Stephen Johnson - The Last of the Mohicans

I chose The Last of the Mohicans because it was the only book I recognized and or heard of.  Written by James Cooper a man with an intense vocabulary. The setting of this book takes place during the French and Indian war as we follow around some characters. First off, the beginning of this book honestly was like slamming in to a brick wall. As a practitioner of extremely light reading, the vocab and syntax of this book was reminiscent of a Shakespearean playwright. The Shakespearean synergy might have also been from the initial Shakespeare quote in the beginning under the first chapter as well. Once I recovered my bearings further in the book the action and adventure took over, and I could finally immerse myself.  At which point I realized I had dosed off missing multiple pages leading to a reread session. I did not like the point of view because it forced me to constantly think about who is talking? With the confusing point of view comes the very detailed descriptions which I found quite interesting, and yet I still could only vaguely grasp the big picture leading me again to dose off.  What I liked about the book were the little things. Little things such as the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the footnotes were my favorite part. Sadly the footnotes stopped, leaving an empty hole in my heart wherefore they should have been. The plot was not shabby and the action throughout kept me interested. A question here or there on the plot which I might have missed in my dosed off state but overall not terrible. I liked the historical aspect of the book which I don't often see often in books outside of the common textbook. I would not recommend this book to other members of the only read when forced club, but for those who enjoy reading you might as well check it out. Contrary to how I make it sound it was a good book, I just hate reading stories and the like.

Graham Boone- We Were Soldiers Once... And Young

I chose to read the book We Were Soldiers Once... And Young because I had seen the movie before and it was excellent. This book gave a very detailed description of the battles at Landing Zone X-ray and Albany during the Vietnam War. The Author of this book was General Harold Moore. He was assisted by Joseph Galloway, a reporter who experienced the heart of the battle at Landing Zone X-ray. In the battles at both X-ray and Albany the American forces were greatly out numbered. Great leadership and planning in the first battle at LZ X-ray led to an American victory, but the Americans were slaughtered at Albany. At Albany the majority of the soldiers were lost and those who survived were generally injured. What made these early battles in the Vietnam War so important was the use of the newly emerging Air Calvary Unit. This consisted of a large group of helicopters used for both transportation and cover fire. Without this new addition to the American military, the overwhelming number of North Vietnamese Soldiers would have quickly exhausted the American forces in battle. Despite the new innovative methods used in the Vietnam War, it was eventually found to be a lost cause. As the Vietnamese Military was able to seek safety in Cambodia the American forces had no chance of winning the war.
Overall, I thought this book was quite interesting but it was very hard to follow at times because of the ridiculous amount of soldier names and locations mentioned.

Leo Forero- Malcolm X

The Autobiography Of Malcolm X is a story about an African-American in a time where America was enduring the struggle of social and economic equality. Malcolm X endures several trials and tribulations that changes his lifestyles and beliefs that make him the man he is remembered as today. I chose to read this book to further extend my knowledge of social activism in America and the viewpoint of Negroes living in that time. This book also opened my eyes to the Islamic religion, where I was able to further understand it and learn from it.

Kassidy Hopkins- The Things They Carried

I chose to read The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. I was a little nervous about reading this, since book reviews revealed that it is about war, and I am not really a fan of studying war. To my surprise, this was a very well written book, and showed me a different perspective, not on the concept of war, but on the people that are fighting them. In this book,  the author tells various war stories from the perspectives of different soldiers, including himself. At one point, he even tells things through the perspective of an innocent Vietnamese man, who was killed on his first day as a soldier. The reason this book is so powerful despite its small number of pages is that the author allows the reader to see that many of these soldiers are terrified, and young. Some as young as 18, they are drafted into this war with no choice, leaving their family behind and living amongst the atrocities of war, and reliving the pain throughout the rest of their lives. A main theme within the book is the idea of stories - true ones and made up ones - and that they are all true, in the light that they are real to the person telling the story. The author doesn't stick to one plot, rather, he tells multiple stories from different soldiers that he knew. This further exemplifies the idea that each soldier carries a story with him. The war is one object, but the people within it, have things that they carry with them, things that bring them peace and things that bring them grief. Normally, I would not like a book that doesn't have a clear plot, and at times it got a bit frustrating and confusing. However, this book was a very enjoyable read, as it was emotionally stimulating and eye opening.

Sean Scruggs - Last of the Mohicans

I chose Last of the Mohicans because by the title it sounded like it had the potential for action.  So I read it.  It was written by James Cooper.  With the exception of the first few chapters, which were brutally boring but the rest of the book is action and I enjoyed it.  It takes place during the seven years war between the British and the French.  The book takes place on the frontier and follows the journey of two sisters going to visit their father at a besieged British fort.  Once you get past the sisters persistence to go into a war zone, more precisely a death trap the book is actually quite good.  The big picture makes no sense but not looking at the plot the book is entertaining, but that is just me.  The constant skirmishing throughout the book keeps the reader so focused on the little details that you forget that the majority of the book is about two sisters going to see their father who is in charge of a fort that inevitably surrenders.  The reason I say "majority of the book" is because, of course the fort surrenders and main characters are taken prisoner.  Call it what you want, but this book should not have been written without some plot adjustments or character adjustments.  It doesn't make any sense for two sisters to go to a fort that is being shelled.  Once they are en route of of the girls even starts to question the fact that they are going into a war zone after being brought into a native American turf war by their guides.  One of those guides is a white woodsman and two are Mohican Indians who are father and son, the last of their race.  Throughout the book, the author refers to the other native American tribes as evil, like the "evil Hurons", grant it the main characters are constantly fending off Huron warriors that shouldn't make them evil.  In the end this turf war costs one of the sisters her life and the Mohican son his life.

Aaron Putriment - The President Calling

I listened to LBJ addressing congress after the assassination of President Kennedy. After listening to the recording, I felt that he handled the situation very well. He appeared and spoke as a man of honor, trying to continue all of Kennedy's ideas and trying to act as Kennedy would have if he still had the Presidency. Johnson stated his commitment to pass both a civil rights bill and a new tax bill that were both big focuses of JFK. I found that listening to this type of source was very interesting and was very helpful to understanding Johnson's goals as president. Primary sources like this are very important to understanding any type of historical event. Overall, I felt that LBJ was a very effective speaker and was very interesting to listen too.

Kyle Putriment - The President Calling

I listened to the recorded tapes of JFK discussing the issue of James Meredith, a black man who was denied entry into the University of Mississippi in 1962. I feel that this issue places JFK as a man of honor. He worked hard to ensure the constitution was upheld for the benefit of one man, and continued to do - when the supreme court ruled in Meredith's favor and his admittance was eminent, rioting ensued in Mississippi. I feel that the president JFK continued to support and fight for Meredith's entry into the university even against major local discontent marks him as a man of honor. This type of source was interesting to listen to, and I feel that a primary source such can be an accurate way to understand an event such as this. The recorded tapes gave a more complete understanding of the issue, conveying the idea that JFK (at least acted like) he was always in control, as well as being able to better understand the viewpoint of not only JFK but the Mississippi governor, Ross Barnett, who denied Meredith entry.

Ryan Payton- Ragtime

Choosing to read Ragtime was a pretty simple decision for me. For about a year, I have been listening to the soundtrack from the musical. Usually, I would want to read something that was completely new to me, but I wanted to figure out the entire story. I could never really connect all of the different story lines that seemed to exist within the show, and this was my way to find out. Now that I have read the book I understand all of that. From Ragtime, you see how immigrants lived and were treated, how racism was handled throughout the country, and how people in the public eye acted. Besides the story itself, the biggest thing I enjoyed about this book was the way that Doctorow had written some characters to be anonymous (Father, Mother, the Little Boy, etc.). Tateh's full story was given, he was a specific person, but 'Mother' could have been any housewife at that time. It added a different aspect to the book that I, personally, have never seen before; that mystery of a character.

Grace Weng - The Killer Angels

I chose to read the novel “The Killer Angels” because even though we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, that’s exactly what I did. This book is unique from other texts about the civil war since it shares the viewpoints of multiple characters from each side, since most stories usually focus on the side that’s considered the “heroic” side. Michael Shaara does a good job at retelling the bloody war accurately with the use of real, historical figures and keeping away from biased opinions. The overall omniscient point of view gives a nicely unbiased look at the war for how it really was; bloody and brutal.

Emma Hale - The Killer Angels

I chose the book The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara partially because the Battle of Gettysburg has always been interesting to me and also because it was recommended to me by multiple people because of said interest. Yet The Killer Angels isn't just about the battle between the Union and Confederate forces, it delves deeper into the minds and psyches of the leading men and historical figures that we know so well as being the brains and driving forces behind the tactics and strategies. Us as the reader not only gets to see the carnage and difficulties that the Civil War brought onto all involved, but also the mental strain and inner conflicts happening that would've been impossible to see any other way. We also get a glimpse at how the commanding officers all interacted in friendship, respect, and even disdain and trepidation. The book covers the span of the days leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, the battle itself, and a short time after. Over this short period of time Shaara paints a beautiful and chilling picture of war that is both relatable and enthralling even 150 years later, and is not one that I will soon forget. 

Ryan Lunt - The Last of the Mohicans

I chose to read The Last of the Mohicans for the summer reading assignment due to it being an action/adventure drama. This novel was also one of the only works I have not read on the list. I found The Last of the Mohicans interesting early in the introduction, as it provided a briefing pertaining to the Native Americans' titles given by both the French and British. This was quite helpful for the rest of the selection, as the names of both the Mohicans and Iroquois were tossed around and referred to differently, depending on who was speaking. The detailed sequences following the characters was not an easy read, however. As so much information- about setting and characters' feeling/actions- was being explained, I often lost my pace and needed to reread more than usual. The overall historical aspect was phenomenal. I was surprised to read of the British having allies on the part of the Delawares, or Mohicans. Nevertheless, The Last of the Mohicans proved to be a fine work of literature, and I believe that everyone should read it at least once to experience an epic journey and fierce struggle during the French and Indian War.

Luke Sembler-
I chose the book The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. This book covers the four days of the Battle of Gettysburg and sounds like a very interesting read. Though I haven't read it, I believe it deals with more than just the battle itself, but more about the people who fought in it.

Allison Burnsed - Ragtime

I chose Ragtime because it was the only book on the list that I am somewhat familiar with. I have heard of the musical, and have been wanting to watch it. So, when I saw that we had to both read the book and watch the movie for this assignment, this could be my excuse to finally see it! One of my favorite parts of this story is that it combines both fictional and factual characters. My favorite character is 'the Little Boy', or Mother and Father's son. He is very intelligent and curious; and I believe he is meant to be a representative of future Americans. Ragtime shows that changes happen whether you like them to or not (in America, specifically) and how characters prosper and develop because of their reactions to the adjustment. Overall, I thought it was a great story and demonstrated the difficulty of change very well.

Madeline Leaman - Ragtime

I chose this novel because I grew up listening to the musical version. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the separate story lines depicting three of the different groups that helped shape America. Most of all, I was interested in the story of Tateh and his daughter in the musical and was happy to find the details of their journey elaborated on in the book. Another reason I decided to read Ragtime rather than the other options was because it was highly recommended to me by many of my friends who had already read it.

Shawn Dyal- The Last of the Mohicans

I chose the book "The Last of the Mohicans" because the title sounded familiar out of the books given. I had asked different relatives about the book and what they thought of it, all I heard were good things about the book so I thought that I could give it a chance and read it. I am glad I chose the book because it was better than I expected and thought that it was written very well. The book amazed me with its focus on the impact that Native Americans played in the Seven Years' War. I thought that the war was mainly about European conflict and I never thought that the Native Americans had a big influence. This book will always be in my top 10 book list and I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Hope Richards- Snow Falling on Cedars

I am reading Snow Falling on Cedars.  Right now I am sharing the book with my sister while we wait for our second copy to come in, so I haven't gotten as far into the book as I'd like, but so far the book is pretty good.  It's a little slow at the moment, but I expect for it to get more interesting and exciting pretty soon.  American prejudice towards Asian-Americans (especially Japanese Americans) after World War II is one of America's best kept secrets, so I was really excited to see a book that talks about it because I think that as a society we don't talk about that time in our history enough because we are ashamed of it.  While we should be ashamed of the poor treatment of our fellow Americans at that time in our history, I believe that we should also talk about it often, so that the same mistakes will never be repeated again.

Kathryn Rawls- President Calling

I choose to listen to JFK's recorded talks with the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, over the issue of the admittance of an African-American man, James Meredith, into the University of Mississippi. In the beginning of the phone calls, President Kennedy discusses the subject over the ban that was placed on James Meredith that denied him from being admitted into the University of Mississippi. The Governor tries to convince Kennedy to talk to Mr. Watkins, Barnett's lawyer, and that he wants to uphold the law, but that Mr. Meredith cannot be admitted because of a "criminal record". In the next talk Kennedy asserts his status of the President to get the truth from the Governor on the control and prevention of a mob forming against James Meredith's registration into the University. In a address given by Kennedy he announces that James Meredith was admitted into the segregated university, and that it is important to uphold the law because if we don't then we can come to tyranny.
Over the course of the secretly typed conversations and the publicly announced speeches, President Kennedy has proven himself  man of honor and who's highest purpose is to up hold the law and serve justice where it is deserved. His address to the public of the issue in Mississippi over segregation, he states that it is not the law enforcements job to up hold the law but for the citizens accept and respect the law, which is a powerful statement that can be applied to every citizen no matter how far it is into the future from his speech.
 Kennedy had a strong belief that had showed over the course of the phone calls and speeches, that every man was equal no matter what color their skin was. Kennedy had fought for upholding the law against segregation, and he had the power to make a change in society for the greater good.

Emily Totten - "The Killer Angels"
I decided to read "The Killer Angels" because I had heard somethings about it and it sounded very interesting to me. I also think that the fact that is from the South's viewpoint makes it very fascinating because all I have heard learned about the North but I have always wonder what it was like for the South during the war. The book takes place during the Civil War and is written in Third Person but follows the different men in Confederate Army, like Robert E. Lee and Richard Ewell. The book shows what it was like to be a part of the army during this time period and what the battles were like. But it also focuses on why these men were fighting and showed that they did do horrible things but were still people.

Ryan Koch - Ragtime

The appeal of Ragtime, personally, was the musical, which I was introduced to sometime last year. Instantaneously, it became one of my absolute favorites. However, I didn't realize that this wonderful, well-crafted show was originated from a book by E. L. Doctorow, which piqued my interest further. However, I had no real reason to read it, so I put it off. That was until I noticed that Ragtime as one of the APUSH Summer Reading choices. I must say, reading the book that the show originated from is a completely different experience altogether. Prior to this book, I didn't really know too much about turn-of-the-century America, and I wasn't sure of how people lived their lives back then. Ragtime constitutes that image for the reader exceptionally. Although this book had its share of fiction, I believe it was deeply invested in truth as well. This amalgamation of fact and fiction allowed for both historical and fictional characters to seem more human, in a very convoluted way. One thing that fascinated me was the specific moment when the two worlds collide, which is when Houdini crashes into a telephone pole outside of the Family's house. Prior to that occurrence, both worlds were talked about separately. From that point onward, both fictional and factual characters of Ragtime are all part of the same realm.

Aaron Putriment - The Killer Angels

My original choice for this project was actually Uncle Tom's Cabin. However, I was progressing in the book very slowly and it failed to interest me. I was confused about how I would do the project with it taking place in locations like the town of "P-". So, I decided to switch to The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. I was glad I did. I have always been interested in military history and battles, so when I looked at the book list a second time, The Killer Angels stood out the most. So far, the book has been a much more interesting and a much faster read. Its insights into the meaning of the war have been very interesting. The civil war is one war I find the very interesting, both because of the time period and its circumstances. Although I have never looked anywhere as deeply at the battle of Gettysburg as The Killer Angels does, I found it very interesting. I am enjoying this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Civil War or American history.

Kyle Putriment - The Killer Angels

The Killer Angels was not my original choice. The first book I read was The Jungle, but I was unable to relate to or  even get myself to become interested in the book, and as such decided to change. I am pleased with The Killer Angels. This book takes place over four days, beginning the day before the battle of Gettysburg. I feel this book is different then other war novels for it focuses on the generals and commanders of the army, not the individual soldiers. The Killer Angels does not just focus on the action, fighting, and death in the battle, but rather the reasons the men have for fighting in such a war. I fear that the companion movie, Gettysburg, will fail to keep the original spirit and instead focus more on action, a trap that many movies fall into.

Jacob Spainhour - The Last of the Mohicans

     This book initially appealed to me because it was the most familiar sounding of the choices given. Having completed the book, I am glad I chose one of the most intriguing pieces of literature I have ever read. With a whole cast of well-developed characters, we watch as the group of protagonists outrun and outwit the vengeful Magua, who is allied with the French during the Seven Years War. Offering an interesting perspective towards the Native American involvement during a war primarily between European powers, it provides much insight to the culture of the British colonists and the Indian population. The book itself is very fast paced and one of the most dramatic and intense novels I have read that was printed before the 20th century. While the language and exposition can be a little hard to understand at times, it is generally is written in prose clearly indicative of Cooper’s renown as an author. The book is well deserving its fame among the Leatherstocking tales, and one of my favorite ones to date.

Kathryn Rawls- The Killer Angels

I choose to read Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels for my summer book because I felt that I didn't know much individual battles of our Civil War, and I felt that a book on the Battle of Gettysburg would be the best way to learn. The author tells the historic battle over the course of four days, from the viewpoints of the generals, such as Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet. Through out the book the generals speak of what they feel the war is about, and in the southern generals perspective the war is not about slavery, but a right they have to consent what the government does. I was born and raised down here in Florida and I always thought that it was over slavery, so I really have enjoyed this new perspective and it brings the Civil war into a new and different light. I have really enjoyed reading the book so far, and I hope that the movie can live up to it.

Michaela Paul - Devil in the White City

I selected Erik Larson's Devil in the White City due to my newfangled interest in dark history, such as the serial killers who quietly resided in our world in the past. The author apprises readers of the remarkable events that revolve around the 1893 Chicago's World Fair. Larson speaks the story of two particular men: H.H Holmes, a serial killer impersonating as an endearing doctor, and Daniel H. Burham, the architect held liable for the construction of the fair. Burham was pushed to his limits greatly, as he was forced to overcome the loss of his partner in a short period of time, and bypass obstacles to construct the "White City" in which the fair was located in. Holmes devised the World's Fair Hotel, in which he included a gas chamber and crematorium, and used the nearby fair grounds to lure his victims in. Overall, the book can be a challenging read, as there is a lot of information to store, but the captivating history overrides this and makes the pages seem to turn faster and faster.

Ryan Woodward - The President Calling

I listened to JFK speaking with the Governor of Mississippi regarding the admission of an African-American to a university in the racially-charged South.  Over the course of four calls, JFK begins by "giving advice" to the Governor on why he should allow James Meredith, an African-American, to be admitted to Ole Miss. The President is clearly leveraging his might as President to persuade the Governor to back down on the issue. Later, JFK warns him to deter possible riots and make sure he keeps his citizens in line. The President continues to address the nation on the peaceful resolution of the issue, only to find out that the people of Mississippi have rioted, endangering Mr. Meredith. He becomes seemingly angered at the Governor and urges him again to take control of his people through  some obviously frustrated words.

This shows the ability of the World's Most Powerful Man to sway outcomes of major events through the use of strong words alone, and further displays the sheer skill in conversation President Kennedy possessed.

Kaitlyn Daramola - Presidents Calling

 I listened to the discussion between the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, and John F. Kennedy about the ban that would not allow James Meredith from entering the University of Mississippi. I think that it is horrible that the Governor will not let Mr. Meredith into Ole Miss solely on his race and not taking in to consideration his intelligence and work ethic. But what makes it worse is that Mr. Barnett tries to cover up his racism and states that Meredith is not able to attend the university because he has committed a “crime” when he actually did not. It displays the corruption of the Governor and the government of Mississippi itself.

Kaitlyn Daramola - Coming of Age in Mississippi

I chose the book Coming of Age in Mississippi. It is about a young woman named Anne Moody and how she goes through living in the South and being Black in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s. In the novel she goes through many trials such as, working as a maid in order to help her mother put food on the table, encountering horrible racists like her boss, Ms. Burke, and many other things.  But she also tries to better the lives of Blacks, and herself by going to Natchez and Tougaloo College, and joining the NAACP. I picked this book because I am an African-American girl, and I believe that it is my duty to know what my people have gone through in order for me to have the opportunities I have today.  Although there still is racism in America this book has made me appreciate living in the 21^st century because it could have been much worse for me to live during Ms. Moody’s time period.

I thought the book was amazing; while reading I forgot it was an autobiography! It is extremely personal and it feels like the reader is going through the exact same thing as Anne is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

Ryan Woodward - Devil in the White City

Devil in the White City was a pretty comprehensive look at how a serial killer was able to feed off of an influx of visitors for the 1893 World's Fair. H. H. Holmes was a man with an incredible ability to lie and emulate an intense compassion for his audience, and easily gained the trust of scores of women who were manipulated into taking out life insurance policies - in his name. Holmes wasn't like most serial killers however. The eventual reason for his incarceration at Moyamensing Prison was his evasion of long-standing debts. During his jail time, his elaborate murder plots were uncovered by a crack detective named Frank Geyer, who was projected into fame through his Sherlock-like endeavors. Holmes was later tried successfully and executed in 1896, at Moyamensing.

Ashlyn Dewit- President Calling

I listened to John F. Kennedy phone calls with Governor Barnett discussing the issue of letting a colored student, James Meredith, into Ole Miss. It is contemptible how people were treated and people still got away with it. Meredith was no different than any other students, hardworking, smart, and determined, but because of simply how he looked he was not able to attend the University of Mississippi. Although it was an upsetting conversation I was glad that President Kennedy decided to try and convince Governor Barnett to let Meredith enter the campus, so he could attend. Kennedy did not want to have to use federal troops because he did not want to lose votes from the South. Thankfully today at Ole Miss there is something called the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, which helps advocate for diversity. 

Ashlyn Dewit- The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I choose to read and watch the autobiography of Malcolm X. I thought it would be interesting because it was different than all of the other books listed. Reading about the struggles that Malcolm had to over come, really makes me thankful for the time period I live in. It was hard to believe some of the things people would do to make them appear like the “superior” race, such as a conk hairstyle. The book follows Malcolm in both his good and bad times. It follows Malcolm, as he had to move in with his sister Ella, became a Hustler and began to gamble and do drugs. But Malcolm’s life changes when he is thrown in prison for burglary, he converts to a branch of Islam promoted by the Nation of Islam. Malcolm stops doing drugs, prays, studies language, and becomes part of the prison debate team. 

Jacob Moudy- LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination

I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson addressing a Joint Session of the United States Congress for the first time as President of the United States.
This speech was given just days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He wanted Congress to pass the civil rights bill and tax cut as soon as possible. Johnson felt this was the best way to honor the memory of the late President Kennedy. Johnson continued to tell Congress that he will do his best as the new President, but he could not do it alone and needed every bit of help from Capital Hill.
The speech lasted a total of 24 minutes with 32 interruptions if various bursts of applause as well as a two minute ovation at the end.  

Jacob Moudy- We Were Soldiers

I am reading the book "We Were Soldiers". It follows the story, told by Lt. Colonel Hal Moore, about one of the most intense battles of the Vietnam War. Moore explains every little thing that happens throughout his time in this battle as well as the events and strategies that led up to it. It makes you feel like you are in 1965 and experiencing everything that is happening.
I chose this book because I love history and the military. I've heard many great things about the movie, so I believed that the book would be great too.

Zola Hoehn - Wag the Dog

I chose to read the book Wag the Dog because the book and the movie looked interesting and seemed to have a different plot. Considering that it incorporated both politics and film into the book, it created a different type of story about how a GOP chairman created a plan to help keep the President in office. I thought that this book was really cool because it was coming from an actual event that occurred which to me made it better because it was factual but still had elements of fiction brought into it. I also thought it was interesting how originally the book was published as “American Hero” but after the film was released it was republished under “Wag the Dog”.

Irfan Kovankaya- The Presidents Calling

I listened to the conversation between john F Kennedy and Mississippi Governor Barnett about letting James Meredith into Ole Miss, a college in Mississippi. It is moments like these that make me realize how far we have come as a society. Although personally I am disgusted by the racism here into not letting an intelligent hard working human being not get a quality education simply due to skin color regardless of ones personal merits; it shows how much society has changed for the better in this regard. I am also impressed how JFK did not disregard the Supreme Courts decision to let James Meredith enter the class regardless of possible loss of votes in the south. He was able to carry out the courts decision while taking up most care to avoid any possible violence which to me is the mark of a good president one who uses caution to avoid violence.

Chase Vaughn- Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal

I listened to the first fifteen minutes of the speech given by president Nixon to the American people. It was interesting how he smoothly discussed his feelings towards the incident without without bias towards his administration. He talked as a president, not as a politician which in this day in time is something unheard of. He began to talk about the plans that he had for America down the road. In doing this he indirectly shows the American people that this scandal is not the end of the government, but that it is just bump in the long road of America's government.