Not Quite 43 by Kiarra

Not Quite 43 by Kiarra - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

In today’s society there is a great divide between political parties for many different reason. From issues of abortion to issues of gun control there are extremely polarized ideas. One thing that the parties can agree on however, is that some of the most influential presidents are those who are long gone. The presidents themselves may be gone but their policies and decisions made as leader of the American republic have left large impression on today’s views of politics and societies. One particular president who is known for his particularly influential presidency is Mr. Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt is not only known for his immaculate handling of progressive issues in the United States but also for his excellence in foreign policy as well. For this reason, if I had the option to have dinner with any US president, I would choose President Roosevelt. His progressive reforms and foreign policies have left a lasting impression on American politics, and I would love to better understand the logic behind so many of his decisions.

President Roosevelt when he was sworn is as the 26th President of the United States was not quite 43 years old. At this age he was the youngest president in the country’s history. Roosevelt’s presidency was defined in part by his attacks on trusts. If I had the opportunity to have a dinner with “Mr. Trust Buster”, I would ask what was the thing that made him stand up against trusts and monopolies unlike many of the men who held his position previously. I am aware of the fact that Mr. Roosevelt was uncomfortable with the fact that the Wall Street bosses were living quite a lavish life, while those who kept the company in operation on a daily basis suffered and could barely survive because of the wage conditions as well as the unhealthy working conditions. Insight into his reasoning may help me better make connections to today’s working conditions for those who are still employed in jobs like coal mining.

I would also like to question Mr. Roosevelt on his foreign policy. His “big stick diplomacy” has many who are in support of that type of ruling as well as those who oppose the aggressive approach on foreign policy. His presence in the Philippines was one that still affects the people of the archipelago today. By appointing Taft as the first civilian governor, Roosevelt was able to set up a government that had a separation of powers, much like the US. When it comes to foreign policy I would love to ask Mr. Roosevelt about how he felt he lined up with the handling of foreign policies before and after his.

Lastly, I would just love to get to know the “people’s president” solely for who he is as a person. Often times we hold our political leaders to a higher standard than others. In some cases this is necessary, but at other times it is important to remember that they are people who are capable of making mistakes and they will make some mistakes one way or another. I would like to genuinely know his likes and dislikes, what his personality is like; I want to know Theodore Roosevelt, the man.