Saturday, January 19, 2013

LAD #26: I Have A Dream Speech

Summary:
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered this speech in front of 200,000 civil rights activists on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was a part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the speech has become so famous that is it one of the top speeches ever given. In his speech he did spoke of equality for both colored and whites and his personal dream. His dream was to see white boys and girls and black boys and girls play together and go to the same school and not have to worry about the color of their skin. The speech impacted thousands as it was presented in a way that seemed like a preacher in a church. 



Monday, January 7, 2013

LAD #25: Dawes Severity Act 1877

Summary:
This act was directed towards natives and owning land. It discusses the allotment of land for natives and reservations and they laws that they are protected by for the United States and the territory.These acts were used to protect Indians with what they are owed by the government. According to this act the government was responsible for giving natives land to live and farm and possibly more land for grazing. The natives had 4 years to make a decision about where they wanted their land and if they do not it would be given to them. The land given to them was for 25 years unless the President changes the amount of time. The only problem with this land is even though the government tried its best the land was not of the quality that whites and "citizens" had.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

LAD #24: Cross of Gold Speech

Summary:
Bryan starts his speech speaking of his cause to defend liberty and how the race has been a contest of principle. He then goes on to speak about how the country has never seen such a tight race and the democratic strength of the government. Because of this race affection between each other have been taken away because of where they stand on the issue. He states they do come there as individuals but as a whole who is looking for the best for the common people and looking out for their rights such as the miners and merchants. They also speak for the business men who have paved the way by so many different means. They warned not fighting to win but to keep a hold of the rights of the people. The other side says the party did many poor things including passing a unconstitutional law while this was not correct. The income tax law is a law that provides the people with the burden to give them incentive. This does not mean that they oppose national currency, just currency that is reliable. He states Jefferson did the same thing in his day and we should look up to him. These laws are logical if the business man could realize how simple and the point of them was. The country is changing even with tariffs and the change should be noted so the people can changed right along with it. The change happened because of the wrath on the common man. The party should win because of the tariff issue which the opposing party has no ground to stand on. The party is prepared to meet any battle the opposing party throws at them. they think that the gold standard is a poor way to go and that will be the tipping point which allows them to gain the ground to win.



LAD # 23: Populists Party Platform

Summary:
The platform begins with the preamble which states the party was started because of the conditions of the nation at that time. Specifically they were referring to the difference in class between " tramps and millionaires". It then goes on to discuss how silver has been the accepting coin even though it is in reality a conspiracy and will destroy civilization. Concluding it states that because of these things parties have not really had a stable platform while the Populist Party seeks support from the common man. The country is faced with horrible conditions and the party pledges that it will give the power a the people a better standing and expand it and that they will never stop. In the platform itself it begins with the thought that labor forces will remain, and wealth belongs to the person who worked for it. It continues to that the government should own the railroads and as far as finance is concerned it needs to be free coinage of silver to gold at legal ratio. To continue it states the circulation should increase and there should be income tax. Finally the money of the country should be kept in the people's hands and the savings banks should be established. Then they state that transportation should be a means of exchange and keep its interest in the people and the telephone and telegraph which is owned by the government should be operated in the interest of the people. As far as land is concerned all natural sources of well should not be monopolized and the government should collect alien land to give to actual settlers. Finally it continues into the Sentiments in which it states that they demand free ballot, fair count without intervention. Also, income tax should be used to reduce other taxes. They pledge support to ex-Union soldiers and sailors. Do not approve of protection American labor under present system. They sympathize with work men and regard maintenance of a large army. Finally they commend favorable consideration of people and saving the Constitution while opposing any subsidy or national aid to one corporation.


Saturday, January 5, 2013

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

Summary:
It begins by talking about the Cuban revolts and how the people of Cuba did not want Spanish rulers  anymore. It then on to say how Spain sent a message to Washington warning them about an American ultimatum. Then McKinley asked Congress to take steps to bring an end to Cuban conflict. He made the decision to enter a war on the side of the Cubans. He started to say that the Constitution commands the President to exercise what should be responsible for wars like his for Cuba. The revolution is similar to others but United States did everything they could to help the Cubans to no avail. The war in Cuba ultimately depends on the United States to help. He refers to his December speech stating that we should recognize the independence of Cuba. In order to continue to do this then it was essential that they help influence the affected area. Now he understands the neutrality proclamation but there are very few alternative forms of interventions. The forcible entrance of United States will eventually end the war in a settlement. He states in order to do this then there will need to be an end of bloodshed, the United States owes citizens in Cuba and they need legal protection. Also the right to intervene may justify the injury in trade it would cause and finally the issues with Cuba threaten the United States which needs to end. This elements cause the destruction of a Nobel vessel. The naval court of inquiry needs to place the responsibility and it needs to be fixed along with the American Navy. This trail has proved that Spain has waged war that United States will fix by being on the Cuban side. Because of this he asked Congress to authorize the declaration of war in the interest of humanity. He had thought about it and now its all up to Congress.