Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Karl Rove's 7 Lessons of Teddy Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was "among our most consequential Presidents, changing America in deep and lasting ways,” according to top White House aide Karl Rove.
Writing in Time magazine, Rove cited several lessons Americans can learn from Teddy:
It is every American’s responsibility to be active in our civic life. "The first duty of an American citizen,” Roosevelt said, "is that he shall work in politics.”
Politics should be animated by large, important ideas. Roosevelt "wanted to grapple with big issues like America’s role in the world, social justice and fairness in competition,” Rove writes.
The U.S., while not flawless, is a profound force for good in the world. "Our flag is a proud flag, and it stands for liberty and civilization,” Roosevelt said. "Where is has once floated, there must be no return to tyranny.”
Leadership matters. Roosevelt believed in "immediate and rigorous executive action” in times of crisis, Rove notes.
A spirited clash of ideas is not only inevitable in politics, but helpful. The "healthy combativeness” of politics clarified differences and choices, according to Roosevelt.
There can be great joy in politics. Roosevelt "relished the thrust and parry of politics, its give and take, the highs and lows,” Rove writes in his Time essay. "Aggressive fighting for the right,” Roosevelt said, "is the noblest sport the world affords.”
Character matters. Roosevelt was a man "of extraordinary self-will,” Rove declared, "a loyal friend and faithful husband.” Rove concludes: "[Roosevelt] strived with all his considerable power to conserve, strengthen, direct and ennoble” the U.S. "He did all that and more, which is why Theodore Roosevelt holds a special place in the American imagination.”
Theodore Roosevelt was "among our most consequential Presidents, changing America in deep and lasting ways,” according to top White House aide Karl Rove.
Writing in Time magazine, Rove cited several lessons Americans can learn from Teddy:
It is every American’s responsibility to be active in our civic life. "The first duty of an American citizen,” Roosevelt said, "is that he shall work in politics.”
Politics should be animated by large, important ideas. Roosevelt "wanted to grapple with big issues like America’s role in the world, social justice and fairness in competition,” Rove writes.
The U.S., while not flawless, is a profound force for good in the world. "Our flag is a proud flag, and it stands for liberty and civilization,” Roosevelt said. "Where is has once floated, there must be no return to tyranny.”
Leadership matters. Roosevelt believed in "immediate and rigorous executive action” in times of crisis, Rove notes.
A spirited clash of ideas is not only inevitable in politics, but helpful. The "healthy combativeness” of politics clarified differences and choices, according to Roosevelt.
There can be great joy in politics. Roosevelt "relished the thrust and parry of politics, its give and take, the highs and lows,” Rove writes in his Time essay. "Aggressive fighting for the right,” Roosevelt said, "is the noblest sport the world affords.”
Character matters. Roosevelt was a man "of extraordinary self-will,” Rove declared, "a loyal friend and faithful husband.” Rove concludes: "[Roosevelt] strived with all his considerable power to conserve, strengthen, direct and ennoble” the U.S. "He did all that and more, which is why Theodore Roosevelt holds a special place in the American imagination.”
