Dinner with John by Michelle

Dinner with John by Michelle - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

All Presidents of the United States of America are well honored and respected. In order for a President to leave a legacy that goes beyond their term(s) courage and intelligence must be displayed. John Adams displays these characteristics best.
When they were in the process of creating the United States, the founders knew they wanted every person to be given the opportunity to be represented. After the Boston Massacre, the red coat soldiers looked for people to take their case, but no lawyer would take it because they didn’t want to risk their reputation, income, and safety. Paul Bevere’s biased depiction of the event also may have contributed to the unwillingness to defend the soldiers. John Adams was arguably the most well-known person in the New America during the 18th century. Regardless of his popularity he took the case which was risky because he was betting with his reputation and income. He fought for the red coats in trial because he strongly believed that everyone deserved a fair and equal trial. Presidents are not formed when they are in office, but rather when they are caught standing for their beliefs when everyone else remains silent.
John Adams received a scholarship to attend Harvard University. Besides being “book-smart” he was also “quick on his feet” as a lawyer. During the Boston Massacre trial, people began to believe the depiction of Paul Bevere’s painting more than what probably actually happened. To get the jury on his side, John Adams convinced a black man to tell the story of what actually happened. The man spoke of how the patriots were egging the soldiers on yelling “fire” and throwing everything they could find at the red coats. He won.
John Adams was a man who was focused on doing the right thing. With today’s confused generation, vision for the future would help guide the nation. If I could choose a President to have dinner with I would choose President John Adams. Not only did John Adams face good times but he also faced defeat. During the dinner I would ask him what his vision for the country was, and what he thinks of it today. I would also ask him if he regretted being part of the group that made the Native Americans leave the land with such force and what he thinks we should do today to begin to mend the relationship. What an honor it would be to sit with any American President.