DJ Duk

September 17, 2008

List of do nothing presidents

I've recently put forward the idea that a President that doesn't do very much is preferable to a president of either party that is too active. To support that here's a shot list of illustrious do nothings, or at least do littles. I may bring this forward to modern presidents later on as well.

Washington: George Washington did a lot in his life time, but his main accomplishment as President was being President. He's also noted for refusing to be king and for using the armed forces to quell an armed uprising during his 8 year tenure. Personally. He left Washington, got on his horse, and joined the fighting. But that's about it. In 8 years he was most defined by one fight and by what he didn't do.

Monroe: James Monroe was President during a period of history referred to as "The Era of Good Feelings." Functionally what this meant was he did nothing, he used his veto power to keep congress from doing anything, and he famously asked Europe not to do anything either. His one real contribution to history, aside from 8 years of non-leadership is the Monroe Doctrine. This made it the official policy of the United States Government that Europe should fuck off. Not surprisingly this is still referenced and used to this day.

Jackson: Andrew Jackson follows the Clintonian mold very well. He tried to do a lot and got nothing done due to personal scandal and a contrary congress. What he did do was almost all bad, but there was just so little of it its hard to see that it matters. He rather famously beat up an insane man with his cane and had to be restrained by his cabinet. The man had tried to shoot him first, so I suppose he could be excused. This is only really significant because it had just about as much national impact as anything else he accomplished.

Posted by DjDuk at September 17, 2008 02:11 PM | TrackBack