Greatest American

12:06 am EST June 20th, 2005 | Politics | 8 Comments

As silly as some of the people on the list were (Madonna, George W. Bush), the top five is relatively acceptable though I certainly wouldn’t list Ronald Reagan as one of the 5 greatest Americans ever (and no, I don’t think Bill Clinton or JFK should be that high up, though I think a credible argument could be made for FDR). That said, any of the four remaining nominees (Franklin, Lincoln, Washington, and King) certainly qualify. I personally believe Martin Luther King Jr. is the Greatest American Ever because his work and his reforms have fundamentally altered our nation and all of mankind in blessed ways and continue to do so up until this very nanosecond. You can vote here.

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8 Responses to “Greatest American”

dugger1 says:

June 20, 2005 at 8:06 am

I’m surprised FDR is on the list. Don’t you hate Malkin for even defending what FDR did re internment?
CommonSenseDesk says:

June 20, 2005 at 12:06 pm

Great, Greater, Greatest

Oliver Willis thinks about the greatest Americans.
Quaker in a Basement says:

June 20, 2005 at 1:06 pm

Where’s Manilow? Where’s Jim Davis? Where, oh where is Carrot Top?
garth says:

June 20, 2005 at 4:06 pm

hey, isn’t this just another example of the kind of cult of personality that led us to simpering george in the first place? i love what dr. king did for us as well, i voted for him as a symbol of his times, and the countless acts of bravery, sacrifice, and joy that were done in the name of righting a terrible wrong. they didn’t get all the way, but they started what needed to start.

of course, the people in power now are pushin the ball back…we need another upsurge of counterculture, real counterculture, that’s not canned and aped on TV within a week…
neoconsrloopy says:

June 20, 2005 at 5:06 pm

How is RayGun on the list? The guy had Alzheimers for the last 6 years of his presidency, for crying out loud.

When the US was attacked in Beirut, he invaded Grenada. Gee, maybe that’s where dimson got the idea to invade Iraq when OBL attacked us.
ackfoo says:

June 20, 2005 at 7:06 pm

For each of the top 5, ask yourself what the US would be like without the individual in question.

Franklin– worse off, but not doomed. He had competition for many of his innovations (e.g., postal service), so his disappearance would not necessarily have been an issue. We would be the poorer for not having his wit and pen, but he’s not critical.

King– I have to admit that I have a hard time knowing what I really think on this one. King is unquestionably the greatest American of the late 20th century for his lofty calls to address historical inequities in a truly Christian manner. Had physical courage as well as the courage of his convictions. IF we’re going to have someone from recent times, he should be in there.

Lincoln– Fourscore and seven years ago. Real war President. No contest (although he’d be my number 2)

Reagan– you’ve gotta be kidding me. Subverting the Constitution, nuff said. (looked good on TV though).

Washington– #1. Can’t be said often enough– the indispensable man. His leadership and gravitas held the new republic together at times when it seemed as if the new republic was not long to last. Incredible physical courage.

Where is FDR? he saved the world for goodness sakes (along with Churchill and [ulp] Stalin [the Red Army was the only thing on the planet that could stop Hitler, and it did]). FDR also cared as much for his fellow American as any President– see public programs introduced to help the elderly and those struck by the Depression– despite being from a wealthy background. Bump Reagan and get FDR in there. Until that happens, this is a travesty.
Quaker in a Basement says:

June 20, 2005 at 8:06 pm

Jack LaLane? Ron Popiel? How about Paula Abdul?
zcqtw gtzrnyw says:

September 21, 2007 at 3:32 pm

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