Category: President

Fighting COVID-19 has become one of Joe Bidens top priorities since taking office as president. The memorandum, signed in the winter of 2021, was initiated by the presidential administration to determine 100% responsibility of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the costs aimed at combating the pandemic (The White House, 2021). FEMA is not part of the executive branch, and orders from the president reflecting work priorities are binding on that body (FEMA, 2021). Therefore, the signed memorandum obliged FEMA to follow the terms of this document.

At the same time, since FEMA is not a non-profit organization and is included in the list of national agencies, its revenues are completely dependent on the federal budget. In this regard, the conditions of the previous presidential administration, which assumed the imposition of a quarter of the total costs on administrative units (states), were objective and reasonable. A relevant bill could be ratified so that the costs of fighting the pandemic could be shared between the states and the federal government. This will reduce the financial burden on FEMA and help keep a portion of the treasury while maintaining a course to counter the consequences of COVID-19.

The decision to ratify such a bill will be considered at the Congress level. As the standing committees to introduce the bill to, the budget committees of the House and the Senate will be involved (Congress.gov., n.d.). This bill is likely to go through each chamber as its passage requires the approval of various authorities and includes an assessment of budgetary funds at several levels, including both state and federal governments. In such conditions, this is impossible to coordinate activities within one chamber, and the bill has to be considered in Congress to propose a corresponding initiative to the presidential administration.

The likelihood of the bill being vetoed would exist if it were passed. Failure to pass the law by any of the standing committees would mean the need to create a special commission and prepare the bill to report directly to the president. However, decisions of this level require coordination with national agencies since, in addition to FEMA, other parts of the Department of Homeland Security might be opposed to such an initiative. Moreover, an appeal to the Supreme Court is mandatory, which also does not guarantee a positive outcome.

As the factors determining whether the Supreme Court is acting with restraint or not, one can examine the legal background of a particular decision, as well as cite precedents from judicial practice. According to Millhiser (2021), the Supreme Court can challenge any presidents decision since federal judges are not accountable to the electorate and are guided solely by legislative factors when making a decision.

In other words, if the memorandum contradicts constitutional norms and the Supreme Court takes this into account, this is an indicator of restraint. However, the precedents in judicial practice show that the highest judicial board is unlikely to challenge the presidents decision, which, as Millhiser (2021), met in practice and was based on a conservative decision-making principle. Severe restrictions on the activities of federal agencies took place in national legislative practice. In addition, Bidens memorandum is based on the principle of reducing the burden on state governments to strengthen preventive security measures locally. Therefore, there are factors that would lead the Supreme Court to be unlikely to take a challenge to the presidential decision.

References

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Committees of the U.S. Congress. Web.

FEMA. (2021). Biden-Harris administration: First 100 days. Web.

Millhiser, I. (2021). The Supreme Courts coming war with Joe Biden, explained. Vox. Web.

The White House. (2021). Memorandum on maximizing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Web.

• Student Name
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• Course
• Date
• Historical Context Assignment

Introduction

For the efficient development of the nation, it is essential to maintain stable international relationships. After the United States had emerged as an independent nation, the responsibility to stabilize the international relationships was the task of the first few presidents. The current essay examines the foreign policy actions that Washington, Jefferson, and Monroe have undertaken to protect the United States and explains the motives behind their political tracks.

Foreign Policy Actions

Action #1

The first action is Jay Treaty which was originally written by Alexander Hamilton and consequently supported by George Washington. The document regulates the international relationship between the United States and England. George Washington believed that the treaty is beneficial to the United States due to the stabilization of the relationship with England.

Action #2

Louisiana Purchase treaty allowed the United States to almost double its territory and have additional security. The deal is considered to be Jeffersons most notable achievement concerning foreign policies and has greatly benefited America.

Action #3

The international relationship policy by James Monroe establishes that any foreign intervention in the politics of the United States should be considered hostile. The president believed that the document would protect the United States by clearly asserting its sphere of dominance.

Conclusion

Summing up, the current essay presents the foreign policy actions that the three presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, have undertaken to stabilize international relationships. The three presidents have chosen these political courses according to their beliefs of what would be the best for the United States. The after-effects of the described treaties have shaped American history and heavily influenced how the rest of the world perceives the United States.

Works Cited

Gleijeses, Piero. Napoleon, Jefferson, and the Louisiana Purchase. The International History Review, vol. 39. no. 2, 2016, pp. 237-255.

Jacobs, Matthew. Monroe Doctrine. The Encyclopedia of Diplomacy, pp. 1-7.

Monroe, James. The Monroe Doctrine. 1823. Web.

Smith, Caitlin. The Jay Treaty Free Passage Right in Theory and Practice. American Indian Law Journal, vol. 1, no. 1, 2017, pp. 160-180.

United States, Great Britain. Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, between His Britannick Majesty; and the United States of America, by their President, with the Advice and Consent of their Senate. London, 1974.

United States, French Republic. The Louisiana Purchase: Treaty Between the United States of America and the French Republic. Paris, 1803.

Introduction

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in on August 27^th 1908. Johnson was a democrat and he became the president of the United States after John F Kennedy was assassinated. He completed Kennedys term and was elected as the president to run his own term. As a president he played a big part in the design of the great society legislation. The legislation had civil rights laws, laws for elderly people healthcare, and laws for poor people healthcare, education aid, and war on poverty. During his tenure he escalated the Vietnam War by increasing the number of American soldiers participating in the war. Johnson was also able to solve a lot of political, economic and social problems of the United States citizens.

His Presidency

On November 22^nd 1963 Johnson was sworn in as president while onboard an air force one plane by Judge Sarah Hughes, this was after the sudden assassination of his predecessor John F Kennedy. Johnson promised to carry on Kennedys programs although he maintained some members of the cabinet who had been appointed by Kennedy including Kennedys Brother Robert F Kennedy who Johnson had a bad relationship with (Banta 27).

The civil rights

The civil rights movement began in the year 1954 after the supreme decided to ban public schools which promoted racism. Johnson played big part in the war against racism by passing the civil rights act of 1964 which indicated that racism was outlawed. This was one of the steps that Johnson had taken to carry on John Kennedy programs as it was John Kennedy who first proposed the act and gathered votes in the senate to support the act before his death. In July 2^nd 1964 he signed the act into law. He further passed the voting civil rights bill which enabled millions of Black Americans to vote for the first time. Racism is seen as one of the social problems that greatly affected the Americans during the six tees but Johnson is seen as to have played a great role in fighting the vice. He heightened his war by announcing the arrest of four Ku Klux clan members who were implicated in the death of a civil rights worker, and angrily denounced the Klan saying it was an illegal movement. Johnson called the Churches to push for civil rights. He even went further to nominate civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall as the first Black American associate justice of the Supreme Court (Farrell15).

Great society

Great society program became Johnson agenda, it addressed issues such as education aid, disease attack, Medicare, urban renewal, beautification, conservation, development of depressed regions, poverty eradication, crime, and control voting rights (Dulker 105).

Education Funding

Johnson believed that education was the cure for ignorance and poverty and was the key to solving problems that bedeviled the minority and disadvantaged groups. After being elected as president in 1964 he gathered votes for the elementary and secondary education act which would see large amounts of government money going to supporting schools. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) main aim was to help children from poor families attend school by providing more funds to the public district schools whose large population was made up of the poor (Davidson 92).

ESEA also assisted private schools by offering them services such as library funding. Johnson further boosted the education sector by gathering votes for the higher education act that was presented in the senate; that was in the year 1965. The acts intention was to fund low income students with grants, work-study money and government loans. Johnson then later on set up national endowment for the humanities and national endowment for the arts to assist students who wished to pursue careers in humanities and arts (Davidson 92).

War on poverty

Johnsons war on poverty started in the year1964 as he requested the members of the senate to pass a tax reduction law and the economic opportunity act. In 1965 Johnson was at the center of advocating for the Medicare amendment for the Social Security Act; he signed the two bills at the Trumans Library. The bills aim was to offer low income citizens with a government funded medical care. During his tenure Johnson called for hundreds of millions to be spent on housing on poor suburbs and cities. By the year 1967 Johnsons administration had succeeded in increasing wages to unprecedented levels that no previous president had ever achieved. Unemployment had also been decreased and corporate and farm profits had grown to unimaginable levels (Mueller 23).

Vietnam War

Johnson is known to have played a great part in the fight against communist expansion by practicing the containment policy. After Kennedys death he increased the army participation in the Vietnam War from 16,000 to almost 500,000 soldiers (Mueller 27). Domestic issues played a big role in the war which saw his popularity plummet, and as the war grew less popular rifts in the Democratic Party started emerging. However Johnsons participation in the Vietnam War was greatly supported by the Republicans and even though the Vietnam War played a big role in affecting his popularity, it strengthened the United States influence across the world.

Israels friendship with the United States was strengthened during Johnsons tenure which he did by setting up a training ground for its army in Gibraltar to enable Israel defend itself during the six day war that took place June 1967. This act heightened the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union which supported its Arab allies. In May the same year, the Soviet Union had already deployed its naval forces to the East Mediterranean region to prepare themselves for any probable occurrence of war with the United States and Britain (Mueller 27).

Major Bills Johnson signed

During his tenure Johnson had been able to sign a number of bills. In the year 1964 he signed six major bills which included; the Civil Rights Act, Urban Mass Transportation Act, the Wilderness Act, Nurse Training Act, the Food Stamp Act and the Economic Opportunity Act. In the year 1965 he signed four major bills which included; the Higher Education Act, the Social Security Act, The Voting Rights Act and the Immigration and Nationality Services Act. In 1966 he signed only one major bill the Freedom of Information Act. In 1967 he signed two which were; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Public Broadcasting Act and lastly in the year 1968 he signed two, the Fair Housing Act and the Gun Control Act (Banta 27).

Legacy

Due to his great achievements Johnson is well remembered in the US for his contribution for the country, these contributions are remembered in a number of ways which include; the Houston Spacecraft Centre that is named Lyndon B. Johnson Center, Texas state also created an official holiday to celebrate Johnsons birthday, the LBJ school of public affairs was named after Johnson to honor him, the interstate freeway in Dallas has renamed the LBJ freeway, Johnson was also awarded the presidential medal of freedom in the year 1980 among many others.

Conclusion

Johnsons term ended in 1969 and during his term he was able to solve a lot of political, economic and social problems which faced the United States citizens. The problems included; poverty, education and racism. He was also able strengthen the United States involvement in worldwide issues and reaffirm the countrys number one position as a leading global power.

Works cited

Banta, Joseph: President Lyndon B Johnson. the Christiandelphian (1964). 26-32.

Davidson, C: public papers of the Lyndon B Johnson. Randall (1965). 92-100.

Dulker, J: twentieth century world history. Thompson (2005). 100-106.

John, Farrell. Tip of the democratic century. Brown (2001). 12-18.

John, Mueller: war president and public opinion Brown (1973). 20-35.

Barack Obama being elected as the first African-American US president became a symbolic event for the entire country. It was especially valuable because such a turn must further prove the development of racial equality in the USA. Thus, the African-American community faced the election most actively and with the highest hopes. Obamas president position affected the community as a direct consequence. So, one could raise a hypothesis that his presidentship changed African-Americans in several fields. More precisely, the changes include the enhancement of African-American self-esteem and racial pride, the decrease of stereotypes and bias against the community, and the raise of their political awareness.

A few studies were conducted on the topic of Obamas status and the changes around African-Americans. To be specific, the research incorporates data from Ong, Burrow, and Cerrada (2016), who muse about Obama as a role model for the current and future African-American generations. Moreover, Columb and Plant (2016) accentuate that Obama-exemplified exposure to positive Black exemplars caused a reduction in implicit anti-Black evaluative bias and implicit racial stereotyping (p. 538). Also, Kinder and Chudy (2016) add that the presence of an Afro-American president has stimulated political activity among the community. Thus, the hypothesis is essential for further studies uncovering the exact dynamics of African-Americans increase of self-value and political awareness, and the regress of racial stereotypes. For this reason, the research must revolve around the question of how deeply and how permanently Obamas presidentship changed several social tendencies of the African-American community. These include, as stated, the shifts in their self-esteem, prejudice, and bias, and political mobilization.

References

Columb, C., & Plant, E. A. (2016). The Obama effect six years later: The effect of exposure to Obama on implicit anti-black evaluative bias and implicit racial stereotyping. Social Cognition, 34(6), 523-543.

Kinder, D., & Chudy, J. (2016). After Obama. The Forum, 14(1), 3-15.

Ong, A. D., Burrow, A. L., & Cerrada, C. (2016). Seeing the other in the self: The impact of Barack Obama and cultural socialization on perceptions of self-other overlap among African Americans. Social Cognition, 34(6), 589-603.

Introduction

Becoming a president of the United States can be one of the most demanding jobs in the world. This is because of various constitutional, legislative and political interests. The paper shall look at some specific examples in history.

Constitutional crises of the Nixon and Reagan administrations

The Nixon presidency was afflicted with the Watergate scandal. It started from June seventeenth 1972 and culminated in the resignation of this president in the month of August 1974. The scandal emanated from a break in of the Watergate complex during the former mentioned date. This break in was carried out by five individuals who were found to have strong links with high ranking officials within the Nixon presidency. Some of them included the serving Attorney general and members of the Nixon reelection committee. Shortly after this burglary, the courts later came to realize that Nixon had knowledge of the break in and had taken substantial measures to cover up this crime. In the process of doing this, he engaged in several illegal actions such as payment of bribes to the burglars so as to keep them quiet, intimidating his political opponents and overstepping his mandate as president by requiring the CIA and the FBI to go against their obligations. In this regard, the president had committed perjury because of staging a large conspiracy. The constitutional crisis in the Nixon presidency emerged after it had been asserted that the President was trying to act over and above the three arms of the United States government which include the Executive branch (through its agencies), the legislative branch which wanted to impeach him and the Judicial branch which was in charge of the Watergate trial and subsequent hearings. President Nixon did not abide by all three branches demands when he was asked to hand over recording tapes. The latter leader had taped conversations going on in the White house and they had these tapes had the potential to reveal whether the President was guilty or not. After a long tag of war between himself and these three bodies, the President released the tapes and it found that he had engaged in a conspiracy to hide the true reason behind the Watergate break in. This eventually pushed him to the wall as he saw an inevitable impeachment campaign by Congress; he therefore had to step down. This scandal became a constitutional crisis because the three government branches were wrestling against a serving President. (Sirica 1979, 114)

President Reagan was faced with the Iran Contra affair that occurred in the year 1985. This scandal was a constitutional crisis because members of the Reagan administration attempted to override the countrys constitution under the guise of security. At that time, the National Security council was negotiating the fate of hostages held by an Iranian terrorist group. The latter council sold weapons to the Iranian terrorist group and then diverted this very amount (forty eight million dollars) to counter revolutionaries linked to the Nicaraguan government. There were two major constitutional issues that arose in these actions. First of all, the United States does not support such a method of handling terrorist organizations. It instead advocated for isolationist tactics. In other words, it was unethical to exchange hostages for arms as was the case in this deal. Secondly, the constitution did not approve of provisions of financial assistance to a revolutionary group in the concerned country. In other words, this was a direct violation of US policy on international relations with Nicaragua. It should however be noted that prior to this constitutional crisis, the US national security team was keen on prolonging the Iraqi-Iran conflict so as to wear out these two countries and thus secure the lives of the concerned US hostages. However, after the administration became frustrated with Congress opposition, it decided to act independently by funding the Nicaraguan contras. This eventually led to a crisis of the constitution since questions were brought forward on whether a presidential administration can act in contravention of Congresss decisions. It was also found that members of this administration were trying to obstruct investigations and the entire scandal was characterized by deceit as well as secrecy since documents involving the arms trade were destroyed by members of Reagans administration. (New York Times, 27 November 1988, A 15)

Modern presidency

The concept of modern presidency is characterized by presidents who act independently of their parties by appealing directly to the masses and also by leaders who take responsibility for their own actions without implicating their parties. The thirty fifth president of the US republic President John F. Kennedy demonstrated this concept in his election. This leader increased his influence and power at the cost of other government institutions and Congress as well. In fact, it can be argued that his actions were fundamental in causing competition between several modern presidents and congress when it comes to policy related issues. If there is a legislative agenda that a certain modern president endorses then such an individual is likely to push it forward with little regard for parliament. These patterns can be witnessed by actions carried out by Nixon, Clinton and Reagan within their terms in office. (Gould 2004, 41)

Modern American presidencies are also characterized by intense and successful use of media platforms to propagate ones agenda. The development of mass communication devices such as television, radio and others was critical in making this fact true. For instance, there had been an assassination attempt against President Reagan during his term in office. The American public was therefore waiting to hear what their president had to say to them with regard to this matter. This leader made a televised speech where he talked about his support for tax cuts for the American people. Through such tactics, he was able to win the citizens support.

Modern presidencies are also characterized by conflicting demands. This can be demonstrated very clearly through President George Bush Jnr.s presidency. In the modern era, the American people redefined their expectations of what their President should be; one who understands the needs of the common persons but at the same time takes control of the international arena. These are conflicting expectations that may sometimes lead to the detriment of a certain leader. For instance, in the Bush presidency, the public demonstrated wide support for his policies after the nine eleventh attacks as he displayed aggressive leadership in the international arena. This support was so strong that it led to his re-election. However, after prolonged occupation of Iraq, it became evident to the American people that there was a wide divide between their president and the needs at home. This eventually led to his waning popularity and public disdain against him.

Another important aspect of the modern American president is the reduction of legislative powers against presidents. After President JFK got to power, he introduced the concept of a celebrity president who could appeal directly to the hearts and minds of the people. These powers were so great that they could even surpass some of congresss powers. A case in point was President Bill Clinton. The latter individual was facing a possibility of impeachment by Congress as a result of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. However, he publicly apologized for his actions and therefore won the support of the populace. This eventually caused parliament to loose certain elements of their impeachment abilities as they had to reconsider opinions held by the public.

Conclusion

The modern presidency is a huge challenge to various individuals because there are varying and conflicting expectations. However, some presidents have managed to juggle these divergent views.

References

Gould, L. 2004. The modern American presidency. Lawrence: Kansas University press.

Sirica, J. 1979. Break in, tapes, conspirators and the pardon. NY: Norton Publishers.

Introduction

When it comes to elections and politics, many countries face the harm of prejudice against the possibility of female contribution to the field. In particular, throughout the history of the US, there has been no woman selected as President, while many have run for the position. Even though the number of female leaders in the US has significantly increased recently, the country still has not had a female President, which identifies the issue of gender inequality and needs to be changed.

Main body

In my opinion, many voters are kept from opting for female candidates by social prejudice and stereotypes that women cannot take up leading roles. The media often promote the negative tendency by an enormous amount of attention to male candidates. Therefore, even though the publics interest in supporting women running for the President grows, females continue to encounter more adverse perceptions from the media and political elites. I believe that women in the US have to put more effort into fighting off the harmful stereotypes and social prejudice, which gives their male competitors an advantage.

To truly change the rates and support women with well-designed ideas and a high potential for becoming the President, society needs to give up on gender stereotypes and accept equality as a core principle. This idea can be implemented by actively addressing the issue in mass and social media, and creating awareness in people. Not even more advantageous, but at least an equal treatment is needed for female candidates, which will even up the odds to win the election for both.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of female struggle to fight for a presidential election is not spotlighted enough in the US. While some people are ready to support talented candidates despite their gender, many still are influenced by outdated and baseless stereotypes. The situation needs to be improved to ensure a thriving society with fair opportunities, healthy attitudes, and reasonable ideas about the primary values of the nation.

Having the attention of the US president or even his office is an outstanding achievement. The presidents schedule is hectic, and, in most times, only issues of national and global interests get to his table. You definitely would not mind telling the president your feelings regarding certain critical aspects that affect Americans. A letter to the president would address an issue you are passionate about sharing and would want it resolved to save lives. But what does it take to have your letter reach the president? Former President Obama loved letters, and he shared a couple of his best with the public. Every story matters, and so does every letter to the president. Every writers dream is to have their letter attract the presidents attention, but what would it take to have it done perfectly?

Every writer would be excited to have an audience with the president to tell him what he thinks about an issue. A review of some of the letters to President Obama in the White House archive is an enjoyable literary journey. On March 24, 2010, an anonymous writer from Windsor Locks, Connecticut, wrote an inspiring letter to President Obama to express her concern for the American economy, family, and home. In the letter, the mother of one little boy aged 5 outlined the struggles Americans undergo to support life during that trying time of economic instability (Anonymous 1).

In the letter, she outlines their challenges living even after being laid off. Her husband was similarly laid off and has been on and off work since he got his new employment. She expresses the fact that their son does not have any form of insurance. They have difficulties servicing their mortgage and face losing their hour into foreclosure. She expressed her frustration paying their loan while bearing the cost of taxes. Despite the conditions, the writer expressed hope for a remarkable transformation the next day. She emphasized that her desperation reflects the needs that every American underwent following the 2008 economic crisis. She tasked the president to act and ensure every American can afford a decent lifestyle.

Notably, every reader of the anonymous writer from Windsor Locks, CT, can relate her feeling to those of other millions of Americans. Every writer should, therefore, endeavor to address concerns that are a significant challenge to the population. Writers of letters to the president need to address the concerns of middle-income Americans. Similar to the anonymous writer, let the president know what Americans experience and their frustrations. It is important to apply real-life examples and experiences to emphasize the challenges outlined in the letter. A transformational letter should have the president reminded of his roles and promises to citizens.

On February 13, 2016, Aleena K., a young high school girl from Germantown, Maryland, wrote to the president, congratulating him for addressing Muslim-Americans concerns. In the letter, she expresses the struggles Muslim-American teens undergo in a country with Muslim minority citizens. She notes that the media is responsible for spreading the identity crisis that most American-Muslims are experiencing. In the letter, Aleena K. applauds the president for visiting a mosque in Baltimore to instill hope in American-Muslims that they have a place in society (1). The presidents address at the mosque, according to Aleena K., relieved many Muslims from the thought of negative comments targeting them and the harsh rhetoric they experience from non-Muslim citizens. Aleena K writes that the presidents gesture renewed hope among Muslims in the country because he believed in them. She concluded by asking Americans to exhibit tolerance and acceptance from both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Aleena Ks letter got to the presidents table because of the articulate expression of appreciation to the reader for his heroic action. In other instances, writers need to express gratitude to the president for the small but influential steps he exhibits. Writers should not only focus on condemning the activities of the president. Instead, they should credit efforts made by their leaders and which influence Americans lives. Discrimination and intolerance targeting Muslim-Americans are common and demand the support of influential leaders to end it. Aleena Ks letter, therefore, is exemplary and deserves the presidents attention. It is a motivation to leaders that citizens, including teenagers, appreciate their efforts and applaud them for positive deeds.

On March 14, 2015, Sheryl Cousineau from Kennewick, Washington, wrote requesting President Obama to resolve undocumented immigrants plight. She tells the story of an undocumented family she has known for fifteen years. Cousineau tells the president that the family has lived in the country trying to get an income (1). They came from Mexico to find better opportunities and make a living for their children. Their efforts to get valid papers in America have been a challenging and frustrating journey. Cousineau needs the president to feel undocumented immigrants condition and note that they are innocent souls trying to make life bearable. She expressed that separating families of undocumented immigrants is inhumane. She urges the president to lobby and have congress pass a bill that would protect undocumented immigrants whose interests are to work in America.

Cousineaus letter got to the presidents table because it clarifies the plight of undocumented immigrants who came to America with the hope of better lives. Her story of the family she has known for fifteen years makes readers feel the situation is grave and demands legislative actions. She contributed to the call for reforms to Americas immigration laws that have long been a concern to many citizens. Similar to Cousineau, every writer should ensure the letter resonates with the frustrations of victims who suffer and whose conditions demand remedy. Millions of undocumented immigrants have the sole focus of improving their lives. Cousineaus letter makes a case for Americans to hold their leaders accountable to make reforms to their immigration laws. Every writer, therefore, should endeavor to make a case for change and reforms that would improve the lives of individuals struggling with a problem.

Ashley Young, a pregnant woman from Clinton, South Carolina, wrote to President Obama expressing her fear of contracting the Zika virus. On January 29, 2016, her letter was a response to a critical public health concern to many Americans. She demanded immediate action from the president to keep the public safe from the Zika virus (Young 1). She expressed her disappointment that should the government fail to have a remedy to the Zika virus, most children born in America would experience severe neurological congenital disabilities. She is perturbed by the level of exposure to danger, being a resident in the south where mosquitoes are common. She may not, therefore, deliver a healthy baby. She also expresses that the virus is dangerous to other unborn babies.

The president responded to Youngs letter to assure her that he shares similar concerns as a parent and father. He assured her that a team is in place mandated to expedite vaccine research for the Zika virus. He urged Young to find ways to ensure she stays safe as experts learn about the virus. Notably, Youngs letter addresses the concern of millions of pregnant women in America who are at risk of having children with congenital anomaly. Like Young, every writer should ensure they do not advocate change that affects few but all other individuals. When a writer addresses a problem that affects many individuals, the president may consider addressing it.

Another letter from Ambience Lamar, a 17-year-old student in senior high school sent to the president on October 31, 2016, highlighted a chilling experience. The teenage writer from Beaufort, South Carolina, expresses his struggles after contracting the West Nile Virus. She suffered from encephalitis that left part of the body. She had never gained her full voice back since when she was two years old. She has had impairment for fifteen years and communicated with her teachers through the phone and sign language. In the letter, Lamar is concerned with a heinous incident she experienced on August 221, 2016. A police officer in North Carolina short a male who was deaf and mute. The police officer could not communicate with the victim because of his impairment. The incident instilled fear in Lamar, who thinks that she may suffer a similar fate because of her condition.

Lamar reminds the president that police officers often fail to communicate with people who are deaf or have speech impairments. She reminds the president that every American with a disability may mat have fair treatment from police officers. She notes that the highlighted case is not the first in which police officers kill deaf and speech-impaired because of communication breakdown. Police officers care for the disabled should involve calling an agency to speak for them. In the absence of an agency to help the disabled, there is a critical level of misunderstanding, which triggers police to brutalize them. Lamar expresses that most law enforcement officers dealing with people who are deaf or have speech impairments regard their reactions as resisting arrest (1). Police officers, therefore, understand that the disabled individuals cannot respond as promptly as they may demand. Lamar suggests that police officers should undergo training on handling disabled citizens. Besides, police officers can use an application to alert them when they arrested an individual who has disability.

Lamars letter got the presidents attention because it appealed to humanity. The incidence described in the letter is tantamount to torture and mistreatment of disabled individuals, the deaf and speech impaired. Further, Lamar presents proposals to resolve the problem, and the president couldnt agree more. The case resonates with the plight of the disabled when dealing with law enforcement officers (Valenzuela 1). When addressing the president, every writer should propose measures to resolve the concern. Lamars letter is an advocacy for the rights of deaf and speech-impaired individuals.

Serving in the US Army is an invaluable privilege that many desire to have. The thought of service under presidential orders creates a feeling of pride. The experience is best when you successfully serve in the great and iconic US Army and return home as a veteran. Veterans have stories, both sad and awesome. On February 2, 2014, Brandon Valenzuela, a veteran from Fayetteville, North Carolina, wrote to the president. His letter is precise and short. He applauds the president for his actions to end the war in Iraq. He appreciates the presidents decision terming it one that saved many lives. He encourages him to continue advocating morality.

Valenzuelas letter captures an Americans desire that must transform from military and combat operations, which are archaic, to diplomacy as the new world order. The US has received criticism from human rights groups and international organizations condemning its combat operations in Ira, Iran, Afghanistan. Valenzuela makes a case for other veterans who are happy with President Obamas decision to withdraw the army from Iraq. Similar to Valenzuela, every writer should exhibit gratefulness to the presidents office when commenting positively.

Although President Obama loved reading from the people, not all letters got to his table. Writing a letter to the president and having it published is a great success, but it demands standards. A review of sample letters that attracted President Obamas attention reveals diverse perspectives. Every letter bears unique content and must match the criteria needed to have the president read and purplish it. This paper offers such critical skills of writing a great letter to the president. Writers must address the concerns of victims they intend to tell the president. If it is an appreciation letter, express gratitude to the president. Let the president know you are happy with the actions of his administration.

Works Cited

Aleena K. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2016, Web.

Anonymous. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2010 Web.

Cousineau, Sheryl. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2015. Web.

Lamar, Ambriance. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2016. Web.

Valenzuela, Brandon. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2014. Web.

Young, Ashley. Letters to President Obama. Obama White House Archives, 2016. Web.

In accordance with domestic and international law, authorities have priorities of protecting the state and citizens against any potential threats. Among such instances when efforts had to be made in order to protect the nations was Operation Geronimo. All levels of the United States government have supported the classification of the USs campaign against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda as a military war since September 11, 2001 (Bergen, 2021). After media coverage of the events that led to bin Ladens execution, several fundamental issues have emerged, with the question of whether targeted assassinations can be distinguished in any meaningful way and have legal authority. However, when considering the issues of citizen safety, multiple terrorist threats, and high risks of further attacks by Al Qaeda, it can be indeed claimed that President Barack Obama had the legal authority to order Operation Geronimo.

Operation Geronimo

Al Qaeda, the group responsible for the attacks on September 11, was led by Bin Laden, and it was perceived that an enemy leader on the field might be attacked. When reviewing the legal aspect of Osama bin Ladens assassination, it is necessary to consider the events of September 9, 2001, which was the pivotal moment for policies to combat terrorism. Despite the lack of formal recognition of targeted killing, media attention and ensuing debate within the legal industry did start to mold the legal opinions backing the new regulation and aligning it with existing rules. Operation Geronimo was a special mission that involved locating and capturing Osama bin Laden (Bergen, 2021). President Obama directed the preparation for the operation, and he gave the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as SEAL Team Six, the green light after consulting with his advisors (Bergen, 2021). The SEALs practiced for their operation at mock facilities constructed in North Carolina and Nevada (Bergen, 2021). The raid was officially approved by President Obama and took place on May 1, 2011 (Lahoud, 2022). For doing so, the president had the legal authority based on previous policies and regulations.

Domestic Law and International Law

Targeted executions by state agents are permissible under U.S. domestic law in certain situations. Targeted killing, as it is now used, can be carried out in forms that are compliant with standards of legitimacy, ethics, and the broad restrictions of war theory (Lahoud, 2022). The authority of the president to order Operation Geronimo can be explained through previous policies. In the beginning, Osama bin Laden was seen as a low-priority concern up until 1998 (Banka & Quinn, 2018). After the attacks on the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, this evaluation was revised in 1998 (Banka & Quinn, 2018). A presidential determination allowing covert operations to capture bin Laden and execute him if he resisted was issued by President Bill Clinton (Banka & Quinn, 2018). The expansive jurisdiction of the Authorization for the Use of Military Force served as the cornerstone of the presidents legal argument (Banka & Quinn, 2018). Therefore, the previous aim to determine the location and execute Osama bin Laden gave Barack Obama the authority to give the order for Operation Geronimo. The main goal here was the protection of American citizens from following terrorist attacks.

Criminal Resistance

Moreover, the operation had a thorough legal assessment and was meticulously organized in accordance with American law, based on rules concerning executing a criminal when resisting. Al Qaeda has assaulted the United States and remains to be an immediate threat to the country under international law, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to capture any criminal associated with the terrorist activity (Lahoud, 2022). In accordance with its absolute right to national self-defense under international norms, the United States could employ action against Al Qaeda. Unlike most security actions, which are managed and governed by the Defense Department, this one was carried out in accordance with the CIAs lawful power as set down in federal law (Lahoud, 2022). Bin Laden was a wanted international terrorist who had escaped all capture efforts (Bergen, 2021). Moreover, during the last efforts to try to capture bin Laden, the terrorist resisted and did not indicate a willingness to cooperate and surrender.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be argued that President Barack Obama had the legal right to authorize Operation Geronimo when taking into account concerns about public safety, numerous terrorist threats, and the strong likelihood of more Al Qaeda strikes. In some circumstances, targeted executions by state agents are permitted by domestic law in the United States. President Obama had the power to launch Operation Geronimo due to policies aimed at authorizing Osama bin Ladens execution for previous attacks. The media coverage additionally changed the opinions of the public regarding such measures. Here, safeguarding American civilians from ensuing terrorist strikes was the major objective. The operation was also carefully planned in accordance with American law, based on guidelines for killing a criminal who is resisting, and it had a complete legal analysis. The terrorist resisted during the final attempts to arrest bin Laden and showed no sign of being prepared to cooperate or surrender.

References

Banka, A., & Quinn, A. (2018). Killing norms softly: US targeted killing, quasi-secrecy and the assassination ban. Security Studies, 27(4), 665-703. Web.

Bergen, P. L. (2021). The rise and fall of Osama Bin Laden. Simon and Schuster.

Lahoud, N. (2022). The Bin Laden papers: How the Abbottabad raid revealed the truth about Al-Qaeda, its leader and his family. Yale University Press.

Introduction to Gender and Presidency

When candidates are running for the position of the president of the United States, in addition to their central ideas they present, citizens who are voting also focus on the things that candidates can’t change about themselves, such as gender, race, or sexual orientation. One of the most controversial topics of the United States today, and always throughout history, is the argument on if the United States should have a female president. Is today’s America ready for a woman president? This essay is devoted to this topic.

There are currently 15 women leading their countries around the world, yet the United States, one of the strongest and most powerful countries in the world has not had a female president. The reasons as to why the United States should already have a female president include, but are not limited to, preventing history from repeating itself, helping improve equal rights for women, and providing a new perspective for the benefit of the country.

Historical Struggle for Women’s Rights

The first reason as to why the United States should already have a female president is because it could improve equal rights for women. Throughout history, women have been fighting for the rights that they have today, such as working in the workforce, the right to an education, and the right to vote. Although women have made much progress towards equal rights with men, there is still a significant way to go. A female president of the United States could help acquire equal gender healthcare, and help with the wage gap issue in America. “The issue of women’s rights was particularly controversial. Women had, of course, been active in the abolitionist movement from its inception, but primarily in female-only societies. In the late 1830s, however, activists Sarah and Angelina Grimké brought the issue of women’s rights to the forefront. The Grimké sisters were daughters of a South Carolina slaveholder but disagreed with their parents’ slaveholding practices and left for the North. They began publicly speaking against slavery, first to female audiences and later to those of mixed gender. Their activities brought condemnation from ministers in other denominations for taking part in unfeminine activities” (Berlet, Ira Lee). In this quote, the author is speaking about the abolitionist movement, and mentions two sisters named Sarah and Angelina Grimké, whose parents were slave owners. The Grimké sisters did not agree with their parents’ slave holding practices, and fled to the North, where slavery was not legal. After settling in the North, the sisters began speaking in the anti-slavery movements, and became activists for the abolition movement. This quote supports the claim that the United States should have a female president because, during the time period of this quote, slavery was very popular, especially in the south. It required courage and true passion, shown by the Grimké sisters, to stand up against their parents’ beliefs, supporting something that was so prominent in where they live. If a female was elected for the President of the United States, they could show those qualities, about a national problem occurring in America at that time, and help change it for the better.

A New Perspective: Women in Leadership

The second reason as to why the United States should already have a female president is because it could provide a new perspective for all citizens in the United States. In previous elections, citizens have voted for the part that their respective candidate represents, without fully understanding or agreeing with all of their fundamental values. This can lead to conflict between parties and eventually leads to overall tension in the United States. With all of the previous Presidents of the United States being male, a female president could help provide a new perspective accompanied with new ideas that people want to listen to, and help prevent some of this tension. “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people—women as well as men. And it is a downright mockery to talk to women of their enjoyment of the blessings of liberty while they are denied the use of the only means of securing them provided by this democratic-republican government—the ballot. For any state to make sex a qualification that must ever result in the disfranchisement of one entire half of the people is to pass a bill of attainder, or an ex post facto law, and is therefore a violation of the supreme law of the land. By it the blessings of liberty are forever withheld from women and their female posterity. To them this government has no just powers derived from the consent of the governed. To them this government is not a democracy. It is not a republic. It is an odious aristocracy; a hateful oligarchy of sex; the most hateful aristocracy ever established on the face of the globe; an oligarchy of wealth, where the rich govern the poor” (Susan B. Anthony). The quote above is taken directly from a speech made by Susan B. Anthony. She is openly speaking on the fact that women are not treated as equally as men are. This speech eventually led to a movement known as the Women’s Suffrage Movement in 1848. In this time period, to be strong enough to stand up for what you believe in, required a great amount of courage. Susan B. Anthony provided a new perspective for the people of the United States, that women deserve the same rights and treatment that men are entitled to. The reason that this quote supports the claim that the United States should have a female president, is because in the quote Susan B. Anthony provided a new perspective to the citizens of the United States in a way that they have never seen or heard before. A female leader can do the same, and provide these ideas the same way. She could allow people to agree to learn new perspectives. If there are some citizens that do not believe that the wage gap is prominent, or that women should have equal rights as men, this quote from the suffrage and working women speech shows that it is plausible for a woman to change this for the better.

Public Perception and Gender Stereotypes

Some people state the United States should not have a female president, because they feel as though women are not qualified to lead the United States. The past forty-five presidents of the United States have been males, because whenever a United States presidential candidate, because whenever a female candidate runs for president, the majority of citizens vote against her because they feel as though she is unqualified simply because she is a woman. “Clinton received her lowest scores (though still more than 50%) in the areas of inspiring people, bringing them together, and handling the responsibilities as commander-in-chief of the military. While Clinton received strong evaluations on such ‘masculine’ issues of the economy and foreign policy, she received lower evaluations not only on the ‘masculine’ role of commander-in-chief but also on the ‘feminine’ traits of inspiration and unification. Public opinion about Clinton’s favorability, support from voters, and qualifications to be president were mostly positive before, during, and after her 16-month campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. Clinton appears to have broken barriers in terms of gender stereotypes held by the public” (Bystrom, Dianne). This quote is talking about the statistics of the voting of the 2016 election with Hillary Clinton. This quote states that even though Clinton broke the stereotypes of women running for a professional position, her campaign was not very well received, because the public felt as though she was not qualified, and the United States was not ready for her to be president. They thought that she was not qualified because she was not reaching correctly to the issues in the United States that were seen as more ‘masculine’ issues such as issues with the military and foreign policy. This quote supports the counter claim that the United States should not have a female president because people believe that women are not qualified to be president, because it says that Hillary Clinton did not appeal to the ‘masculine’ issues in the United States. The reason for this was simply because she was a woman, thus why citizens believed a woman was unqualified to run the United States.

Conclusion: America’s Readiness for a Female President

Although some people argue that the United States should not have a female president, because women are not qualified enough for the position, the United States should already have a female president because it can prevent history from repeating itself Although the U.S has many great historical moments under the male administration that have lead it to be the nation it has become today, there are still periods of time in history, such as the great depression, that would a new perspective or way of thinking provided by a female president could provide. “Baker’s role with the SCLC allowed her to assist in the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In 1960, the sit-in movement erupted among black college students throughout the South. In 1960, Baker convinced the SCLC to sponsor a meeting of student activists at her alma mater, Shaw University. The NAACP, SCLC, and the Congress for Racial Equality (CORE) all sent representatives to the meeting, which culminated with the creation of SNCC, with Baker as its primary advisor. By 1961, SNCC had become the organization that Baker had been trying to create for several years. Unlike the SCLC, SNCC allowed for the active participation of women and young people. Most important, SNCC’s leadership, unlike either the SCLC or NAACP, was group-centered” (Weidman). This quote is speaking about a very influential female and African American activist during the civil rights movement. Baker made a group of young activists to fight for the rights of African Americans in the United States. She also created the SNCC, which was a group centered around the rights of African American citizens, and was completely led by young people, and women. This quote supports the claim that the United States should have a female president because during the civil rights movement, Ella Baker was preventing the history of slavery in the United States, and other forms of discrimination in the United States from repeating itself by leading this activist group in the civil rights movement. If the United States had a female president today, providing the nation with new ideas and perspectives, it could do just that. A new administrative perspective would help other forms of discrimination in history from preventing itself. That’s why I am firmly convinced that now is the time for a woman to rule our country, and modern American society is really ready for this.

Also, the intention of The Declaration of Independence is to display the inalienable rights of all citizens to those unsure of the split from the power of King George.

Jefferson uses the appeal to pathos in the second paragraph when he writes, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal and independent, that from equal creation the derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, liberty, and the spirit of happiness…” This would emotionally appeal to the audience because it would allow them to realize that they are entitled to those three rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This also would persuade the audience to realize that their fellow citizens share those same ideals.

The appeal to logos is heavily used in The Declaration of Independence, when Jefferson lists the actions of King George that were morally corrupt. This persuades the audience to agree that all of the evil actions of the King were not in favor of the citizens of the colonies, only in favor of the King himself. This would further convince the people of America to cut all ties from England and claim their independence.

Because he is talking to Congress, Jefferson uses a very civilized and professional tone in The Declaration of Independence. His tone connects to his use of ethos. Due to his professional tone, his audience more likely trusts and believes his statements. This further adds credibility to Jefferson, a man already with a accomplished education.

Jefferson begins the Declaration by claiming that the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” entitled the colonists to separate from England. In saying this, Jefferson surreptitiously undermines the authority of the King of Britain and gives his following claims and declaration credibility, establishing ethos. The King was obviously against the separation of the colonists and believed it to be rebellion and betrayal. However, by claiming that a higher power gave the colonists the authority to separate because it was just, Jefferson is therefore claiming that a higher power exists and has precedence over the King. And this higher power therefore found the King and Britain to be at fault, granting the colonists separation. Because this higher power found the colonists deserving of separation, the Declaration is validated and given credibility and authority.

Throughout the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson uses pronouns like “us” and “our” and “we” when referring to the colonists, excluding King George and England. In contrast, Jefferson refers to the King mostly as “he,” rarely referring to his title or name. Jefferson even refers to the colonists as “one people” and the British citizens as “another”. In doing so, Jefferson plainly shows the separation between the colonists and Britain. The colonists are no longer unified under the King, they are unified under their Declaration. And the king is simply a separate entity with no power or influence over the united colonists and their new nation.

“A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” This is my favorite quote of the piece because it completely encapsulates the message of the colonists in one line. Jefferson had previously laid out the grievances made by the King and is now summing up the reason for the colonists’ separation. The quote establishes that the colonists are indeed free people deserving of a fit ruler, which Jefferson just proved King George was not. And the message of the quote cannot be argued with: a tyrant, which King George behaves as, cannot and does not rule over free people like the colonists. It would defy the definition of what a tyrant even is.

Thomas Jefferson uses pathos throughout the Declaration by using clearly stated examples that, through use of strong negative adjectives, Jefferson frames to be unforgivable encroachments on the colonists’ way of life. After reading his long list of King George’s deplorable acts, audience members were to assume that the only logical course of action would to be seceding from the British Empire before King George could violate their rights again. His words inspire rage, distrust for the empire, and plants the seeds of courage for a revolution in his readers.

The Declaration is meant to persuade the colonists to revolt and rally behind the revolution. It literally declares their independence as a political document, inadvertently declares war on the British, and off-handedly declares to King George his subjects’ feelings: that he has failed them as a ruler so much so that they are forced to remove themselves from his domain. Jefferson relied on the audience’s memory of news stories, gossip, or personal experiences of King George’s tyranny as the foundation of the Declaration upon which he lists intolerable acts which may have been unknown by the reader.

My favorite quote in the Declaration of Independence did not come from the Declaration of Independence. Rather, it came from Jefferson’s first draft of the Declaration. This quote was removed from the final copy to persuade the Southern states to vote in the continental congress to declare independence. The quote reads: “He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither. His piractical warfare, the opprobium of infidel [sic] powers, is the warfare of the CHRISTIAN [sic] king of Great Britain. Determined to keep open a market where MEN [sic] should be bought & sold, he has prostituted his negative for suppressing every legislative attempt to prohibit or to restrain this execrable commerce: and that this assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished die, he is now exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that liberty of which he has deprived them, by murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them; thus paying off former crimes committed against the liberties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit against lives of another.” This powerful, moving statement begs the question: How could the young man who wrote this passionate argument against slavery morph into the old man who not only bought, sold, and owned slaves himself, but enslaved and sold many of his illegitimate children with his house slave, Sally Hemmings? How could a man who so ardently opposed slavery eventually become its greatest defender? These are the questions that can’t be answered by historical evidence, yet, are some of the greatest questions on our nation’s founding.

While the intention of the Declaration of Independence was to establish the colonies as a free country, the document itself was more symbolic. King George was not likely to read an essay detailing his failings, and the Declaration was directed more towards the rest of the world. The audience affects the style, and since King George is not really the audience, Jefferson has no qualms about blatantly insulting him.

Although Thomas Jefferson did not actually write the Constitution or contribute to it in any way because he was in France, a lot of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence made their way into the Constitution. For example, many of the tyrannic actions of King George are later protected against in the Constitution. Jefferson talks about the British failure to hold fair trials, the dissolution of the colonial legislative bodies, quartering of soldiers, taxation without representation, and inhibition of laws benefiting the colonists in any way. These themes’ recurrence in the Constitution proves how much of an impact the Declaration had on the course of history.

Jefferson even includes a reference to Machiavelli (that sly dog) with the line, “the prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant.” Throughout the rest of the essay, King George III is referred to as “king.” This subtle reference appeals to educated people and builds Jefferson’s ethos.

Jefferson uses syllogism in the invention of his piece, “The Declaration of Independence” as a means of justification for revolution in the colonies. He states the major premise, that the people have a right to overthrow an unfair government, then moves to the minor premise, that King George is unfairly ruling over the colonies, and concludes that the American people have a right to independence. It is a simple rhetorical device, but the idea itself that Jefferson presented was crazily unorthodox.

Jefferson frequently references God, whether he refers to the Creator or Divine Providence, to build his ethos. By claiming that God Himself entitles the people to freedom, Jefferson can then continue to justify why this call for freedom is so important.

Although a common occurrence at the time, Jefferson’s seemingly random capitalization is something that stands out to modern readers. He doesn’t seem to follow any rules in standard capitalizing, but rather capitalizes nouns he feels are important to emphasize. His delivery is obviously a print medium, but his use of capitalization draws the reader what Jefferson feels is important.