Friday, September 14, 2012

T. R.

Dad was talking to us today about his most favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt.  He noted that 111 years ago today, Teddy Roosevelt was sworn into office as paws-ident of the United States of America.   Dog Dad said he loved Roosevelts sense of justice and over coming adversity.


Teddy Roosevelt
Picture from Wikipedia
Roosevelt had a Chesapeake Retriever, Sailor Boy; a Terrier, Jack, A Spaniel, Manchu, a mixed breed, Skip; and a Pittbull Terrier, Pete.  Pete was probably the most famous because he ripped the French ambassador's pants during a White House function.  That must have been a sight to behold.

Roosevelt stood up for the little man and did a lot for them with his Square Deal.  At the same time he looked at everyone to pitch in and help.

Some of Dad's favorite quotes are:
- "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." 
- "The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life." 
- "The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything."
 - "Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big."

Looking at today's world, Dad would love to see another Teddy Roosevelt lead the United States.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Sherman

2 comments:

How Sam Sees It said...

One of Mom's favorite things about Roosevelt is that he declared the Grand Canyon a national park in 1908. Since Mom works for the park service and the canyon is one of her favorites, this is very important!

Sam

StevieGrrrWonder said...

Another Teddy in office probably would do our nation well. Think I told u that my CC's secretary at Vandenberg AFB (Nita Eidson, now in her 80's in a nursing home in CA) told me her father had a note that was hand-written with some words of advice from Teddy. She wrote that to me in a letter yrs ago, but I can't locate the letter (and my memory is fading too) to tell u what it said. Teddy always was more of a personal man and a darn good president too!