Give Em Hell

You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.

Harry Truman
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Hello Val
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Harry Truman (1884 - 1972) was the 33rd President of the United States. He took office upon the death of President Franklin Roosevelt who had just begun his 4th term.

He ran for reelection against the very popular Thomas Dewey, Governor of New York, and won a surprising victory. There is a famous photo of him holding up a newspaper with a banner headline announcing Dewey's win.

During his presidency both Germany and Japan surrendered, NATO was formed, the United Nations was established, the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe was put into practice and the State of Israel was recognized. His history also included the dropping of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which ushered in the nuclear age.

He was an outspoken fellow who didn't dance around issues. One of his most famous quotes, referring to the practice of avoiding responsibility by passing the buck was

"The buck stops here."

Here's another famous one referring to the dangers of politics.

" If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

About being President he said,

"All the president is, is a glorified public relations man who spends his time flattering, kissing and kicking people to get them to do what they are supposed to do anyway."

His supporters were always telling him to "Give 'em hell Harry." He said,

"I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell."

He didn't care much for politics at all.

"I remember when I first came to Washington. For the first six months you wonder how the hell you ever got here. For the next six months you wonder how the hell the rest of them ever got here."

"My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference."

"When even one American-who has done nothing wrong-is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth-then all Americans are in peril."

Harry Truman was a Democrat and he didn't care much for Republicans.

"The Republicans believe in the minimum wage — the more the minimum, the better."

"Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a Republican. But I repeat myself."

I say, give 'em hell Harry.

DB - Vagabond Journeys
Never Give Up
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