Teddy Roosevelt and Progressivism

In Teddy Roosevelt's speech "The New Nationalism," he talks about the need for a larger government to protect the people against special interest groups, most significantly corporations.  He compares citizens who make an honorable living to the soldiers in the Grand Army who fought to save the Union.  He also discusses Lincoln's challenges in office and emphasizes that we need to protect and strengthen our country.  He notes income disparity and the fact that some rich men have become rich unfairly, in a way that does not reflect the work they have put in or work that does not posivitely affect society. He says we need to get corporations out of politics; that they should not influence politics and political decisions.  I can't help but laugh when reading this because today, corporations and interest groups play a big role in politics.  It reminds me of the Citizens United vs. FEC Supreme Court case and the insane amounts of money that people with big fortunes will offer in exchange for political support.  Roosevelt's progressive agenda at the time went hand in hand with honesty, integrity and fairness in the work place.  More government regulation meant protecting citizens from unfair business and corporate practices.  He also wanted the rich to pay higher taxes, which is a contested issue today.  Roosevelt was warning us from the dangers of corporate influence and politics, as well as income disparity and conservation, things that so greatly affect us today.  Another thing I liked about this reading is that he uses the image of the farmer who left a farm for his children that was better than when he found it.  He said we should do this with our country.  This reminded me of Jefferson's and Lincoln's writings about the small farmer; their honesty, work ethic and importance in America.

In Lincoln's letters, he justifies and defends his executive orders by arguing that he is protecting the union from secession and rebellion.  In his annual message to Congress, Lincoln stresses the importance of saving the country because the world is watching us.  He talks about the future and the United States' role as an international model.  This reminds me of the Puritan idea of being a city upon a hill.  If the U.S. cannot save itself, then where is the hope for democracy and freedom?  If we fail, we let down the world.  He says, "in giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free." He talks about honor versus dishonor and the way the issue of slavery will either tear apart or save the union.  He notes that the fate of the union will affect future generations, of both races.  Even though emancipation may take time and current slaves may not reap its benefits, their offspring will be able to be free.  Lincoln's speech about this exemplifies that slavery in practice in America was not just an economic issue but also went hand in hand with morality in early America.  The moral aspect of slavery was also tearing the states apart and its fate would not just affect America internally, but the entire world.

Lincoln and slavery

In Lincoln's "House Divided" speech in Springfield, Illinois, he urges that something must be done about slavery, or else it will divide the nation among free states and slave states.  Leaving the issue stand for itself and play out is not an option according to Lincoln, because it will tear apart the union.  He criticizes the Nebraska Bill because it does not explicitly ban or uphold slavery in the territory.  Rather, it leaves it up to the people in the territory to decide.  Lincoln criticizes this "squatter sovereignty" and "sacred right to self government" because he knew that the Union needed clear legislation to eradicate the issue the of slavery.  Lincoln thought that if we just left it up to the people, the issue would become worse and further our problems regarding slavery and the further division of the Union. He also criticizes the Dred Scott decision because it ruled that the government could not regulate slavery anywhere.  It seems like Lincoln was arguing that we needed the federal government to legislate something that would settle this issue, and fast.  We needed a congressional mandate to solve our problems concerning slavery.  Lincoln's speech to rally the Republicans and persuade people that we needed our nation's top central authority to act distinguishes him as a powerful leader and a visionary.