Feel free to ignore.

Seriously, it's just me bitching about my history class.

Because it's bothering me. Of no importance.


Really.


Still reading? Okay, here we go:
So, I take an online American History class right now. Getting credits done early to leave community college (no, siriusly I hate it). Anywhore, our discussion topic this Unit was "Who was the most influential or successful president between 1800-1824. Why? Use evidence to support your claim" Well, turns out there could only be three presidents during this time period to choose from: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. After looking at the history of the presidency for each, I decided to report that Monroe was the most influential. Here's why: he made himself known to the public, toured states, kissed babies, stuff like that. He abolished slavery forever in states west and north of Missouri in the Missouri Compromise AND he declared that America ought not meddle in Europe's affairs, and Europe should do the same for America (the Monroe Doctrine). Which is huge, as America was still new enough to adjust to its new wings of freedom, this was showing another step towards being independents.

HOWEVER, you know who everyone else picked? Thomas freakin' Jefferson. I became an anti-fan of him reading his quote that "the tender breasts of ladies were not formed for political convulsion". Ew, Jefferson. Really? BUT, I decided to see why my classmates thought this (because it's sort of a requirement to respond to them, as well). And they were all "he was great, he did the declaration of independence and said he wanted "equal and exact justice for all men" and he established the University of Virgina. Yaaay!". Well let me tell you something (that I told like eight of my classmates) all of that 'great' shit Jefferson did had NOTHING to do with his presidency! Nothing! It all happened before or after, or not at all as he kept slaves and wanted to keep women down (obviously this equality he spouted about wasn't heartfelt). THEN they put in something about the Louisiana Purchase and how it opened trade. Dandy, except that MADISON organized that junk. It was UNDER Jeffy's presidency, but it was NOT Tommy boy's work.

There was ONE person who said "I'll say Madison was the most influential", but that was only because she didn't want to conform and say that Jefferson was, even though she honestly thought Jefferson was the right choice.

Maybe I'm just reading too much into it and ranting but I still think that answers should have been about what was accomplished during the actual presidency otherwise, each man would just be an American icon for his deeds, like Nathan Hale or Benjamin Franklin.

Anyone who's still reading at this point is welcome to comment.

EDIT: I checked back to see what people replied to my posts, and some appreciated the other view points, but one girl I had apparently pissed off so she came to mine said something about "That's the great thing about being an American citizen, you get to have your own opinion" and then proceeded to ask me what Harrison did in his 32 days as president that made him the best choice. That was a joke at the BEGINNING of my post, so obviously she didn't even read it. THEN I found someone who titled their post "DUH" and said it should be Jefferson because he liked art and music and junk. See kids, you don't necessarily have to be smart or eloquent to be in college, give it a try!