where what is being debated is the morality of certain situations. For example, a recent topic was "The United States ought to promote democracy in the Middle East". All of the arguments usually revolve around the responsibility of an entity to do one thing or another. From an American history perspective, this form of debate stems from actual presidential debates between Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln and Democratic candidate Stephen Douglas. Nicknamed the "Great Debates of 1858", Lincoln and Douglas debated a total of seven times, with the main issue in all of them being slavery. When they agreed to do the debates, Lincoln and Douglas decided to hold one debate in each of the nine congressional districts in Illinois, a free state. The debates themselves were long for a one on one debate, one candidate would speak for an hour, and then the other candidate spoke for 90 minutes, and then the first candidate would be allowed a 30 minute "rejoinder", or rebuttal. As the incumbent, Douglas had the advantage of speaking first in the majority of the debates.
As far as the content of the debates, Douglas believed in popular sovereignty rather than the banning of slavery across the nation. He argued that both the Whigs and the Democrats wanted popular sovereignty, pointing at the Compromise of 1850 as an example of that. Similarly, evidence is also vital in LD debate in competitions in order to prove your moral arguments. Lincoln fired back that what the states wanted is the illegality of slavery, and that popular sovereignty and the Dred Scott decision were departures from the polices of the past that would nationalize slavery.
While the format is now very different (no more 90 minute speeches), both Lincoln and Douglas's dynamic debates are still remembered and emulated today in the realm of high school Speech and Debate.
Sources: speechanddebate.org
https://www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/debates.htm
As far as the content of the debates, Douglas believed in popular sovereignty rather than the banning of slavery across the nation. He argued that both the Whigs and the Democrats wanted popular sovereignty, pointing at the Compromise of 1850 as an example of that. Similarly, evidence is also vital in LD debate in competitions in order to prove your moral arguments. Lincoln fired back that what the states wanted is the illegality of slavery, and that popular sovereignty and the Dred Scott decision were departures from the polices of the past that would nationalize slavery.
While the format is now very different (no more 90 minute speeches), both Lincoln and Douglas's dynamic debates are still remembered and emulated today in the realm of high school Speech and Debate.
Sources: speechanddebate.org
https://www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/debates.htm
Military Success During the First Gulf War
The United States involvement in the Second Gulf war led to a great victory against dictatorship and a surge of freedom for the people of Kuwait. The military action of the United States allowed for the defeat of Saddam in Kuwait and the restoration of the government in Kuwait. The United States military had a great victory thanks to great strategy and execution.
The United States Air Force aerial bombardment was the most influential factor in the war. Newly developed smart bombs and missiles allowed for incredible precision. Key military positions in Kuwait city were bombed with minor civilian casualties. Precise airstrikes took out communication centers and military barracks, limiting the effectiveness of Saddam's Republican Guard. On the border of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, hundreds of thousands of UN troops and tank divisions lay in wait. Operation Desert storm started with the aerial bombardment. Hundreds of thousands of bombs were dropped on Saddam's forces. Entire armor columns were destroyed and troop divisons decimated. Certain roads were cluttered with bodies and destruction for miles and miles. The Kuwaiti Highway 80 was nicknamed the highway of death. Retreating iraqui armor columns were destroyed by American air power, with car bodies and destroyed tanks littering the road. The American air forces softened up the Iraqi army to the point of breaking. As the infantry and armored advance began across the desert little resistance was left. Iraqi soldiers gave up, abandoned their positions and tanks, and surrendered. The efficiency and precision of the United States air force led to the quick defeat of Saddam in the First Gulf War.
Sources: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/reports/2006/R4269.4.pdf
The United States Air Force aerial bombardment was the most influential factor in the war. Newly developed smart bombs and missiles allowed for incredible precision. Key military positions in Kuwait city were bombed with minor civilian casualties. Precise airstrikes took out communication centers and military barracks, limiting the effectiveness of Saddam's Republican Guard. On the border of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, hundreds of thousands of UN troops and tank divisions lay in wait. Operation Desert storm started with the aerial bombardment. Hundreds of thousands of bombs were dropped on Saddam's forces. Entire armor columns were destroyed and troop divisons decimated. Certain roads were cluttered with bodies and destruction for miles and miles. The Kuwaiti Highway 80 was nicknamed the highway of death. Retreating iraqui armor columns were destroyed by American air power, with car bodies and destroyed tanks littering the road. The American air forces softened up the Iraqi army to the point of breaking. As the infantry and armored advance began across the desert little resistance was left. Iraqi soldiers gave up, abandoned their positions and tanks, and surrendered. The efficiency and precision of the United States air force led to the quick defeat of Saddam in the First Gulf War.
Sources: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/reports/2006/R4269.4.pdf
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