Feeling Presidential

"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain." -John Adams

If the events of recent weeks in North Africa have taught me anything, it is to love my country and the freedom it offers.  On this Presidents' Day in America, let's take a few moments to celebrate not just a day off from work, but more importantly some of the leaders who have marked our country's history, for better or for worse.  

 

While I don't necessarily agree with the perspectives and policies of all these leaders, I commend anyone who takes on the unenviable task of guiding a nation.  As I think about judging the accomplishments and missteps of these presidents, I also try to remember that these are real men, perhaps exceptional men, but real men.

Images borrowed from TheWashingtonPost, ABCNews, NewYorkTimes, MSNBC, Here, Here, Tripod, Achievement.