06-09-2022, 12:01 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-09-2022, 12:13 AM by Eric the Green.)
(06-08-2022, 05:40 PM)beechnut79 Wrote:(06-08-2022, 10:07 AM)David Horn Wrote:(06-07-2022, 07:46 PM)JasonBlack Wrote: My answer to this is quite simple: my definition of a dictator requires that they have the power and intention not to leave when voted out of office. Trump leaving after 4 years (and telling all the protestors to go home)? ....no, that's not a dictator. The only arguable case which could be made might be FDR, but he kicked the bucket in office, so we'll never know. Calling someone a dictator who voluntarily leaves when they're voted out is just...dramatic.
Trump had every intent of staying, but lacked the means. If elected again, he may correct for that lack, and the Constitutition be damned. On the other hand, I doubt FDR intended to stay beyond his fourth term, but, as you noted, we'll never know.
Am not anymore but I was born and raised Republican. When I was young the Democrats were often considered the bad guys because they were in control during both world wars as well as Korea and Vietnam. Perhaps Eisenhower's most significant accomplishment post-military was not only ending the war in Korea but keeping the country pretty much on an even keel during the eight years of his Presidency. The main distraction of the time was the first efforts to desegregate the schools, most notably in the South.
Eisenhower also appointed reactionary secretaries of state and the CIA leaders who secretly helped overthrow democratically-elected governments in Guatemala and Iran, and backed right wing tyrants in Vietnam in setting up South Vietnam which prepared the way for our worst-ever war. He set up the failed invasion of Cuba too for JFK to follow up on. He also appointed cabinet members who promoted capitalism at any cost, including the one who said what's good for General Motors is good for America. His efforts on civil rights did not go very far, and the "other America" of the black ghettoes expanded on his watch. His was basically a do-nothing administration. The cold war expanded and more nuclear weapons were produced on both sides during his reign. The Cold War revved up again after a brief lull when the U2 incident happened. America was beaten to space too. Ike is not as great as he is portrayed as being.