Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln:
Presidents with Visions for America

"If they could speak today, what might they say?"
Inspired by Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

I am Lincoln.
I am the glue that held
us together
when the Civil War
stormed through.
I kept spirits up
when brothers fought brothers
and our nation was threatened
to become torn.

Today, as I peer out at the modern world
from under my top hat,
I smile.
I smile because I am proud.
Proud at the fact that my country survived. It
lived through the World Wars,
the struggle with Communism,
the Middle Eastern crisis.
My country sent the first astronaut
to the moon, and the first diver
to the bottom
of the sea.
It has spawned thousand of artists
and poets,
who have added
to the world's collection of
drawings and verse.
As the first democracy, it has set
a standard for others
and has lived up to its reputation through
two centuries.
There were times when it looked like we as a nation might fall,
but we picked ourselves back up,
and continued on the journey
that started when thirteen colonies
declared independence,
and now have become a mighty nation,
whose flag is a symbol
of hope,
and peace,
and freedom,
for all.

Theodore Roosevelt was an energetic and youthful president. He had such a positive glow about him, focusing on overcoming the obstacles to achieve a greatness we could call our own. I believe that if he could speak today, he would look at our country and see all of the things we have accomplished. We have bettered our economy, worked hard to ensure rights of working families and opportunities for health care assistance.

If Pres. Roosevelt gave his inaugural speech today, it would be just as relevant as back then. He stated, "No people on earth have more cause to be thankful than ours, in no spirit of boastfulness in our own strength, but with gratitude to the Giver of Good who has blessed us with the conditions which have enabled us to achieve so large a measure of well-being and of happiness."

I can't possibly agree more with the fact that we are the deciders of our destiny. We have the opportunity to fill our lives with happiness and live each new day as an adventure with the power to control the level of obstacles we must endure and overcome.

I, George Washington, have traveled the USA for six weeks. What a different place the US has come to be! I am amazed at how large the country has grown. Thirteen original colonies have now expanded into fifty states. One of these states is named after me!

Every day life has changed so much. Life appears to be easier with these new inventions. With the equipment available today, surveying a farm would take less time. Also, new medicines and bigger hospitals help those who are in pain. Smallpox, from which I almost died, is no longer a threat.

No one owns slaves anymore. The farms work well without them. Good people should not judge by skin color. All these changes, I think, are for the better.

There have been changes for the worse. I am flattered by the monuments and landmarks named in honor of me, but my goal was not to gain fame and fortune. My goal was be a role model for all those presidents who would follow. Good character, honesty, and integrity should be the standard for all elected officials. The prayer of my heart is for our country always to stand as one nation under God.

People ask me what I think when I look around the country today. They expect me to answer that we have morally fallen apart; and if things don't change soon, we will see this land come to a swift end. I won't answer that way, though. I see wonderful things happening.

I wake up and look out the window to see kids on their way to school. I know when they get there they will have a caring teacher, the supplies they need, and a warm meal at noon. I have to smile when I compare this to my piece of chalk and shovel.

Later I can see my retired neighbor watering his lawn. I know he rests easier with the knowledge that he will receive a check every month. I remember a time when the elderly simply had to hope for good luck or children rich enough to support them.

Finally, I see a father arrive home from work. He strides confidently towards his home without fear of war or unfair treatment. There was a time when brother fought brother and all men were not considered equal.

If you ask me, we haven't done too bad.

As I look upon our country today,
one might wonder what I'd say

In 1776, we fought hard till our freedom was won,
Now it seems the only goal is to make life more fun

When I was President, I knew I couldn't tell a lie,
Now people wonder why my moral standards were so high

In your schools, children get shot,
Oh my dear country, what problems you've got

I see such violence, gangs, rape, «
I think that I'd want to escape
To a place more peaceful and calm,
As the one described in the 23rd Psalm.

With medical achievements, you've really done great,
Children who couldn't walk can now run and skate.

I think all your recycling and your conservation's grand,
Still, I believe someone needs to take this country by the hand

I think you're searching for something you can't find,
If you look back you'll realize it's been left behind

Look back, I urge you, to see what you've lost,
But I know that it has gone at a very great cost

You can find it if you look in all the right places,
Just an opinion from the rock with all the careworn faces.

Our culture and beliefs have changed tremendously since Thomas Jefferson was alive. Some people say our country has become corrupt and lost all of its morality. Others say just the opposite, that our country is improving as time goes on. Jefferson would most likely agree with both of these opinions. Many things he said 200 years ago still apply today.

In a letter written to Benjamin Rush, Jefferson stated, "I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Judging by this statement, Jefferson would be proud of the way our country is intolerant to communism and terrorism. These are probably the highest forms of tyranny our country faces today. Jefferson would encourage that we should always stand our ground against such forces and never give up.

On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson might be disgusted at the number of people on welfare today who should not be. "Determine how much may be done if we are always doing." These words were written by Jefferson in a letter to his daughter. Jefferson was also quoted when he said, "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Jefferson was often heard making such remarks. He was definitely trying to convey a strong message against laziness. I think that if he were alive today, he would find a way to solve the welfare problem.

In conclusion, I think Thomas Jefferson would agree that our country has not lost all its values, but there are some things that need to be regained. I think that for the most part, he would be proud of our country's position amongst the nations and that he would be proud to live in America.

Thomas Jefferson's ideal for this nation was that we would live under as little government as possible, simple and free of waste. Oh how far we have journeyed! I think that if he could see America today, he would be discouraged to see the tremendous bureaucracy that permeates the whole governmental system.

On the other hand, I feel he would be astounded at the explosion ofknowledge and technology in every conceivable area. I believe he would find world travel today amazing and probably even incomprehensible how it has taken away from the simplicity of life.

Due to Mr. Jefferson's appreciation for the arts, he would be very pleased with how the progression of art and music has enriched all of society, but would be deeply grieved at some of the deviant paths it has taken.

President Jefferson had a strong work ethic and believed God's blessing rested upon those who labor. He would be gravely disappointed at America's lack of initiative and desire to work to achieve for its own rewards. He would be absolutely shocked at America's national debt!

So, if Thomas Jefferson could speak today, I think he would be asking if all our advancements might have taken us a step too far!

One day, about a week ago,
While walking down the street,
I ran into a man,
I never dreamt I'd meet.

He was a very tall man,
with a top hat and beard,
When introducing himself,
He said, "Call me Lincoln, dear."

He told me our nation,
Is the way that it should be,
A land of liberty and freedom
For all to come and see,
He was proud and happy that we are free.