LAD #10: The Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, President Monroe declares that the American continents are free and independent of any chance to colonize.  He says this in accordance to the agreements made with Russia and Britain.  He then touches on the topic of neutrality regarding the start of civil war in Spain.  Although he sympathizes with the rebels in their rightful desire to gain independence, he states that the United States must remain neutral throughout the conflict.  He shows no interest in allowing the United states to interfere with the "de facto" government.  By remaining neutral, the United States will avoid potentially threatening entangling alliances with European powers.  Monroe then states that the policies of the western hemisphere greatly differ from the policies of the eastern hemisphere.  America prepares a defense only when the rights of the citizens on their side of the Atlantic Ocean are being violated.  Finally, Monroe says that any involvement with the European system of alignment will cause nothing but conflict and unrest.  Therefore, neutrality is the only solution.

LAD #9: Jefferson's Inaugural Address

Jefferson begins by thanking his fellow citizens for electing him.  He goes on to state that America is a rapidly growing country with a lot of potential.  Jefferson then claims that he will refer to the beloved constitution to solve all difficulties.  He states that although the will of the majority will prevail, their voice must be reasonable and the minority, too will be protected by the law.  Jefferson encourages Americans to unite under one heart and one mind, avoiding bloody, wicked conflicts.  Later on, he makes note of the strength of the republican government saying that it is "the strongest government on the earth."  The government, he says, will protect the people from injury however, it will give them the freedom to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvements.  Jefferson lists several essential principles of government including equality of all men, religious freedom, peaceful relations with other nations, no entangling alliances, support of the state government, and preservation of the general government.  He concludes by saying that he will not always make decisions that please everyone and asks for forgiveness for these errors.

Columbus Blog #8

Every year on October 12th, Americans enjoy a relaxing day off of work and school all thanks to a famed Italian man who sailed for spain, Christopher Columbus, whose sailing of the ocean blue in 1492 resulted in the discovery of our vast continent. The majority of Americans celebrate Columbus Day in remembrance of Columbus's finding of America, his greatest achievement.  However, most tend to forget his unthinkable characteristics that truly entitle him as a villain.  For instance, he demonstrated an utter misunderstanding of the globe by believing that he had landed in the  East Indies when in reality he was in the Caribbean.  It seems impractical that a so called "expert navigator and sailor" could make such a catastrophic mistake.  Because of his belief that he was in the East Indies, he falsely referred to Native Americans as Indians, an incorrect terminology which still commonly exists today.  Furthermore, Columbus committed unthinkable crimes amongst the Native peoples who resided in his conquered lands.  He oversaw the slaughtering as well as sale of the Natives into slavery, a system which he knew was brutal and inhumane, yet continue to do anyway for the wealth that it brought him.  A so called "man of faith" exhibited all but religious values in his dealing with the newly discovered land.  Some sources go as far as claiming that Columbus also raped and tortured native women. Others state that Columbus falls under the same category as Hernando Cortes and Francisco Pizarro, notorious Spanish conquistadors who exploited the Natives in hopes to acquire their gold.  Columbus is so similarly related to the infamous conquistadors as he also permitted the harsh, treatment of Natives, all out of interest of wealth and greed.   He is classified as one of the many contributors to the Native American genocide, in which thousands were killed during the age of discovery.  When the topic of genocide comes up, most people think immediately of the holocaust and Hitler's murdering of  6 million Jews, a well-known, and downright horrific event.  According to American Indian activist, Russell Means, "Columbus makes Hitler look like a juvenile delinquent."  The following statement puts into perspective the scale to which Columbus committed atrocities amongst Natives. Sure Columbus can be credited with discovering a new world full of potential.  But as you enjoy your day off, ask yourself this:  Should Americans really celebrate, honor, and praise a cruel, vile man with so little moral values?