Week of December 8 through December 14, 2014

Week of December 1 through December 7, 2014

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Week of November 10 through November 16, 2014

Week of November 3 through November 9, 2014

Week of October 27, 2017 through November 2, 2014

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Week of October 13 through October 20, 2014

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Week of September 15 through September 21, 2014

Week of September 8 through September 14, 2014

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Week of August 25 through August 28, 2014

Week of August 18 through August 24, 2014

Alex Bynum - Ragtime summary

Ragtime's setting beings in a very populated New York city named New Rochelle. The book is narrated in the first person by the boy of "mother" and "father". The mother and father are not given specific names nor is his grandfather which is addressed as "grandfather". This normal, American loving family begins to take a metamorphosis once a stranded black child enters their lifes'. Not too long after they find this black child, his mother comes along desperately looking for him. She has run from her husband with her child. Her husband claims to be a prestigious musician and attempts to sooth and persuade his wife into letting him back into their lifes. Through his singing and magnificent piano skills, he gains the trust of this proud American flag making family. From one little black child walking into their lifes, this family has much more to overcome and learn as the book goes on.

Alex Bynum - President's calling

JFK is clearly very concerned and worried for the conflicts happening in Mississippi. He is trying to prevent as much injury and casualties as possible. He is trying to get confirmation from the Governor of Mississippi that he will do everything he can to maintain "Law and Order" in Mississippi. JFK is trying to prevent mobs of angry men and women from forming in Mississippi, but he tells the Governor "Well the only thing is i got my responsibilities, this is not my order, i just have to carry it out". Saying this, JFK is explaining to the Governor that he is not the Governor of Mississippi. That the law and order in mississippi is for the Governor of Mississippi to take care of, not the President himself. Once actions were taken in Mississippi, JFK addressed to the Nation that Mr. James Meredeth was safely placed on Campus of Mississippi University. This man and the case in which he was related to is what created the mobs and disapproval in Mississippi. The mixing of color in the University was not going well with the local residents. I find this very interesting and intriguing that racism was so large on scale that national news and conflict was created from one African American trying to attend the University.

Victoria Lanter :The  President Calling
 Saturday 8/23

I chose to listen to JFK and i really appreciated how he chose to block out all the noise of society and do what he thought was right in every situation whether it be taking care of the woman and getting her into school or standing up and speaking for what he believes in. His speech just made me admire his strong leadership capabilities and his time in office as president.

Victoria Lanter - The Things They Carried.

The things they carried is a book where we see the literal things carried by the soldiers in war, and the metaphorical things they carried through such hard times. The book was extremely easy to comprehend at most parts and then totally at the opposite end of the spectrum with other parts that left me completely confused. I think this had to do with the separation of each soldiers stories. This book was set up into multiples short stories of each soldiers 'baggage', and how he dealt with it. As i read, i realized that the things that were easier to read for me, were the stories that i related most with. They were easier to understand and follow along with. But even the stories i couldn't comprehend, i appreciated. I believe this book was amazing because of how many things in it could really apply to the real soldiers and the things that they, carried.

Amanda Havlicak: The Last of the Mohicans

I selected The Last of the Mohicans because I found the theme of the American frontier appealing and the adventures it entails. After reading the book, it was easy to understand the mentality towards race and colonization that led to a lot of the historical conflicts in our country that I had a cursory understanding upon skimming my history textbook in eighth grade. It was interesting to see how the American wilderness was romanticized. But the main protagonist, Hawkeye, became the ideal man because he was white was able to learn the ways of the Native Americans and their land. There is admiration for the skills of the Native Americans, but as long as the white man can acquire those skills, the white men still come out as superior and deserving of the land. Overall, I loved the visual descriptions and poetic diction in the story and how it gave context to historical events like the French and Indian War. While the book had its minor flaws, it was a very enjoyable read.

Amanda Havlicak: President Calling

LBJ: Road to Selma
Lyndon B. Johnson & Martin Luther King

Upon the first few minutes of the conversation, LBJ is obviously the dominant speaker. I recalled a photo I saw of LBJ talking with someone and how he leaned forward, almost looming over the person as a way to seem imposing. Many who have encountered LBJ have mentioned his need to assert himself, and in the case of this conversation between himself and MLK, it is no different. While King is attempting to appeal LBJ and ask him to support his fellow people, all the president hears is how it will affect his presidency.  And I say attempt considered MLK barely got a word into the entire conversation. While LBJ says he wishes to all these things like passing civil rights bills, extend Medicare, and even put a black member into a cabinet position, all these actions seem to benefit him before anything else. LBJ had this vision of a 'Great Society' in which he would eliminate poverty among other things, and in the conversation he seems to be tailoring King's requests and ideas to that vision. Also, LBJ's overall tone in the conversation is very paternalistic. He refers to African Americans as 'your people' or the common term of 'negro'. For a man who went to great lengths to confirm his support for blacks, these choice of words make a subtle division between himself and the black people he is supposed to be working with. After thinking on it, I realized that it could be very well possible that LBJ wanted the support of black people so they would vote for him. He was already not a very liked man, especially in comparison to his predecessor JFK. LBJ stresses in the conversation that he is working on getting rid of the discrimination against blacks when it comes to voting specifically. Also, he tells MLK repeatedly that he needs his help on rallying voters. You can tell that LBJ is somewhat apprehensive to go public with his support; probably and indicator that he doesn't want to lose his white voters in the process of gaining his black voters. LBJ specifically says that he 'doesn't have a moral obligation' to blacks, not even MLK with whom he stated to have worked with for 3 years, except for Weaver who is one of his guys, and not a 'JFK guy' as he mentions often in the conversation as well. Overall, this conversation mostly one-sided conversation was drenched in politics and what is most beneficial instead of what is necessary and right.

Taylar Hall- The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I chose to read the Autobiography of Malcolm X because I felt like it was something that I could relate to. I also wanted to know more about Malcolm X. Malcolm X was always seen as a violent man or the exact opposite of Martin Luther King Jr. In reality he was only preaching what he was taught, as well as what he believed to be true. The book covers his devistating childhood all the way through the many events that we would never have thought Malcolm X experienced. Reading his autobiography opened my eyes to the real meaning of why he was so violent. I gained a deeper understanding of why his mentality was the way it was. Althought it was a book of many pages and I was quite frightened by what I read at times, I can honestly say I learned so much from reading this book.

Taylar Hall- The Presidents Calling

I chose to listen to President John F. Kennedy's Mississippi Crisis. I appreciated how regardless of what everybody else thought Kennedy did all he could to help Meridith register for classes at Ole Miss. During this time there was still alot of hatred towards African-Americans. Schools had recently become integrated and I think JFK was such an admirable man for helping James Meridith get into a Caucasion University. JFK inspired me to always stand up for what I blieve regardless of who says otherwise. Listening to these tapes I realize how sneaky politicians can be, but it has encouraged me even the more to always be honest in my future as a servant to the politics of this country.

Margaret Fowler Presidents Calling

Executive Decision to Appoint Russell to Warren Commission

Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Russel

I listened to a taped telephone conversation between Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Russel. The President called Russel to discuss  Russel’s appointment to the Warren Commission which was tasked with the investigation of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. During the conversation Russel refuses to join the commission but due to The President’s encouragement, Russel soon concedes. Throughout the conversation Johnson keeps political air to his persona saying things along the lines of  “For the people” and “For your country” to convince Russel to join the Commission. However, Johnson also takes on the approach of a man of honor saying that Russel has to make time for this Commission because Russel is the man he (Johnson) chose to be on the commission, that Russel is the only man he trusted to due this job correctly. Through these two tactics Johnson was able to convince Russel to head the Warren Commission.

Caitlin Chelette - Presidents Calling

I listened to President Nixon's "Watergate firings" where he addresses the nation regarding the scandal. It is also called the Watergate Affair, his coworkers and associates tapped phones and stole important documents. It created unrest, because of the breach in security. It was very interesting to hear about how Nixon chose to address the fact that some of his closest white house members had attempted to bug the Democratic Party's headquarters. His determination to eliminate the people whom had tried to hurt him, and bring justice was evident in the ways that he spoke.  He seemed very concerned with the safety of the nation.

Leila Trom- The president Calling

Leila Trom-The President Calling

I listened to LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination. He talked very calmly when he broke the news to congress about JFK being assassinated. He was very honorable when he spoke. Talking about Kennedy's goals,dedication to America and his ideas will be carried on through the years. Even though LBJ was calm and humble when speaking about JFK being assassinated, I think he was grieving inside. Everyone was. I think this speech from LBJ made people grieve, but at the same time he spoke humbly to congress and remember the loved president, JFK.

Veronica Emata - The President's Calling

Well, after a long struggle to actually listen to some audio of Lyndon B. Johnson after Kennedy's death. The audio was mostly dramatic for me, and I am one to really get into movies when they hit those tension filled points. I understand fully it was no movie audio, but to hear the determined voice this man had covering his almost non existent fear of a great loss for our country.. It was slightly jaw dropping. But I admire him saying "I will do my best, that is all I can do." They were words of deep consolation for the American people and himself as he took over for Presidency.

Tony Ichite President Calling

I listened to the  arguments between president Linden Johnson and the governor of Mississippi during his term. They were arguing about letting a certain black kid into school and the tactics that the president used to change the governors mind really stood out too me. Presidents tend to put up a front for the American people. They try to become the model citizen and become the face of America. This was an eye opener to me. It showed how a president leads and how he gets what he wants. 

 I thought the presidents authority to be close to absolute, but the separation of federal and states governments became clear to me. It also showed how personal beliefs affected the decision making in all government. The good of the people was not always what is in the mind of presidents and other government officials. They support what they believe and influence people based on these beliefs. 

Fizza Mir- The President Calling

I listened to President Nixon talking to John Mitchell. This call was made on October 14, 1971 at 9 A.M.  It felt weird to listen to this call and at the same time I got a glimpse of his presidency for who he really was and not what he was told to say. They are discussing something that has been published which doesn't look good on Nixon. Nixon tells Mitchell to cover it by bringing up names of other people. He is rude to Mitchell and constantly cuts him off when he is trying to ask or say something.

Emma Hale - President Calling

For the President Calling assignment I chose to listen to Richard Nixon speaking on the phone with John Mitchell. In contrast to one of the other clips of Nixon speaking to the nation regarding the Watergate Scandal, his tone is considerably different. He is much more open with his emotions, especially regarding the media and how the attitude of the people affect him as a President. He is very straightforward with his words, there is no hidden or double meaning that can be read into. Nixon must feel safer in this kind of environment, causing him to let down his guard and reveal how he truly feels about the issues surrounding him.

Kyla Anderson - President Calling

I listened to "Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal". I had a tough time paying attention and I lost interest to be honest. Listening to him talk for 20 minutes was pretty boring but he seemed to really care about his country. It seemed like he genuinely wanted to be a good president and punish those that were a part of the Watergate affair.

Paige Nicholson- President Calling

JFK, as he and all other presidents should be, was very professional and business like. He looked and planned ahead for possible future scenarios. However, he and the person he was talking with often interrupted each other which led to a slight air of irritability. Even though at times he was clearly frustrated, he remained extremely diplomatic.

In a certain conversation, JFK wanted to maintain law and order and prevent the development of mobs for "the safety of Mississippi". However, some may have questioned his true motives. Maybe he was actually trying to control the people so that he would maintain power. But, then he talked to the governor about having the working police officers unarmed as to calm the people. So he may have truly have been just looking out for his nation.

Ryan Burke - President Calling

For the “President’s Calling”, I chose to listen to Richard M. Nixon’s phone conversation about “Bombing for Peace.”  This specific phone conversation was between President Nixon and United States Defense Secretary Melvin Laird.  The call was made after a speech was given by Nixon in May of 1972 about his recent decision in which he called for Hanoi and Haiphong Harbors to be mined.  In his phone call with Laird, Nixon sounds very determined and ready to take intense military action sooner rather than later.  Nixon is attempting to get Laird to be more aggressive and specific in his ordering of attacks.  Meanwhile, while Nixon is going off on a little rant, Laird just stays quiet and just says “yes” after every command given by Nixon.

Lauren Stander: the President Calling

I listened to President Lyndon B. Johnson speaking about his sudden entrance into the role of presidency. I think it's both interesting and quite concerning to see how unprepared and anxious he felt about his future as the president controlling the entire country. As he spoke in a very personal manner to people, asking for any help in the way he should speak or aid in later decisions, it was clear that he felt quite unprepared for assuming such a great task. I would think he had to fix that mindset rather quickly in order to be the President.

Eli Lasley - The Presidents Calling

I chose to listen to President Nixon Addressing Nation Regarding Scandal, which was known as the Watergate Affair. I thought this tape exemplifies the humility that President Nixon had to experience when he discovered that several of his closest associates, including the attorney general. Nixon's carefully picked vocabulary and humble tone highlighted his determination to remove all who were involved with the Watergate Affair, and to see that justice is served. The Watergate Affair consisted of several of President Nixon's associates tapping phones and stealing precious documents and records. All of these crimes were committed covertly and had created a sense of uncertainty not only within the government, but within our nation as well.

Ty Wilson - President's Calling

For my President's calling I did Nixon's speech on the Watergate Scandal. It was obvious that he had more info then he let on. There were parts of his phone calls with his affiliates that seemed to have some subtext, leading on to his part to play in the break in. His main speech disregarding his role in it were great, and the persuasion used in them to lead the American people away from him was a good read.His own questioning on the morality of his actions in the phone call with Colson was indicating of the his own uncertainty.

Fizza Mir- The Killer Angels

The summer reading book I chose was The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. The title sounded interesting so I thought I might give it a shot. I rarely read non-fiction but this book definitely drew me in. It started off with a very strong use of similes, metaphors, and imagery which made it interesting. The authors way of telling the story really made me feel as if I was standing amongst the characters. Shaara has every detail down-pat. I think there may be some drastic changes to the movie, but can't wait to watch it nonetheless.

Daniel Giraldo-Presidents Calling

In all of the conversations I heard from President Kennedy I always noticed how when it came to society he paid more attention to protecting the people. I also noticed that when it came to him speaking on the phone his vocabulary didn’t involve much of or any swearing which I found very interesting because from the other conversations I heard some of the past presidents had quite a vulgar vocabulary. Also I found great how when there was a situation with violence that Kennedy would neutralize the situation quickly. He dealt with the situations trying not to use violence but if it came to it he would have the police enforce it. I always heard Kennedy was a good president so this kind of gave me an idea what he was like and let me reflect my assumption towards him.

Leo Forero-Presidents Calling

I listened to the speech regarding President Lyndon Johnson's address to the congress about JFK's assassination. The speech he gives shows Johnson as a true, honest, and humble man as he appreciates and addresses JFK's strong leadership and his perseverance throughout one of the countries worst times. Instead of going of his own way Johnson picks up where JFK left off, The Civil Rights Act. This is one of the things JFK is known for, he wanted a country where everyone was equal, and Johnson was going to start off where JFK left off, which i think is a very noble thing to do. Even though he wasn't as popular as JFK was he tried his best to fit in his shoes.

Bryant Mutanga - The President's Calling

I listened to Richard Nixon's Plan to Dupe the Press and Nixon Muses Over Media Surprise. I thought that the way President Nixon described the press was very intriguing. You could tell just by listening that he preferred the press not to be around him, especially when he was sharing or receiving convoluted information that could make or break his presidency, which is why he regretted being at the bar. He also seemed anxious and nervous because he knew Press would attack the himself for hiring non-editors, southerners, and women to the Supreme Court. President Nixon seemed like he thought ahead by allowing the man editor to post his story before the woman could do hers. Nixon also seems pleased with his plan on dealing with the Russians, believing that though it may have a psychological impact with the government and soldiers, he believes the American people will stand by him while he goes to the Senate.

Joe Thyer - The President's Calling

I listened to President Lyndon Johnson giving his speech after JFK was assassinated.  He called upon the people to come together around the Civil Rights Act in a time of turmoil. He appealed to an entire country, full of hundreds of thousands of unique individuals, in one short speech. The way he did this was especially incredible because it worked so amazingly well. The nation responded with support for Johnson and the Act as well as respect for the great strides JFK was taking toward an equal America.

Ryan Burke - We Were Soldiers

The book I chose to do for my summer reading is We Were Soldiers by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway.  I chose this book because I wanted to get a first-hand look into one of the biggest wars in American history, the Vietnam War.  The book focuses primarily on the battle that took place in 1965 in the Ia Drang Valley.  My favorite part about this book so far is the incredible detail and imagery used by Moore and Galloway.  The authors almost make it to where the reader sees and knows everything going on around them at all times.  From the battle plan, to the type of weather that day, even right down to the name and rank of every soldier fighting alongside them at that time.  I cannot wait to continue reading this book and gain an even deeper insight into the intense battle.  

Grace Weng - The President Calling

I listened to the audio clip of "Nixon addressing the Nation regarding Scandal". The way Nixon spoke seemed very honest like he cared about nothing except the good of his country, despite the fact that it had such a huge impact on his career and that he played a big part in the scandal, and uses a lot of phrases to evoke nationalistic feelings to achieve that goal. He tried to push the blame away from himself and make it seem like it wasn't even that big of a deal. It was kind of difficult to listen to this kind of source as it was easy for me to get distracted from listening carefully to the audio clip and took way longer than it should have.

Zola Hoehn: The Presidents Calling

I listened to LBJ addressing congress after the assassination of President Kennedy. After listening to this I feel like despite the situation in which LBJ was in, he handled it quite well. I thought it was interesting how he became president within two hours of the assassination and within that time had to determine what his goals were going to be for his presidency. I thought he did a good job continuing President Kennedy’s goals and what he was working on before he was killed such as the wars that the United States was involved in along with fighting poverty.  I think he also did a good job calming the nation or at least providing a similar option as they would have had with Kennedy. I think LBJ spoke with great sorrow but he still proved himself in the way that he could be up to the enormous task of taking over the presidency from someone who was assassinated.

Jayson Taylor - The President Calling

I listened to President Lyndon Johnson's address to Congress responding to John F Kennedy's assassination.  The speech showcases the nobility and leadership of Kennedy during a dark time in our country's history. During the speech, Johnson asks for the support of the American people who must be united through the Civil Rights Act, which Kennedy worked tirelessly to pass. This was Kennedy's legacy - to create a united, strong nation that cared for its people. What Kennedy did was extremely powerful, even in the 21st century, where we have so much less understanding of racism and segregation compared to that of the 1960s.

Ryan Payton- The Presidents Calling

I listened to President Nixon's conversation with John Mitchell. It was very interesting to see how Nixon talked when he was more 'casual'. There was not the level of professionalism that is usually there when anyone usually hears the president speak. The most interesting part of this conversation was being able to see how the media affects the President himself. There is no guessing how he feels; you get exactly what he is thinking from the conversation. Nixon isn't really holding back. There is no part of the conversation where Nixon doesn't say something because he is afraid of what it will cause.

Joe Thyer - The Things They Carried

The Things They Carried describes a bunch of American soldiers and their experiences in the Vietnam War in a number of short stories. Some stories talk about the things they literally carried with them throughout the war, whether to provide comfort or evoke memories of home. Other stories describe the emotional and psychological things they carried with them. Many soldiers felt guilt about what they did and some just felt the effects of being isolated from one's family and friends for months at a time. It was a pretty fast read because it was broken up into shorter stories, but it was pretty dramatic and kinda difficult to understand at times.

Trevor Reese - The President Calling

I listened to the JFK tapes and found the dialogue very interesting. I find it strange that both the president and the Mississippi Governor were democrats and could hold such different opinions on something that today everybody seems to be on the same side of. Another thing I find interesting is that it was such a political issue and not just a civil disagreement, the military had to get involved due to the racial tensions. I don't agree with JFK on a lot of things, but I respect the way he handled this complicated situation.

Trevor Reese - Wag the Dog

I chose to read Wag the Dog, a book by Larry Beinhart. I chose this because I saw the movie just over a year ago and am a big De Niro fan and more importantly because I have a love for "conspiracy theories". Myself not believing wholeheartedly in the left or the right, I can appreciate the concept of manufacturing problems to avoid the real ones, something that can also be seen in today's executive branch. I have enjoyed both the book and the movie, and recognize the differences between the two.

 

Jayson Taylor - The Things They Carried

The Things They Carried is a book of short stories about the Vietnam War, and the struggles and changes is brought to both Vietnam and the United States. The aspect of the war is emphasizes most is that the soldiers were still just young kids - they had hopes, sorrows, fantasies and guilt. Many of the soldiers did not want to be fighting at all and had no intention of killing, but they had to do what they were told. After their return to the United States they found it hard to fit in with regular society. Often times they felt isolated and depressed, many of them committing suicide as a result of them no longer being able to connect emotionally with their friends and family. Some stories are humorous, like the soldier who wore his girlfriend's stockings around his neck for comfort, while others were heartbreaking, like when a soldier writes a long, heartfelt letter to the sister of his friend who neglects to write back. The book is based on real events but has the drama and suspense of fiction, which makes it unforgettable.

Joy Richards- The President Calling

I listened to a telephone call made by Richard Nixon. I though that it was very interesting to here a president speak in a new way as I usually just here presidents speak on T.V, or via live stream on the internet. Listening to a president making a phone call allowed me to gain a new perspective.I also believe that Nixon was quite dishonorable by not taking the blame for the scandal right away and letting his staff take the fall for him at first.

Bailey Smith- The President Calling

I started the podcast from the beginning and listened to the first 15 minutes. The tape started by talking about the phone in the White House and the tapes being recorded. I thought this was funny because of the remarks from Nixon about his taped calls being more informative than poly science text books and the US hockey team being girls. The conversations with Governor Barnett and president Kennedy were pleasing because Kennedy was really trying to help someone get into college, and even though it was one person, Kennedy was trying his hardest to help the people. Around 11 minutes, I got a little freaked out about all the secret-ness being talked about, and the governor didn't even record the phone calls so there were no records of what was discussed about Ole Miss and the student the president said to admit. I think everything should be public record and the president should have no authority to un-record business calls, he should only keep his private life private. Kennedy then sent troops into the college when he didn't even understand the circumstances, he needs to trust his governor more, as he is also an elected official. Kennedy was then assassinated, I think because of his ignorance to situations and un-trusting of others.

Allison Burnsed - The President Calling

I listened to the broadcast of John F. Kennedy speaking about the Mississippi Crisis. I believe that this displays Kennedy as being an honorable man, as he was trying his best to prevent conflict. Kennedy did the right thing in calling Governor Barnett to try to convince him that James Meredith (a black man who was denied entry into the University of Mississippi simply because of his race) should not be discriminated against. Kennedy worked hard to make sure that the constitution was being upheld and supported Meredith. Although it was a sad conversation to listen to, he tried to persuade Barnett to maintain law and order. However, it did not work because Governor Barnett was too set in his own ways, and allowed the rioting in Mississippi to occur anyway.

Mara Eichin- The Presidents Calling

LBJ Addresses Congress after JFK Assassination: 

Johnson stresses the importance of the nation to work together even in the despair that they are facing. He urges members of congress to continue the work of Kennedy,such as the space program, and education for all children, and most importantly equal rights for all Americans no matter what race/color.
While appealing to the mourning members of congress, Johnson makes clear, his plans for the future of America.
(I posted this again, just in case it did not show the first time around)

Stephanie Williams-The President Calling-JFK-The Mississippi Crisis

                I think it is interesting how at the beginning of the conversation between the President and the Governor, the President uses a lot of uh’s. It makes his point a tad hard to follow but it also sounds like he is unsure of what he is saying; like he cannot find the correct way to word something without saying something offensive or incorrect. I thought it was nice how the President listened to every point the Governor was making about the responsibilities and how he felt the courts were ignoring the fact that a law was just made about people with criminal history not being allowed to get a higher education. Yet, the President still explained to him that they both have responsibilities and he is trying to help. The Governor stated that the patrolmen were going to try to maintain law and order while unarmed and I thought the President’s reaction to that was appropriate. How are they going to be able to prevent a mob from forming if they have nothing to protect themselves and the people around them? Based on the Governor’s tone, I think it’s interesting how he is showing vulnerability by admitting that he doesn’t know whether he himself can maintain this order. And the President told him that he has his responsibility and that it’s not his order, he just has to carry it out. I found that interesting because he is right. It isn’t his order. The Governor knew about the situation, not Kennedy. Barnett was there watching everything happen; the mobs and the trucks and the shootings. It was his responsibility to maintain law and order in his state. And the President’s concern was saving the lives of many during this time. He didn’t want there to be total chaos. And when Barnett speaks about it not being fair to enroll the man at this time, Kennedy’s statement after is something I would say also. At what time then would it be fair? In the end, I think that it was very amiable of the President to find a way to help a man get an education to be successful in life. 

Naomi Belay - The President Calling

I listened to President Johnson give a speech after John F. Kennedy's assassination. Whilst listening to his speech, I had noticed Johnson's syntax and the way he worded things, in the beginning of the speech, he says something like "the greatest leader has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time" and how dramatic and emotionally stirring that sounds. I also noticed that Johnson had used anaphora - the repetition of the first word in every sentence or clause; Johnson constantly says "the dream..." and how Kennedy had vitalized all the dreams. The beginning focuses more on the emotional impact that Kennedy had had, and is more sad, and Johnson speaks more as a friend than the vice president, and then after a few minutes, it gets more strong and Johnson speaks about how they need to persevere and speaks more as the vice president and a politician. I was also interested in the particular part in his speech where he said talked about the unfortunate "thrust upon him, the awesome burden of presidency", and how he couldn’t do it on his own, and no one wants to become president in the way he was. Regardless, I thought he executed the speech very well and I enjoyed how he didn't just speak as a friend or politician, he spoke as both, and how Johnson wanted to finish what Kennedy had started.

Hope Richards- The President Calling

The presidential phone call which I listened to was of Nixon right after the Watergate scandal.  He was basically trying to deny any knowledge that something wrong and/or illegal had taken place.  A contemporary listener may have bought into it, but listening as an observer from the future, it seemed pretty obvious that he was faking his innocence and was just trying to cover himself, without any thought to the people whom his choices affected.

Ryan Wiley - President Calling

I did the Presidents Calling on JFK. I like the way he handled the whole ordeal with the racial problem when James Meredith was denied to study at Ole' Miss because of the Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett. Even though he would need the votes of the southern politicians, he dealt with Barnett in a firm manner, but to the point to where it wasn't just a senseless argument between two people. I think it all planned out well, and probably wouldn't have ended any better than how it did.

Melanie Munroe- President Calling

Melanie Munroe- Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal 
I listened to Nixon's comments regarding the Watergate Scandal because that was an extremely difficult time in our nation. Throughout the beginning of his speech Nixon is extremely quick to throw blame on others close to him. He seemed extremely deceitful, as if he knew that the scandal was his fault but led the American people to think otherwise. This speech to me was sickening, as if he rehearsed it before the scandal even happened. This was Nixon's final attempt to cover himself, as to be remembered fondly by America's history books.

Graham Boone- The President Calling

I listened to the first 15 minutes of Nixon's speech in reference to the Watergate Scandal. This was really the first time I had listened in depth to any of Nixon's speeches. After hearing about how untrustworthy and terrible of a president Nixon was, it was quite interesting to me to hear him talk in such a sincere manner about this topic. I felt as though the entire time he was being almost too sincere or open about the whole scandal. Even though he acted as though he as the leader of the country was to ultimately blame for the incident, he was really deflecting the blame to those below him. I found his speech to be a less than admiral effort to put the Watergate Scandal on the back burner.

Reagan Anderson- The President Calling

I listened to Johnson speaking after JFK's death. Those 20 minutes or so of audio really helped me understand this horrible event in history. You could hear the uneasiness in Johnson's voice and the applause throughout the speech was applause of a country crying for a leader in a time of tragedy, and Johnson rightly responds to their call stating, "Today, in this moment of new resolve, I would say to all my fellow Americans, let us continue." This push to move forward was just the beginning of a country healing over the death of a great leader and without this source at hand, one could easily leave the past in the past and forget these important moments in history.

Jaclyn Weinell- The President Calling

Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal

I listened to the recording of Nixon speaking about the Watergate scandal. It was quite fascinating to listen to someone who was president forty years ago speak about an event that so drastically impacted his career. He definitely is attempting to appear as a man of honor and get the public to place trust back into their government. He repeats phrases such as"for the good of the nation" quite often. I liked listening to this type of source a lot; it was very interesting to get to hear what was actually said, exactly how he said it.

Mc Carron Testing

Test 1, 2, 3.

Daniel Ray-President Calling

I listened to President Johnson's call about becoming the president after Kennedy's assassination.  I think it's important how he is immediately concerned with carrying on Kennedy's policies and doing what is best for the country.  His calling Jackie Kennedy to support shows how he wants to continue running the country in the same way as his predecessor.

The President Calling - Kassidy Hopkins

I listened to LBJ addressing congress after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He spoke with understanding, but also with honor and determination to go forward. He repeatedly stated that he wanted to continue many of Kennedy’s philosophies and goals, such as passing a civil rights bill to promote equality among all Americans – of course at the time it was geared more toward race rather than gender or sexuality, but it still shows that America was beginning the journey to true equality. LBJ was also very humble, as he kept asking Americans for their support, because he couldn’t handle the presidency on his own. This encouraged the nation to yes, grieve over the loss of their beloved president, but to fight on as Americans do. Listening to this type of source was very helpful in understanding how LBJ thought and his goals. He did not seem to be a manipulative politician, but a man of honor who fought for the American people.

Ryan Lunt- The President Calling

I listened to President Richard Nixon's First Watergate Speech on April 30, 1973. At the start, he addresses how most of his Administration, Re-election Committee, and Presidential Committee have been involved in the infamous Watergate Scandal. I find it evident that Nixon is overall shocked at the outbreaks of the news and immediately works to find out the whole truth from those possibly involved. My initial reactions of hearing how he accepts the resignations of  Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman were composed of thinking as a viewer and as Nixon himself. As a viewer, I can see how the two gentleman resigned for the "integrity" of the office. Maybe they felt that having such reputation on there hands was not fit for the duty of their positions. Or, they could have resigned only to conceal more private information in order to not face a gamble with a much severe consequence. Whatever the case, the two men made a decision that will be left in their minds for the rest of their lives, their families' lives, and associates' lives. Yet, with more inquiry, I can depict the resignations through Nixon's point of view. These were two of his most trustworthy officials, and closest friends. It is not difficult to think that Nixon would not in some sense feel guilty for the loss of the men. This is the breaking point from the beginning of the address. He also accepts the resignation of Attorney General Kleindienst and Counsel of the President John Dean. Both of these men were close with Nixon, so in the event of a grand jury it would only be fitting that they were replaced. President Nixon subsequently accepts the overall responsibility of the entire case. He, as Head of State, admirably takes the initiative to take the blame. This, in my opinion can have several reactions. One being that of saving future job positions of his subordinates. Another, one being of Nixon acting under peer pressure, if you will. In a way, he could have took the blame because most of his trustees did as well. No matter how evident or how clearly he stated his case, the overall message is obvious. There was a surfeit of illegal acts, justice should have the highest authority. The responsibility of Watergate does lie in the hands of the federal government. Therefore, Nixon, his subordinates, and the whole justice system feel that action should be taken to act towards reform, which he lays out later on during his address. If it calls for resignation, so it shall be for the position holders of those responsible. Nixon ensured that the scandal will be handled in the most professional way possible.

Sarah Garven - The President Calling

I listened to the podcast of Lyndon B Johnson speaking to General Wallace about the Selma to Montgomery March. They were both in support of the march but the General especially was troubled over the animosity towards the marchers and what would happened afterword. The man actually became quite repetitive. When I first listened to the first 15 minutes I had no foreknowledge of the event that they were speaking of so I thought they were just talking about how to deal we're going to handle the marchers. Only after I looked up the march did I realize that they were actually supportive. This gave me a different perspective of their conversation.