6 minute read
Not all presidents were lovable
east-west maritime travel time in half.
There are several Presidents history students should study to understand what made the United States of America the dominant global nation. Today’s young people, for the most part, take for granted their country’s position in the world.
It was no accident how we got here. There was a lot of kicking, screaming, name-calling, and even threats of impeachment along the way. The nation’s White House has been occupied by some rather controversial figures.
While the 45th White House occupant, President Donald Trump, was an easy “love him or hate him” subject, he isn’t much different than President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the controversial turn-of-the 20th century president who found himself in the Oval Office due to the assassination of President William McKinley.
Roosevelt was placed in the vice presidency by the Republicans to get rid of him. As governor of New York, he had been such a thorn to old-guard GOP politicians. They wanted to put him where they thought he couldn’t do any harm. It backfired. Once in the presidency, “T.R.” created havoc in both government and business with a vast variety of reforms. Among other monikers, he became known as the “Trust Buster.”
His foreign policy became known as the “Big Stick” foreign policy — “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” He believed in a strong Navy and had its “Great White Fleet” circle the globe to demonstrate our nation’s growing power.
He also oversaw the historic, but controversial, building of the Panama Canal that opened the Atlantic to the Pacific and cut
The other Roosevelt, Franklin D., often has been called America’s greatest president. He served more than 12 years, guiding the nation through the dark years of the 1930s Great Depression into five years of World War II. Many of his policies and actions were challenged in the courts and remain a subject of controversy such as Social Security. But, to date no one has returned their monthly checks.
Arguably, one of our best chief executives was Harry S. Truman. During the 20th century, he was the only high school graduate to become president. Known among detractors as “His Accidency,” Truman became president in 1945 when Roosevelt died a few weeks into his fourth term.
As vice president, Truman wasn’t told about the $2 billion atom-bomb project until he took over the presidency. Five months later, he made the historic decision to drop two bombs on Japan. It remains one of history’s most important, yet controversial decisions.
The Cold War began with Truman and lasted for more than 40 years until President Ronald Reagan caused the Soviet Union to collapse trying to keep up militarily.
Richard Nixon was great on foreign affairs, but dishonest domestically, ending his tenure with a resignation in the wake of Watergate.
If you supported and defended or were upset, confused, baffled, and dismayed with former President Trump, you might try spending a few hours studying our most controversial of presidents, Andrew Jackson.
During the War of 1812, Jackson led a force of inexperienced volunteers against overwhelming British forces to win the Battle of New Orleans. He had at least two duels during his tumultuous life, and was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, (a title he gave himself), was committed to representing and protecting the “Common Man,” a banner to be carried by several future chief executives. As president between 1829 and 1837. Jackson might have been the closest we’ve had to a dictator. Some presidents have seemed beyond controversial because of instantaneous world-wide mass media, whereas Jackson was more explosive, but only limited media kept the nation informed of that.
Jackson forever changed history in setting the executive branch on an equal footing with
Congress by assuming the ability to shape law and government policies.
He believed the presidency should have broad authority and was widely criticized for expanding its power. Like others, he was known for rewarding his supporters with government jobs.
During his watch both the economy and the Native American population suffered. He was responsible for the moving the indigenous peoples from their traditional home lands in the East to the Oklahoma territory. The movement was known as the “Trail of Tears.”
The placement of Jackson on the $20 bill is ironic. He vehemently opposed paper money while attempting the destruction of the National Bank. He even cautioned about paper money in his farewell address. Students of history should enjoy comparing Andy Jackson to Donald Trump.
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It was 50 years ago —
‘Monster Mash’ a Halloween novelty tune
Bobby “Boris” Pickett
In summer 1973, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s original “Monster Mash” (released this time on Parrot Records) reached the Top 10 for a second time. Its first success had come about 11 years earlier, when Pickett’s platter shot all the way to Number One.
Pickett sang lead with a Hollywood band called the Cordials. One evening, while performing the old Diamonds’ hit “Little Darlin,’ Bobby delivered the song’s monologue in the low-pitched voice of horror movie icon Boris Karloff. The audience loved the spoof, and fellow Cordial Lenny Capizzi encouraged Pickett to keep up the fun. Eventually the two musicians (both horror movie fans) decided that such goofiness could be developed into a Halloween novelty tune.
And were they ever right!
Their original title was “Monster Twist,” but at the time Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” was fading and being replaced by DeeDee Sharp’s dance disc “Mashed Potato Time.” The duo altered the lyrics accordingly:
“I was working in the lab late one night
“When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
“For my monster from his slab began to rise
“And suddenly to my surprise
“(He did the Mash)
“He did the Monster Mash
“(He did the Mash) It was a graveyard smash
“(He did the Mash) It caught on in a flash
“He did the Monster Mash.”
The lyrics are, of course, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein.” In Pickett’s rendition, a benevolent monster throws a dance party that features other horrorbased creatures of lore (Dracula, the Wolfman, etc.).
Pickett and Capizzi’s taped demo came to the attention of Gary S. Paxton, a Los Angeles record producer whose initial success had been the 1960 million-selling “Alley-Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles. For the Pickett-Capizzi ditty in 1962 (which would also top the Billboard chart), Paxton created his own label, Garpax Records.
The background women’s voices heard came via the Darlene Love-led studio outfit the Blossoms. (When you hear the Crystals singing “He’s a Rebel,” you are hearing the same group.) Leon Russell played piano on that eventful day.
Paxton devised the sound effects for the one-hour recording session. A coffin lid creaking open was created by pulling a nail out of a 2x4. Bubbles from a cauldron came by blowing through a straw in a glass of water. Dropping chains onto the studio floor provided the clatter of clanking shackles.
A hastily assembled Garpax album — “The Original Monster Mash” — made the LP Top 20 and included such blessedly-now-forgotten tracks as “Blood Bank Blues,” “Graveyard Shift,” “Transylvania Twist,” and “Me and My Mummy.”
Pickett’s novelty became a runaway hit. His follow-up of “Monster’s Holiday” — the creatures were now enjoying a Christmas party — hit the Top 30. For years after that, Pickett tried to wring one more success from his one-hit wonder. He released “Monster Swim,” “Monster Man Jam,” “Monster Concert” and, perhaps inevitably, “Monster Rap.” Each sank without a trace.
Pickett claimed that his “Monster Mash” sold 4 million copies. “I’ve been paid,” he once said, “so I’m gonna believe it.”
Pickpockets feast on travelers
Traveling with or moving in and out of a crowd may make you feel safe, but packs of people also hide the cunning who can make off with your wallet or purse.
Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly high on the list of most dangerous place for visitors as pickpockets mingle freely with the more than 6 million pilgrims that visit each year.
In any crowd, women should carry their purse in front of them and men keep their wallet in a side or front trouser pocket.
Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions.
Step into a building — a store, restaurant or museum — and ask a staff member for the information you seek.
Stay on the edges of the crowd as you tour the Prado or leave the Louvre. Thieves are more likely to work the muddled middle of the mob.
