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2013-02-18 Home Front: Politix

Top Ten Most Controversial U.S. Presidents

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Posted by tipper 2013-02-18 11:34|| || Front Page|| [11133 views ] Top

#1 1. Thomas Jefferson (3rd President) Jefferson was an opponent of slavery. The problem was, the majority of the country favored slavery.

Really? Source of the 'majority' reference please.

Slavery, a tradition inherited from our British roots, was a compromise to get 11 states for ratification. Part of the compromise was -

Section. 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

which was executed in 1807 with The Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves of 1807 (2 Stat. 426, enacted March 2, 1807), a United States federal law that stated that no new slaves were permitted to be imported into the United States. It took effect in 1808, the earliest date permitted by the United States Constitution.

So, if the majority 'approved', why is that part of section 9 in the original document? /rhet question

Posted by Procopius2k 2013-02-18 12:05|| 2013-02-18 12:05|| Front Page Top

#2 Obama's not on this list? Gee, I wonder why...

Posted by Raj 2013-02-18 12:53|| 2013-02-18 12:53|| Front Page Top

#3 Nothing about FDR, or Woodrow Wilson?

Posted by Pappy 2013-02-18 18:21|| 2013-02-18 18:21|| Front Page Top

#4 or Jimmuh Carter? I sense a trend

Posted by Frank G 2013-02-18 18:53|| 2013-02-18 18:53|| Front Page Top

#5 Nothing controversial about Jimmuh. We all agree he was Worst President Ever. Until recently, I mean.

Posted by SteveS 2013-02-18 19:07|| 2013-02-18 19:07|| Front Page Top

#6 "Many Americans also question the war in Iraq, and undoubtedly, it will always be known as one of the most controversial wars in history."

How many non-controversial wars in history can you name?

Posted by European Conservative 2013-02-18 19:20|| 2013-02-18 19:20|| Front Page Top

#7 Jefferson: Additionally, he had a relationship with a slave named Sally Hemmings.

It wasn't all that controversial at the time. It wasn't common knowledge except for a political hubbub in 1802. Since she was his property and what took place within his household was his business the whole thing died pretty quickly. Since his wife had died in 1782 she didn't object. The relationship was lengthy, and presumably affectionate, so there are more people bitching about it today than there were then.

If they need to dig up controversy about Jefferson, start with the Louisianna Purchase. The original idea was just to buy New Orleans. Buying the entire Louisianna territory went beyond his constitutional powers.

Then skip over a few things and light on the treason of "his" vice president (Aaron Burr, the man who plugged Alexander Hamilton in a duel). There were the ill-advised Embargo Laws, and of course the prohibition on the import of slaves in 1808. So was the Indian Removal Act one of Jefferson's ideas.

Posted by Fred 2013-02-18 20:55|| 2013-02-18 20:55|| Front Page Top

23:18 JosephMendiola
23:07 JosephMendiola
22:53 JosephMendiola
22:38 Water Modem
22:26 JosephMendiola
22:12 Barbara
21:53 Water Modem
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21:50 SteveS
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20:55 Fred
19:20 European Conservative
19:07 SteveS
19:01 trailing wife
18:53 Frank G
18:49 European Conservative
18:29 Barbara
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18:21 Pappy
17:53 Jinerong Juter9421
17:48 Pappy
17:46 Alanc
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